Pulse crops like a warm, dry bias — something that has eluded much of the pulse growing region of Western Canada this year. Peas especially don’t like wet feet, preferring instead well drained, lighter soil, along with that drier weather. For the 2019 growing season, many pulse growers saw plenty of pea crops with lots… Read More
The pulse harvest in Alberta and Saskatchewan is in its late stages now, and although there are some anecdotal observations of better-than-expected quality, it’s not all ideal. “There is some sprouting, and there is a lot of earth tag,” says Chuck Penner, of Leftfield Commodity Research, adding the visual damage is worst for green lentil… Read More
There are a number of considerations when it comes to the storage and handling of pulses, but the two most important factors to think about are moisture and temperature. Whether storing just one winter, or a winter, spring, and summer, and maybe longer, ensuring pulses are conditioned for long-term storage is key. “You want to… Read More
“There’s lots of things to consider when you’re thinking about growing pulses, and the very first thing that comes to mind is rotations.” Sherrilyn Phelps, agronomy manager with the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, joins us for this Pulse School, where she identifies a few of the key factors to consider when selecting a field for pulses…. Read More
If you are considering spraying either a pre-harvest application of herbicide or a desiccant on your pulse crops, keeping maximum residue limits —MRLs — in mind is imperative. In order to do this, growers have to be very cognizant and aware of how mature the crop is and the crop’s moisture level. “If you aren’t… Read More
A hot, dry growing season has pulse crops charging towards maturity — is it time for a desiccant or pre-harvest pass of glyphosate? Nevin Rosaasen, policy and program specialist for Alberta Pulse Growers, says that accurately staging a pulse crop, in this case lentils, is incredibly important to ensure farmers aren’t losing yield, crop quality,… Read More
Are you seeing yellowing in your pulse crops? If so, it’s most likely time to start digging. Jenn Walker, research manager with Alberta Pulse Growers, tells Kara Oosterhuis that yellowing above the ground is a good indication that something is going on below ground. In this Pulse School episode, Walker talks specifically about root rots, such… Read More
Myscosphaerella blight — more commonly known as ascochyta — can cause significant devastation in pea, lentil, chickpeas and even faba bean crops. Robyne Bowness Davidson, research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, says in this Pulse School episode that farmers should be out scouting for ascochyta just before the crop starts flowering. “You can certainly… Read More
The pea leaf weevil might be a difficult tongue twister of an insect name to be said 10 times fast, but this pest can be even more difficult to control in your peas and faba beans. Across the Prairies, their tell-tale notching is rearing its appearance. In this episode of RealAgriculture’s Pulse School, prairie field… Read More
As most, if not all, producers are currently spraying for weed control, it’s important to keep in mind herbicide efficacy, according to Bethany Wyatt, senior technical service specialists for BASF in Saskatchewan. Wyatt says almost every year some farmers will get impatient, and “jump the gun” when it comes to re-spraying. In this episode of… Read More
There’s a good chance you don’t test your soil temperature as much as you should. Crop extension specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Cory Jacob says most farmers will test their soil here and there, but could benefit if they make it a habit. In this episode of the Pulse School, Jacob goes over why knowing your… Read More
Farmers live and work in the real world, so real world events like weather can make a huge difference to a crop. We all know this, but sometimes we forget that the weather in the year prior to the current growing season also needs to be taken into account. Andrew Reid understands that crops grow… Read More
There are a lot of concerns in the pulse market at the moment. Things such as competition from the Black Sea region, and what’s happening with the election in India, can keep farmers up at night. While you have one eye on the markets, it’s also important to keep the other on agronomy. This is… Read More
There is no mineral that provides nitrogen for plants. No rock, like there is for phosphate or sulphur. There is some nitrogen in the organic matter of soils but any additional nitrogen that a plant needs has to come out of the air. The good news is that about 78 percent of the air around… Read More
There is a nondescript building in the north end of Saskatoon that produces live organisms that are shipped around the world to help plants feed themselves and produce grain. It takes some management to make sure the live organisms make it to their destination – farmer’s fields – healthy and vibrant, so they can get… Read More