IntelliDrive, the variable rate seed metering system, is expanding its Canadian footprint. The company, which uses 12-volt electric motors to control individual sections of seeding equipment to enable variable rate planting, initially focused its efforts on John Deere central commodity system drills. Two years ago, IntelliDrive made its first foray to Canada as an exhibitor… Read More
Five Prairie wheat and barley groups have “significant concerns” surrounding the Seed Variety Use Agreement pilot project recently announced by the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) and the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA). The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association (MWBGA), Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), and the Alberta… Read More
After years of discussions about how to fund the development of new crop varieties in Canada, two seed industry groups have announced they’re moving ahead with a pilot program for the 2020 growing season. The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), along with the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA), announced a Seed Variety Use Agreement (SVUA)… Read More
An announcement regarding the future of seed royalties on Tuesday in Winnipeg could be a turning point in a more-than-a-decade long discussion about the return-on-investment for seed companies and plant breeders in Canada. At FarmTech in Edmonton earlier this winter, both Todd Hyra, of SeCan, and Laurin Comin, of the Alberta Wheat Commission, presented on… Read More
Wide vs. narrow rows — which is best for top yields? As always, it depends. It depends on the crop you’re growing, your climate, and the architecture of the variety or hybrid you choose. There are other factors too, as discussed in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, with host Peter Johnson. Available equipment, what… Read More
Changes to the way pulse crop variety data is presented and shared with growers in Alberta has led to some confusion over where to find information on varieties to seed this spring. For 2020, the Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) provided only one year of data set to the Alberta Seed Growers (ASG), which publishes the… Read More
The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) wasted no time in filling the recently vacated role of executive director. Tyler McCann has been chosen by the board of directors to fill the position on an interim basis, replacing Dave Carey. “CSTA is pleased to welcome Tyler McCann as interim executive director,” says Georges Chaussé, president of… Read More
Before being released in Canada, hemp cultivars go through an approval process very different from other crops. Unlike wheat or canola, for example, lines are not required to undergo a certain amount of trialing in Canada before they can be grown here. That’s not to say there aren’t processes in place to vet cultivars before… Read More
There are several downgrading factors in the pulse crop that farmers have no control over — snow or rain at harvest that causes sprouting and bleaching being perhaps the most common. Other factors, however, such as dirt tag, staining, and cracks can be managed to some degree through harvest management and gentle handling. For this… Read More
Syngenta Canada is going where the growth is. That growth potential is solidly in soybeans and corn, says the company’s head of seeds, and Syngenta’s research and product selection will reflect a rebuilding of market share in corn, and a continued presence in both non-GMO and GMO soybeans. Dan Wright, is head of seeds for… Read More
Five Canadian seed-based associations are finalizing the process of merging into one, industry-wide organization, and while the move is a welcome one across the industry, the process comes at a challenging time in the agriculture industry. Still, the move is needed and a positive one, say industry participants. The Seed Synergy process is to create… Read More
There is a new seed organization in the works for Canada. The actual name has yet to be decided and several details have are still to be hammered out, so for now it will be called “NSO” short for — you guessed it, new seed organization. But while the new name and governance is not… Read More
The future of how breeding is funded in Canada is under review and headed for change. The “value creation” consultations created much engagement and debate last winter, where producers were asked to weigh in on an end-point or trailing royalties on new varieties. While some people have attempted to halt the process, others have tried… Read More
Knowing your yield potential is a key factor to consider when selecting corn hybrids for specific farms and fields. Are you planting into highly productive soils with high nutrient holding capacity or a field with heavy clay that has lower yield potential? That’s a big consideration when growers are selecting hybrids for spring planting, says… Read More
From a too-early pre-harvest application to environmental stresses through the growing season, there are many factors that can impact the quality of harvested pulse seed. To find out more about the quality of the crop, it’s important to test the seed as soon as possible, to find out what’s going on, and whether or not… Read More