MarketsFarm – Crop development was highly variable across Manitoba during the week ended Aug. 2 depending on localized rainfall and drainage, with fields in the southern growing areas of the province generally better than those to the north, according to the latest report from Manitoba Agriculture. Localized insect concerns were reported, with some spraying required. […] Read more
Manitoba crops variable: report
Klassen: Light test of feeder cattle reflects hot demand
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; prices for mid-weight calves were $2 to $5 higher. Calves under 550 pounds were up $6 to $8 on average while feather light bawlers were up a sold $10 above week-ago levels. Weaker feed grain prices along with strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Declining prices not raising buyers’ interest
MarketsFarm – Despite prices for Western Canadian feed barley and wheat continuing to decline, buyers are not opening their wallets just yet. Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity Inc. in Stony Plain, Alta., said while growing prospects of a more typical harvest are making cereal crops more affordable, there is still a wait-and-see attitude from […] Read more
Is a return of ‘grain gridlock’ in the cards?
Grain movement was slow last winter but CN and CP say they’ll be ready to move this fall’s harvest
Reading Time: 4 minutes Fears are mounting that CN and CP may not be up to the job of getting grain to port later this year, even though the forecasts are for only an average-sized crop. “Last year wasn’t very reassuring,” said Geoff Backman, manager of business development and markets with Alberta Wheat and Barley. “Every year farmers are […] Read more
Fungal diseases posing an issue with Manitoba crops
As crop conditions vary across Manitoba, the latest crop report noted that frequent rains and warm temperatures have increased the risk of a number of fungal diseases. Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (MARD) said farmers continued to apply fungicides on their wheat, oats, barley, canola, and pea crops. However, wet conditions in a number of […] Read more
Rains were welcome but bring increased threat of crop diseases
There are host of factors to consider before spraying but get out in the field and look closely, says expert
Reading Time: 4 minutes Recent rainfall means farmers need to scout their crops and make decisions about spraying. “Certainly the rain that we’ve had would get things going,” said Kelly Turkington, a plant pathologist at Agriculture Canada’s Lacombe research station. For example, leaf spot diseases in barley and wheat can quickly flare up, he said on July 13. “Within […] Read more
Alberta Beef Producers get funding for ‘living labs’ project
Government says real-world testing of stewardship practices will benefit the environment and farmers
Reading Time: 4 minutes Ottawa is putting $54-million into ‘living labs’ initiatives in six provinces, including $8.5 million in a project that will be led by Alberta Beef Producers. “Each living lab will focus on identifying innovative technologies and on-farm management practices that can be adopted by farmers nationwide to tackle climate change,” the government said in a release. […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: New-crop supply outlook ‘significantly better’ as prices drop
MarketsFarm — Prices for feed barley and wheat in Western Canada are still higher than this time last year, but if large declines in those prices are any indication, the 2022 harvest is set to be more typical than that of 2021. The high-delivered bid for Saskatchewan feed barley is $8 per bushel, $1 lower […] Read more
Good ratings seen for Manitoba’s spring wheat, canola
MarketsFarm — Crops in Manitoba remain in good shape, according to the latest weekly report from the province’s agriculture ministry. In particular, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (MARD) found spring wheat across the province rated 85 per cent good to excellent — but with crops not doing as well in the province’s Interlake region. While […] Read more
They don’t wear lab coats but more farmers doing on-farm research
Getting scientifically valid data takes time and work -- and often at the busiest times of the year
Reading Time: 4 minutes With all the decisions that must be made in a growing season, on-farm research trials are a way for farmers to increase the odds of making the right call on major changes. “When you do something yourself on your own farm, you can be pretty certain it will work in your conditions,” said Lewis Baarda, […] Read more