2021 was a big year for corn yield in Ontario. Although not official, the average yield is expected to check in at just over 200 bu/ac — a new record. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, we take a closer look at where this yield is coming from with Purdue University agronomy professor Dr…. Read More
The 20-year pulse breeding agreement between the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ Association (SPG) and the Crop Development Centre is changing, and that has many farmers asking what happens next. Previously, varieties that came out of the SPG/CDC agreement were released royalty-free for producers. Before the expiry of the agreement, the CDC notified SPG of their intentions… Read More
At this point in the year, plenty of growers have booked their canola varieties for the upcoming season or are trying to sort that decision out as quickly as possible. There’s been increased focus over the past few years on reducing seeding rates, and it’s a good question to explore says Russell Trischuk, InVigor technical… Read More
The amount of canola acres seeded in 2022 might not only be limited by a lack of soil moisture in spring, but there’s also potential for a shortage of canola seed relative to intended acres. Based on conversations with retailers, seed companies, and farmers, this 2022 season will likely include canola seed supply challenges from… Read More
The Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association (SSGA) is warning farmers that seed supply will be tight in 2022. But is the supply issue all related to the drought of 2021? “Primarily, we’re looking at drought to be our main concern for the potential for seed supply issues,” says Mike Shewchuk, president of SSGA, however he says… Read More
Pitura Seeds, based at Domain, Man., has recently announced a partnership with Agro.Club Canada, as the first retailer to join the online ecosystem. Agro.Club combines a digital storefront for farmers to order products and services with the business tools to support customer sales and marketing campaigns. Tom Greaves, president of Pitura Seeds, says there are… Read More
Let’s face it, variety selection can be a pretty daunting task. What specific traits do you focus on? How many should you grow? Do we focus purely on yield? We’ve got a full lineup to help us navigate through the ins and outs of choosing a variety for 2022: Nate Ort of the Canola Council… Read More
Summer is winding down and many farmers are gearing up for the next stage of harvest. For some, that means swathing or timing a pre-harvest pass, and for others it means getting the cover crop seed down. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has a few cautions for late-summer pesticide applications,… Read More
The PRIDE Seeds Education Centre is into its second year, and Matt Chapple, agronomist with PRIDE Seeds, says it’s like his sandbox — where the company can do studies and demonstrations, look at different genetics, or trial different practices that can improve yields. In this Soybean School episode, Bernard Tobin joins Chapple in his “sandbox”… Read More
Farmers will notice a significant difference with DEKALB canola seed bags going forward. Bayer CropScience has announced it will move to number of seeds/bag versus weight, to help farmers more easily achieve target plant populations. For 2022, each bag of DEKALB canola will contain no fewer than 4.2 million seeds — enough for 10 acres… Read More
Maizex Seeds has named Blake Ashton as general manager. “Blake has been integral to our success since joining the business in his role as Controller and has worked hard to understand all areas of the seed business and what is needed to ensure our growth into the future,” notes Dave Baute, founder, president, and CEO… Read More
February 1, 2021, four seed industry groups amalgamated to form Seeds Canada with the vision to become the leading voice of the Canadian seed sector, helping members succeed and grow in Canada, and around the world. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney was recently joined by Seeds Canada’s Barry Senft, executive director, and Ellen Sparry, the group’s inaugural… Read More
Longtime CEO of the Grain Farmers of Ontario Barry Senft has accepted the position of executive director of Seeds Canada. Senft will join Seeds Canada June 1. “We look forward to welcoming Barry to our organization. His national experience in the grain sector, understanding of agriculture issues and extensive experience in strategic development and leadership will be an asset,”… Read More
Should growers broadcast or band fertilizer at soybean planting? That’s a question Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) soybean specialist Horst Bohner has been hearing a lot lately. Earlier this week at a virtual Ridgetown/Simcoe agribusiness breakfast meeting, Bohner recommended growers broadcast and incorporate fertilizer at planting rather than banding. “Putting fertilizer… Read More
It wasn’t so long ago that growers wouldn’t plant soybeans in April, but times have changed as research continues to provide evidence of the yield benefits when planting early. Soybeans have also developed a reputation as pretty tough customers. And when growers add protection from a new generation of seed treatments they can expect strong emergence… Read More