Reading Time: < 1 minute A day spent grazing works out to just half the cost of feeding cattle and adds $1 per head in profit, says forage and livestock business specialist Grant Lastiwka. Allowing for greater rest periods during the growing season will increase its carrying capacity, and allow producers to put cattle out earlier in the spring and […] Read more
Greater rest periods for pasture means more profits
Fababeans in silage? Give it a shot, says pulse researcher
Nutritionally, fababean silage is a good option — but the return on investment is a question mark
Reading Time: 2 minutes No one really seems to know for sure how fababeans will work in silage — but Robyne Bowness has a few educated guesses. “Fababeans should make a fantastic silage crop,” said Bowness, pulse research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Nutritionally for the animals, fababean is a very good option. It’s high in protein, […] Read more
Cereal Cyst Nematode confirmed in Montana
Reading Time: < 1 minute The effects of Cereal Cycst Nematode (CCN) can be confused with Rhizoctonia root rot. Now is the time to watch for signs/symptoms of this pest in cereals. For more information on what symptoms and signs look like, see the Montana AgAlert for CCN. To learn more, or to see more MSU alerts, visit the Montana […] Read more
Thinking of forward wheat pricing?
Farmers need to make sure the margin will cover their cost of production
Reading Time: < 1 minute Wheat prices have weakened since winter, world supply levels are bearish, and the loonie is up. “Many farmers are wondering, ‘What do I do now?’” said Neil Blue, market specialist at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. Farmers thinking about signing a forward pricing contract should first consider if the price will provide an acceptable margin […] Read more
Tree planting dos and don’ts
Agroforestry specialist Toso Bozic outlines the basics from buying to planting
Reading Time: 2 minutes A tree needs a healthy head start and that begins with selecting the right seedlings. “Ask where the stock came from, as many trees are not adapted to Alberta’s harsher climate,” said provincial agroforestry specialist Toso Bozic. “If you don’t get a tree that suits your needs, wait for next season and order in advance.” […] Read more
Going ‘off label’ is a bad idea all around when it comes to pesticides
You can not only be fined, but also put your customers, the environment and your business at risk
Reading Time: 2 minutes The practice of ‘off-label’ spraying is not only illegal and can result in severe fines, but can also be very dangerous for your clients, your livelihood, and the environment, says a provincial commercial horticulture specialist. “Horticultural chemicals and pesticides often have the dubious distinction of being more expensive than their field crop cousins. In order […] Read more
Plant growth regulators aren’t for everyone, says researcher
Producers need to choose a responsive variety and get their staging right when using plant growth regulators on wheat
Reading Time: 3 minutes Do plant growth regulators offer a good bang for your buck? Sure — if the conditions are right. If not, you’re wasting your money. “Plant growth regulators aren’t to be used on every acre, like a herbicide or nitrogen fertilizer,” said Sheri Strydhorst, a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Producers need to […] Read more
Summer Farm Employment Program deadline looming
Applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis until May 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute Time is running out to get funding from the Summer Farm Employment Program. The provincial program offers wage support for farmers who employ youth during July and August. Employers must own or rent a farming operation in Alberta and have a gross production of $25,000 per year. Work must be directly related to the farming […] Read more
Massive biosecurity effort in hog sector proves its worth
The list of changes is long and no detail was deemed too small in the effort to keep PEDv out of Alberta
Reading Time: 3 minutes When it comes to biosecurity, all the rules, time, and expense are worth it. And the proof can be seen in the successful effort to keep PEDv (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus) out of Alberta, attendees at the recent Canadian Livestock Transport conference were told. “Everybody in the chain has done their job to prevent PEDv […] Read more
Fatigue during spring seeding is dangerous, work safe
Know the warning signs and set sensible limits
Reading Time: < 1 minute Seeding and the spring work frenzy puts you at greater risk of serious injury due to fatigue. “Too many farmers push themselves, especially during the really busy times,” said Kenda Lubeck, farm safety co-ordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Too often, it is a case of wanting to finish a field even though fatigue […] Read more
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