Farmers and agronomists across Ontario are struggling with a few pest and agronomic challenges right now. From decreased corn stalk integrity, to western bean cutworm, and on to lodged or early death in beans, a relatively good year is still throwing some curve balls. For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined… Read More
It’s evolving into a rather odd year for pre-harvest weed control in parts of Western Canada as a return of some moisture has meant sprouting swaths, and monster weeds. In Ontario, an accelerated season means plenty of farmers are making the dry-down decision on edible beans this week. From pre-harvest weed control, to swapping to… Read More
Grain storage, when done right and with proper conditions, could be a boring topic. However, we are dealing with the environment here, and well, you know how unpredictable that can be. To help us navigate through the topic of safe grain storage is Lorne Grieger of the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), and Shawn Senko of… Read More
Weed control in organic soybeans and edible beans can prove challenging for growers who only have inter-row cultivation and scuffling in their weed management toolbox. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, we learn how organic grower Phil Oegema and his family, who operate Oegema Grains Ltd. near St.Thomas, Ont., have put a charge into… Read More
We’re painting this episode of The Agronomists red — for red clover! On this episode, Dr. Dave Hooker, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, and Dan Petker, farmer and red clover grower extraordinaire from Port Rowan, Ont., join host Shaun Haney for a thorough discussion on being successful with cover crops, not just red clover. SUMMARY… Read More
Extremely dry conditions in Western Canada have challenged growers at every turn. Now, assessing soil nutrient levels and preparing for next year’s crop is proving difficult, as excessively dry conditions challenge nutrient cycling and mineralization and soil sampling. In the east, a relatively early wheat harvest offers opportunity for cover crops and plenty of time… Read More
Bigger corn planters with on-board fertilizer deliver efficiency and cover acres quickly. All that weight, however, can produce yield-robbing pinch rows and compaction. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, we visit Jeff Cook who farms with his family at their Mapleview Farms operation, just southwest of London, Ont. Over the years, the Cooks have… Read More
There are plenty of buzzwords in farming and agriculture. More than just a word, however, is soil resiliency: what does it mean to have “resilient” soil? For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Anne Verhallen and Marla Riekman to discuss what makes a healthy soil, what makes up soil quality… Read More
Ontario farmers are well into wheat harvest now, though rain is holding things up, while the west eyes an approaching harvest few are looking forward to. As we shift to thinking about harvest, it also means it’s time to think about setting up for success for next year, and that starts at the combine. Joining… Read More
A tissue test can give you a snapshot into what’s happening in a plant as far as nutrient uptake is concerned. The test doesn’t necessarily predict an issue, and not all results are actionable; that’s left many agronomists wondering how best to use tissue tests in conjunction with soil tests, zone mapping, and fertility planning…. Read More
Some farmers practice strip till in their cornfields, some plant corn in twin rows, while others plant multiple hybrids. Then there’s Mike Strang — he does it all in the same field and even adds cover crops to the management mix. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, Strang, who farms with his family near… Read More
Soybeans are beginning to flower and corn is waist high in parts of Ontario, and it’s not even July. Crop staging, lush and humid canopies, and field history all play a key role in disease development and suppression, and our guests for this episode stress the importance of genetic selection and scouting as the first… Read More
Surprise! Shaun Haney is hosting this episode after Lyndsey’s internet decided to give up the ghost. On this episode of The Agronomists, Haney is joined by Steph Berlett with Brussels Agromart, Ont., and Jennifer Otani with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Beaverlodge, Alta., to talk about current insect issues, integrated pest management, scouting tips, and… Read More
The winter wheat in Ontario is ready to be staged for fusarium head blight (FHB), and with such an impactful disease, we figured it was important to bring some guests on to talk about it! Taking us on this journey with host Lyndsey Smith is Joanna Follings, cereal specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,… Read More
After a week away, we’re glad to be back! This episode of The Agronomists focuses on something we don’t always talk about: forage! Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Christine O’Reilly, forage specialist with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and Peter Johnson’s alter ego: Peter “Wheatgrass” Johnson. Catch a new episode… Read More