Pulse crops like a warm, dry bias — something that has eluded much of the pulse growing region of Western Canada this year. Peas especially don’t like wet feet, preferring instead well drained, lighter soil, along with that drier weather. For the 2019 growing season, many pulse growers saw plenty of pea crops with lots… Read More
Are you a hand-shelling corn kind of farmer, or do you like a hand-held moisture meter kind of person? We’ve got something for everyone in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, including some neat devices for moisture testing, why corn is drying down faster than many thought possible, and what’s up with funky-coloured wheat. In… Read More
It’s Agri-Trade this week in Red Deer, Alta., which means, of course, it’s freezing in the province. The show starts with a quick acknowledgment of the less-than-ideal driving conditions. Then, you’ll hear: The top ag news, with RealAgriculture’s Jessika Guse; What’s new at Alliance Seed, with general manager Jim Bagshaw; Agri-Trade Equipment Expo’s David Fiddler… Read More
As the saying goes, if Henry Ford had listened to what his customers wanted, they would have said, “Faster horses.” For Nicole Zeni, that innovation philosophy means that while you do need to listen to your customers, you must be open to change, and challenged to thinking broadly and for the long term. Zeni manages… Read More
Although it’s still fall, the brisk winter air is starting to blanket much of Canada. RealAg Radio host, Shaun Haney says there was a mixture of sleet, rain, and snow in southern Alberta this morning. He hopes those with acres left to harvest get the weather they need in the coming weeks. Today on the… Read More
You’ve worked hard and expanded the farm’s land base from about 1,200 acres to 2,400. Where’s your money better spent — a second combine or a grain dryer? Scott Keller, who farms at New Norway, Alta., says the economics are cut-and-dried on that topic. According to Keller —hands down — you’re better off setting up… Read More
Today, on Agronomic Monday, hear: The top ag news with RealAgriculture’s Jessika Guse; Resident agronomist Peter Johnson joins to talk everything agronomy, from harvest weather, to how seeding date impacts corn growth, to why you should save up for a grain dryer rather than a combine. Have feedback on the show? Connect with host Shaun… Read More
A lot has changed for Debra Harrison in the past 39 years. Almost four decades ago she was the first female engineer ever hired by John Deere. Today she is president of John Deere Canada. Earlier this week, Harrison shared that journey with 450 people attending the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference at Niagara Falls,… Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) amendments to Health of Animals Regulations are set to come into force February 20, 2020, but, in the case of cattle, at least, it’s unclear if the changes will actually benefit the livestock being transported. For cattle, the big changes proposed centre around the maximum allowable time in transit,… Read More
Have you got your soil tests done for the year? If not, that’s just fine, as late fall is actually a great time to test soil nutrient levels, says Ross McKenzie, now-retired soil scientist (from Alberta Agriculture). Without a soil test to guide the decision, farmers are choosing fertilizer rates “by guess and by golly,”… Read More
It may just be the story we look back on for cattle markets in 2019 – both the United States and Canada have produced more beef, while at the same time, wholesale prices remain high. “That is a good news story. I don’t think we better get complacent though,” says Gateway Livestock Exchange’s Anne Wasko,… Read More
First off, host Shaun Haney describes two instances where grade-school textbooks are not precisely accurate in their portrayal of ag challenges. Have you ever been shocked by something you saw in a textbook or in a magazine? Get in touch! (Details below.) Then, on the show: The top ag news with RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith; The… Read More
It’s okay to not have all the answers when it comes to how you want your farm or agriculture career to look in five, 10, or 20 years down the road. Steph Kowalski, agronomy lead for Sollio Agriculture, says she ended up in her leadership role somewhat accidentally, but not without significant commitment to getting… Read More
First, on the show, we ask, is Halloween the absolute worst? Then, hear: Top ag news of the day, with RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith; How biosecurity is our greatest defence against African Swine Fever (ASF) with Egan Brockhoff; and An update on upcoming livestock transport regulation changes, with Beef Cattle Research Council science director Reynold Bergen…. Read More
Five years ago, Carl Brubacher decided it was time to change how he manages soil on his Arthur, Ont., hog and grain farm. With highly variable soil ranging from sand to heavy clay, he was determined to improve soil health and make the farm more sustainable. In this premiere episode of RealAgriculture’s Soil School, sponsored… Read More