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
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) has released their latest strategic plan, the first since the organization’s decision in late 2020 to not join Seeds Canada. The business plan, developed by six working groups and led by the board of directors, identifies three main priorities for CSGA. These priorities are: Assuming additional responsibility in delivering… Read More
Monday really is all things agronomy here at RealAgriculture! Thanks for coming along for the ride. On tonight’s primetime episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by guests Ken Currah of BASF, and Greg Stewart of Maizex Seeds. The trio tackle many of the key issues that are required to get the corn… Read More
Health Canada has decided against completely banning outdoor use of two of the most common neonicotinoid active ingredients, but there will be new restrictions on their use as corn and soybean seed treatments. After proposing a ban in 2018, the department published the final decisions for its special reviews of clothianidin and thiamethoxam on Wednesday…. Read More
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) has announced that Doug Miller will take on the position of executive director and CEO of CSGA, effective April 1. Miller arrived at CSGA in 2011, and since then has managed CSGA’s core certification business and technology infrastructure. As a recognized industry thought leader and innovator, Miller has been… Read More
Alliance Seed and SeCan say they’ve agreed to a cash settlement worth over seven hundred thousand dollars with a large farm in southern Alberta that made unauthorized sales of barley and wheat varieties protected by plant breeders’ rights (PBR) legislation. Alliance, SeCan, and one unnamed seed distributor will receive $737,597 in compensation for royalties, as… Read More
We’re getting to the time of year where the days are starting to get longer. By no means are we at the point of panicking to get seed plans solidified, but it’s never too early to start planning for #Seed20 or #Plant20. Joining Kara Oosterhuis for today’s LIVE! is Tom Greaves of Pitura Seeds, a… Read More
If you’re looking for the magic formula to growing great wheat, you’ve come to the right place. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson sums up how the soybean year finished off yield-wise for Ontario, why corn yields failed to impress, and then he digs in to the best crop ever — wheat!… Read More
Planting a new hybrid that you’ve never dealt with on your farm before can be a tricky situation, as it sometimes can feel like you are rolling the dice. Farming isn’t just a game, it’s a livelihood that we need to be able to make profit off of. However, selecting a new hybrid could end… Read More
Four seed sector organizations have officially voted in favour to become one new, national organization. The Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA), the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC), the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI), and the Canadian Seed Trade Association will become Seeds Canada on February 1, 2021. The vision for Seeds Canada is to… Read More
Resistance to Bt corn rootworm hybrids has developed in Ontario and growers are asking: what’s the best strategy to control the yield-robbing pest if in-seed technology fails? Resistance has been confirmed in several fields in Huron, Perth and Durham Counties in Ontario and the problem is likely even more widespread, says Tracey Baute, Ontario Ministry… Read More
Selecting the right hybrids can make or break the profitability of a corn crop. There are a multitude of factors that combine to produce high-yielding, profitable harvests, but if growers make the wrong hybrid choices they’ll need some luck and good fortune to produce a successful crop, says University of Guelph associate professor Dr. David… Read More