Ground beetles are some of the most abundant natural enemies for crop insect pests, but their free services in the field often remain overlooked and under-appreciated, says an entomology professor from the University of Manitoba. “They’re far more abundant than most people realize, but many of our species are really restricted to the ground and… Read More
Category: Crop Production
Drought or even just dry conditions can significantly impact a crop’s ability to make use of applied fertilizer. What happens when there’s plenty of nitrogen left in the soil ahead of rotating to pulses? That’s the question being asked in a trial happening across three Saskatchewan sites through the Agri-ARM research network. Mike Brown, agronomy… Read More
When grain markets don’t react to news like many predict they should, it’s time to dig deeper in to what’s really driving prices. Earlier this week, analysts expected a positive day at the open on Monday, but instead markets took to the downside. What happened? For that discussion, Shaun Haney is joined by host of… Read More
Understanding each field’s soil is key to maximizing yield potential. That’s the philosophy Fieldwalker Agronomy’s Jonathan Zettler takes to the field when advising clients on how to best manage the unique environments throughout their farms. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soil School, host Bernard Tobin catches up with Zettler at Luymes Farms at Moorefield,… Read More
Emergency use registration has been granted for an alternative insecticide — Carbine — to control lygus bugs in confection sunflowers fields in Manitoba. Carbine, which contains flonicamid as an active ingredient, will be registered for control of lygus bugs on confection sunflowers grown in the province from July 21, 2023 until July 20, 2024. Manitoba… Read More
Insect problems often come in cycles, waves, and even by stiff breezes. Knowing which pests are carried in, purposefully march in, or overwinter is key to determining when in the year to begin scouting and where to look. From sticky traps to sweep nets, the insect population in any crop is staggering. But not all… Read More
Last month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith named her new provincial cabinet, including a new Minister for Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. RJ Sigurdson, the MLA for Highwood, has been appointed to the position, with former ag minister Nate Horner moving to the finance portfolio. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney had the opportunity to meet with Minister… Read More
The University of Guelph’s weeds team were big winners at the Weed Science Society of America’s National Weed Science Contest in Union City, Tennessee this past week The 17-member team of graduate and undergraduate students have been preparing for months to test their weed ID, herbicide symptomology, sprayer calibration and farmer problem solving against students… Read More
There are plenty of acres in Western Canada that are seeing significant drought stress. Much of Saskatchewan started the growing season with adequate amounts of precipitation, but then came the heat, and the taps turned off. 85 per cent of the province’s cropland and 92 per cent of hay and pasture land in Saskatchewan is… Read More
When it comes to producing seed corn, managing pollination and effectively detasseling the crop are critical steps in maintaining genetic purity and seed quality. To get the job done, seed companies use a combination of technology and old fashioned boots on the ground to remove female tassels to ensure they get the unique hybrids they… Read More
Growing a new crop can be tricky for a number of different reasons. There are so many unknowns, and at the end of the day, a farmer needs to know they will make a profit off the crop. Robyne Bowness Davidson, pulse specialist at Lakeland College, has been working with lupins for 20 years. The… Read More
Soybeans don’t like wet feet, and when rain is plentiful in June and July, saturated soils typically lead to an increase in fungal seedling diseases. Four of the most common culprits are pythium and phytophthora root rots as well as rhizoctonia and fusarium. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,… Read More
Two farm groups that generally have opposing views on many agriculture policy files have joined forces in calling on the Canadian Grain Commission to halt changes to grain grading that are set to take effect on August 1, 2023. The National Farmers Union and the Wheat Growers Association (previously known as the Western Canadian Wheat… Read More
July is winding down and some Ontario crops are having a sad time summer. Wheat that’s still in the field is suffering quality loss with every heavy downpour (there have been many), and edible beans and soybeans are yellowing from excess water and/or poor drainage. What can be done about this week’s challenges? Host Peter… Read More
Students, researchers, and industry will soon have a new facility at the University of Manitoba to dig in to questions on agriculture systems and the Canadian food supply. The Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility, a new $20.7 million, state-of-the-art 20,000-sq.-ft. facility is set to open in June, 2026. Announced Tuesday, funding for the Prairie… Read More