Killing frost finds crops in the north, harvest 56 per cent complete

Alberta crop conditions as of September 19

Reading Time: < 1 minute Cooler weather has moved into the province bringing precipitation and frost to most areas. Precipitation in amounts of light showers in the South to rain in the Northern regions and the Peace has slowed harvest progress. Killing frosts below minus 2 Celsius were experienced across much of the province (view map at link below). Yield […] Read more


(Photo courtesy United Soybean Board)

Frost damage to soybeans depends on crop stage

Frost damage to soybeans depends on the stage of the soybeans and how cold it gets and for how long, according to a pulse crops extension specialist. Frost is possible Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning in parts of Manitoba. Soybean growth stage is determined by examining the pods, Terry Buss of Manitoba Agriculture at Beausejour […] Read more

Canola south of Ethelton, Sask. on Aug. 3, 2017. (Dave Bedard photo)

Harvest weather outlook offers reasons to cheer

CNS Canada — Farmers on the Prairies can expect decent weather for this harvest season, according to Drew Lerner, meteorologist and founder of World Weather Inc. Most farmers will experience periodic showers, he said, but shouldn’t be subjected to the continual drizzles and sheets of rain that caused heartaches last year. “Most of the Prairies […] Read more


New growth on a canola plant following a frost indicates the seedling has survived. (Canola Council of Canada photo)

Take time to judge frost damage on canola

After temperatures Thursday dropped as low as -5 C in parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, growers who’ve already seeded may be wondering whether emerging canola plants have survived. It’s best not to write off those seedlings right away, according to the Canola Council of Canada in a Canola Watch newsletter on Friday. It can take […] Read more

Nitrate buildup a threat after a light frost

Nitrate buildup a threat after a light frost

When this happens you need to either harvest quickly or wait for nitrate levels to subside

Reading Time: 2 minutes Nitrate accumulation can become a problem when crops experience light frosts of -1 C to -2 C for even only a few hours during the night. These conditions damage the leaves of the plants, but not the roots. Over the next three to four days, the roots continue to send nutrients up the plant, and […] 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



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

Canola to get early test as Prairies brace for frost

CNS Canada — Overnight lows of -2 or -3 C are expected across much of Saskatchewan by Wednesday or Thursday, according to Environment Canada forecasts. The colder temperatures are expected to make their way into Manitoba by Friday. That could put some stress on canola plants that have already emerged, according to industry watchers. “As […] Read more