Average sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies for the week centred on June 1. Anomalies based on weekly means for 1981-2010 base period. (CPC.ncep.noaa.gov)

La Nina effect in U.S. may not spill onto Prairies

CNS Canada — As the El Nino weather event of 2015-16 gradually fades into memory, most weather forecasters say it’s slowly being replaced by its cousin, La Nina. The La Nina phenomenon usually happens when water temperatures along the equator in the Pacific Ocean fall by 3 to 5 C. According to Drew Lerner of […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Diesel prices hang steady in West, for now

CNS Canada –– It doesn’t appear the gasoline shortage that has left many pumps across Western Canada dry will be spreading to the diesel sector, at least for now. Fires in northern Alberta and problems at a refinery in Edmonton crimped available supplies of gas for many Prairie retailers this week. While some Petro-Canada and […] Read more


(Scott Bauer photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Market analysts watch for surging soybeans to peak

CNS Canada — As soybeans climb the charts and help float other commodities such as canola, one market watcher says the prime selling opportunity for farmers could pass soon, as bearish factors come into play. The president of Calgary-based ProMarket Communications, Errol Anderson, said large funds are the main force that has lifted Chicago soybeans […] Read more

A Canada thistle seedling. (Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Rain holds up spraying as weeds thrive in Manitoba

CNS Canada –– A steady dose of rain to start the week has put a crimp on herbicide applications across Manitoba. While weeds weren’t noticeable a few weeks ago due to the relative dryness, they’re definitely becoming more noticeable, according to crop watchers. “We know that with the rain and warmer temperatures, both the crops […] Read more



Cleavers, in seedling form. (Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Cleavers not threatening exports, Canola Council says

CNS Canada — Suggestions that canola shipments to China could be in jeopardy because of concerns over herbicide-resistant weeds are being refuted by the Canola Council of Canada. Great Northern Growers Inc., an agriculture service business in Saskatoon that sells herbicides and other products, said it has heard China doesn’t want pesticide-resistant weeds coming into […] Read more


(Country Guide file photo)

Prairie wheat bids tick down slightly

CNS Canada — Cash spring wheat bids across Western Canada softened slightly during the week ended Friday, as gains in the Canadian dollar put pressure on values. Depending on the location, average Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat prices were down 50 cents to $1, with the exception of southern Alberta where they were up […] Read more



Canola at the cotyledon stage. (Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Prairie canola weathers early frost test

CNS Canada –– Despite freezing temperatures in some parts of Western Canada over the past few days, canola appears to be relatively healthy, according to crop watchers. While the true extent of freezing mornings that started last Thursday and stretched into the weekend isn’t yet completely known, two agronomy specialists from the Canola Council of […] Read more

(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Saskatchewan wheat crop enters crucial phase

CNS Canada –– Freezing temperatures are raising tensions for wheat growers in Saskatchewan as this year’s crop looks to survive a late blast of winter weather. The mercury dipped below 0 C in Saskatchewan on Thursday morning and Friday morning. Speaking Thursday afternoon, a regional crop specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Shannon Friesen, […] Read more