Crops
Reuters — U.S. corn futures inched higher on bargain buying Friday but posted a fifth consecutive weekly loss as expectations of record yields in this autumn’s harvest continued to hang over the market, traders said. Wheat rose on short-covering buying as the market consolidated above contract lows set this week, while soybeans ended mixed. At […] Read more
GRAINS: Corn bounces but posts 5th weekly loss on supply pressure
Neonic insecticides widespread in Iowa waters
Reuters — A class of insecticides popular with corn and soybean farmers in the U.S. Midwest but feared as a factor in the decline of U.S. honey bee colonies and other crop pollinators, has been found to be widespread through rivers and streams in Iowa, according to a government study released on Thursday. The study, […] Read more
Producer cars still backed up in Western Canada
CNS — Canadian railway traffic has improved in recent months, but there is still a large backlog of producer car orders to move through. “The rail issues are behind the big guys; those who can move 100-car unit trains are getting them and moving the grain to the ports,” said analyst Wayne Palmer, of Agri-Trend […] Read more
Hybrid rye to be tested in Manitoba
FP Genetics and Paterson Grain are rolling out a demonstration program for a new hybrid fall rye in Manitoba. The new hybrid, dubbed Brasetto, yields about 25 per cent higher than existing varieties, says Ron Weik, seed portfolio manager with FP Genetics. Brasetto is also four to six inches shorter than Hazlet, he adds. “And […] Read more
Grain commission moves producer car administration online
Reading Time: 2 minutes Farmers can now administer their producer cars online. A new web application at the Canadian Grain Commission website means producers can arrange for credit for shipping charges with railways and pay freight costs. A producer may choose to work with an administrator or agent, who can arrange for credit for shipping charges with railways and […] Read more
GRAINS: U.S. soybeans extend advance on exports, weather worries
Reuters — U.S. soybean prices rose to a near two-week high on Thursday on firm export demand and concerns that dry weather in parts of the Midwest crop belt might jeopardize yield prospects, traders said. Corn futures fell to fresh four-year lows, retreating from early gains, and wheat also fell. At the Chicago Board of […] Read more
Most Saskatchewan crops in fair to excellent condition
Saskatchewan Agriculture has issued its crop report for the week of July 15-21. A summary follows and the full backgrounder by region is attached. Crop Report July 24 2014 Haying continues in the province and livestock producers now have 42 per cent of the hay crop baled or put into silage, with an additional 49 […] Read more
Asparagus operation a labour of love for Innisfail growers
The tender vegetable isn’t supposed to grow in central Alberta — but that didn’t stop the Edgar family
Reading Time: 4 minutes If you asked her today, Elna Edgar would admit that the folks at Alberta Agriculture were “absolutely right” 30 years ago when they said asparagus couldn’t be grown in their little corner of central Alberta. “It’s the most quirky, odd, drive-you-crazy vegetable that you can imagine,” said Edgar, who owns and operates Edgar Farms near […] Read more
U.S. spring wheat yield prospects best in 22 years
Fargo, North Dakota/Reuters — The 2014 U.S. hard red spring wheat crop was projected to yield 48.6 bushels per acre, scouts on an annual crop tour said Thursday, the tour’s highest forecast in at least 22 years. The estimate was based on samples from 373 spring wheat fields assessed during the Wheat Quality Council’s three-day […] Read more
Canola Watch — July 23
The Canola Council of Canada has published its weekly Canola Watch. Visit the website for full text and images. Highlights Video: Begin your pre-harvest disease watch Tank hang ups and spraying mishaps Rescue treatment for hail, heat Fungicide for late and long-flowering crops How late can you top dress? Coming events