Crops
Reading Time: 3 minutes The latest salvo in the ongoing controversy over neonicotinoids won’t affect Alberta canola growers, but it reinforces the need to “get the message out,” says the chairman of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. Ontario’s new agriculture minister, Jeff Leal surprised and angered that province’s grain and oilseeds producers last month by saying he’s considering restrictions […] Read more
Neonic controversy shouldn’t affect canola producers
Ontario eyes restricting use of popular pesticide after bee deaths
Winter wheat harvest underway in central Man.
CNS Canada –– The winter wheat harvest is underway in Manitoba, with farmers starting to combine the crop in the central region during the week ended Tuesday. The latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development cited preliminary results showing average yields of about 60 bushels an acre for the winter wheat crop, […] Read more
When to cut after hail
Reading Time: < 1 minute “We’re getting calls at the Ag-Info Centre from producers who have lost their crop to hail and want to know when they should be cutting what’s left for silage or green feed,” says Barry Yaremcio, beef/forage specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Stettler. “The answer to this question largely depends on how much the crop […] Read more
N.B. farm-plated trucks may haul for other farmers
Farmers in New Brunswick driving farm-plated trucks will soon be able to use those vehicles to haul for farmers other than themselves. Public Safety Minister Bruce Northrup last week announced the province will tweak its Motor Vehicle Act to allow farm-plated vehicles to transport other farmers’ products. Previously, a farmer could only haul his or […] Read more
Prairie wheat bids up with U.S. futures, improving basis
CNS Canada — Average bids for Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat were stronger during the week ended Tuesday, with improving basis levels and strength in U.S. futures behind the rise. Average spot bids for CWRS (13.5 per cent protein) across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta came in Tuesday at […] Read more
Rain hits Ukrainian wheat quality
Kiev/Moscow | Reuters — Ukraine is set to produce more wheat for animal feed and less higher grade bread-making grain this year, as rain damage has shifted the global exporter’s quality balance, traders and analysts said. The altered backdrop is seen heaping further pressure on global prices, while also signalling tougher competition with other European […] Read more
U.S. grains: Corn, soybean futures fall on rain, harvest outlooks
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures fell on Tuesday as expectations for a bumper U.S. harvest rose on overnight rains across a broad stretch of the Midwest and a government report showing the crop in better shape than expected, traders said. The storms, which eased lingering concerns about dry weather during the past few […] Read more
Pulse Pops grab national honours
Reading Time: < 1 minute It’s mission accomplished for the Alberta creators of Pulse Pops, who recently won top honours — and a cheque for $2,500 — at the national finals of Mission ImPULSEible. University of Alberta students Anastassia Astrakhantseva, Christie Cheng, Diana Nguyen and Stacey Seufert created a frozen alternative to the popular cake pop from black beans, chickpeas, […] Read more
Estimating the value of a standing hay crop
Buyer and seller can make a two-part agreement, with final payment made after harvest
Reading Time: 3 minutes “The month of July is usually the most difficult time of year to determine hay prices,” says Ted Nibourg, farm business management specialist, Ag-Info Centre, Stettler. “Yields and quality are uncertain and demand is an unknown factor. July of 2014 is no exception.” Last summer’s hay production was variable in quality, says Nibourg. “Two long […] Read more
Alberta crop report as of July 29
Crops rated below last year but ahead of the 10-year average
Reading Time: < 1 minute This is a summary of the AFSC biweekly crop report as of July. Click here for the full report and tables. Much-needed precipitation fell in all regions with the exception of Southern Alberta. With most crops now entering the kernel-filling stage, this moisture will be very beneficial for both yield and maturity. Crop condition ratings […] Read more