On many topics, we can require some convincing on what the right move is. Does a fungicide pass make sense? Can I fully move to zero-till? Will managed grazing be worth the investment? Too often we rely on anecdotes and personal experiences, but it can because that’s all there is to draw from. Solid data,… Read More
Category: Water
Excessive water on crops can happen several different times in the year. Mother Nature has the final say on when too-wet soil conditions occur, but good soil structure and avoiding compaction can minimize the length of time roots stay submerged. When looking at the concept of water-logging — when your plants have too much water… Read More
Saskatchewan politicians who made a very public accusation of trespassing by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) scientists have received an equally public response from the federal environment minister, Steven Guilbeault. In a letter to Jeremy Cockrill, the minister responsible for Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency, dated August 24, Guilbeault writes: “I believe that we, and… Read More
This story has been updated to include a statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada and an audio interview with Jeremy Cockrill . Saskatchewan’s premier and the cabinet minister responsible for the province’s water security agency say employees with Environment and Climate Change Canada have been trespassing on private land in the province, and they’re calling… Read More
Up to one million in funding is now available for maintenance on natural and constructed agricultural drainage projects. Previously, the Water Security Agency (WSA) only provided funding for natural watercourses. “Obstructions in natural and constructed watercourses can cause flooding and erosion problems and be a significant cost burden to producers and local governments,” says Jeremy… Read More
Water quality plays an important role in the availability of pesticides and other chemical products applied to crops year after year. Knowing the chemical make-up of your water source allows for informed decisions about how to get the most out of crop inputs. Tom Wolf, owner of Agrimetrix Research & Training based out of Saskatoon,… Read More
A new white paper document released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), outlines 13 trends that they say requires the attention of the industry, if we are to keep up with a growing global population and environmental requirements. Megan Tanel, president of AEM, says over the years farmers have been expected to produce more… Read More
Saskatchewan producers are now able to apply for up to $500,000 in funding under the Irrigation Development Program for irrigation expansion projects, an increase from $300,000 in funding in 2021. The Irrigation Development Program supports the installation of irrigation infrastructure, such as pumps and pipelines, to create a secure water supply to the edge of… Read More
With half of the province fairly dry and the other half still under a decent amount of snow, Saskatchewan’s most recent spring runoff report is all over the map, figuratively and literally. The west is following suit of Alberta and is showing dryer conditions, where large portions of the eastern side of the province is still… Read More
The Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (LEADS) initiative is entering its final intake, beginning November 2, 2021. LEADS cost-share projects must be completed by September 30, 2022. The program, funded through the federal-provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership, supports cost-share projects that improve soil health and reduce the risk of nutrient losses on farms while improving water quality in… Read More
A collaborative program between six major crop commissions will look at the role of wetlands and their ecosystem services, over three years. “We’re very excited this year that we have a collaborative program to monitor Alberta’s wetlands,” says Nevin Rosaasen, policy and program specialist with Alberta Pulse Growers. “What we’re looking for is, first off,… Read More
The Government of Saskatchewan has responded to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association’s request for drought assistance. Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced July 14 that Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) will implement measures to address dry conditions impacting producers. Effective immediately, changes will be made to allow low yielding crops to be put to alternate… Read More
Editor’s note: The Government of Saskatchewan announced changes to crop insurance and some program changes after this story was published. See those changes here. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) and other producer groups are calling on provincial and federal governments to take immediate action and support Prairie livestock producers who are facing drought conditions…. Read More
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have announced a new beneficial management practice program for cow-calf producers under the Farm Stewardship Program. Eligible cow-calf producers can now access cost-shared funding of up to 75 per cent of project costs, to a maximum of $15,000 for the development of run-off control measures. Eligible projects include holding… Read More
Water, and access to clean water, is likely to define the next generation of agricultural inputs. Even if the Prairies return to a more average rainfall pattern in the short term, water scarcity is becoming more of an issue in several geographies and jurisdictions. Water isn’t just required for plant growth, of course; it’s required… Read More