Plant breeders and customers spoke to the Olds College Lacombe Field Day on July 27. From left to right: Lori Oatway, Olds College; Kevin Sich, Rahr Malting, and Flavio Capettini,
Olds College.

Olds researchers aim for better brew of malting barley varieties

Breeders aim for a package that keeps both the farmers and the customers happy

Reading Time: 2 minutes Plant breeders have many challenges, but malting barley breeders have an extra one. Customers sometimes like their varieties so much that they’re reluctant to change to ones that are better for farmers. “We are looking at things that are not only going to be good in production and give farmers higher yields and ultimately more […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Greater crop production estimated prior to StatCan report

Extended time lag between survey, data's release criticized

MarketsFarm — Analysts are expecting Canadian crop production totals for the 2022-23 marketing year to be substantially higher compared to drought-stricken 2021-22, but still not enough to fully replenish supplies. Statistics Canada (StatCan) will publish its first satellite image model-based yield and production estimates for principal field crops on Monday. Traders and analysts are interested […] Read more






A ship is docked for unloading at G3’s St. Lawrence River terminal at Trois-Rivieres, Que. (G3.ca)

Prairie drought spurs record imports via Trois-Rivieres

G3 terminal reports record incoming grain handle

Agrifood firms unable to source enough grain domestically due to last year’s drought have imported a record amount through a major St. Lawrence River grain terminal this year. Winnipeg grain handler G3, whose grain terminal at Trois-Rivieres, Que. has storage capacity for 109,000 tonnes, reported Wednesday the terminal has so far unloaded over 160,000 tonnes […] Read more


Wheat in progress west of Pathlow, Sask. on Aug. 1, 2022. (Dave Bedard photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Prices lower despite mixed growing conditions

MarketsFarm — While not as widespread as last year’s historic drought, some parts of Alberta are still struggling with hot and dry conditions. Suzanne Leclerc, owner of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton, said growing conditions for feed grains across the province are varied. “As usual for the last couple of years, such a mixed review,” […] Read more

Saskatchewan Agriculture’s special crops specialist says that lentils are in good condition in that province.  Photo: Thinkstock

Pulse weekly outlook: Saskatchewan crops growing well despite threats

MarketsFarm – Pulse crops across Saskatchewan are growing well for the most part, but not in every corner of the province, according to the province’s own specialist. Dale Risula, special crops specialist for Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture, said this year’s pulse crops are looking much better than those in last year’s drought, which he called […] Read more


‘Huge relief’ is how Fred Lozeman and may others are describing the mood in the cattle sector right now. While the impact of the drought isn’t over, the prospects of a major cull of the Alberta herd has been averted and prices look promising.

Optimism has returned with the rains for the cattle sector

Producers still dealing with drought fallout, but looking ahead to better days

Reading Time: 4 minutes Cattle producers are feeling cautiously hopeful, thanks to June and July rains. “It’s a sigh of huge relief, as least what I experienced in this area — it’s just a burden of worry lifted,” said Fred Lozeman, who farms with his cousin, runs two herds and operates a 2,000-head feedlot west of Claresholm. “There were […] Read more

(Leonid Eremeychuk/iStock/Getty Images)

Weather swing prompts questions on spray water quality

Many areas have seen significant changes in water quality, which can affect the impact of herbicides

Reading Time: 2 minutes You may think you know what to expect when drawing water for the sprayer. That assumption may come at a cost, says expert Tom Wolf of Agrimetrix Research and Training. Swings in weather, from drought last year to wet this year, can affect water quality, said the author of the popular blog, Sprayers 101. “Things […] Read more