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Forage stands are often terminated using tillage, but producers using this approach should pay close attention to conserving spring moisture.
Crops, Hay

Converting hay land to crops in spring is challenging

Fertility, soil moisture, herbicide applications, and a substantial seeding delay must all be considered

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Producers should consider a number of factors before deciding to terminate hay land to seed an annual crop. “Traditionally, forage stands have been terminated in the fall by using one of three approaches — tillage only, herbicide application combined with tillage, and herbicide application followed by direct seeding into sod,” said provincial crop specialist Mark […] Read more
The popularity of Open Farm Days continues to grow — both with Albertans and the province’s farm sector.
News

Apply now to be an Open Farm Days host farm

Deadline for host applications is May 31

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Applications are now open for farmers and ranchers wanting to host visitors during this year’s Open Farm Days. The annual event, which takes place on Aug. 17-18 this year, set records in 2018 for the number of participating farms and on-farm sales. Now entering its seventh year, Alberta Open Farm Days features open houses, culinary […] Read more
CropChoice$ can forecast the profit potential — and help identify a Plan B — before you start seeding.
Crops, News

Updated version of CropChoice$ now available

Program offers profit scenarios for a variety of crops by using different yields and prices

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The crop planning and risk management software program CropChoice$ has been updated with current crop insurance information from Agricultural Financial Services Corporation along with projected crop costs. “Producers can also adjust individual crop costs and evaluate the effects that different risk management strategies will have on their operation — such as purchasing crop insurance and […] Read more
Soil testing will give you a plan for getting the biggest bang for your fertilizer buck, says provincial research scientist Doon Pauly. 
Crops, News

How much fertilizer do you need to apply?

Agronomy research scientist offers his tips for planning your applications this spring


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Soil tests are still the best way to determine your fertilizer requirements for spring. “We can determine where we’re starting from as far as the nitrate that is present in the soil and what’s there for the plant at the start of the year,” said agronomy research scientist Doon Pauly. “Phosphorus, potassium, and salinity don’t […] Read more
Crops, News

New Blue Book is now available

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The Crop Protection publication — a.k.a. the Blue Book — is now available. The 2019 edition has newly registered pesticide products, updates on previously registered ones, and changes in usage instructions. “There are a couple of new herbicide products, but there are many more minor changes to existing registrations,” said crops specialist and co-editor Harry […] Read more
A good rule of thumb is to look for yields that are six to eight per cent above the check variety in cereals and more than 12 to 15 per cent in oilseeds, says crop specialist Harry Brook.
Crops, News

Crop expert offers tips for a successful hunt for new varieties

Yield gets all the attention but bigger may not be better when it comes to your farm

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New crop varieties and variety tables are now available, so how do you pick ones best suited to your land? The first step is to analyze all the information in the variety tables, said provincial crop specialist Harry Brook. “The tables are structured with yield potential as the main criteria,” said Brook. “It takes into […] Read more
Crops, News

Crop varieties fact sheets available

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Alberta Agriculture has released three fact sheets on cereal and oilseed variety performance within Alberta and northeastern B.C. ‘Varieties of cereal and oilseed crops for Alberta’ provides agronomic characteristics and disease-resistance information for varieties wheat, barley, oat, rye, triticale, flax and canola. ‘Pulse crops for Alberta’ provides information on variety performance for field pea, chickpea, […] Read more
News

’Tis the season for some financial digging

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Now is a good time to gather information to convert cash statements to accrual income and expense statements, says a provincial farm business management specialist. Most farmers still report incomes and expenses on a cash basis to reduce — or postpone — taxes, said Dean Dyck. “Very few actually have an accurate accrual statement prepared […] Read more
News

Grants available for hiring students

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Farmers planning to hire a student this summer can apply for the Summer Farm Employment Program. This program gives youth the opportunity to gain farm work experience and provides farm employers with a grant of up to $500 per month for July and August. The student’s work must be directly related to the farming operation; […] Read more
Sometimes grain buyers offer a little bit extra for producers willing to sell some crop but store it for later delivery.
News

Want to get paid for storing grain?

Taking advantage of a strong carrying charge market can make you some money, says market analyst

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Confused about the price spread for crops between delivery months? Sometimes the spread between future month prices for crops with a futures market is particularly noticeable. The amount of carrying charge is a measure of what the market is paying to store the crop from one period to the next, said provincial crop market analyst […] Read more

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