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

It’s time for Day 3 of the virtual Ontario Diagnostic Days! This week, we’re joined by Dr. Peter Sikkema with the University of Guelph, and Mike Cowbrough, weed specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This episode focuses on weed management, specifically on glyphosate resistant Canada fleabane and waterhemp, and the… Read More

Typically, it’s tough to grow organic soybeans without turning to tillage for weed control. When done well, organic yields can rival conventional production, but it comes at a cost — from equipment and labour requirements to long-term soil degradation. There are production systems, however, that are proving to deliver yield without these drawbacks. In the… Read More

If you’re looking for a little snack and happen to be standing in a patch of weeds, it’s entirely possible the plants at your feet are edible — maybe even tasty. If you’re looking for help on which one to eat, you might be surprised to learn that Ontario’s weed specialist can tell you not… Read More

In a move considered long overdue by livestock producers, transporters, and processors, Ontario’s agriculture department is set to introduce new legislation to better protect farmers, farms, and the food supply  from animal rights extremists. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is set to introduce the Security From Trespass and Protecting Food Safety… Read More

Ontario farmers have been strip tilling for almost two decades, but the soil conservation tillage method appears to be gathering momentum across the province. Ian McDonald, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs crop innovation specialist, says part of the attraction of strip till is its ability to capture the benefits of both conventional… Read More

Retiring alfalfa fields used to be a simple process. Conventional tillage farmers would just drop the mouldboard plow in the fall, while those under a minimum tillage system would rely on a glyphosate burndown before planting a new crop the following spring. With the introduction of glyphosate tolerant (GT) alfalfa, however, glyphosate is no longer… Read More

It’s the beginning of the week which means it’s time for agronomic Monday on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney has the following guests on the show: Pam de Rocquigny, general manager of the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association discusses seed treatments; Horst Bohner from OMAFRA explains why a producer should consider seeding soybeans first;… Read More