Reading Time: 3 minutes Some much-needed moisture during the month of June may have turned this year’s crop prospects around — at least in some parts of the province. “It’s been an interesting growing season so far — from a very dry May to the central areas getting quite a bit of precipitation in June,” provincial crop specialist Mark […] Read more

Rain turns fortunes around for many, but not all
In the north and central regions, crops are looking very good, but the south and Peace are suffering

U.S. grains: Corn climbs to one-year high as rains stall planting
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. corn futures scaled to their highest in a year on Friday as soggy U.S. Midwest field conditions and forecasts for unrelenting rain across the region heightened concerns that farmers may be unable to plant a sizable portion of the crop. Soybeans followed corn higher, also supported by worries about planting […] Read more

U.S. grains: Prices slip as weather outlook favours corn planting
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. grain and soybean futures slumped on Wednesday as forecasts for drier weather in the U.S. Midwest next week fueled hopes that farmers will be able to make progress planting corn after delays. Large inventories of the crops added pressure on the markets, which also remained nervous about trade tensions between […] Read more

Near-normal monsoon expected in India
MarketsFarm — Monsoon rains in India are expected to be near normal in 2019, according to the first long-range forecast of the year from the India Meteorological Department. The southwest monsoon typically runs from June through September. It provides crucial moisture for the country’s agriculture sector, as it accounts for roughly 70 per cent of […] Read more

Prairie harvest window possible next week
CNS Canada — Cold and wet conditions on the Prairies are expected to clear up over the next week, allowing a window of opportunity for harvest, though the size of that window remains to be seen. “Western and northern parts of Alberta have some serious issues,” said Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. in Kansas […] Read more

U.S. farmers rush to clear crops but animals stay in Florence’s path
Chicago | Reuters — As powerful Hurricane Florence advanced toward the southeastern U.S., farmers in North Carolina rushed to harvest corn and tobacco and stock up on pig rations, while the danger of sustained rain and deadly flooding threatened a state where millions of farm animals are housed. “The governor said that North Carolina is […] Read more

CBOT weekly outlook: Heavy rains threaten soybean quality
CNS Canada — Heavy rains across the U.S. Midwest and a murky outlook on international trade appear ready to drive down the soybean market in the lead-up to next week’s supply and demand report. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will release its monthly estimates on Sept. 12 and traders have already started to take positions. […] Read more

Rain, rain don’t go away: How to capture more moisture on your land
When it comes to retaining rainfall, seeing is believing — and new infiltration tool does just that
Reading Time: 3 minutes Drought is a four-letter word in Alberta right now — but also proof that it’s critical to make the most of any moisture we get. “If we’re getting the types of rain we normally get, water infiltration probably isn’t that big of a deal,” said Ken Lewis, conservation co-ordinator with Red Deer County. “But in […] Read more

Ontario, Manitoba corn crops need rain
CNS Canada — Corn development in key growing areas of Ontario and Manitoba remains highly variable as the crop nears its yield-determining phase. “The pollination stage is the critical part of the corn-growing period and I would say probably within the next three weeks we will know what yield is going to look like,” said […] Read more

Pulse weekly outlook: Manitoba beans podding, flowering
CNS Canada — A lack of moisture continues to plague Manitoba’s edible beans, but according to one specialist, the crop should still enjoy another strong year. “Most areas have gotten just enough rain to keep things in good condition,” said provincial pulse specialist Dennis Lange. The Winkler region, long considered a major planting area for […] Read more