RealAgriculture: Recent Episodes
RealAgriculture
Trade infrastructure is so much more than railways and ports, but if it can’t move, it can’t be sold. Canada is an export nation, but currently ranks just ahead of Azerbaijan according to the World Economic Forum’s rankings on infrastructure, transport infrastructure and trade infrastructure, says Carlo Dade, vice-president of Canada West Foundation. A decades-long... Read More
There’s plenty of research data that shows applying a T3 fungicide to winter wheat will deliver a yield benefit, even in a dry growing season. RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson says dry growing conditions tend to drive down fusarium head blight and other disease pressure, resulting in less yield loss, but the fungicides also increase the... Read More
The weeks following planting season — when problems that arose during planting are still top of mind and planter-related issues can be identified in the field — offer an opportunity to pro-actively perform maintenance and upgrades before parking the planter in the back of the shed. The summer months can also coincide with equipment dealer... Read More
Research is valuable on both sides of the border — and we can learn a lot from each other through trials that have already been conducted. One of these ongoing trials taking place south of the border is looking at the legacy of manure, in southern Idaho. Southern Idaho happens to have a lot in... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this “Tuesdays with Lyndsey” edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, we will hear a clip from last night’s episode of The Agronomists with Johanna Lindeboom and Bob Thirlwall on emergence emergencies on soybean and corn. Lyndsey Smith is then joined by Garner Deobald with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association... Read More
The current political climate between Canada and China could be called chilly, however the strained diplomatic relationship seems to be having little impact on the real world economic and trade relationship. Carlo Dade, director of the trade and investment centre at Canada West Foundation, says that despite political tension, trade with China is increasing. Why... Read More
There’s plenty to learn from early scouting trips across the field, including seed survival, seeding depth, and evaluating the effectiveness of inputs so far. One of those key early inputs includes a seed treatment, and one of the most common uses for insecticidal seed treatments on canola is to fight flea beetles. Because feeding on... Read More
Dealing with emergence emergencies in the corn and soybean crop? This episode of The Agronomists may pique your interest. Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Bob Thirlwall, of Bayer CropScience, and Johanna Lindeboom of Clark Agri-Service, to dig in to crusting issues, cold injury symptoms, side-wall issues, and planting depth problems. This episode of the... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney features Jeremy Boychyn, agronomist and research lead for the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions on fungicide decisions. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson also drops in to discuss cover crops, stressed winter wheat and much more! Thoughts on something we talked about... Read More
There are a few different scenarios to look at when it comes to deciding whether or not to spray a fungicide on wheat. Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension manager with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, says there are four key times that producers are either already going over the field, or there is potential... Read More
When you imagine rice production, chances are you picture growth outside of North America and not in Southern Alberta. When Michele Konschuh of the University of Lethbridge approached Farming Smarter about examining the potential for rice to be a value-added crop in this region, they jumped on the opportunity to give it a try. With... Read More
When’s the best time to control cutworms in canola? For growers wanting to take out the pest it’s best to put away the sun glasses and reach for the night vision goggles. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Canola School, BASF agronomist Leighton Blashko walks a field of canola near Sherwood Park, Alta., and tells... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney will discuss a number of topics including: The Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index results for May; Viterra and Bunge merger; and, The battle over interswitching. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via email shaney@realagriculture.com,... Read More
The pea crop may not be a perfect 10, but that’s because its actually aiming for 13. What’s that now? Nodulation is key to pulse crops’ biggest super power: nitrogen fixation. But nodulation doesn’t always go as planned, and assessing a crop’s nodulation score can help determine yield potential and highlight where inoculation management may... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Fixing health care; Vertical vs. horizontal consolidation of supply chains in light of the proposed Bunge-Viterra merger;... Read More
Heading out to the field within a few weeks of canola emergence is a great way to fully assess seeder performance, stand establishment and uniformity, and identify early insect pressure. When assessing plant establishment, it’s important to distinguish between a seedling that is intended and one that’s perhaps a holdover volunteer from a past crop.... Read More
The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food has published its report on the cost of food in Canada. The report, titled “Grocery affordability: Examining rising food costs in Canada,” lists 13 recommendations, including calling for a grocery code of conduct, adding a possible “windfall tax” on grocery chains, and ways to address food waste. John... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of RealAg Radio Farmer Rapid Fire, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Aaron Bowman of Hampton, Ont.; Geneve NewCombe of Port Williams, N.S.; Mike Shewchuk of Blaine Lake, Sask.; and Logan Pizzey of Binscarth, Man. We will also hear from... Read More
The Government of Canada has formally responded to the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service’s proposal to change its Product of U.S.A. labeling requirements. The proposed rule changes stipulate an animal must be born, raised, and processed in the U.S. to carry the Product of U.S.A. label. Though voluntary, there are concerns in Canada that... Read More
Pessimism abounds in the Canadian farm industry, according to the May results of the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index. Over 400 farmers weighed in on the RealAgristudies survey, which asked for opinions on a range of issues including confidence in grain marketing, the direction of the industry as a whole, and an assessment of governments’ handling... Read More
For many in Western Canada, making it through the Victoria Day long weekend often means we are in the clear from Jack Frost. We also know with every anecdotal rule comes an exception. Part of the central Prairies did see low to freezing temps late this season and that’s prompted several questions about if there’s... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by John Barlow, Conservative MP and shadow minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food, on the Senate holding up on Bill C-234. We will also hear from Ryder Lee, with the Canadian Cattle Association, on concerns towards proposed... Read More
Earlier this year, Lancashire, England-based Hoofcount made its first visit to the Canadian Dairy XPO since the foot care company set up Canadian operations in 2021. In this interview at the annual dairy showcase at Stratford, Ont., Hoofcount director Jane Marsh shares how the company’s success is built on effective, reliable and labour-saving foot bathing... Read More
If some Wheat Pete’s Word is good, then more is better; or at least that’s what the listeners are saying about these somewhat-extended versions of the podcast. Host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson isn’t known for being short on words, but lucky for all of us, he’s using a bunch of them answering your questions this... Read More
The odds that the bill that would remove the federal government’s carbon tax from fuels used for grain drying and barn heating will become law before summer are fading, following delays in the Senate. The Agriculture Carbon Alliance and its farm group members welcomed the passage of Bill C-234 at second reading in the Senate... Read More
Wheat stem sawfly is a sneaky pest, as the damage caused by the larvae happens inside the cereal plant away from scouting eyes and out of reach of insecticides. Regardless of the struggle, this little yellow and black insect does require scouting and careful planning for its management as it is a pest on the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this “Tuesdays with Lyndsey” edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, Kelvin Heppner talks with Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture on the importance of passing Bill C-234. We will also hear from Dwayne Summach of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, about heifer gains from canola meal,... Read More
It’s been dry and cool in Ontario for most of this spring and those growing conditions impact everything from planting, to weed control, and even nitrogen application. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soil fertility specialist Colin Elgie shares nitrogen strategy tips for growers as... Read More
The proof is in the plant stand when it comes to evaluating how a corn planter performed in spring. This episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School is all about grading planter performance, as we head to a field near Homewood, Man., with Breanne Rey of PRIDE Seeds and planter expert Andrew Kippen of North Valley Precision... Read More
Determining rust risk, telling tan spot from septoria, and identifying a bacterial infection are all key to keeping the cereal crop’s solar panels (leaves!) clean and in top form. For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by plant pathologists Holly Derksen with UPL, and Dr. Kelly Turkington with Agriculture and Agri-Food... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, hosted by occasional host Lyndsey Smith. On this episode, hear from: Jeremy Boychyn, agronomist and research lead for the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions on bacterial issues in wheat, topping up N to yield potential, and a prolonged cutworm risk window; Johanna Lindeboom of Clark Agri... Read More
As soybeans move through the early vegetative stages, it’s time for growers to tackle those broadleaf weeds and grasses that might have evaded soil-applied herbicides or emerged after burndown. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, BASF agronomist Rob Miller and host Bernard Tobin talk strategy in a weedy field of 1st trifoliate soybeans... Read More
Positive results of feeding canola meal to cattle is not new — the dairy industry is already a big fan of the protein supplement. But ongoing beef cattle research out of Saskatchewan is looking at the impact of supplementing heifers on pasture and how the practice might extend grazing sites in lower grass production years.... Read More
When it comes to seed-placed fertilizer, canola can be quite sensitive. According to Shawn Senko of the Canola Council of Canada (CCC), for the most part the only nutrient you need in-furrow with the canola seed is phosphorus, as it has an early season uptake and doesn’t move very far. There are published seed safety... Read More
There are some topics that can be covered in a snippet — perhaps a three or four minute recap or update on the latest happenings. The current status of Russian’s war on Ukraine and the cascading impacts on everything from grain markets to geopolitical leader wrangling is not one of those topics. In this lengthy-but-very-worth-the-listen... Read More
In recent years, the search for new methods of controlling agricultural pests has led to significant advancements in bio-insecticide technology. One such development is the emergence of peptide-based insecticides, which seek to balance effective pest control and environmental stewardship. Peptides are essentially amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. In the context of insecticides, peptides... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Dwayne Summach of Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture to discuss supplementing bred heifers with canola meal. We will also hear a clip from a recent interview with Jacob Shapiro of Cognitive Investments for commentary on the war on... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, and Andrew Campbell, dairy farmer from Strathroy, Ont., for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Bill C-234 being stalled out; The new AAFC office in Manila; The... Read More
Farm groups are urging members of the Senate to avoid stalling on Bill C-234, with limited time left on the calendar before Parliament’s summer break. The proposed legislation, which was approved by the House of Commons earlier this year, would remove the federal carbon tax from propane and natural gas used for grain drying, barn... Read More
What does a wizard have to do with cattle prices? Nothing really, but it would seem that there are some zany factors at play in cattle production where somehow cattle prices are climbing even as feed costs are dropping. Is it magic? Not quite, says Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, but prices are... Read More
A soil nitrate test is an excellent way to measure nitrogen mineralized from the soil over the spring. The test offers a window into the temperature and moisture mix of a particular season to-date and helps inform the critical side-dress N amount on corn. Dale Cowan, senior agronomists with AGRIS Co-op, pulled nitrate tests from... Read More
What we describe as new technology is continuously changing, however, the impact it has on our cropping systems remains strong. Dr. Terry Griffin, cropping systems economist at Kansas State University has written a report for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on technology adoption, entitled “Precision Ag in a Digital Era.” Although the word... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of RealAg Radio Farmer Rapid Fire, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Chuck Amyot of New Liskeard, Ont.; Dan Petker of Norfolk, Ont.; Wade McAllistair of Penhold, Alta.; and Tamara Carter of Lacadena, Sask. We will also hear from Pioneer... Read More
The current down trend for grains and oilseeds is being driven by weather here at home and around the world. In just the last couple of weeks the markets have bumped a little off the lows, most notably in corn. Why is that? As Ted Seifried, with Zaner Ag Hedge, explains, it’s all being driven... Read More
Cattle producers have reasons to smile right now, as strong prices and strong demand paints a rosy picture for the short-term. Hog producers, however, aren’t so lucky as prices dip. At the same time, grocery bills are rising and consumers have tough choices to make on protein — will they keep buying beef, even at... Read More
The U.S. government’s challenge of Mexico’s ban of genetically-modified (GM) corn for common food uses is being closely monitored in Canada, specifically in the Canadian canola sector. Last week, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai formally requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico over a decree issued in February that bans the use of GM corn in... Read More
It’s been dry and cool across Ontario since soybean planting started rolling at top speed in mid-May and those conditions are causing replant headaches for many growers. Field scouting has revealed a host of soil, seed emergence, and vigour issues, including crusting and cold injury. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, Clark Agri-Service... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by U.S. Borax. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Ted Seifried of Zaner Ag Hedge to discuss the markets, as well as Dr. Terry Griffin, Cropping Systems Economist at Kansas State University on technology adoption on the farm.... Read More
Pop quiz: do dry conditions automatically mean a dialling back of nitrogen rates on corn? This is a tricky question to answer as very dry conditions for prolonged periods can impact yield potential, but dry conditions also mean nitrogen is less available to the plant, so it’s a tough call. For the answer to why... Read More
Those in agriculture have been encouraged to “tell their story” for years, all in the name of maintaining the social license to operate, or to gain acceptance and understanding of farm practices by the public. But there’s another reason for farmers and agri-business owners to tell a good story: to attract and retain great staff... Read More
Verticillium stripe — a disease first discovered in Western Canada in 2014 — appears to be taking advantage of the stress to canola plants caused by an old, familiar disease pathogen. While research to understand Verticillium longisporum in the Prairies is still in its early stages, there’s a hypothesis that its prevalence in a canola... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! We’re kicking off “Tuesdays with Lyndsey” this week. On this episode, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Omid McDonald of Dairy Distillery to talk about turning milk into ethanol. We will also hear from Tom Harrison, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation, on conservation easements and... Read More
As edible bean planting wraps up across Ontario, grower focus shifts to controlling post-emergent weeds and grasses. When seed is planted to moisture, in warm soils, growers and agronomists will need to get out and scout to determine what competition, including small and actively growing weeds, the emerging crop will encounter. On this episode of... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. How do you decide it’s time for a change? What does it take to become a better communicator? And why is it so crucial to not rule any opportunity out? Lara de Moissac, based... Read More
It’s corn! And it’s time to discuss in-crop nitrogen management of corn on this episode of the The Agronomists. Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Jason DeBruin of Corteva AgriScience, based at Iowa, and Peter Johnson of RealAgriculture, to discuss nitrogen management, minimizing loss, when the crop needs the N. They cover when N needs... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! You’ll hear from Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on a number of topics including: fungicide application in a dry year, strip till, upcoming temperatures and much more! Listen on for an audio clip from a recent Canola School with Shawn Senko, Canola Council of... Read More
Minimizing erosion, better crop inputs management and higher corn yields is what Port Rowan, Ont., farmer Dan Petker was looking for when he adopted strip tillage five years ago. Farming with his family on the shores of Lake Erie, Petker turned to strip till — the process of minimizing tillage by cultivating eight-inch wide strips... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney tackles the latest of what’s happened this week in ag, including: Economic news and sorting out the rate decisions, New research comparing per-acre returns of ranching and grain farming in Saskatchewan; and, A clip from a Pulse School with Ken... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, as well as Meagan Murdoch of H&K strategies, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Bill 97 walk back; Cow/calf vs. grain profits; interest... Read More
It’s been a dry spring in Ontario and many growers are asking whether it makes sense to invest in a T3 fungicide for winter wheat. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Wheat School, resident agronomist Peter Johnson notes that across the province, the crop has received below-average rainfall and the potential for yield-robbing fusarium head... Read More
As the lentil crop begins to emerge, there are many lessons to learn from walking fields early and assessing stand establishment. How does this stand look? Was emergence even? What could be done different next year? These are just some of the many questions that likely need asked every season. Ken Wall of Federated Co-operatives... Read More
Ontario-based Dairy Distillery has already proved you can make amazing things from a “waste” product, through its creation of Vodkow vodka using milk permeate. Now, the company is partnering with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to create a milk-made biofuel. Currently, MMPA runs a facility that produces 14,000 tonnes of permeate per year that’s... Read More
The growing season is busy. From before the crop goes into the ground, to after it’s harvested, there are a million different things on the go. Although skipping any steps is frowned upon, one step that should never be skipped is a proper sprayer tank clean out, says Shawn Senko of the Canola Council of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of RealAg Radio Farmer Rapid Fire, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ryan Barrett of Kensington, P.E.I.; Sukpahl Bal of Kelowna, B.C.; Shawn Schill of Arthur, Ont.; and Jake Leguee of Fillmore, Sask. We will also hear from Pioneer Seeds... Read More
A bag of seed corn checks in at 80,000 kernels and typically weighs between 35 and 65 pounds. One bag will plant roughly 2.5 acres. But the job of producing that seed is very different than growing a commercial corn crop. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, we kick off a three-part series on... Read More
The current commodity markets are a key economic indicator, and as many are well aware, in the commodity world the key indicator is crude oil. Where crude goes, so does the rest of the commodities, says Errol Anderson, president of ProMarket Communications Inc., based at Calgary, Alta. As things look according to Anderson, there’s a... Read More
A super thin plastic that creates an effective oxygen barrier for improving aerobic stability of any kind of silage is the promise of Germany-based silage specialists, Bock Silosysteme. Earlier this year, company representatives travelled to the annual dairy showcase Canadian Dairy XPO at Stratford, Ont., to share the product with farmers. Bock was one of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Errol Anderson, president at ProMarket Wire Communications, to discuss the highs and lows of the current commodity markets, and Keith Currie with Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on their new program. Plus, don’t miss our spotlight... Read More
How farmers grow crops and manage livestock is forever changing. That evolution of agriculture is also reshaping how agribusinesses operate, as companies compete for talent and aim to create a workplace to best support their business, products, and farmer customers. Last week, Syngenta Canada opened the doors to its newly-renovated office at Guelph, Ont., to... Read More
When scouting for blackleg, many imagine clipping stems near swathing or harvest time. But did you know that infection actually occurs at the very beginning of the growing season? If you’re in a high risk situation, such as a tight rotation, growing the same variety, or have background resistance in the field, the disease can... Read More
Sluggish soys and crusted corn has many Ontario farmers wondering what the heck is going on with these crops. Well, when you look at the weather data for the month of May, the answer becomes pretty clear: this latest heatwave notwithstanding, it’s been cool to cold for much of the month! Is there anything that... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Cam Dahl, with the Manitoba Pork Council, to discuss concerns on Califonia’s Prop 12 and U.S. label changes. We will also hear an interview RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin had with Senator Rob Black on supporting agriculture and Bill C-234.... Read More
Along the lines of think before you drink and call before you dig, farmers should be scouting before they… tear out old fence lines and shelterbelts or fill in potholes. OK, we’ll admit the tagline needs work, but current Prairie ecosystems don’t always have huge areas to host biodiversity, and even small pockets of brush,... Read More
The international agricultural landscape is witnessing a troubling trend towards protectionism. In past eras, protectionism was enabled through prohibitive tariffs that blocked trade. World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and bilateral trade agreements have largely eliminated tariffs from the protectionists’ toolbox, but, as evidenced by recent events, there are other ways in which trade can be... Read More
It’s time to talk fusarium control — by zeroing in on an upright, narrow target. Achieving excellent coverage of a wheat head is a huge challenge, so to talk about better control and spray technology, this episode of the Agronomists brings together Dr. Dave Hooker, with the University of Guelph-Ridgetown, and Dr. Tom Wolf of... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! You’ll hear from Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on a number of topics including: wrapping up seeding in Ontario, nitrate samples, dry conditions in southwestern Ontario, and favourite things to BBQ. Listen on for an audio clip from a recent Soybean School with Jason... Read More
One of the busiest people in agriculture may be Senator Rob Black. The Ontario senator seems to be everywhere these days talking to everyone on a host of issues. Earlier this month, Black’s sponsored bill to establish Food Day in Canada received unanimous support at third reading in the House of Commons. The first official... Read More
For all crops, there’s a critical weed free period — a time early in the season where the crop must be kept weed-free to prevent yield loss potential. For pulses, the length of time ranges depending on the pulse type. Ken Wall, of Federated Co-operatives Ltd., joins this Pulse School episode to discuss why early... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, discussing the Taiwan beef market access news. We will also discuss the latest RealAgristudies results looking at barriers to farm transition, and hear from Garner Deobold on the upcoming Saskatchewan... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture and Tyler McCann with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute for our Friday RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Ford’s reversal on AM radio; The threat of African swine fever;... Read More
Cattle markets have held their own over the last week, with prime grilling season underway heading into the Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. and Father’s Day around the corner. U.S. cattle prices this week ranged from one to three dollars higher, from south to north, explains Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange in... Read More
A soybean plant’s yield potential is closely linked to the number of nodes — the part where a leaf is attached to the stem — it develops prior to flowering and forming pods. Two million nodes per acre is a recommended target, explains Jason Voogt, independent agronomist and owner of Field 2 Field Agronomy in... Read More
Farm business transition is not a new challenge or opportunity for the agriculture industry, but there’s been an increased level of coverage and discussion about it in mainstream media following a well-publicized report by RBC highlighting the challenges earlier this spring. At RealAgriculture and RealAgristudies, we are very interested in this topic and how it impacts... Read More
Concerns about drought stress in the U.S. wheat growing area may have bumped the slumping wheat market higher for a day or two, but farmers deciding when to sell both old and new crop need to look at the bigger picture, including the overall economic slowdown, global crop production, and higher interest rates, says the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of RealAg Radio Farmer Rapid Fire, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Chris Moore of Kinburn, Ont.; Mark Brock of Staffa, Ont.; Gunter Jochum of St. François Xavier, Man; and Chris Bauer of Lake Lenore, Sask. We will also hear... Read More
Many may think the time to check their drills for seeding rate and depth is as the drill is going over the field. While they wouldn’t be wrong, it’s also important to get out and dig through that field as the canola field germinates and emerges. Rob Macdonald of BASF joins this episode of the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Scott Shellady (also known as the Cow Guy with RFDTV) to discuss the commodity markets, and Christine McCracken with Rabobank on the challenging economics of the pork industry. Plus, don’t miss our spotlight interview with... Read More
The road back to profitability for the pork sector is likely long and difficult as Canadian producers continue to face a troublesome combination of declining domestic demand, fewer opportunities in export markets, and the spectre of tougher U.S. animal welfare regulations that could drive prices lower. It all adds up to tough times for pork... Read More
What do armyworms, alfalfa weevils, physiological fleck, and wooden heads have in common? They are all a part of this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word with host Peter Johnson. Listen below, in your podcast app, or browse the quick summary listed below the podcast! And don’t forget, if you don’t have time — you... Read More
For the past two years, there have been issues with the delivery of water early in the growing season across the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID). In 2022, there were different reasons for the inability to access water early on, but this year, water challenges were linked to breakages and leaks in the canals. As... Read More
The Canadian pork industry continues to face roadblocks in rebuilding pork demand and prices, highlighted by the closure of the Olymel processing plant in Vallée-Jonction, Quebec and a HyLife plant in Minnesota. Stephen Heckbert, executive director of the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), says the closures don’t necessarily need to be in Canada to impact the... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! You’ll hear from Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on a number of topics including: wildfire smoke impact on newly planted crops, crop emergent, and sulphur deficiency. As well as an audio clip from a recent Canola School with Rob MacDonald of BASF on the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, based at Eastend, to reflect when she was working at Canfax during the BSE crisis. We will also hear a clip from an episode of RealAg Radio with rancher Tim... Read More
This weekend marks the 20 year anniversary of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or more commonly known as BSE, being found in an Alberta cow, leading to the historic crash in the Canadian cattle industry. Dennis Laycraft, executive vice president of the Canadian Cattle Association, was on the front lines, and recalls the process that began with... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Ontario’s Bill 97 carving up farm land; Ag Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau planning a trip to India in... Read More
Once the canola crop has emerged, keep eyes peeled for pesky early insects. Across Western Canada, the top two insects of concern tend to be cutworms and — you guessed it — flea beetles. Anique Josuttes of BASF says even though we say it year after year, the number one tool you can use is... Read More
Massey Ferguson has brought its rugged, hardworking RB Series of silage balers to North America. The machinery manufacturer rolled out the RB 4160V Classic at the National Farm Machinery Show earlier this year in Louisville, Kentucky. In this video report, Massey Ferguson marketing product specialist Lukas Dickerson notes that the RB Series has been working... Read More
Nathan Phinney, now president of the Canadian Cattle Association, was just finished university and ready to ship some fat cattle for a decent pay day when the BSE news hit. The beef producer from New Brunswick says the impact of the BSE finding in 2003 was a “crippling blow” to not just cattle prices, but... Read More
Nightshade can be a nightmare for edible bean growers. The weed can play havoc with the crop as mature berries produced by the eastern black nightshade plant cause edible bean staining and mud tagging, and can even gum up cleaning equipment at the processing plant. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, Ontario... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. On this special Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire, we’re focusing on the 20th anniversary of BSE. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ken Schaus of Bruce County, Ont.; Tim Oleksyn of Prince Albert, Sask.; Leighton Kolk of Iron Springs,... Read More
Can the production rules of one state wag the (curly) tail of pork trade for an entire country? If the state is California, the answer is: it’s possible. Prop 12, first passed in the state in 2018 and then upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court this week, sets out space requirements for livestock in production... Read More
Imagine for a moment receiving 1,000 requests for media interviews in one single day. If you’ve ever worked as a communications contact or spokesperson for an event or group, that number should bowl you over. It’s a tidal wave of attention, and, in 2003, all those asks were of the beef industry. At the time,... Read More
The immediate impact of finding a BSE-positive cow in Alberta in 2003 was swift and brutal. Overnight, Canada’s export market evaporated and prices for cattle, especially older animals, tanked. As we look back on the decades that have followed, the longer-lasting impacts have been monumental, but not necessarily as clear. To dive in to what... Read More
Tucked into the Ontario Progressive Conservatives’ Bill 97 is a proposed change to severance allowances of farmland that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) says could make siting of livestock farms much more difficulty. What’s more, the bill carves out increased power for Ministerial Zoning Orders in the name of housing; however, Peggy Brekveld, president... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Peggy Brekveld, president of Ontario Federation of Agriculture to discuss Bill 97 and the potential impact it will have on farmland, plus you’ll hear a clip from Monday night’s episode of The Agronomists with... Read More
Chilly to downright cold nights have some Ontario farmers worried about alfalfa, wheat, and beans. Of course, if you look west, the heat is on and so are the wildfires, obscuring the sun for much of Alberta. For this week’s around-the-horn on agronomy updates, host of Wheat Pete’s Word Peter Johnson tackles the frost question,... Read More
Certain herbicides have done plenty of heavy lifting when it comes to the fight against weeds over the last number of decades, but as herbicide resistance becomes more common, it’s important to spread out that workload whenever possible. Corn is often a crop where there are more herbicide options, explains Jeanette Gaultier, technical services specialist... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Jim McCormick of AgMarket.net, to discuss how the markets have a bearish tone as demand concerns continue. We will also hear from Justin Funk of RealAgristudies, to talk about the results from the recent farm transition survey and... Read More
If you look at the commodity markets as of Tuesday, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but for the most part — there’s no green on the screen. Jim McCormick of AgMarket.Net joined RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney to discuss what is going on, and where this uncertainty is coming from. As you can... Read More
The focus is on pea aphids in this episode of the Pest & Predators podcast — and more importantly, what eats them! We know pea aphids can cause some definite damage in pulse crops — but to what extent? Dr. Tyler Wist, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Saskatoon, joins host Shaun Haney to discuss the... Read More
Tonight’s episode of The Agronomists is dedicated to those rotten… you guessed it… root rots. Identification, rotation impacts, scouting tips, and likely culprits for canola, corn, and soybeans — host Lyndsey Smith covers it all. Joining her is Clint Jurke, of the Canola Council of Canada, and Alison Robertson, of Iowa State University. This episode... Read More
Ideally, we want to get every crop off to the best start possible. One of the ways that this can be done in canola is through a pre-emergent herbicide, says Marissa Robitaille Balog, of the Canola Council of Canada. “Canola isn’t super competitive when it’s small,” Robitaille explains in this Canola School episode. “It’s pretty... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! We’ve got a great lineup for you here today. You’ll hear: Marissa Robitaille Balog of the Canola Council of Canada, on a recent Canola School episode on using a pre-emerge herbicide; Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, on tackling herbicide-resistant fleabane; and Peter... Read More
Welcome to the Canola PODcast, sponsored by BASF’s InVigor® hybrid canola. In this episode, we delve into the world of Demonstration Strip Trials (DST) conducted by BASF. Join us as we explore the benefits of these trials, featuring insights from Sheldon Toews, a member of BASF’s Technical Service team, and John Badry, a fourth-generation grower... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange to give us a Beef Market Update. We will also hear from Ranulf Glanville of Grainfox to discuss the markets. We will also hear from RealAgriculture’s Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson... Read More
As the growing season really gets going across North America, we’re starting to see a little more hope on where the grass is growing, and there’s a bit more optimism out there in the pasture — especially in southwestern Saskatchewan, which has faced multiple years of hard drought and where this week’s Beef Market Update... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: the Alberta wildfires; Dr. Yantai Gan sentenced on tax evasion; and, Legislation establishing Food Day in Canada.... Read More
German feeding equipment maker BvL is bringing its brand of total mixed rations to Canadian dairy farms. The Emsbüren, Germany-based manufacturer has struck an agreement with their Canadian distributor, Fergus, Ontario’s Grand River Robotics to represent and sell the company’s TMR mixers. BvL showcased their technology last month at the Canadian Dairy XPO at Stratford,... Read More
Every year across the country, there can be a significant difference in not only what moisture looks like, but what is considered to be the “just right” of soil moisture. So, how do we determine what available moisture looks like? Jack Payne of South Country Co-op joined this Canola School episode to discuss some of... Read More
The expulsion from Canada of a Chinese diplomat earlier this week could wreak havoc on grain exports… or not. What could happen with exports is concerning, yes, but there are much more concrete factors set to shape markets in the short term, says one analyst. Ranulf Glanville with GrainFox says getting a better handle on... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ryan McCarron of Antigonish, N.S.; Kennedy Kaufman of Woodstock, Ont.; Corey Loessin of Radisson, Sask.; and Kevin Bisschop of Chilliwack, B.C. We will also hear from... Read More
In what can only be described as a widespread emergency, severe wildfires are raging over huge parts of Alberta. Cooler, wetter weather earlier this week did mean evacuation orders were lifted for some areas, however huge areas of the northwest region are under extreme threat. In the fire’s path are countless homes and ranches, at... Read More
A job worth doing is worth doing right — and seed treating is no different. This is the sentiment Brian Ellis of Graham Seed Treating Systems Ltd. at Olds, Alta., shares in our latest episode of the Wheat School. In order to do this, it means you have to plan ahead, says Ellis. A poor... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Ranulf Glanville, of Grainfox, to discuss the commodity markets and what China will do, as well as Brad Dubeau, general manager of the Alberta Beef Producers, to discuss the Alberta Wildfires. Don’t miss the top ag news stories... Read More
On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s World, we get a glimpse at fall seeded crops from west and east and reports of our first fields harvests! Never heard of triticale as a silage crop? This episode is for you, as host Peter Johnson shares some recent results from Ontario experiences of a new triticale... Read More
Jodie Aldred loves to take pictures, and she’s turning her passion for farm snap shots into a burgeoning business. After growing up on her family’s beef cow-calf and cash crop farm at West Lorne, Ont., like many farm kids, Aldred headed off to the corporate world. But it wasn’t long before the pictures of life... Read More
Grasshoppers are known to be voracious pests that can cause widespread damage, similar to plagues of locusts if not controlled. But is there a way to anticipate an infestation? Inspired by The Wheat School video featuring an interview with Lyle Jensen of Agro Plus, on identifying and controlling grasshoppers early in the growing season, Peter... Read More
Glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane was first confirmed in Ontario in 2010. Fast-forward thirteen years and the weed now has developed resistance to multiple herbicide groups and can be found in Essex County, bordering Michigan, all the way east to Glengarry County, adjacent to the Quebec border. University of Guelph weed scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema has been... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney plays a clip with Gerrit Herrema on changing technology from a recent The Successors podcast with host Kara Oosterhuis, as well as a clip from the latest Mind Your Farm Business episode with Elaine Froese, farm family coach,... Read More
On an episode of Real Ag Radio Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson answered a listener question about the best practices for spreading manure on farmland. Johnson emphasized the importance of considering factors such as soil type, weather conditions, and current soil nutrient levels before determining how often to spread manure. The first step, according to Johnson, is... Read More
If you are a farmer or farm business owner, succession planning is a critical process that you cannot afford to overlook. Succession planning involves transferring ownership and management of your farm business to the next generation, and it is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of your business and your family’s financial future. In this... Read More
When it comes to soybean fertility, there are many different pieces of the puzzle we could look at. Tonight’s episode of The Agronomists focuses particularly on P and K management. Do starter and pop-up fertilizers make a significant impact on soybean performance compared to just broadcasting the crops’ nutrient needs? When do we soil test... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, to discuss a number of topics including: grasshoppers, dandelion roots, and early bean emergence. We will then hear an interview Kara Oosterhuis had with Lyle Jensen of... Read More
A European corn borer (ECB) population in part of eastern Canada appears to have developed resistance to a Bt protein commonly used in North American corn hybrids for preventing damage from the pest. On April 27th, the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition reported a sample of ECB collected near Truro, Nova Scotia, showed reduced susceptibility to... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Kody Blois, chair of standing committee on agriculture to discuss recommendations for supporting Canadian agriculture. As well as Carmen Prang, Saskatchewan Wheat to talk about seed testing and an update on the use of Lambda-cy products. We... Read More
The rule of thumb for planting soybeans in Western Canada has generally been to wait until the soil is 10 degrees C — often after canola is in the ground, but there are a number of reasons, including historical yield data, that suggest the crop would benefit from earlier planting. This Soybean School episode, recorded... Read More
A lower seeding rate, narrow rows and attention to detail. They’re all management practices grower Jeffrey Krohn employs to grow high-yielding winter wheat on his Elkton, Michigan farm. Krohn’s strategy helped him win top honours in the 2022 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN). When all the results were tabulated, Krohn finished first in both... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, and Stuart Person of MNP, for the RealAg Issues Panel. Stay tuned for a BONUS segment! They discuss many topics, including: The land rental rate report published... Read More
Last year, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food set out to better understand the impact of international volatility on grain and other commodity markets and the possible need for global aid. Following that process, the Committee then decided to look further in to global food insecurity, by starting... Read More
Several government departments, consultations, and decisions are converging to clear a path for gene-editing technology to be approved as a breeding technique for conventional crops. That’s right, if the last hurdle can be cleared — approval of gene-edited plants for livestock feed — a variety or cultivar produced with gene-editing techniques would be considered non-novel... Read More
Record yields in 2022 after a late start are raising some questions about the assumption that earlier is always better for planting corn in Manitoba and other northern growing areas. Historical averages in Manitoba show a downward trend in yield with each week that passes in May, but the 2022 crop set a new bar... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Charlene Wattam of Renfrew, Ont.; Patrick Dunphy of South Pinette, P.E.I.; Landon Friesen of Crystal City, Man.; and Jim Hale of Lancer, Sask. We will also... Read More
If a farm has the capacity to buy land, it’s often stymied by the lack of land for purchase, not an unwillingness to take on the work or the debt. It’s still surprising to learn that about 40 per cent of land being farmed in Canada is being rented, according to Farm Credit Canada (FCC).... Read More
Wheat. A mainstay of crop rotations globally and a huge part of the Canadian export market, wheat has not had a great run the last few weeks. To unpack all that’s going on with this market, we go to Brian Voth, founder of Intellifarm Inc., based at Manitoba. First, Voth says we need to check... Read More
Holstein Canada has launched a new app to make it easier for producers to submit genomic test samples and complete registration for Holstein animals directly from their mobile phone or tablet. Holstein Canada education and extension specialist Murilo Carvalho says the ConneXXion app was designed in response to producer requests for technology to help simplify... Read More
Across the Prairies, there’s no doubt that you’ll see a few grasshoppers over the course of the summer — especially when it is hot and dry. However, if the conditions are right, you’ll see grasshoppers feeding early in the season and sometimes even find eggs in the field. Lyle Jensen, of AgroPlus Inc., says as... Read More
A properly calibrated planter can make a key contribution to corn yield but could the planter wheels be causing yield-robbing soil compaction? Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs corn specialist Ben Rosser says it’s important for growers to be aware of soil compaction on or around corn rows during planting. On this episode... Read More
Capturing carbon is one thing, but as many farmers are aware, quantifying the amount of carbon being sequestered can be a tricky feat. Hebert Grain Ventures (HGV), of Fairlight, Sask., has joined the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agriculture (CANZA), and will work with researchers from the University of Saskatchewan on a national case study. The... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Brian Voth, with Intellifarm, to discuss what to expect in the markets. We will also hear some of our listeners feedback from our social media platforms, as well as the top ag news stories, including... Read More
Water, water, water — in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, the topic of water comes up several times. From ancient lakes, to wet weather, to the erosive power of water, to mixing order for spray solution, water is a hot topic this week. Also on this week’s Word, host Peter Johnson says nay to... Read More
Growers spend the winter making sure the equipment is ready, the seed variety is selected, and the inputs are budgeted for. Some may forward sell crops, while others want to hold off and store it in their bins. Farmers work hard to make sure seeding timing is correct, and the soil conditions are fit. But... Read More
Should growers plant soybeans in narrower 15-inch rows or should they go wide and plant at 30 inches? Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soybean specialist Horst Bohner has been listening to the debate for years, and rather than taking sides, he likes to focus on the fact that growers can choose an... Read More
Working together towards a common vision is the driving force behind 3Gen Organics, one of the country’s biggest and most progressive family-run organic farming operations. On this episode of Profitable Practices, we visit with Brett Israel, near Wallenstein, Ont, to learn how three generations of the family have worked together to carve out a market... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by JP Gervais, of Farm Credit Canada, to discuss land rental rates. Haney is then joined by Greg Northey, of Pulse Canada, on the changes needed for interswitching and improving railway productivity. Thoughts on something we... Read More
Some Prairie pests coast in on wind, but several pest populations over winter in the area. It’s these pests that can run in cycles, ebbing and flowing with conditions and predator populations. Knowing what pressure was like — and where — the year previously can be very helpful in anticipating pest problems. For this episode... Read More
Early season weed control, tank mix tips, troublesome weeds, and a whole lot more are the focus on this episode of The Agronomists. Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Mike Cowbrough of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and Tammy Jones, of Corteva Agriscience. This episode of the Agronomists is brought... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to discuss a number of topics including: the (torrential!) rain out in Ontario, spinner spreaders, managing sandy soil, and much more! We will then hear an interview... Read More
Creating new varieties of any crop type is never a speedy process. Over the years of development, the end goal can shift so much so that selection priorities must shift as well. In the case of peas, root rot pressure, including from aphanomyces, has been an emerging concern. Ascochyta was the key disease focus for... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney shares an interview Lyndsey Smith had with Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, to discuss the agricultural impacts from the federal worker strike and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region on trade. Then, you’ll then hear an interview with... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Impacts from the federal strike; The timing of the StatsCan acreage report survey; Senior leadership change at... Read More
Many edible bean growers target the first week of June as the optimal planting window for the range of bean types that make up the category. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, Hensall Co-op field marketer and edible bean grower Dave Louwagie shares tips on prepping the seedbed and the planter for... Read More
A group of 13 commodity and farm organizations representing grain shippers are calling on the federal government to move ahead with a commitment to bring back extended interswitching in the Canadian rail system. The 2023 federal budget included a promise to implement an 18-month pilot trial for extended interswitching. Interswitching allows a shipper that’s served... Read More
If ever there was to be an all-good-news edition of the Beef Market Update, it may just be this week. Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, runs through the numbers south of the border, in the finished and feeder markets, and all the way down to grass cattle and the news is good to... Read More
Stacking bales or loading a TMR are just two of the dairy farm tasks the new Weidemann T7042 telehandler is designed to tackle. The German-based manufacturer showed off the first T7042 on Canadian soil earlier this month at the Canadian Dairy XPO at Stratford, Ont. In this video interview, Weidemann business development manager Vincent Nicoletis... Read More
While she’s new to the role of president, Erin Gowriluk is already quite familiar with the organization she’s leading, as she’s spent the past decade working for organizations that are members of the Canada Grains Council. “I’m new to this role, but not new to the Council,” she explains, discussing her new gig with RealAgriculture’s... Read More
Ontario’s winter wheat crop has come through the winter in good condition and is packed with yield potential. But there is concern: a crop with big stem- and head-counts carries a much higher risk of lodging. To reduce this risk, growers will be looking to apply a plant growth regulator (PGR) to help the crop... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Sandi Brock of Staffa, Ont.; John-Wiebe Dykstra of Salisbury, N.B.; Shaune Harty of Foremost, Alta.; and Keith Fournier of Lone Rock, Sask. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect... Read More
The average Canadian dairy cow milks for about 2.8 lactations. That’s better than the global average of 2.5, but this country’s cows could last longer and produce more if dairy farmers did a better job of listening to their cows, says CowSignals founder Joep Driessen. A veterinarian who co-founded the CowSignals business in The Netherlands... Read More
While the energy markets should be focused on supply and demand fundamentals, nagging economic factors and volatility in geopolitics are getting all the attention right now. That’s according to Phil Flynn, author of the Energy Report, who says banking stress in the U.S. and overseas, inflationary costs, and continued unrest in Ukraine and Sudan is... Read More
Where should growers place fertilizer in strip-till strips to best protect the seed from injury while optimizing nutrient uptake? Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs corn lead Ben Rosser says Ontario does have “safe rate” recommendations for in-furrow and 2″x 2″ planter banding but no guidelines are currently available for strip-till fertilizer placement.... Read More
Inputs play an important role agronomically, but they can also be a significant cost to any operation. Getting the most out of each dollar is important. One of the first input costs after seed itself is spent on seed treatments. Shad Milligan, of Syngenta Canada, joined the latest episode of the Wheat School to discuss... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Jon Driedger with Leftfield Commodity Research to discuss the StatsCan survey report and the grain markets. We will also hear from Phil Flynn with an energy market report. Then hear an interview Bernard Tobin... Read More
Fields are warming up, greening up, and getting fit to plant — but it seems no matter where in Canada you farm, it’s cool to cold and not warming up in a hurry. For this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has some updates regarding early wheat management, some tips on the... Read More
Statistics Canada says wheat acres across Canada will be the highest they’ve been in more than twenty years, while area planted to canola, corn, barley, and soybeans will also climb in 2023. However there’s an asterisk beside those numbers, as the agency also announced a major change to the methodology behind its seeding intentions report... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Erin Gowriluk, president of the Canada Grains Council, to get her thoughts on the challenges ahead for the industry. We will also hear a recorded interview from yesterday with Remi Gosselin, of the Canadian... Read More
For many areas of Western Canada, the soil is still quite cool, or only just beginning to warm up. However, just because there’s not a lot of biological activity going on in the soil, doesn’t mean the risk for soil-borne disease goes away. As Shad Milligan of Syngenta explains in our latest Wheat School episode,... Read More
An open fall, warm winter temperatures, and a mild spring that has now turned cool and wet all add up to big weed control challenges as the calendar gets ready to turn to May. From cover crops that refused to die under snow cover, to hardy oats, tough annuals and an abundance of volunteer wheat,... Read More
Residue management, seeing rates, dates, other establishment factors in the early season, and a whole lot more are the focus on this episode of The Agronomists. Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by certified wheat gurus Phil Needham, of Needham Ag Technologies, and Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist. The focus for this episode is... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to discuss a number of topics including: cool conditions and corn, tissue testing wheat, Group 14 resistant ragweed, and fall weed control results We will then... Read More
When talking about flea beetles and flea beetle pressure, it’s really all a numbers game. How can we get the least amount of insects across a wide range of plants? The key, says Jack Payne, of South Country Co-op, is uniform seeding and emergence. Getting canola crop off to a quick and even start will... Read More
Case IH has plans to pump up the horsepower offering for its AFS Connect Steiger series tractors with six all-new, high-powered models for 2024. The manufacturer says the Steiger 425, 475, 525, 555, 595 and 645 tractors, which are scheduled to go into production during the fourth quarter of 2023, will have the power to... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney discusses the federal workers, including staff at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Grain Commission, currently on strike. We will then hear from Jeremy Boychyn of the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, to discuss the components of yield. We... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, and Meagan Murdoch, of H&K Strategies, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Federal workers, including staff at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the... Read More
This spring, corn growers will be planting different seed sizes ranging from large rounds to flats and small rounds. Does the seed size impact the potential yield growers can expect to combine this fall? On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, PRIDE Seeds agronomist Olivia Noorenberghe notes that all seed, regardless of size, carries... Read More
Do starter and pop-up fertilizers make a significant impact on soybean performance compared to just broadcasting the crops’ nutrient needs? That’s a question Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soybean specialist Horst Bohner has been asked by many growers during the winter months. He says when soybeans first entered Ontario in the 1960s,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of a special Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Peter Johnson of Ingersoll, Ont.; Lyndsey Smith of Kinburn, Ont.; Kelvin Heppner of Altona, Man.; Paige Holmquist of Kinistino, Sask.; and Kara Oosterhuis of Bow Island, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked... Read More
It was 2004, less than a year after BSE hit the Canadian cattle industry, when Canada’s first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) devastated poultry production in B.C. Without any playbook on how to manage the virus, a decision was made to cull all the birds on commercial farms in B.C.’s Fraser Valley. While... Read More
What the heck, winter? Please see yourself out, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, because Canada has a crop to plant! On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, you’ll hear about whether or not early planted beans and corn are going to be OK, how to avoid clumpy fertilizer issues, and legacy of manure applications.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this special Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for a Wednesday edition of the RealAg Issues Panel to discuss the: PSAC federal strike; A cooling inflation; and the Olymel plant closure. Thoughts on something... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by Lakeland College. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Kara Oosterhuis, Bernard Tobin, and Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson for an agronomic panel. They discuss a number of topics including: Spring moisture; Winter wheat; Old wives tales, and much... Read More
Welcome to Season 4 of the Pests & Predators podcast series, where top entomologists highlight the insect Field Heroes hard at work for Canadian farmers. Dr. Meghan Vankosky, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) at Saskatoon, Sask., co-chairs the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN), a key tool in alerting farmers to pest population... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson and Rob McLaughlin of C&M Seeds on assessing wheat stand establishment. Then hear from Nevin Rosaasen, sustainability and government relations lead with Alberta Pulse Growers, on dynamic... Read More
What’s old is new again, or at least as relevant as ever when it comes to managing herbicide resistant weeds. Research led by Charles Geddes, weed scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Lethbridge, shows cultural practices — tighter row spacing, higher seeding rates, and longer crop rotations — can be just as effective as... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Scott Kehler of Weatherlogics, to provide a spring weather forecast, Chip Flory of AgriTalk to discuss the wheat markets, and Haney will also take a look at the results from the March RealAgristudies Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss, among other things: This week’s economic news, including the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision and what it means; Federal... Read More
Even though many are looking at the futures market for ’23 new crop prices, and there’s a little more positivity across drought areas in terms of upcoming precipitation, “what’s going in the mouths of cattle today is still old crop.” So, as a result, we’re going to have to wait until the back half of... Read More
Dr. Tim Henshaw never missed an opportunity to promote the Canadian dairy industry and its contribution to this country and the world. A champion for agriculture, Henshaw, a 1979 Ontario Veterinary College graduate, spent over 40 years as a veterinarian on cattle reproductive health at United Breeders, then Gencor and finally EastGen. He examined more... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jenn Doelman of Renfrew, Ont.; Michael Groot of Huron County, Ont.; Randy Court of Plumas, Man.; and Jim Wickett of Rosetown, Sask. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with... Read More
Thick stand? Thin stand? How does your wheat look as the growing season revs up with mid-April heat? In Ontario, RealAgriculture Agronomist Peter Johnson likes what he sees and says it’s time to get out, scout winter wheat fields and assess those stands. Looking back on data from the first two years of the Great... Read More
Trying to “cure” aphanomyces of pea and lentil is similar to trying to find a cure for something as complex as cancer. The organism is hardy, spreads easily, and persists in soil for a long time. Dr. Sabine Banniza, with the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre, says the root rot pathogen is likely native... Read More
Shifting weather patterns, like this one from La Niña to El Niño, can have profoundly different impacts depending on the region. Each weather pattern can be generalized — as in, wetter for some regions, drier for others — but the shift this year has caused some wild weather swings. Scott Kehler, president and chief scientist... Read More
Planting corn at a uniform depth across the field is a key driver of even emergence and optimum yield. To ensure seed is planted at the desired depth, Kearney Planters operations manager Cullen Tinline says it’s critical for growers to ensure they ‘zero’ the row units before they roll into fields this spring. On most... Read More
The spring wheat market is no exception when it comes to how up in the air the commodity markets have been. Especially when you look at all the intended acres that are planned for the U.S. Chip Flory, of Agritalk, says a main reason for keeping eyes on the spring wheat market, is the terrible... Read More
It’s summertime, says Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word. Well, maybe not quite, but it’s sure feeling a heck of a lot more like spring out there. In this weeks’ episode of the Word, Johnson discusses erosion and tillage, record temperatures, a positive attitude, and more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pride Seeds. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Tyler McCann, of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), and Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, to discuss Episode 5 of the Ag Policy Connection podcast focused on the dismantling of... Read More
After decades of debate among farmers and politicians, it took less than 15 months for the machinery of the federal government to dismantle — some might describe it as steamroll — the Canadian Wheat Board’s single desk following the Conservative majority in the 2011 federal election. The behind-the-scenes of how former federal Agriculture Minister Gerry... Read More
Many entrepreneurs struggle with finding the right people to join their team. Right now, the employment market is also very tight as supply is low, and competitiveness for workers is so strong. So much attention is paid to the recruitment of new employees, but how often do we actually focus on the onboarding process? Research... Read More
When looking at the markets, farmers may feel like they are standing in quicksand, as the outlook uncertainty continues. Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk, joined RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney to discuss some of the hesitancy in the markets, and some of the more positive news that we’ve heard as of late, including the positive... Read More
Four generations of innovation keeps you on your toes: and that’s exactly what Andrea Stroeve-Sawa loves about Shipwheel Cattle Feeders. In our debut episode of Profitable Practices, we head over to Taber, Alta. to shine a light on innovation and management practices Stroeve-Sawa and her family employ at their 5,500 head feedlot. Sponsored by Farm... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Chip Flory, host of Agritalk, to discuss the spring wheat, corn and soybean markets. As well as Justin Funk of RealAgristudies, is on to discuss the March results from the Canadian Farmer sentiment index. Don’t... Read More
Often, when looking at soil samples, our eyes tend to flick straight to the nitrogen section. Where are N levels? What do we need to apply? Nitrogen is very important in wheat production, but, as Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension manager with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions explains, we still need to be keeping... Read More
Because biological crop products are neither fertilizer nor pesticide, there’s no requirement for efficacy proof before a product is released for commercial sales. So long as it doesn’t cause harm to the crop or pose an environmental risk, these biostimulants, stress supporters, and nutrient enhancers are largely sold on a buyer beware market. But that’s... Read More
Saskatchewan soybean production has been a roller coaster ride over the past decade. In 2013, growers planted 170,000 acres of the oilseed. Growing enthusiasm for the crop pushed acres higher to 850,000 in 2017, but since that time weather challenges and poor yields have caused acres to plunge — just over 45,000 acres were planted... Read More
There are many variables that determine the success of a crop and crop rotations can be used to maintain and manage nutrient and moisture levels in the soil. Anne Paquette is a masters candidate at the University of Saskatchewan whose thesis is focused on water use efficiency. Research typically shows increased water use efficiency of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by ABJ AgriProducts! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, to discuss the burst of warm temperatures, soil erosion, tile drainage on a slope and much more! Also, we will hear... Read More
Farmers in the market for a new skid steer can now take a look at Kioti after the Daedong-owned brand entered the market segment last year with its new SL750. At the National Farm Machinery Show held at Louisville, Kentucky, Kioti product manager Jason Boerger gave RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin a tour of the 74-hp machine... Read More
It may not have been the main focus of the federal budget rolled out on March 28th, but supply chains, logistics, and transport did receive some serious nods in the document. Greg Northey, vice president of corporate affairs with Pulse Canada, a member of the Ag Transport Coalition, says that the commitment within the budget... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend, airing every Saturday at 4 pm on Saskatchewan radio stations 650 CKOM Saskatoon and 980 CJME Regina! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Rene Roy with the Canadian Pork Council to discuss concerns restrictions by the the United Kingdom as part of joining... Read More
Happy Easter! Thanks for tuning in to this Good Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss: Different sized birds for fast food restaurant needs; Potatoes for Easter; New job numbers; and A dog... Read More
The Canadian Dairy XPO returned to a live trade show format this week for the first time since 2019. The dairy showcase celebrated the return by playing host to the third edition of the Calves For A Cause auction to benefit London Children’s Health Foundation. CDX founder Jordon Underwood notes that the Calves For A... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Jay Lewis of Holstein, Ont.; Mark Huston of Thamesville, Ont.; Jeff Bennett of Dodsland, Sask.; Scott Keller of New Norway, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Tyler McCann, of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), and Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, to discuss Episode 4 of the Ag Policy Connection podcast focused on the future of business risk management (BRM) programs in... Read More
The weather outside might be frightful, especially for the first week of April, but Wheat Pete’s Word is so delightful! This week on the podcast, host Peter Johnson makes some very important clarifications on sulphur concentration in fertilizer products, talks erosion events and manure application compaction, and throws out a new challenge to listeners regarding... Read More
“If I’d give any advice, I’d say don’t be afraid to ask questions…don’t ask a question because you know the answer. Ask a question because you genuinely want to know, and get their opinion and get their advice. And when you ask that question, when you explore that curiosity, you’re wiser, and the folks who... Read More
As with most things that involve technology, machinery companies are working to continuously keep equipment up-to-date and relevant in an ever-changing landscape. John Deere is no different, as they debuted updates to the 8R tractor series at Commodity Classic at Orlando, Florida, last month. One of the stand-out updates to the 8R tractors for model... Read More
After undergoing some major changes through the ’80s and ’90s, business risk management (BRM) programs for farmers across Canada have remained largely the same for the last two decades. While there have been a few tweaks to AgriStability and its siblings in the BRM family of programs, AgriInsurance, and AgriInvest, the risks that farmers and... Read More
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) is disappointed the Government of Canada has accepted restrictions on access to products in the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) put forward by the United Kingdom as part of the terms for it to join the deal. Rene Roy, pork producer from Quebec and chair of the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Greg Northey, of Pulse Canada, to discuss the transportation components from the federal budget, interswitching, and much more! We will also hear an interview Bernard Tobin had with Dr. Timothy Caufield, of the University of... Read More
Despite there being a lot more hope for rain in the 2023 growing season, the drought that has struck a good portion of North America for the past few years is still very fresh in many farmers’ minds. With that, many farmers are wondering what options are out there to add to the rotation that... Read More
There are several pest species of aphids that attack crops in Canada. Some species are very host-specific, such as the soybean aphid, but others can be found on several plant hosts. Aphids are known to be able to build numbers incredibly rapidly and so require careful scouting during the growing season. To unpack what we... Read More
Case IH is adding two models to its Vestrum Series tractor lineup. Introduced in 2020, the Vestrum is designed to deliver versatility, comfort and high-horsepower in a smaller design. The two new tractors will pump up the power offering with the Vestrum 110 tractor reaching up to 88 PTO horsepower, and the Vestrum 120 achieving... Read More
The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) held its semi-annual Plugfest at Commodity Classic last month at Orlando, Florida, in order to continue to make technology easier and more transparent to the farming community. The AEF was founded in 2008 by John Deere, Komatsu, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), AGCO, Case IH, New Holland, Claas,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, to discuss the “spring” weather, nitrogen uptake, new technology, and much more! Also we will hear from Jeremy Boychyn, with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, to... Read More
Misinformation is nothing new. Humans have been stretching the truth since the beginning of time, but the growing amount of misinformation generated today and the speed at which it moves is one of the defining issues of our time, says academic and author Dr. Timothy Caulfield. As a member of the University of Alberta’s Faculty... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend, airing every Saturday at 4 pm on Saskatchewan radio stations 650 CKOM Saskatoon and 980 CJME Regina! On this episode, host Shaun Haney will give us hear a federal budget breakdown. We will also hear an interview Haney had with Jocelyn Wasko on the calving struggles... Read More
Before seed even goes in the ground, farmers are asking the question: how do I make the most of this crop? How do I ensure my yield potential is where it should be? Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension manager with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, joins us in our latest episode of the Wheat... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio as we end off the month of March! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Bill C-234; New dairy code of practice;... Read More
The story for the last couple of weeks in the cattle markets has been the cash market, and how it is responding on both sides of the border. In both the U.S. and Canada, the cash market has been extremely positive, says Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. In this week’s episode of the... Read More
Ahead of this week’s federal budget, farmers in Ontario and points east were eagerly anticipating news of how approximately $34.1 million collected against sales of fertilizer was going to be spent in an effort to “return” the proceeds to those who paid the tariff. The answer to that question is what we lead off with... Read More
Claas Lexion 8000 Series combines will have a new look, more power, and larger grain storage in 2023. The combine maker says the updates are designed to give growers more tools to achieve the best results while harvesting and make the most out of each hour in the field. In this interview at the National... Read More
Edible beans are not huge consumers of fertilizer but they will deliver better performance with a balanced fertility plan. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, Hensall Co-op field marketer Meghan Scott breaks down the components of that plan and offers tips on how growers can fine-tune fertility for the 2023 crop. Overall,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Steve Terpstra of Atwood, Ont.; Ryan Barrett of Kensington, P.E.I.; Jocelyn Wasko of Eastend, Sask.; and, Kent Erickson of Irma, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host... Read More
Mother Nature rarely cooperates with everyone perfectly, and some areas seem to get more fair treatment than others. While Jocelyn Wasko, based in southwestern Saskatchewan, is always happy for some moisture, she says the drawn-out winter season happening now is making calving on her operation a bit tricky, to say the least. The problem is... Read More
Soy Canada has responded to requests by importers of Canadian soybeans and launched its Sustainable Canadian Soy verification program. Brian Innes, executive director of Soy Canada, says the voluntary program has been two-years in the making. “What we heard consistently is that some customers, particularly in Japan, and Europe, are asking for a verified supply... Read More
The federal budget announced earlier this week had a handful of agriculture-related announcements, including $333 million over 10 years for the establishment of the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund. The fund, set to be administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, is for research and development of new products that use solids non-fat (SNF), market development for... Read More
New Holland had its model year air disc drill for the first time on a trade show floor at Commodity Classic at Orlando, Florida, earlier this month. The P2185 is a model year ’23, replacing New Holland’s P2085 disc air drill model. It’s a single shoot drill, that comes in 30-foot capacity of 110 bushel,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Tyler McCann of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture to discuss Episode 3 of the Ag Policy Connection podcast focused on transportation and railway rules. They will also discuss yesterday’s... Read More
Purple wheat, especially at this time of year, is not anything that can be fixed, unless you can manage to change the weather to warm up in a hurry. Spring warm up is a big focus of this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word — from making the call on clover additions, to early S... Read More
The winter of 2013-14 stands out in the minds of many who were involved in growing and marketing grain in Western Canada as the year of the massive grain backlog, as railways struggled to meet demand for moving crops from country elevators to export markets. With no access to water, like the St. Lawrence or... Read More
How can you turn a decades-old planter, into an up-to-date planter? Talk to Precision Planting. Bryce Baker, of Precision Planting, was at Commodity Classic, at Orlando, Florida, earlier this month to discuss how you can upgrade your older equipment, and turn it into something more modern, for about half the price of a new implement.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by Alpine. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Jim Wiesemeyer, of Pro Farmer, on U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Canada, the take south of the border on the increased emphasis on trade policy, and much more! As... Read More
New Holland is billing its new T7.300 model long wheelbase tractor as the most powerful and compact tractor in its range, delivering more power than other T7 models while maintaining tractor dimensions and maneuverability. Farmers got their first look at the tractor at the National Farm Machinery Show last month at Louisville, Kentucky. In this... Read More
The popularity of robot milkers continues to grow dramatically across Canada. Today, between 15 and 20 per cent of Canadian farms milk cows using robot technology. Ten years ago, that number hovered near five per cent. Western Canadian dairy farmers are the biggest adopters with between 25 and 50 per cent of farms in different... Read More
Before we head into the field, there’s plenty of things to consider, however, once we do finally get in the field (which, for many across Canada seems to be a ways away, yet), that planting pass is crucial. Tonight’s focus is on corn — and getting that crop established to the best of our abilities.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to discuss crawling into spring, getting a jump on planting potatoes, wrapping up maple syrup season, and so much more! As well, hear a clip from last... Read More
In 1923 it took a crew of 12 people to cut, bind, thresh, and bag grain for storage. That was the same year that Curtis, Edwin, and Ernest Baldwin developed the Gleaner combine to make harvesting more efficient, less labour intensive and more enjoyable for the farmer. Fast forward 100 years and the Gleaner brand... Read More
How many farmers do you know currently participating in a carbon market exchange? The number is likely small, if any, as the Canadian carbon credit market has been slow to establish in the current regulatory climate here. In the U.S., however, there are several players in the voluntary market, and accessibility of these programs seems... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend, airing every Saturday at 4 pm on Saskatchewan radio stations 650 CKOM Saskatoon and 980 CJME Regina. On this episode, we will an interview Kelvin Heppner had with Jason Lenz of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops on the Code of Practice 2.0 for Responsible Grain.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: U.S raising interest rates; Immigration numbers; and Responsible Grain Code 2.0. Also hear Karen Proud... Read More
What needs replacing? What’s worn out? What should I be looking for? Those are just a few of the questions Kearney Planters operations manager Cullen Tinline is fielding from grower customers as winter turns to spring. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, Tinline takes us on a planter inspection and offers maintenance and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Billy Beaudry of Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.; Brett Israel of Mapletown, Ont.; Adam Gurr of Rapid City, Man.; and, Rob Somerville of Endiang, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect... Read More
The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) continues to press the federal government to make good on its promise to return the approximately $34 million in tariffs it collected from farmers on Russian fertilizer imports in 2022. The Liberal government has pledged to return the money to the agriculture sector but Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food... Read More
There’s plenty of uncertainty in 2023 grain markets. The potential for big corn and soybean acres combined with weak economic performance could push prices lower as the year unfolds. But there’s still plenty of profit opportunity, says AgMarket.Net co-founder Jim McCormick. He shared his take on the markets while participating in a market panel at... Read More
In 2018, Zach Fleishman interviewed 200 irrigation farmers trying to figure out their pain points when it comes to center pivot tires. At the time, the number one issue farmers wanted to eliminate was the pivot track rutting in their fields. The second issue was dealing with flat tires. Flash forward to 2023 and Fleishman... Read More
John Deere is offering all new displays, receivers and modems in its precision agriculture line up. The new displays — the G5 plus andG5 — will offer three times more processing speed. Producers around the world share similar needs, and John Deere recognizes the importance of working with producers as they make advances in equipment... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Tyler McCann of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture to discuss Episode 2 of the Ag Policy Connection podcast focused on CETA. We will also hear from Neil Townsend,... Read More
The calendar says it’s spring, and we’re ramping up quickly towards the seeding season. Although plenty of cropping plans are already completed, it’s that time of the year where last-minute decisions are going to be on the table. Neil Townsend, market analyst with GrainFox, joined Lyndsey Smith on Wednesday’s edition of RealAg Radio to discuss... Read More
Case IH has taken its Puma tractor power offering to a new level with the addition of the AFS Connect Puma 260. The company says the new tractor redefines the meaning of a compact, high-power tractor with 260 hp (300 peak). In addition to being fully equipped with AFS Connect for advanced data management and... Read More
It’s been nearly six years since Canada ratified a major trade agreement with its second largest trading partner, the European Union. While the deal has been hailed as an overall success, it has yet to live up to its potential when it comes to agricultural exports from Canada. At the time in 2017, it was... Read More
Fertilizer products need to be able to meet the needs of a crop while supporting success of a grower’s operation and land stewardship. While there’s plenty of focus on nitrogen fertilizer management, phosphorus is also an incredibly important nutrient and also one that has environmental consequences if not managed well. Kerry Cebul, chief executive officer... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is set to ruffle some feathers this week as he makes the bold claim that it’s been too warm. Too warm!? Spring seems to be taking its time arriving this year, but Johnson explains what he means and why it might change the scouting schedule. Also on this week’s Wheat Pete’s... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show we hear from: Jason Lenz chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, on the Code of Practice 2.0; Keith Currie, the new Canadian Federation of Agriculture president; and the top ag news stories of the week! We will also hear... Read More
Farmer’s Business Network (FBN) has been busy since they first expanded into Canada in 2018. From crop protection products, to genetics, grower relations, and feed and animal health, FBN has continued to add to its lineup, and one of the areas they are especially focused on is expanding its canola breeding program for Western Canada.... Read More
After receiving backlash to a proposed voluntary code of practice for grain production, dubbed “Responsible Grain,” in 2021, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC) has gone back to the drawing board and is nearing completion of a new yet-to-be-named document that is supposed to highlight the sustainable practices used on Canadian farms. Consultations are... Read More
Agriculture is an industry engrained across Canada and there are many similarities to the needs of Canadian farmers and farmers from other countries. Newly-acclaimed president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Keith Currie, discusses what the CFA’s current priorities are and how international collaboration has influenced the work he is doing on behalf of... Read More
Canola seeds are tiny but mighty. They can also be fraught with mighty problems — from high seed mortality, to early insect pressure, heat blast, disease struggles, and more. And yet, somehow this yellow crop overcomes all of that and delivers on yield. How can we set the crop up for success, despite the pressures?... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show we hear from: Paul Nselel of Ag Reliant Genetics, on the plan for corn in Canada; Ryan Stockwell of Indigo, to take a look at the carbon market in the US; Jake Munroe of Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and... Read More
Kubota Standard L Series tractors have been a top-selling compact tractor in North America for more than a decade. In 2022, the tractor manufacturer introduced an updated Lo2 Series with a 33 and 39 hp configuration option. For 2023, Kubota will now move the entire L Series tractor family forward with the launch of two... Read More
What impact do higher-yielding corn crops have on no-till soybeans? That’s a question many growers are asking as they prepare to plant no-till soybeans into high levels of corn residue that can keep soil cooler in spring, impact emergence and reduce stands. Growers also have to contend with soil compaction caused by difficult harvest conditions... Read More
There are many reasons to adjust tire pressure, whether it be to reduce compaction, be gentler on crops, or increase the lifespan of the tire itself. Michelin’s central tire inflation system does all of the above, through two-line technology, versus the more common one-line technology seen across the market. Sean Higgins, of Michelin, was at... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend, airing every Saturday at 4 pm on Saskatchewan radio stations 650 CKOM Saskatoon and 980 CJME Regina. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Wade Sobkowich with Western Grain Elevator Association, on the lamda-cy label change; Farmland value growth in Canada; Katrina Schmidt, marketing... Read More
There are lots of things we are always keeping our eyes on in the cattle markets, but today, our eyes are on the fed cattle markets. Since our last Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, the U.S. markets have taken a bit of a dive, while in western Canada we... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Joe Biden’s visit to Canada; Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger, Farmland values in Canada; and,... Read More
Corn acres are growing in Canada, and AgReliant Genetics — sold under PRIDE Seeds in Canada — is anticipating even more growth for 2023. On the global scale, corn acres in Canada are quite low, so how does a country like Canada with such a low amount of corn acres get the research dollars that... Read More
We know the Green Party of Canada is very concerned about the climate — that’s not a surprise. Historically, despite farmer’s being good stewards of the land, this doesn’t necessarily mean agriculture and the Green Party of Canada are always aligned when it comes to policy. Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Steve Twynstra of Alisa Craig, Ont.; Ethan Wallace of Seaforth, Ont.; Jocelyn Velestuk of Broadview, Sask.; and, Aaron Hargreaves of Brandon, Man. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with... Read More
There is growing caution among analysts on where markets will land at and after harvest 2023, as some inflation pressures ease and prices drop. Input prices have pulled back, too, but for those who may still need to price product, the clock is ticking. Kevin McNew, vice president of research and chief economist for Farmers... Read More
Anxiety levels have been increasing across the board, as producers have their eyes on the commodity markets. Many people are feeling less assured the markets are on stable ground. Tyler Schau, of AgMarket.net, says we’ve had a pretty good three-year run, and if we follow the cliché, all good things must come to an end... Read More
The decision by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to allow lambda-cy sales with a food-only use label has the potential to put producers in a difficult position early in the growing season. Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA), says that this is an incredibly difficult situation, but it hasn’t... Read More
Stratford, Ont., wheat grower Andy Timmermans says anyone who is half serious about growing wheat in Ontario should enrol in the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN). Timmermans has been involved in the Great Lakes YEN since it started two years years ago. In 2022, he finished second in both the yield and per cent... Read More
There are benefits to both dry and liquid fertilizer, depending on the operation and fertility program. This is why Fendt decided to create more options for the Momentum planter, making it much more feasible to switch between dry and liquid fertilizers. It’s not a matter of convincing producers to go one way or the other,... Read More
As another season growing season approaches, farmers are once again planning for flea beetle control. This year planning comes with an additional question of what tools are left in the toolshed after re-labeling of lambda-cy insecticide products may limit use in 2023. One of the alternative products available is Pounce, an FMC insecticide. Prior to... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Tyler Schau of AgMarket.net on managing risk in the 2023 markets; Garth Hodges of BASF on why they are ending the hybrid wheat program; and Tyler McCann, Managing Director at Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, and... Read More
Is liquid fertilizer more or less available to the plant than granular? Is planting barley after potatoes a bad idea? Why would some soybean plants be green in a field of yellow plants? There are just a handful of the questions posed this week to the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson. In the... Read More
With changes in production around the world, fertilizer and commodity prices have fluctuated significantly in the last eight to 12 months. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer at Stone X, Linville says it depends on the market, but just about everything today has a very bearish slant to it. When you look at the nitrogen... Read More
Much of what governments in Canada do when it comes to agriculture and farming falls under the umbrella of the “Ag Policy Framework” — the big agreements that federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers have been signing roughly every five years going back to the early 2000s. With the latest iteration of the APF, known... Read More
When it comes to cybersecurity, often times the mentality can be “it happens to the big guys, it won’t happen to me.” The unfortunate reality is that cyberattacks are a growing industry, and in order to protect yourself and your company, you have to understand the risks and how to be less of a target.... Read More
Mitas is determined to drive the next generation of self-propelled sprayers with its HC 1000 narrow rim option (NRO) tires. The tire brand rolled out the radial flotation tire at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky, last month. In this interview, Trelleborg marketing manager Chris Neidert says the tire is built to handle up... Read More
Edge herbicide has been the first defence for weed control in all classes of dry beans in Western Canada for a long time. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, host Bernard Tobin is joined by Alan Christison, from Gowan Canada, to discuss how growers can optimize an Edge application and when to... Read More
It’s been nearly six years since canola flower midge was first identified on the Prairies while researchers with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada were studying what they originally thought was swede midge, a different pest seen in Eastern Canada and the U.S. Since that discovery and confirmation of a new pest in Saskatchewan and Alberta in... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show we hear from: Kevin McNew of Farmers Business Network, to discuss the markets; The Farm Credit Canada land value report; Wade Sobkowich of Western Grain Elevators Association on lambda-cy labelling challenges; and Curt Blades of Agriculture Equipment Manufacture Association on machinery... Read More
The seed meter is the heartbeat of the planter. Research from Precision Planting indicates that one per cent singulation accuracy can equal plus or minus two bushels in the field. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, Cullen Tinline, from Kearney Planters, looks at a range of seed meters and offers tips on what... Read More
Conventional soil testing provides growers with a look at the concentration of minerals present in soil. Western Ag soil analysis takes soil testing one step further by providing growers with a look at what minerals are available for root uptake. Edgar Hammermeister is one of the lead agronomists for Western Agriculture, and he spoke with... Read More
There are many parallels between coaching and team sports and running an effective work force. Leveraging skill sets, managing personality conflicts, goal setting, and teamwork are just as relevant during the seeding season or harvest as they are on the pitch or playing field. For this episode of the Mind Your Farm Business podcast, host... Read More
When it comes to autonomy in agriculture, it can be a bit overwhelming when we go straight to imagining machinery driving itself with no supervision. This is why Case IH’s messaging at Commodity Classic at Orlando, Florida, is to focus on the small things, in order to make autonomy a realistic goal. The first step,... Read More
There are two key messages from this episode of The Agronomists: avoiding compaction and minimizing topsoil movement is well worth the planning and effort, because the alternative results in significant yield loss and is expensive to fix. To dig in (!) to the topic, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by guests Dr. Jeff Schoenau, from... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by Nutrien eKonomics! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to discuss what to do after you have a soil test, identifying snow mold, and much more. You’ll also hear from Josh Linville, with StoneX, discussing the... Read More
Quebec farmer Mike Verdonck started strip tilling in 2000, and since then, has found Soil Warrior’s strip tiller is the best for their soil conditions. Verdonck was on hand at Commodity Classic at Orlando, Florida, to talk about his experiences with the implement. He operates in a heavy clay zone in Quebec, which as any... Read More
Late last month, BASF announced it was abandoning its hybrid wheat development program for North America, but continuing the breeding program for Europe. Garth Hodges, vice president of North American seed business for BASF, has worked with the hybrid wheat program from the very beginning. “I actually was the one that started with a small... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. How do you make the call on what technology to keep up with? When is the “right time” to get involved with politics? And who do you involve in your succession planning conversations? Gerrit... Read More
Back in 1923, good horses were the main source of horsepower on farms across North America. But that year would mark a remarkable change in farm power with the introduction of the iconic Farmall, an all-purpose tractor that would help revolutionize the agriculture industry. In 2023, Case IH has kicked off a year-long celebration to... Read More
In order for dairy farms to produce milk, the cows first have to produce calves, many of which are classified as surplus calves that are destined for the beef industry or veal operations, rather than being raised as dairy cow replacements. Across North America more than five million surplus dairy calves are produced each year.... Read More
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has released its February numbers, and although they are showing a mixed bag in both the U.S. Canada, combine sales have spiked. And not just by a small increase either — a whopping 247 per cent year-over-year increase in Canada, and a 165 per cent bump in the U.S.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by Azotic Technologies’ Envita! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Prime Minster Justin Trudeau’s visit to the Canadian... Read More
There’s just over a month of consultation yet to go on the proposed changes to the Product of USA label, set out by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. From the outset, Canada’s beef and pork industries have been wary of what the label might mean for the integrated value... Read More
Claas is updating its Xerion tractors with a new transmission and increased hydraulic power for 2023. Since the tractor launched in North America almost 10 years ago, the high-horsepower (435-530 hp) machines have earned a reputation for their refined ride, high transport speeds, fuel economy and quiet cab. In this interview at the National Farm... Read More
The Agriculture Carbon Alliance is calling for MPs from all parties to vote in favour of Bill C-234 — the private member’s bill that would remove the federal carbon levy from natural gas and propane used on farms — as it’s headed for its third and final vote in the House of Commons later this... Read More
Much of what we do at RealAgriculture is simply connecting dots — between different pieces of information and people and experiences — in an attempt to create a clearer picture of our world and the big issues in farming, ranching, and food. Creating that clearer picture often requires looking to the past to understand where... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Pierre Lampron of the Mauricie region of Que.; Drew Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ont.; Riley Anderson of Morris, Man.; and, Jason Lenz of Bentley, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show?... Read More
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the official opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, spoke at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual general meeting held at Ottawa earlier this week. Before he hit the stage, RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney spoke with Poilievre to capture his thoughts on where he thinks the current government is failing the agriculture... Read More
The Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s decision to restrict the use of lambda-cyhalothrin products for the 2023 growing season could have a significant impact on how growers manage corn, soybean and cereal crops this season. Lambda-cyhalothrin, the active ingredient in some the most commonly used insecticides growers use to control yield-robbing pests such as soybean aphids... Read More
Let’s talk fertility! There are some great questions coming in to Peter Johnson on phosphate, base saturation being useful, tissue tests, and more, so that’s where Wheat Pete’s Word is focused this week. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree with something he’s said? Leave him... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, recorded live at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) annual general meeting, brought to you by RBC. Shaun Haney chats with the outgoing CFA President, Mary Robinson. Haney is then joined by John Stackhouse, senior vice-president of RBC, Francis Bilodeau, associate deputy minister of... Read More
Two new tractors will be added to Kioti’s line-up with the arrival of the HX Series later in 2023. The Wendell, North Carolina-headquartered company is touting the new additions for their efficiency, versatility and operator comfort. In this interview at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky, Kioti product development manager Joel Hicks shares... Read More
Canada’s meat industry is sorting out what the United States Department of Agriculture’s proposed “Product of USA” label changes could mean for marketing cattle and hogs to Canada’s largest trading partner. While the proposed language change is in reference to a voluntary label, the jury is still out on whether or not the proposal contravenes... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show we will hear from four political party leaders from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s annual general meeting in Ottawa: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre NDP leader Jagmeet Singh; and Green Party leader Elizabeth May. Plus, don’t miss the... Read More
Politicians and industry gathered together this week for the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA)’s annual general meeting, held at Ottawa, Ontario. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) spoke to delegates about fighting climate change — through the eyes of the agriculture industry. When it comes to climate change, he says there’s... Read More
A Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) isn’t a yield contest, per se, instead it’s a field-scale learning experience for growers looking to take yield to the next level. In Ontario, the Great Lakes YEN is entering its third year, and has attracted more growers each year. Farmers who participate in the network also tend to sign... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to discuss the weather from an agronomic standpoint, the spreading manure on snow, wireworm pressure, and more! Don’t miss our spotlight interview with Nicole Philp, with Corteva AgriScience, on a new fungicide product... Read More
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s annual general meeting in Ottawa on Monday, delivering a 10 minute speech before taking questions from the audience for approximately half an hour. Trudeau was asked about a wide range of topics, including helping farmers cope with the increased production costs, grassland preservation, the fertilizer... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: BASF putting the brakes on hybrid wheat seed development in North America; Merit Functional Foods... Read More
If you’ve been following along with the cattle markets, you’ll know the choice cut out has faced some extreme gains over the past five weeks. Naturally, it makes sense that the markets are going to take a bit of a breather, says Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, but that doesn’t mean we are... Read More
Case IH is aiming to help growers get the most out of every seed with new AFS Furrow Command for its precision disc series air drills. The technology essentially allows growers to automate downforce on the parallel-link row-units to maintain consistent seed depth regardless of terrain. The company unveiled AFS Furrow Command downforce automation last... Read More
The expectation of Canada’s gross domestic product number (GDP) wasn’t great — analysts predicted 1.5% GDP growth in Q4; Farm Credit Canada was slightly more optimistic at 1.7%, but both expectations were off. The GDP growth for Q4 ended up being — wait for it — zero. J.P. Gervais, chief economist for Farm Credit Canada... Read More
How we tackle climate change is a conversation heavily debated across the globe. Bjorn Lomberg, author, and president of Copenhagen Consensus Center, spoke at the Alberta Beef Industry Conference last month, held at Banff, Alberta, to discuss what he thinks is some of the best ways to mitigate climate change — and how some of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Philip Shaw of Dresden, Ont.; Robert Brunel of Ste.Rose, Man.; Daryl Fransoo of Glaslyn, Sask.; and, Stewart Skinner of Listowel, Ont. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host... Read More
The Canadian Dairy XPO is expecting record crowds on April 5 and 6 as the dairy showcase returns to a live tradeshow format for the first time since 2019. “It’s really hard to put into words the excitement and momentum. Right from myself and my team to the industry and at the producer level, I... Read More
Justine Hendricks is less than a month in to her role as president and CEO of Farm Credit Canada (FCC), but she says she’s already shook about 800 hands. Hendricks, speaking from FCC’s Kanata, Ont., office, says starting in prime farm conference season has been an excellent way to meet so many faces in the... Read More
Kinze is launching two planter models for 2024 that will feature the company’s new 5000 Series row units. Growers had their first opportunity to inspect the new row units last month at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky. The company is touting the units as a means to enhance planting precision, boost productivity... Read More
Hello March! Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by U.S. Borax. On today’s show hear: Art Douglas, professor emeritus at Creighton University in Nebraska, on the long term weather forecast for 2023; JP Gervais, Farm Credit Canada, on Canada’s weaker than expected GDP number; and, Kent Bacus, National... Read More
March 1 marks a special occasion — it’s the first day of meteorological spring! What does that really mean? Not much for the day to day stuff, but is important for measuring and comparing weather parameters. That’s the kick off to this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Host Peter Johnson can feel the beginning of spring... Read More
Pricing structure, insurance options, and cattle movement are all top of mind for Alberta’s cattle feeders. Janice Tranberg, president of the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA), sat down with RealAgriculture’s Kara Oosterhuis at the Alberta Beef Industry Conference last week to talk about what ACFA is focused on for 2023. Tranberg says that the last... Read More
It’s the last day of February! For today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith reflects on putting winter to bed and gearing up for the growing season. On today’s show hear: Joy Agnew and Kelvin Heppner discuss the carbon conundrum; Lance Zimmerman and Kara Oosterhuis discuss optimism in the cattle markets; and, Justine Hendricks, Farm Credit... Read More
The end goal of using cover crops varies from farm to farm, but if using cover crops, there’s always one thing to consider: how and when to terminate the crop for maximum benefit and minimum headache. To tackle the topic of spring management and termination of cover crops, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Ontario... Read More
What did growers learn about growing edible beans in 2022? Growers experienced much different conditions in the key growing regions, but overall the season was generally positive. In Manitoba, a good crop prevailed after a wet spring delayed planting. In many cases, growers experienced record yields. Further east, dry conditions stressed the Ontario crop but... Read More
Soil acidity is an issue that’s gaining attention in the Northern Plains, especially in areas where no-till practices have been paired with high surface-applied nitrogen rates. “They’re seeing this advancing a lot faster in parts of North Dakota and Montana, under traditional zero till conditions where they broadcast urea fertilizer. They find they’re acidifying the... Read More
La Niña is wrapping up in spring 2023, possibly making way for El Niño which will change global weather patterns. Weather is always a hot topic in the agriculture industry so what do producers need to know about this upcoming shift? Art Douglas, a forecaster for Gavilon, joined RealAg’s Kara Oosterhuis at the Alberta Beef... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to discuss all things agronomy from no ice on the Great Lakes, flea beetle pressure, spring planning, and more! We will also hear a discussion Kelvin Heppner had with Charles Geddes, of Agriculture... Read More
Kubota says it has designed its new LX20 Series compact tractors to deliver both comfort and performance. At the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this month, the company rolled out the new LX3520 and LX4020 — the first opportunity for farmers to get a close-up look at the tractors. RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin... Read More
Rabobank is a large food and agricultural lender based in the Netherlands that’s making a move in to the primary Canadian agriculture market. While not new to Canada — the company is celebrating its 25th year in the country in 2023 — the organization has only been lending to the agri-business and agri-processor market. Now,... Read More
When it comes to policy, we know there can always be unintended consequences — even on the items that are not at the top of the docket list. One of these items that has slipped under the radar for many is the Underused Housing Tax (UHT). The tax was initially developed and targeted at urban... Read More
Net emissions from Canadian agriculture could be as low as 12 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. They may also be as high as 71 million. It all depends on which methodologies, data, and definitions are used to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide that’s emitted, and the amount of carbon that’s sequestered. This vast discrepancy... Read More
Doing right by the environment is a good thing, but what happens when environmental policy and trade start to mingle? There’s concern that when environmental issues are generalized and applied globally through trade agreements it creates larger problems by forcing producers to fit standards that do not necessarily apply to their region, possibly discounting conservation... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Inflation, including the latest CPI number; The importance of trade; The railway maximum revenue entitlement;... Read More
The problem with war is that there’s no way to know, really, what is going to happen. Jacob Shapiro, geopolitical analyst with Cognitive Investments, calls this the “fog of war,” and it creates uncertainty, volatility, and quick shifts in direction that are difficult to plan for. In the podcast and video below, RealAg Radio host... Read More
Cattle coming north, a tax credit for processing development, and trucking e-logs are all top of mind for Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Nate Horner. Speaking at this week’s Alberta Beef Industry Conference, Horner says the announced Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit won’t be in place until the current government passes its budget, but the credit... Read More
Looking at current grain prices, it might seem markets remain largely unchanged by the impacts of an entire year of Russia’s war on Ukraine. But the truth is, says Arlan Suderman, at StoneX, is that global markets have been “dynamically changed” in a great way that impacts all commodities. “First of all, we had become... Read More
Innovation often looks like a new software system or some complicated piece of machinery. Too often, we mash up innovation with technology and automation to become one and the same. But innovation is, at its core, about a new way to solve a problem — no electronics necessary. That’s the perspective Shari Hughson, health professional,... Read More
Canada’s federal government has allocated more funding for plant protein development across the country, so what types of investments can we expect to see coming up in this sector? Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada (PIC), spoke with RealAg’s Shaun Haney on the direction PIC is going with this next round of funding. Greuel... Read More
For most farmers, accounting is not the most attractive part of the business. It’s integral to the farm’s success, but it requires time in the office or at the desk — not aways a favourite way to spend the day. That’s a key reason why Traction Ag appeals to farmers, says the cloud-based accounting software... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Tyler Lester of Bloomfield, Ont.; Jeff Harrison of Quinte West, Ont.; Bruce Holmquist of Kinistino, Sask.; and, Shane Strydhorst of Neerlandia, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with... Read More
The new Fendt 200 Vario Series are the smallest tractors in the Fendt family as the brand seeks to give farmers lightweight maneuverability and versatility in a machine that still packs powerful performance. Fendt director of regional sales, Conor Bergin, says the tractors are available in three models ranging from 94 to 114 horsepower and... Read More
According to the January 2023 Canadian Farmers Sentiment Index farmers are becoming more optimistic about their current and future financial performance relative to past months. While the current financial performance is above the neutral position at 119, the future financial performance score of 85 remains in negative territory. In isolation this is a positive trend... Read More
After a few years of feeling like they were getting kicked while they were down, cattle producers are feeling a little more optimistic about 2023, as meteorologists and analysts alike are predicting a break in the drought. Following a few back-to-back years of extreme drought, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recording 2022... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this agronomic Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Jeremy Boychyn, with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, to discuss Western Canadian agronomic issues that he has been hearing about, including bacterial leaf streak. We will also hear from Peter Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on moisture,... Read More
Someone get the man a party hat — Peter Johnson has hosted 400 episodes of Wheat Pete’s Word! For anyone doing the math, Pete records 50 to 51 episodes a year (depending on if he takes any holidays), so this is a real milestone for Johnson. On this episode of the Word, Johnson doesn’t spend... Read More
Bacterial leaf streak is not a particularly new disease to Canada but there are ongoing projects to increase identification and prevention of the disease. Dr. Constanza Fleitas, with the cereal and flax pathology group at the University of Saskatchewan, says that bacterial leaf streak is a growing issue in the U.S., and there are increasing... Read More
Four thousand bushels of portable grain storage is not something you see everyday on the farm or at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky. But when Walkabout Mother Bins made their first-ever appearance last week at the annual machinery showcase, many farmers couldn’t resist the opportunity to get a close-up look at the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! We will hear an interview with Kelvin Heppner and Stephen Poloz, former Governor of the Bank of Canada on interest rates and how long inflation rates will be high. We will also hear from Bill Greuel, of Protein Industries Canada, on the second round... Read More
There’s no doubt that conversations have been buzzing in both the Canada and the U.S. when it comes to challenges and issues around electronic trucking logs. Electronic log book laws have been put in place, effective January 1, 2023, in effort to increase safety on the roads, which of course is the number one priority,... Read More
Farmers in Western Canada should add another chemistry to the list to pay attention to when it comes to herbicide resistance in kochia, says a weed scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The problematic weed is already known to be resistant to Group 2, Group 4 and/or Group 9 herbicides. “The new thing that we’re... Read More
Rising costs and inflation are a hot topic right now, but what are the overall trends being seen in consumer choices in the long term? Heather Thomson is the executive director at the Alberta School of Business Centre for Cities and Communities and she spoke at the Ag Awareness Summit at Saskatoon last week. Thomson... Read More
The Rotator 900 series adjustable clearance sprayer may have launched in fall of 2021, but it’s now making its appearance at farms and ag retail locations. Bernard Tobin of RealAgriculture caught up with David Fickel, Fendt marketing manager, at the National Farm Machinery Show, at Louisville, Kentucky, to discuss specs of the Rogator, and to... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. How do you turn your focus from animals to being a canola specialist? What is it like to travel and see agriculture around the world? Why is important to be curious about your job?... Read More
The new president of Manitoba’s general farm organization says advocating for farmers when it comes to policies around sustainability and the environment is at the top of her to-do list as she steps into the role. Jill Verwey was elected president of Keystone Agricultural Producers at KAP’s annual general meeting last month. As she explains... Read More
Agriculture in the Classroom works to give kids an opportunity to learn about food production. An annual part of that goal is agriculture literacy month, celebrated each March. Chandra Gusikoski, communications coordinator for Agriculture in the Classroom, spoke at the Ag Awareness Summit last week at Saskatoon. RealAg’s Atley Hamlin asked Gusikoski about agriculture literacy... Read More
There’s a saying that goes hire slow and fire fast. But does that old adage hold true? Amber Johnson, CEO and owner of Forge Performance Group, based in Alberta, says that there isn’t a simple answer to that; if you’ve done the right preparation work ahead of time, asked key questions, and offered a comprehensive... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Profitability impact in the second half of the year; “What we heard” document on emissions... Read More
Case IH is adding to its lineup of planters with the 2110 Early Riser planter and an updated version of the 2150 Early Riser planter. David Brennan, Case IH planter marketing manager, was on site at the National Farm Machinery Show this past week at Louisville, Kentucky, to discuss the planters with RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin.... Read More
Believe it or not, winter is going to quickly come to an end, and cattle markets are picking up on this. As we pass mid-February, the seasonality in the cutout price is starting to pick up, says Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, as we make it through the lull of January and February.... Read More
The former governor of the Bank of Canada says he expects inflation will drop quicker than many are predicting and that real interest rates will remain low in the long term. Stephen Poloz shared his economic outlook during a keynote presentation at the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg on Wednesday. Many of the economic parameters that... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this special Thursday edition of RealAg Radio, recorded LIVE! at the National Farm Machinery Show, at Louisville, Kentucky, brought to you by Syngenta Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Tyne Morgan, of the U.S. Farm Report, to discuss supply chain issues, and Marijke Vanderlaan, Syngenta Canada is on to... Read More
The oat market is somehow managing to garner positive attention, even as “burdensome, massive oat supplies” weigh on the market. Randy Strychar, president of Oatinformation, presented at CropConnect in Winnipeg, Man., this week and says barring a major weather event, it will take 18-24 months to chew through the current large oat supply. But despite... Read More
Farmers and the agriculture industry are still waiting to hear about “What we heard” when it comes to the federal government’s fertilizer emissions aspirational goals. This week, at the Future of Food event at Ottawa, Ont., Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau was quite positive about the timeline of a fertilizer tariff money announcement... Read More
Happy Canadian Ag Day! Thanks for tuning in to this special Wednesday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Guest host Kara Oosterhuis is joined by: Rebecca Archibald, of Truro, N.S.; Kevin Buchner, of Brownsville, Ont.; Ron Krahn, of Rivers, Man.; and, Todd Hames, of Marwayne, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about... Read More
It’s Canada’s Ag Day, and it’s time to celebrate the food and farmers you love. How are you celebrating? That’s how Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson kicks off this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word before diving in to the topics and questions of the week, including if cover crops are really going to be dead come spring,... Read More
Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Shawn Schill to discuss land rental agreements and land price direction. Then you’ll hear an interview with Kara Oosterhuis and Gerald Stokka, extension veterinarian at North Dakota State University, on cold weather calving and... Read More
Nitrogen can’t have all the fun — sometimes we need to bring in the lesser-knowns of the NPKS party. For this episode of The Agronomists, we dive in to the world of sulphur: why crops need it, why farmers have to add it, and how to diagnose and correct a deficiency. Our experts are Colin... Read More
In 2022, the top 20 growers in the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) harvested 50 bu/ac more wheat than the bottom 20 growers in overall yield rankings. What’s really surprising, says RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson, is that this gap exists despite there being only a five percent difference in yield potential between the two... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, to discuss all things agronomy from maple syrup season, world record yield, soil health, and more! Also hear a farmer panel recorded from the Atlantic Grain Councils meeting... Read More
Cold weather calving is tricky and that can be compounded by rapidly changing weather conditions. Bringing cattle in to a new environment because of cold or wet weather can introduce a new management issue: pathogen spread. Gerald Stokka, the extension veterinarian at North Dakota State University, says that increased snowfall or wet weather means that... Read More
Welcome to the sixth episode of the Canola PODcast, sponsored by InVigor® hybrid canola from BASF. The series was designed to highlight useful tips and tricks growers can bring to their canola fields to help make every acre count. On this episode, host Shaun Haney speaks with Lori Yarnell, Technical Market Specialist – Fungicides at... Read More
Canadian researchers working on policy, greenhouse gas reduction, and carbon dynamics are looking to quantify the carbon sequestering potential of different landscapes. At the University of Alberta, in collaboration with federal and provincial governments, Dr. Vic Adamowicz has been tasked with researching the carbon capture potential of natural areas. Adamowicz, an environmental economist, and his... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Andrew Campbell, dairy farmer and founder of Fresh Air Media, and Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Support for a supply... Read More
Tar spot has been spreading across North American corn growing regions ever since the leaf disease was first detected in 2015. Characterized by tar-like speckling on the upper surface of corn leaves, the fungal pathogen can deliver yield hits ranging from 20 to 60 bushels per acre (in highly infected fields). On this episode of... Read More
Learning from on-farm research and farmers learning from each other is a cornerstone of a Yield Enhancement Network (YEN). First piloted in Europe, a YEN connects growers, researchers, and data to test theories and learn from each other using field-scale experience. Aaron Mills, a research scientist with Agriculture & Agri-food Canada (AAFC), spoke this week... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Peggy Brekveld of Thunder Bay, Ont.; Luke Barron of Schomberg, Ont.; DC Jensen of Swift Current, Sask.; and Jesse Meyer of Peace River, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show?... Read More
Canada is an exporting nation, of that there can be no doubt. While some countries struggle to produce enough to feed its people, Canada produces more than double what it needs. That creates a clear opportunity, and some would say responsibility, to export food and food ingredients world-wide. Ted Bilyea, distinguished fellow with the Canadian... Read More
When people think of Atlantic Canada, they often think of the abundant potatoes grown in the area. While there’s a reason this comes to mind, as potatoes are a key crop, there are several other crops grown in rotation to ensure soil health and overall crop health. This is one of the messages the Atlantic... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by Koch Agronomic Services. Tune in below to hear an interview Shaun Haney had at the National Cattleman’s Beef Association convention with Nathan Phinney, Canadian Cattle Association president, on why Canada needs to align with U.S. trucking regulations;... Read More
It seems any time is a good time for the Wheat Pete 15 — that’s taking 15 minutes out of your week to call someone you haven’t checked in with in a while. This week, that reminder is especially poignant, as you’ll hear in Wheat Pete’s Word, below. Also in this week’s podcast, host Peter... Read More
Canola is a Canadian-made and developed, home-grown crop. With canola oil being grown and produced locally, why is this resource no more widely discussed and utilized? Lynn Weaver, a registered dietitian and the market development manager at SaskCanola, spoke with RealAg’s Atley Hamlin about the nutritional and culinary benefits of canola when compared to other... Read More
It’s been 20 years since soybean aphids were first reported in Ontario soybean fields. Over the years, growers and researchers have learned that no two years seem to be the same and populations of the yield-robbing pests vary from year-to-year. There has, however, been significant changes to aphid behaviour over the years and this evolution... Read More
Thunderstruck Ag’s Copperhead concave systems started with a look at harvest losses. Jeremy Matuszewski of Thunderstruck Ag was at Crop Production Show at Saskatoon, Sask., to discuss the concaves, designed to fit the mainstream combine brands such as Case IH, Fendt, and John Deere. What sets these concaves apart, says Matuszewski, are three things: adjustable... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show you’ll hear an interview from a Canola School episode with Kelvin Heppner and Rex Newkirk, with the University of Saskatchewan, on canola meal. Then listen to a discussion host Shaun Haney had at NCBA with Don Close of Terrain, on global... Read More
Nathan Phinney of New Brunswick has stepped into the role as the president to the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). This appointment comes after the sudden passing of previous president in December, Reg Schellenberg. Phinney — the first president of the CCA from the Maritimes in 90 years — previously sat in the role as vice... Read More
The agriculture industry is driven by family farms, where personal and professional lives are intertwined. This creates an interesting dynamic and puts a lot of pressure on our relationships and our mental health. Making mental wellness a priority is being talked about more than ever, but there is still plenty of misunderstanding around the topic.... Read More
Canola has the toughest start of any crop in Western Canada, if only because it’s the preferred food of striped and crucifer flea beetles that lie in wait for the first sign of green each spring. Flea beetle pressure has become so heavy that seed treatments and a foliar spray can, at times, not be... Read More
The expansion in canola crush capacity in Western Canada over the next few years is expected to create opportunities to not only maximize the amount of canola meal in domestic animal feed rations, but also to unlock new demand for feeding livestock and fish in the Indo-Pacific region. “We’re probably seeing about another three million... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show you’ll hear an interview from a recent Corn School episode with Bernard Tobin and Jason Deveau, with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, on if it pays to spray with drop hoses. Then listen to an insect... Read More
No matter where you turn, there’s been a lot of talk about global recession; not just in the United States and Canada, but also in other G7 countries are facing some really hard economic times ahead. As interest rates have gone up, you’d expect protein demand to drop. This is not the case, as the... Read More
If you’re like me, the image that the word “exports” evokes is container ships and railways and huge water-side ports. While all of that is very true, there’s more to exports than just commodities and large volumes, says Mairead Lavery, president and CEO of Export Development Canada. Lavery spoke at the Canadian Agriculture and a... Read More
Insect pests can make or break a season. There are many factors that contribute to pest population levels and that complicates the possible control decisions, from what chemicals can be used and if levels require it. Dr. James Tansey, entomologist for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, says that there are several possible pests to look... Read More
If you ask Beef Market Update host, Shaun Haney, what he is seeing and hearing this week at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association conference (NCBA), he will say that despite profitability concerns across the cattle industry, there’s an encouraging amount of optimism going on. Also Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, is not at... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: mCOOL; Lambda-cy and feed restrictions; and, Canadian agriculture in a hungry world. Also, we will... Read More
We’ve got some supply issues in the cow/calf sector, and we need to rebuild the U.S. cow herd. This is the message that Kevin Good, vice president of CattleFax, is sharing this week at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Conference (NCBA) at New Orleans, Louisiana. After four years of massive liquidation across parts of North... Read More
Even though mandatory country of origin labeling (mCOOL) by the U.S. has been deemed non-compliant with America’s trade obligations at the World Trade Organization, there is a faction that still wants to see the rule brought back. Similar to the Canadian system, when a congressional session ends, bills that have not yet passed “die.” Now,... Read More
Sustainability is about three things: economics, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. But how do you make that system better, rather than pitting ourselves against each other? That’s the message Dr. Sara Place, of Colorado State University (CSU), covered at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association conference being held this week at New Orleans, Louisiana. When looking... Read More
Happy Groundhog Day! Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Peter Gredig of St.Thomas, Ont.; Mark Burnham of Cobourg, Ont.; Jeff Nonay of Edmonton, Alta.; and Warren McCutcheon of Carman, Man. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show?... Read More
There are convincing arguments to be made on grain markets moving to the up and to the down side. Right now, the bulls seem to have a slight edge, but all that could change quickly, says Neil Townsend of FarmLink Marketing Solutions and Grainfox. A general lack of big news has kept markets in a... Read More
For anyone that has tackled variable rate irrigation (VRI) before, they know there can be a lot of challenges. There’s a lot of decision making — we need to know what’s happening, and what’s going to happen. Lewis Baarda, research program manager at Farming Smarter, based at Lethbridge, Alta., says this is why the non-for-profit... Read More
Knocking on the bin to see how much grain is left in there could eventually be phased out by new tech. A wifi bin monitor is an example of this, and just such a thing won first place at Manitoba Ag Days Innovation Showcase in the Ag Tech Category. The Bindapt Bin Monitor, by Adaptive... Read More
Members of the U.S. and North American cattle industry are meeting at New Orleans, Louisiana, right now attending the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) convention. RealAgriculture founder Shaun Haney is at the conference, and spoke with Colin Woodall, CEO of NCBA, about the priority topics at this year’s meeting. Cost of production is of course... Read More
Demand for canola is still very high across the globe, and domestic processing demand is set to explode in the coming years. But where will all that canola come from? Rotations are already too tight in many areas, and the spectre of clubroot and flea beetles alone has perhaps capped acre expansion. That’s got some... Read More
The Canadian Grain Commission is outlining its new science strategy, which details the organization’s goals and desired outcomes for grain science. Leading up to the release of the new strategy, the CGC received feedback from stakeholders — industry, organizations, academia, and other departments — as well as from an internal consultation. Esther Salvano, director general... Read More
Hello February! Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. brought to you by MNP Agriculture. Hear from host Shaun Haney, and listen in as Lyndsey Smith speaks with Mairead Lavery, CEO and president of Export Development Canada on enhancing trade and infrastructure. Plus, hear from Ted Bilyea, distinguished fellow with the... Read More
Lethbridge College has been busy digging in to new research initiatives, including work into irrigation. The Mueller Irrigation Research Group at the college, headed up by Dr. Willemijn Appels, has been focusing on three main areas of precision irrigation as of late: canal systems, subsurface drip irrigation, and variable rate irrigation. Appels spoke recently at... Read More
Welcome, February! For this first dip in to the shortest month of the year, host of Wheat Pete’s Word Peter Johnson has an uplifting message of yield, yield, yield. There was a new record set on wheat production in the UK, and that’s got Pete talking achieving the most of potential yield, plus he’s got... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Neil Townsend of FarmLink Marketing Solutions on the markets, and Esther Salvano, Director General of Grain Research Laboratory at the Canadian Grain Commission, on the new science strategy. Don’t miss the top ag news stories! Thoughts on something... Read More
If soybeans need a cozy warm seedbed to get rolling, tillage is a must, right? Well, no and no. Emerging research suggests that cool soil isn’t nearly the detriment to soybean growth once thought, which also means working an entire field for spring “warm up” isn’t required either. To dig in to managing residue ahead... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Proven Seed from Nutrien Ag Solutions Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to discuss the winter wheat outlook, compaction impacts on frozen ground, and high levels of productivity. You’ll also hear... Read More
Nitrogen fertilizer applied to land can be lost a few ways — and every pound lost can hurt the pocket book, but some losses are far more of a risk than others, depending on where and how you farm. What’s more, some of those N losses occur in relatively benign losses to the environment. For... Read More
SeedMaster has introduced several upgrades and options for the 2023 model of the Ultra-SR drill. Single-rank machines like the Ultra-SR have had challenges with residue management in the past, but SeedMaster has solved this problem with a new residue management system. They are introducing options for different fertilizer types and increased capacity, as well, says... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture and Meagan Murdoch of H&K Strategies for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Food banks; Job numbers and inflation; and, Environmental policies as trade barriers. Also,... Read More
A drone designed specifically for broadacre aerial applications of pesticides was on display at Manitoba Ag Days, at Brandon, Man., earlier this month. With some features different than the typical rotary drones you see out there now, the hybrid drone has a vertical takeoff and land. As Don Campbell, of ROGA Drone Ltd., explains in... Read More
The war on weeds is an ongoing battle for growers. With challenges and changes across the industry, including the advent of herbicide resistant weed, growers are looking for tools to add to their arsenal against weeds. Jon Jackson, president at Global Neighbor Inc, says the company’s weed seed destroyer offers weed control at harvest on... Read More
Weather is the biggest variable farmers face, and as many have seen throughout their career, too much or too little of something can seriously wreak some havoc. Andrew Pritchard, senior meteorologist with Nutrien, spoke earlier this week at the Northern Pulse Growers Association AGM, at Minot, North Dakota, to discuss the weather outlook for 2023.... Read More
Are drop hoses that travel through the canopy the best way to apply in-crop fungicides? That’s a question Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) application technology specialist Jason Deveau has worked on for the past four years. It all started in 2019 when Deveau joined forces with OMAFRA plant pathologist Albert Tenuta... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this special Thursday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by SeedMaster Manufacturing. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Don Henry, CEO of SeedMaster Manufacturing, on how SeedMaster has grown; Scott McAllister, of Antler Valley Farms, on using SeedMaster equipment and technology on the farm; and An agronomic panel discussion... Read More
Battle lines are being drawn over how countries handle environmental and climate programs. It’s been suggested that climate programming could be a clever way for governments to funnel money to farm programs and remain under the radar of trade rules. There’s also the looming discussion of using these programs to “score” commodities on their carbon... Read More
Wider row spacing in cereals has traditionally been associated with lower yields, but SeedMaster says its SeedMaster Ultra-SR provides 15-inch spacing with no yield loss when used in cereals. Tim Criddle, global sales director for SeedMaster, took time at the Western Canada Crop Production Show to discuss the new drill with RealAg’s Atley Hamlin. In the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. brought to you by Northern Pulse Growers Association. Host Shaun Haney is joined at the Northern Pulse Growers Association annual general meeting by: Dr. Joe Outlaw, Texas A&M University, on the U.S. Farm bill negotiations and its ramifications for trading partners; Erin Becker, of... Read More
Many producers and industry professionals across the United States are focused on the next Farm Bill, the overarching program most similar to the Ag Policy Framework in Canada. There is still plenty to be determined on not only what is in the bill, but also when it will finally get done. The Farm Bill includes... Read More
The Alberta Canola Producer Commission is prioritizing grower engagement and taking the initiative to communicate with policy makers, says Roger Chevraux, chair of Alberta Canola, RealAgriculture’s Kara Oosterhuis spoke with Chevraux at the first annual Alberta Canola Conference at Lethbridge, Alta., held last week. Chevraux says the board realized a couple years ago that there... Read More
Every day is a good day to phone a friend and see how they are doing, but especially today, when mental wellness is in the spotlight: make sure to use your Wheat Pete 15! And on that note, we begin this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, where host Peter Johnson answers your questions on... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. If you sit down and talk to many of our parents and grandparents, they will remember harvesting potatoes from the garden growing up, and getting rid of the small, undersized potatoes. Flash forward to... Read More
Winter is a great time to recalibrate your approach to managing wheat diseases and applying fungicides. That’s the message Penn State University plant pathologist Alyssa Collins shared with agronomists attending the Ontario Certified Crop Advisors annual meeting earlier this month. It’s a dormant period for humans and also for fungi and plants, says Collins. “So... Read More
We have an action-packed week so we’re switching things up with a Tuesday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Chris Moore of Kinburn, Ont.; Kevin Serfas of Turin, Alta.; Josh Boersen of Gadshill, Ont.; and Lesley Rae Kelly of Watrous, Sask. Thoughts on something we talked... Read More
A program that offers free one-on-one counselling to farmers in Manitoba is seeing demand for its services, but is also working on raising awareness as it marks its first anniversary. The grassroots and non-profit Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program was launched in January 2022 and started offering farmers and their family members free, confidential counselling sessions... Read More
Jill Verwey, whose family operates a mixed dairy, beef, and grain farm at Portage, Manitoba, was elected president of the province’s general farm organization — Keystone Agricultural Producers — on Tuesday. Verwey has served as vice-president of KAP since 2018, and won the election at KAP’s annual meeting over fellow incumbent vice-president, Jake Ayre, in... Read More
The advent of herbicide-resistant weeds was bad enough, but the expansion of type, area, and mode-of-action resistance has left nearly no field untouched across the all regions of Canada. What can we do and how did we get here? To tackle that question, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Dr. Charles Geddes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada... Read More
There’s no silver bullet when it comes to managing weeds, and managing herbicide resistant populations is even tougher. One of the best ways to get ahead of weeds is crop competition. Jim Stute, independent research agronomist, has been evaluating the role of cereal rye as a weed suppressing crop to surprising results. Recorded at the National... Read More
It’s been nearly two years since the first in a series of five separate announcements were made regarding plans to build or expand canola crush facilities in Saskatchewan, largely in response to low-carbon fuel policies driving demand for canola oil. Announcements are one thing, but actual construction is another. While Ceres Global Ag has since... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio. Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to discuss nitrogen management, leaving a test strip, and if trees are good or bad for yield. We will also hear a clip from Cameron Ogilvie, with the Soil... Read More
Drones provide many advantages in agriculture — from collecting data, to applying product, drones can be an asset for growers and agronomists. But learning to fly these nimble flyers and understanding the rules and regulations is key to getting the most out of the tech. Markus Weber, president of Land View, was on hand at... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture and Tyler McCann of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: PMRA regulations; The delay in approving gene-editing; China’s shrinking... Read More
Ahh, the wonders of healthy soil. From water-holding capacity, pest and disease regulation, to nutrient cycling and physical stability, a robust and resilient soil gives farmers a huge advantage in crop production. But what makes a healthy soil? How can we measure its fitness and whether it’s in top farming shape? That’s a question soil... Read More
A Grande Prairie, Alta. company that designed an aftermarket remote-control system for controlling a tractor’s PTO and hydraulics has now developed a driverless system for grain bagging. RCFarmArm’s new GPS-controlled steering system for grain bagging tractors was on display as part of the Innovation Showcase at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon, MB this week. “It’s... Read More
It’s been a mild January so far in Saskatchewan, where star of the Beef Market Update, Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, is reporting from today. Wasko joins guest host Lyndsey Smith this week to discuss cattle prices in the U.S., Western Canada, cattle-on-feed numbers, Canadian kill prices, and more. Check out the full... Read More
On many topics, we can require some convincing on what the right move is. Does a fungicide pass make sense? Can I fully move to zero-till? Will managed grazing be worth the investment? Too often we rely on anecdotes and personal experiences, but it can because that’s all there is to draw from. Solid data,... Read More
For a relatively young crop — with it’s invention originating 60 years ago — there is significant global demand for canola, in many different forms. 90 per cent of the canola we grow here in Canada exported — whether it be for renewable fuels, livestock feed, cooking oil, or more. Jim Everson, of the Canola... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Guest host Lyndsay Smith is joined by: Gerrit Herrema of Uxbridge, Ont.; Dan Petker of Norfolk, Ont.; Kresten Jorgensen of Special Areas, Alta.; and Jason Kehler of Carman, Man. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Lyndsey... Read More
Before the age of combines, chaff was collected with a crop and left in a pile beside a threshing machine where it was then used for feed. A company based at Wawanesa, Manitoba is helping livestock producers return to this practice of collecting and feeding chaff by building a high capacity Australian-designed chaff cart that... Read More
Manitoba Agriculture’s farm management extension team has developed a tool to help farmers determine how efficient they are with fertilizer, from both an economic and environmental perspective. Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson officially launched the fertilizer efficiency calculator tool at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon. The calculator takes into account soil test results, fertilizer prices, product... Read More
Variety choice and planting dates are two key factors that drive soybean yield. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Soybean School, host Bernard Tobin asks whether later-maturing soy varieties are required for the highest yields and whether growers should plant soybeans before corn. For some answers, Tobin is joined by Michigan State University soybean educator Mike... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. Guest host Kelvin Heppner is joined at Manitoba Ag Days by: Chris Vervaet, with Canadian Oilseed Processors Association, with an update on new canola crush capacity; Kristen Phillips, general manager of Ag Days, on the return of Canada’s largest indoor farm show for the... Read More
While the longer-term outlook for exports to China, based on demographics, appears increasingly bearish, the short-term situation still has Canadian producers in a “sweet spot,” according to a veteran western Canadian grain market analyst. China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported the country’s first official population decline in decades on Tuesday. While China’s population still sits... Read More
The gears are turning and so is the question machine for Wheat Pete’s Word! On this week’s episode, host Peter Johnson is tackling plenty of the great agronomy questions that have rolled in over the last week, plus he shares some great quips and quotes heard in learning sessions over the last few weeks. Listen... Read More
How can farmers adapt to changing weather and the impact it has on their farms? The ability to modify and reshape the farm to reflect a changing climate will be greatly impacted by land and soil type, location and farming practices, says Ohio State University climate researcher Dr. Aaron Wilson. He believes a key success... Read More
As fertilizer prices fluctuate growers take advantage of off-season prices and buy in the summer or fall. Saving on fertilizer is advantageous, but stored fertilizer can clump up over the winter, making it difficult to move through the drill come springtime. Thunderstruck Ag has an implement to beat the clumps and make buying fertilizer off-season... Read More
The Manitoba government is investing up to $10 million in a new facility that’s projected to add around 600 seats for agriculture and food processing students at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon. Premier Heather Stefanson announced the funding for the proposed Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture as part of her opening ceremony address at... Read More
The National No-Till Conference was held at St. Louis, Missouri from January 10-13, 2023. It’s 31st annual year saw over 900 participants for the conference, and as Michaela Paukner, head of the this year’s conference explained, it was great to see so many people committed to no-till practices. Participants came from across all of North... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Heather Watson of Farm Management Canada, to discuss farm succession stories. As well, you’ll hear a clip from the Ontario Agriculture Conference with Bernard Tobin of RealAgriculture and Susan Fitzgerald of the Ontario Certified Crop Advisors. As... Read More
Soil is alive and full of billions (yes billions) of fungi, bacteria, protozoa and more, performing key soil functions such as nutrient cycling, creating pores, and adding stability to soil structure. But how much do we understand of our soils? And can we take steps to love these good bugs and get rid of the... Read More
Apache has made improvements to their self-propelled sprayers for 2023 including precision agriculture options and updates to the boom system. Kevin Covey tells RealAg’s Atley Hamlin about Apache’s innovations for 2023 at the Western Canada Crop Production Show in Saskatoon Sask. (Watch video or read on below) Covey explains that many of the updates are... Read More
With over 170 different carbon markets globally, across all industries, it begs the question, are we missing opportunity? This was the question that Travis Kraft, director of U.S. Row Crops for Locus Agricultural Solutions, posed at the National No-Till Conference, held January 10-13, 2023. There are two base models when it comes to carbon credits:... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio. Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on keeping the soil microbe machine humming. We will also hear from Stuart Chutter, poliyc analyst with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, on soil organic carbon and crop insurance connections.... Read More
Looking back over the past century, economic recessions have more often than not been preceded by a sharp rise in oil prices, as seen in the first half of 2022. Farmers and grain marketers should be looking to the energy market as a leading indicator for where other commodities are headed, according to a market... Read More
A lot has changed for Ontario Certified Crop Advisors over the past two decades. The provincial agronomist organization now boasts 675 members, specialized programs for 4R nutrient and weed resistance management, and an increasingly diverse membership. Last week marked the 20th anniversary of the organization’s first annual meeting; it was also a time to acknowledge... Read More
Nitrogen prices for North American farmers are no longer at their 2022 highs, but they still have a long way to drop before returning to where they were a few years ago. Where that floor is for the market will largely be determined by European energy policy, John Daniels, fertilizer product manager for Paterson GlobalFoods,... Read More
The StarFire 7000 is John Deere’s newest GPS receiver the company says this model offers several improvements over the last. Tyson Miazga, product systems specialist with John Deere, met with Real Agriculture’s Atley Hamlin at last week’s Western Canada Crop Production Show at Saskatoon to talk about the StarFire 7000 receiver. Miazga says, it is... Read More
Corn yields in Ontario have been increasing 2 bu/ac, or one per cent per, year over the past 40 years. Where is that yield increase coming from? University of Guelph associate professor David Hooker says genetics (65 per cent) and agronomy (35 per cent) are the key contributors to bigger corn crops. Corn breeders can... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Impact of labeling changes to lambda-cy; Farm group amalgamation; Farm shows and market trend observations;... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Brendan Byrne, of Essex, Ont.; Emery Huszka, of Lambton, Ont.; Wilco Van Meijl, of Rapid City, Man.; and Kris Mayerle, of Tisdale, Sask. Don’t miss the spotlight interview with Jordan Wolkowski, with FMC Canada, on Intruvix.... Read More
Now that the holiday season is behind us, we are full steam into meeting season. There’s so much to learn out there — for you, and for the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. Keep sending stuff Pete’s way, and don’t forget, if you see him out and about, please say hi!... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Syngenta Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Jen Maier, of Syngenta Canada, to discuss the Miravis family of fungicides, as well as Nathan Klages, with Syngenta Canada, to discuss biologicals products. We will also hear from Carolyn Wilson, an... Read More
Highly engaged wheat growers wanting to learn how to grow better wheat are driving expansion of the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN). Coordinated by the Grain Farmers of Ontario, Michigan State University, Michigan Wheat Program, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the University of Guelph, the Great Lakes YEN project... Read More
The announcement in late November that Health Canada is moving forward with a label change for lamba-cy insecticide products, ie. Matador and Silencer, effective April 2023, immediately set off alarms across Western Canada regarding problems with flea beetle control in canola. Ontario agronomists and growers then began to ask if they too would have access... Read More
Waterhemp that’s resistant to multiple herbicide groups continues to march across Ontario, but growers still have options to control the weed. There’s also emerging proof that integrated management could help growers take the fight to the spreading yield robber, says University of Guelph weed scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema. At the Ontario Agricultural Conference earlier this... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by SeedMaster Manufacturing. Host Shaun Haney is joined at the Crop Production Show at Saskatoon, by a farmer panel including: Keith Fornier, vice chair of SaskCanola; Shaun Dyrland, chair of SaskPulse; and Brett Halstead, chair of SaskWheat Don’t miss our spotlight... Read More
Welcome back to The Agronomists! We’re kicking off 2023 with a focus on profitability. Is top yield the driver, or is long-term thinking a better bet for profit planning? Joining host Lyndsey Smith to dig in to this topic is Chad Anderson, of Anderson Agronomy Services, and Edgar Hammermeister, Saskatchewan farmer and agrologist with Western... Read More
After spending close to 2,500 hours over the last five years operating a sprayer equipped with optical spraying technology on his farm near Fisk, Saskatchewan, Carl deConinck Smith is not only an early adopter, but also a proponent of weed-sensing technology on sprayers. “Five years ago, we felt it was about a three-year return on... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, bought to you by Alliance Seeds. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to discuss take-aways from the Ontario Ag conference. We will also hear a clip with Bern Tobin and Jeffrey Schussler, of Schussler Ag Solutions,... Read More
A year after beginning to explore the idea, votes at Monday’s annual general meetings of both the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and the Saskatchewan Winter Cereals Development Commission will see the two groups amalgamate into one. Brett Halstead, chair of Sask Wheat, spoke with RealAgriculture field editor Atley Hamlin right after the vote (listen to... Read More
For many in parts of southern Ontario, the summer dryness of ’22 caused stress and poor yields. Looking ahead, what’s in store for weather trends, water cycles, and average temperatures? At last week’s Ontario Agricultural Conference, Bernard Tobin caught up with Michigan State University professor of meteorology and climatology, Jeff Andresen, to talk about what... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: Goal setting; Avian influenza; Job numbers; and, Producer group amalgamations. Also, we will hear from... Read More
Beef and cattle markets south of the border started the year off steady and on solid footing, which is good news at the wholesale level. Does this steady market offer a suggestion of what’s to come? For this first Beef Market Update of 2023, Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, joins Shaun Haney to... Read More
Greg Peterson, A.K.A. Machinery Pete, has been following, analyzing, and commenting on the used equipment market for decades, and even he has to admit that 2022 was surprising. Just when you couldn’t think the used market of 2021 could be topped, 2022 came along and blew it out of the water, he says in the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Mark Torrey of Woodsville, Ont.; Aaron Bowman of Hampton, Ont.; Eric McLean of Blanshard,Man.; and Patrick Kunz of Beiseker, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via email... Read More
Climate change has cascading effects on many areas of life, many of them negative. However, a changing climate provide some upside potential for crop production. Jeffrey Schussler, an Iowa-based ag technology and research consultant with Schussler Ag Solutions, presented this week at the Ontario Agricultural Conference on how climate change has benefitted agriculture, how genetics... Read More
When market volatility is not the motivating factor for growers to sell, how do marketers avoid selling complacency setting in? Jonathon Driedger of Leftfield Commodity Research says that the markets could test new highs in the year ahead, but that small moves over time may be more likely in the year ahead. At the top... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney. Shaun is joined by Machinery Pete to talk about the 2023 used machinery market and what to expect and watch for. Will the strength in used prices continue? Listen on! We will also hear a product spotlight with Jeremy Johnson... Read More
What’s your big, scary dream? The one you really feel you want to achieve? If you’re stuck on how to reach it, former U.S. member of congress Ric Keller says you have to do two things: write it down and then read it day and night. Keller has written a book on goal setting and... Read More
Welcome back to Wheat Pete’s Word! Host Peter Johnson is back in the host seat, even while working hard presenting and coordinating in-person learning opportunities around Ontario. In this first episode of 2023, Johnson tackles forward thinking on building base fertility, discusses what’s worse for wheat (too cold, too much water, breaking dormancy), and joins... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. Haney is joined by Jon Driedger, of Leftfield Commodity Research, to discuss the 2023 commodity complex and the three key things to be watching in the markets. We will also hear a clip from Canola Week with Kelvin Heppner and... Read More
Now is an interesting time to be making decisions on old crop marketing or pulling the trigger on new crop pricing. Some farmers are well set for new crop, but market analyst Jonathon Driedger of Leftfield Commodity Research says there are three key factors that bear watching early in the new year. Looking very big... Read More
New demand for canola oil is driving a wave of expansion in canola processing capacity, and along with it, there’s going to be a large increase in the supply of the main byproduct — canola meal. The amount of canola processed in Western Canada is expected to grow by around 50 per cent in two... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to the first edition of RealAg Radio for 2023. This Agronomic Monday is hosted by Shaun Haney. Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, looking ahead into 2023; plus you’ll hear from Katrina Schmidt with FMC Canada, on the supply of Pounce for the upcoming season. We... Read More
A program in Manitoba is teaching students about flying drones and using plant imagery to fight plant disease. Matthew Johnson, vice president, education and digital ag at Volatus Aerospace, designed the course to be interactive, engaging, and forward-focused, with a multi-year option. “I wanted to come up with a newer program that was exciting and... Read More
Farmers and agronomists across Western Canada are understandably concerned about insecticide options for pest control in 2023. Following the late November announcement of lambda-cy-containing products Silencer and Matador being pulled from retail locations, many are wondering if the remaining available products will be in short supply for the year. One of the alternative options for... Read More
A high functioning team is a key component of running a business, and trust builds strong teams. So how do leaders foster trust between team members? Kristjan Hebert, a farmer at Fairlight, Sask., says the younger a team, the steeper the learning curve. Hebert has a team of young professionals and he makes sure there... Read More
There are many ways crops can show they’re stressed, but unfortunately, the signs are often only noticeable to a human eye when a significant number of plants are in crisis. The potential for individual plants to signal stress before they begin to suffer is the reason why there’s some excitement around a company called InnerPlant,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition and the last episode of the year of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, Andrew Campbell, Ontario Dairy Farmer, and Jeff Nielsen, Alberta farmer, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including Fertilizer tariff... Read More
In agriculture — and hey, let’s face it, across the world — we like to compartmentalize. Whether you are a conventional farmer, organic farmer, rancher, no-tiller, etc., there’s a ton of crossover across all these systems. This topic came up earlier this week on RealAg Radio, when Bernard Tobin, Shaun Haney, and myself discussed our... Read More
As much as the 2023 growing season and following marketing year are highly unlikely to be as wild as 2022, there’s still plenty of unknowns and volatility ahead. Neil Townsend, analyst with FarmLink Marketing Solutions, says there were definitely head-scratchers in the 2022 season — like when wheat prices shot up, then dropped, then settled... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ryan Barrett of Kensington, P.E.I.; Todd Hames of Marwayne, Alta.; Kristjan Hebert of Fairlight, Sask.; and Dave Walton of Wilton, Iowa. As well, don’t miss the... Read More
When it comes to the Canadian cattle industry, 2022 may not be quiet as reviled as 2021 and its extreme drought, but it’s unlikely to rank in the top five best years for many. While the year definitely shows well in the cattle prices category, it’s the profit and loss statement that really tells the... Read More
As the calendar winds down, so too does the work week and the routines of week in and week out. And so it is with the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Pete Johnson, as he offers this, the last Word of the year. For this week’s podcast, Johnson has a little agronomy and a lot... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. You’ll hear: Neil Townsend of Farmlink Marketing Solutions, on the commodity markets and a look at 2023; Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, with a Beef Market Update; and, Pierre Petelle of CropLife Canada, on the impacts of the... Read More
This month, representatives from nearly 200 countries, met in Montreal for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The goal of this COP15 was to hammer out an agreement on conservation and biodiversity protection. Pierre Petelle, president of CropLife Canada, says that going in to the meeting,... Read More
The final tally hasn’t been published yet, but 2022 will go down as the new record high year for soybean yields in Western Canada, mainly southern Manitoba. Statistics Canada’s latest provincial estimate came in at 43 bushels/acre, up from 27 bu/ac in 2021 (see graph below), but Dennis Lange, Manitoba Agriculture’s pulse specialist, says he... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. Haney is joined by Bernard Tobin and Kara Oosterhuis, both with RealAgriculture, to discuss a year-in-agronomy review and a look ahead to 2023 for farmers in Canada. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun... Read More
Psychological boundaries are determined by social interactions and experiences. So what role does this play in your career? Dr. Cami Ryan, a social scientist, says her journey to leadership was only possible because of her ability to overcome the doubt placed on early in her career. Through that lens, she has studied how social media... Read More
Get ready for our year-end wrap-up of The Agronomists! For this episode, host Lyndsey Smith asks the panelists from across Canada what the top weather, disease, insect, and weed challenge were for the 2022 growing season. To cover everything from flea beetles, surprising yields, and noxious weeds, our special guests are Jeremy Boychyn of Alberta... Read More
Planning for the next generation to potentially take over or deciding what comes next for your farm business can be very tricky. Not as tricky as not having a plan, however, so even if the farm business is pretty young, it still pays to ask some key questions. Trevor MacLean, a partner with MNP’s agriculture... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to discuss the top lessons learnt at the Manitoba Agronomy Conference and reflecting on 2022 overall. We will also hear a couple clips: one with Bern Tobin and... Read More
The full brunt of the 35 per cent tariff on Russian-sourced nitrogen in 2022 didn’t just equal millions of dollars paid by Canadian farmers, it also put a spotlight on the challenges of some global trade flows. Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) commissioned StoneX to explore the issue, and author of “Farmers Need Fertilizer,” Josh... Read More
Now in its third year, the Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley Plot2Farm program is turning out some excellent data regarding questions on nitrogen management, the timing of plant growth regulators, and seeding rates. Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension agronomist with the commissions, says the field-scale, on-farm research program provides producers with the framework to implement... Read More
Strong culture and core values are the foundation of a well-functioning team. This applies to business, sports, and, yes, families. When business meets family, as often is the experience for farmers, family members need to work together to define the core values of their operation. In this episode of The Mind Your Farm Business podcast,... Read More
When it comes to improving soil health and carbon sequestration, cover crops have been heralded as a key practice. But research to prove out the impact is coming to a rather underwhelming conclusion on cover crops’ ability to actual build organic matter. Gabriel Popkin has published a report on the Food & Environment Reporting Network... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Josh Linville, StoneX, talking about the Farmers Need Fertilizer report for Grain Farmers and fertilizer trade flows. Haney is then joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, and Meagan Murdoch, H&K Strategies... Read More
Some fertilizer pricing decisions and applications for the 2023 crop have already been made, but there’s plenty to be priced between now and April. For a look at current and future fertilizer markets, we go to Josh Linville, of StoneX, and start with the apparent lull in prices — is this a temporary reprieve from... Read More
The Alberta government has launched a five-year Economic Development in Rural Alberta focused on key issues for rural Alberta. The plan includes economic development-enabling infrastructure, rural business supports and entrepreneurship, support for labour force and skills development, marketing and promoting rural tourism, and rural economic development capacity building. In the audio below, Nate Horner, Minister... Read More
There’s a lot of excitement in the canola industry about surging demand on the horizon as new crush plants are built in Western Canada. As canola agronomists and researchers gathered in Saskatoon last week for the Canola Week conference, sitting up front, as excited about and invested in the future of the crop as anyone... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Gunter Jochum of St. François Xavier, Man.; Brett Israel of Mapleton, Ont.; Ethan Wallace of Seaforth, Ont.; and Mike Shewchuk of Blaine Lake, Sask. As well,... Read More
Policy makers affect agriculture from the ground up so it makes the most sense to have growers involved in policy making. But whose job is it to make sure growers’ voices are heard? Dean Roberts with Canadian Canola Growers Association was at Farm Management Canada’s 2022 AgExcellence conference to discuss how growers can get involved... Read More
More organic matter, fewer weed seeds and insect pests, and a nitrogen credit: that’s what farmers get when they put forage in the rotation, says independent agronomist Pat Lynch. From better soil health to higher yields, the benefits of forage — especially alfalfa — is a story that Lynch promotes passionately. On this episode of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. On today’s show, Haney is joined by Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, on the future of plant protein demand; and Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise, on attracting investment into Canadian ag tech. We will also hear a clip with Kelvin... Read More
As consumer trends change, food production adjusts to meet demands. Plant-based products and ingredients have taken up residence on grocery store shelves, and this is a trend that’s likely here to stay. CEO of Protein industries Canada, Bill Greuel, discusses the chatter around plant proteins at industry meetings and the evolving market for plant proteins... Read More
When it comes to balancing nitrogen cost, with type, with application set up — is there an easy way to save some money? Yes, and no, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word podcast. N fertilizer choice does depend on planting or seeding set up, for one, and row spacing and... Read More
Many are familiar with certain forms of counselling — counselling on mental health, addictions, career, etc. But what about nutritional counselling? For this episode of the Fit Farmer podcast, host Gary Chambers is joined by registered dietician Georgie Fear to discuss the importance of eating properly, and what it can do to fuel your body... Read More
In theory, variable rate (VR) technology should result in more efficient use of a farm’s resources, whether that’s a lower fertilizer bill, improved crop uniformity, or other potential benefits. So why, since most seeding tools are capable of using prescription maps, are adoption rates of VR not higher? And will we see a new wave... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. Haney is joined by Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on the sustainable ag strategy the government has launched. We will also hear a clip with Kara Oosterhuis and JP Gervais of Farm Credit Canada, on whether... Read More
On December 12, 2022, the Canadian government launched public consultations on the creation of a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS). The strategy — which would be separate from the agricultural policy framework agreements signed by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments every five years — is intended to “provide a coordinated approach to improving the agriculture... Read More
Those looking for a challenge need to look no further than trying to grow the best crop of dry edible beans. Whether in Manitoba, Ontario, or further afield, dry beans offer a real possibility of tidy profit, but the crop is most certainly not for the faint of heart. To get through some of the... Read More
On November 2, 2022, Alberta farmers who submit a levy to the Alberta Wheat Commission and the Alberta Barley Commission voted in favour of amalgamating the commissions. Tara Sawyer, chair of Alberta Barley, was at the commissions’ annual event, Prairie Cereals Summit, held at Banff, Alta., where she discussed the path going forward which, as... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, discussing upcoming ag events, takeaways from previous conferences, and so much more! We will also hear a couple clips from Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, at Canola Week with... Read More
Climate change is a hot topic of discussion to the chagrin of some industries and the excitement of innovators. Agriculture is an industry at the centre of much of the climate action talk, with an expectation to evolve and adapt. This year agriculture in Saskatchewan was on stage at COP27, the United Nations’ climate change... Read More
Canola growers in Western Canada likely won’t have access to crop protection products that contain lambda-cyhalothrin — one of the main active ingredients used to control insect pests — in 2023, which means there are several factors that need to be considered in planning for managing insects, such as flea beetles and grasshoppers. Lambda-cy products,... Read More
Not every acre in a field is the same when it comes to profitability. Some areas have high earning potential, while other areas are riskier, and possibly even costing money. As a wildlife biologist, those risky or unprofitable areas are what Mark McConnell is interested in. The Mississippi State University researcher made the trek to... Read More
Farmer-designed research is a collaborative way of solving problems and innovating based on farmer’s own experiences and needs. Louis Longchamps, a professor of digital agronomy at Cornell University, says that effective design of on-farm research is important to get the most out of the work. He points out that farmers already collect plenty of rough... Read More
What makes a good farmer, and what makes a great farmer? Shea Ferster and Colin Wenngatz of MNP say through their research, the difference comes down to data — and utilizing data with intention. Farmers know that by doing things at the right time, at the right place, in the right way, is the key... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. As always, the trio cover a lot of topics. Some of them including: Highlights from Canola Week; New ag minister in British... Read More
The Bank of Canada raised its overnight rate by 0.50 per cent earlier this week, but signalled this may be the beginning of the end for rate hikes. What does this, a tight labour market, and high commodity prices have in store for 2023? J.P. Gervais, chief economist with Farm Credit Canada, spoke this week... Read More
It’s not often, and never a good thing, when the basis drops lower than the temperature. Anne Wasko, with the Gateway Livestock Exchange, says that the chilly basis in Western Canada, currently at about -30 to the U.S. cash market, is certainly reason for cattle feeders to look forward to a calendar flip. “It is... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jenn Doelman of Renfrew, Ont.; Ken Schaus of Bruce County, Ont.; Dwayne Leslie of Portage, Man.; and Kent Erickson of Irma, Alta. As well, don’t miss... Read More
Fungicides are a key tool in the tar spot management toolbox. But what’s the best time for growers to apply a fungicide to get optimal control of the disease and the best return on their crop protection investment? On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School we catch up with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food... Read More
Where Brazil and Mexico have the potential to emerge as hot markets in the longer term, China is a market that one geopolitical analyst says should be sold to when the opportunity arises, but should not be the centre of a trade strategy. Jacob Shapiro with Cognitive Investments strongly cautions Canada, and the U.S. too,... Read More
It’s a good time to be in the canola business, as vegetable oil demand is up, and the world wants Canadian canola. So says Jim Everson, president of the Canola Council of Canada, who gave a state of the industry address at Canola Week in Saskatoon, Sask. this week. There’s plenty to be optimistic about... Read More
The pace that technology and manufacturing advances can, at times, be dizzying. It’s no wonder then, that rules and laws on the books concerning copyright and intellectual property might need updating once in a while. Saskatchewan Conservative MP for Cypress Hills-Grassland, Jeremy Patzer, has put forward private member’s bill C-294, in an effort to amend... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. On this episode, we hear from Jacob Shapiro, director of geopolitics with Cognitive Investments, and we will hear a clip from Canola Week happening now in Saskatoon. Jim Everson, of the Canola Council of Canada, gives a report on the... Read More
Before you know it, the days are going to start getting longer, just as meteorological winter begins! And what does winter really mean? Conference season! In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson answers your questions left on the phone line, offers some solid life advice from an astronaut, and shares his... Read More
What’s the best way to manage corn residue to mitigate soybean yield loss in a no-till system? That’s a question University of Wisconsin Madison soybean specialist Shawn Conley hears more and more from growers as both corn yield and the biomass produced by more prolific hybrids continues to grow. On this episode of the RealAgriculture... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. On this episode, we hear a clip from an interview with Paul Wells on the current political landscape in Canada as Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre face-off in Ottawa; Jack Bobo, with The Nature Conservancy, on sustainability being a journey... Read More
We’re often told not to dwell on the past, but what about the future? Elatia Abate, futurist, spoke at the Grow Canada Conference at Ottawa, Ont., to help producers build a bridge between the now — and what’s coming next. Looking at what’s next, Abate says we need to pay attention to the rate of... Read More
A soil with excellent structure will allow healthy root development, have good water infiltration, and support equipment, but compaction and tillage can destroy structure and create root-zone challenges. Controlled traffic farming — where tire tracks of all implements are focused on the same route — is one way to decrease tillage and overall compaction. What... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, with host Shaun Haney. We will hear from Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, discussing short vs long season hybrids; Horst Bohner, with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, on how the application method and timing play in to... Read More
Many continuing to get familiar with the term IoT, which stands for Internet of Things. Any device that connects to the cloud — whether it be smartwatches, smart TVs, smart thermostats, etc. — falls under the IoT category. Examples of IoT already exist in the agriculture industry, says Daniel Portela, director of product and services... Read More
You can’t grow the farm out of a problem. If growth of the farm is in the plan — whether driven by outside influences or an internal dream, such as bringing more people in to the farm structure — it pays to take a hard look inward and backward first, before forging ahead. Michael Langemeier... Read More
We’re in the middle of peak seed selling season, as producers get crop plans in place for 2023. When selecting a variety, many producers wonder where to focus when looking at different options. Derwyn Hammond, western Manitoba agronomist with Pioneer Seeds Canada, says this year in Manitoba, especially on the canola side, there was a... Read More
Can governments protect valuable farmland while at the same time build housing needed for ever-expanding cities and urban cities? That question is being asked throughout Ontario agriculture this week after the provincial government passed the More Homes Built Faster Act, Bill 23. The legislation has drawn the ire of critics, as Premier Doug Ford moves... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover a lot of topics, including: ADAMA & Syngenta decision on Matador and Silencer for 2023; Adverted rail strike in the... Read More
The sheer number of people, and the corresponding economy, within the Indo-Pacific region is reason enough for every nation to have a coordinated, focused strategy for trade in the region. The need for a strategy may be clear, but the shape it takes, and the urgency with which it is prioritized varies by country. Canada,... Read More
Sustainability is a journey not a destination, and the global agriculture industry is working to balance meeting global needs while maintaining the health of the environment that supports the industry. That’s according to Jack Bobo, who works at Nature United using his expertise to oversee global food and water policy, and spoke this week at... Read More
From starting out in a community hall in Carseland, Alberta, in 1977 to successfully achieving an original goal of ending the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly 35 years later, the history of the Western Barley Growers Association is documented in a new book entitled Western Barley’s Legacy. “We wanted to document the history of our association... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Guest host Kara Oosterhuis is joined by: Philip Shaw of Dresden, Ont.; Drew Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ont.; Jocelyn Wasko of Eastend, Sask.; and Andrea Stroeve-Sawa of Taber, Alta. As well, don’t miss... Read More
If you follow mainstream media, you’ve likely heard the name Paul Wells. Wells was the lead political columnist at Maclean’s magazine for 19 years. His byline has also cropped up in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and the National Post. His latest endeavour is a Substack subscription newsletter, as well as The Paul Wells... Read More
When it comes to feeding soybeans, investing in potash will give growers the best bang for their fertility buck. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Soybean Specialist Horst Bohner looks at potash soil test values to determine how soybeans respond economically to the nutrient. Bohner... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. Today’s show is bought to you by PRIDE Seeds. We will hear from: Stuart Person with MNP, on reducing financial stress on the farm; Cornie Thiessen with ADAMA Canada, on the decision to pull Silencer out of Western Canada; and, Russ Crawford on a... Read More
Syngenta Canada says it will not have its lambda-cyhalothrin-containing insectide, Matador, available to western Canadian farmers for 2023, but is working to have it back on shelves for 2024. Matador is approved for use on a variety of crops, including potatoes and canola, however a label revision from 2021 comes into force in 2023, removing... Read More
If you’re in love with wheat, and really, who isn’t, is it worth skipping a fungicide in soybeans to get wheat in sooner? That’s a big question and one that requires a few more perspectives than just fungicide use, so host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson, tackles that in this week’s episode. Plus, we’ll... Read More
Agriculture and food issues often cross provincial, national and international boundaries. Being a leader of a farm organization frequently requires representatives to look well beyond the farm gate to tackle issues that impact their members. That’s certainly the case for Thunder Bay, Ont., dairy farmer Peggy Brekveld, who in 2023 will again lead the Ontario... Read More
Succession planning isn’t just for farms — it’s important for every business. A few years ago, Josée Lemoine brought her business, Pivot Performance, into the Backswath Management fold. As planned, Backswath founder Terry Betker is now stepping down (but not away) from leading the business, as Lemoine will step up to lead the company as... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, recorded at Great Falls, Montana, at the Northern Pulse Growers and PNW Canola Association convention. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Karen Sowers of PNW Canola Association, to chat about the diversity of acres in Montana, and by Shannon Berndt of Northern Pulse Growers,... Read More
Chasing yield goals usually starts with a favourite or promising new hybrid or variety, but navigating the sea of options for corn and canola can especially be overwhelming. To help navigate the decision-making process on variety or hybrid selection, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Ian Epp with the Canola Council of Canada, and Marty... Read More
Every year, adzuki beans grown in Ontario fields find their way to markets in southeast Asia where they are synonymous with sweet treats — everything from pastries to candy bars and even adzuki-flavoured Pepsi. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, host Bernard Tobin discussed adzuki end uses, market opportunities and agronomics with... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by FarmTRX. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to discuss different growing conditions and low seeding rates. You’ll also hear from Eric Johnson, weed scientist with the Agronomic Crop Imaging... Read More
Do you have canola stored on-farm? If so, it’s time to check those bins. It’s likely been a fair amount of time since the crop came off, and even if conditions were perfect at harvest (but let’s face it, they rarely are) it’s time to check in. As Courtney Boyachek, agronomy specialist with the Canola... Read More
Farmers looking to prepare for seeding using lower horsepower requirements can look no further than the Bednar Swifterdisc XO 8000F. Rene Van Geerenstein, with Pentagon Farm Centre, introduced Bednar’s 8000F at Agri-Trade 2022, explaining its main purposes is as a secondary tillage unit. He says it’s not used to break ground, but instead is intended... Read More
Welcome to the fifth episode of the Canola PODcast, sponsored by InVigor hybrid canola from BASF. The series was designed to highlight useful tips and tricks growers can bring to their canola fields to help make every acre count. On this episode of the PODcast, Shaun Haney is joined by Nikki Vercaigne, Brand Manager for... Read More
As weeds evolve, weed science must evolve to keep up. Today’s weed scientists work hard to tackle evolving herbicide resistant weeds and offer solutions to keep farmers one step ahead. Eric Johnson, weed scientist with the Agronomic Crop Imaging lab at the University of Saskatchewan, has been working on these solutions for decades through his... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture and Andrew Campbell, dairy farmer from Ontario for the RealAg Issues Panel. They cover: Avian Influenza increase out in British Columbia; The pending rail strike in the U.S; An ask... Read More
It’s Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S., which can be a big weekend for the cattle markets, as we swing into the full holiday season. This statement proved true this week as it was a very positive week in the U.S. cattle markets. What has happened, and how does this translate into the Canadian markets? Anne... Read More
It’s a stressful world out there, there’s no doubt about it. Whether it be personal stress, emotional stress, or financial stress…the list goes on. One of the stressors we do have some power to dial down a bit, says Stuart Person, senior vice president of MNP, is financial stress. This can be done through three... Read More
Running any business is a challenge, but running a family business and managing different personality styles carries with it a special kind of obstacle, as team mates love each other but also need to like each other. Greg Lingelbach is the chair of TEC Canada, a business coaching and peer mentorship organization. He presented at... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this LIVE! edition of RealAg Radio, recorded in front of a fabulous audience at the Agriculture Excellence Conference at Canmore, Alta. Today’s show is brought to you by RBC. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Heather Watson, executive director of Farm Management Canada on programs offered by... Read More
Several American railroad worker unions are holding firm on contract demands, increasing the likelihood of a strike some time in early December. While an official strike date of December 9 has been reported, the American Association of Railroads says that logistic adjustments and slow downs would begin as much as a week prior, as some... Read More
Variable rate technology has been slow to establish on a broad-scale in agriculture, but there is always more to learn about the technology and its applications. Arnold Schumann is a researcher and professor with the University of Florida and adjunct professor at Dalhousie University working on agricultural applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in berry and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Yes, you read that right – Wednesday. Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Warren Schneckenburger of Morrisburg, Ont.; Steve Twynstra of Alisa Craig, Ont.; Simon Ellis of Wawanesa, Man.; and Tim Oleksyn... Read More
How cold does it need to be to try and harvest snowed-in corn? That answer depends on the combine you’re running, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson on this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. This week’s episode also features a discussion on nitrogen management, losses, cover crop tie-up of nutrients, and an increase in fines on... Read More
What happens when you precision plant wheat? There’s a growing body of evidence indicating that better seed singulation, metering and depth control has the potential to improve uniformity of emergence, growth and crop canopy. That precise approach can also add up to higher yield potential and more grain in the bin. But many growers have... Read More
How does adding 100 crop heat units to the maturity of your corn hybrids impact the yield and profitability of the crop? Agronomist Peter Johnson tackles that question on this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School with help from University of Guelph associate professor David Hooker. Earlier this year, Hooker took a deep dive into... Read More
The current sideways lull in the grain markets has some feeling somewhat uneasy, wondering if the market bumps higher or breaks to the downside. Given the last 18 months, it feels like anything is possible. But why are the markets trading sideways? Plenty of reasons, says Scott Shellady, host of the Cow Guy Close show on... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show we hear from Scott Shellady, host of the Cow Guy Close on RFD-TV, on what the ag market is waiting for to break out of this sideways trade. We will also hear from Jake Buekert with the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association,... Read More
Farmers looking to upgrade to a header designed to cut through tough conditions and allow for higher cutting speeds can check out the MacDon FD2 header. Wayne Krowelski, with MacDon, says the FD2 header is in full production this year after its release in 2021. He says they’ve reengineered several aspects of their past header... Read More
Managing nitrogen fertilizer is a balancing of economic considerations, yield goals, and environmental implications. With both increased fertilizer prices and scrutiny on N fertilizer emissions, this episode of The Agronomists tackles the loss pathways and management tools required to minimize them. Our experts for this conversation are John Heard of Manitoba Agriculture, Peter Johnson of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by Roquette. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to talk about farmers trying to combine corn in the snow, and if there is a purpose to bringing out the land... Read More
First found in 2014 in Manitoba, verticillium stripe has become a more common disease found in canola. In parts of Manitoba, the season started with an excess of moisture and was hot, which led to the perfect breeding ground for the disease. Which is why it was the heaviest year on record in Western Canada... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture join host Shaun Haney for the RealAg Issues Panel. The trio discuss: Indo-Pacific strategy pieces being announced; Sollio and Olymel and its financial struggles; and, Machinery dealers and right to repair bill. Thoughts on... Read More
Each year, Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) selects 16 program participants ages 18-35 from across the country and offers industry networking, travel, and skill building opportunities. A focal point of the program is matching participants with a hand-picked mentor in their specific area of interest in the Canadian beef industry for a nine-month mentorship experience.... Read More
Effectively integrating a cereal rye cover crop into corn is not for the faint of heart. Cereal rye can deliver tremendous benefits for a corn production system but there are challenges. Many growers wrestle with how to get uniform establishment in the fall; determining the best nitrogen and tillage plans; and finding that sweet spot... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Charlene Whattam of Renfrew, Ont.; Steve Terpstra of Atwood, Ont.; Landon Friesen of Crystal City, Man.; and John Kowalchuk of Trochu, Alta. As well, don’t miss... Read More
Nate Horner, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, received his mandate letter from the new premier, Danielle Smith, this week. In it, Premier Smith outlines what she expects Horner to accomplish in the short and medium term. Horner is up to the task, he says, as a lot of what’s included in the letter was... Read More
The MA-405 grain moisture tester is portable, accurate, and allows growers to test grain in the field, an improvement over traditional desktop model moisture testers. Nicholas Matichuk, salesperson with Prairie Grain Analyzers, says the MA-405 moisture tester is also more accurate in comparison to desktop models. The unit has the ability to measure over 50... Read More
The first green revolution of the mid-1900s included the discovery and advancement of fertilizer and crop protection that led to such incredible gains in food production that it spurred a population explosion and massive growth of cities. The next green revolution needs to be just as significant, but with a different end result: more food,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by CanolaMaster! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by John Stackhouse with RBC Royal Bank and host of Disruptors, an RBC podcast, on a new report of the next green revolution and how Canada can grow more food with less... Read More
What is your time worth? This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word encourages everyone to slow down for two major reasons: one, time is fleeting and the years we get with our kids and our loved ones are short; and, two, working safe on the farm and the roads requires a stop, look, act approach.... Read More
Why is there an irrigated corn crop growing in the middle of the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus? On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, host Bernard Tobin takes a trip into the research maze to get a look at what happens in this corn misting nursery. Tobin first encounters University of Guelph associate... Read More
The Alberta Beef Industry Conference (ABIC) is set for February 22-23, 2023, at Banff, Alta., and this year the group made a call out on social media for a special guest to attend. ABIC is one of Canada’s largest beef convention and tradeshows, hosted by five beef industry organizations in the province: Alberta Beef Producers,... Read More
On November 14, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food approved Bill C-234 — a private member’s bill that would exempt natural gas and propane used on farms for drying grain and heating barns from the federal carbon tax. Dave Carey, vice president of government and industry relations at the Canadian Canola... Read More
One of the biggest rewards of working in a family business is the opportunity to work every day with multiple generations. This can provide mentorship, learning, and truly rewarding memories and experiences, but it can also present real challenges. Generational differences are real but also sometimes misunderstood, as stereotypes skew perceptions and behaviours. For this... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show we hear from Jeff Barlow, Ontario farmer and director for Grain Farmers of Ontario, on shipping issues through the St. Lawrence Seaway, and Dr. Samantha Yammine on navigating the infodemic and identifying misinformation when dealing with science. As well, don’t miss... Read More
Ontario set a new record for average winter wheat yield this year at 99.7 bu/ac. And as winter finally settles in on the province, RealAgriculture agronomist Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson says conditions are ripe for the fall-planted crop to break more records in 2023. But Mother Nature will have a lot to say about that... Read More
Highline Manufacturing Ltd made its entrance into the tow-behind total mixed ration (TMR) market at Agri-Trade at Red Deer, Alta. The 750-cubic-foot tub is built for the extreme conditions of North America — where feeding can happen in very cold, windy, muddy, and snowy conditions. Bob Cochran, general manager of Highline Manufacturing Lt., says the... Read More
There are so many insects in the world that most of them likely haven’t been described yet. From some of the more common insects, such as the flea beetle, to a lesser-known such as a the beet webworm, this episode of The Agronomists tackles as much as we can in an hours’ time. Host Lyndsey... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by PRIDE Seeds! Today’s show host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to talk about the snow that has arrived in the east and how it impacts the rest of the corn harvest and... Read More
Jammed-full ports in Ontario are impacting basis and possible longer-term options for cash sales in the province, as laker traffic costs increase and tight freight access puts the squeeze on storage space along the St. Lawrence. Jeff Barlow, farmer from near Hamilton, Ont., and director with Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), doesn’t usually ever have... Read More
Winter is not always kind to fall-planted wheat. Sometimes thin stands and winter kill make for a poor economic outlook and growers need to take it out and plant another crop. What do growers need to think about if they decide to switch to soybeans? Are there implications if a cereal herbicide had been applied... Read More
Seasonal movement off the lows of the pea and lentil markets hasn’t resulted in much beyond sideways movement, says Chuck Penner, founder of Leftfield Commodity Research, based at Winnipeg, Manitoba. But there are some differences between red and green lentils and yellow and green peas. The challenging harvest weather in Australia is playing a significant... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio on this Remembrance Day Friday. On today’s show, hear from Anne Wasko with the Beef Market Update for a discussion on cattle trade flows, exports, and the fall run; plus Meagan Murdoch, of H&K Strategies and Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture join host Shaun Haney for... Read More
Looking south, overseas, and here at home, the beef market looks steady, good, and, well, not bad. For this week’s Beef Market Update, Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, starts with a recap of what’s happening in the U.S., where fed cattle held steady again this week. The wholesale market has peaked, likely, after... Read More
You could almost guess Red Deer, Alta., was set to host Agri-Trade just by looking at the forecast: snow, blizzard conditions, followed by a deep freeze is the basic recipe for just about all the major winter agriculture trade shows. Not easily daunted, RealAgriculture field editor Kara Oosterhuis was on location at AgriTrade this week... Read More
Regardless of the preparation and planning that goes into a crop, it’s weather that ultimately turns a struggling crop into a winner, or inhibits a crop from ever reaching its full potential. Jay Whetter, editor of Canola Digest for the Canola Council of Canada (CCC), says this year’s canola yields were dramatically impacted by the... Read More
As we well know, there’s a lot that goes in to growing the “perfect” crop. SeedMaster Manufacturing has decided to show they are up to the challenge, creating a contest where a canola grower in Western Canada will win everything essential they need to grow a whole quarter section of canola. Dubbed the “160 Acres... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Shawn Schill of Arthur, Ont; Nick Dubuc of Montreal, Que.; Jim Wickett of Rosetown, Sask.; and Chad Beagle of Rimbey, Alta. As well, don’t miss the... Read More
If you’re tired of hearing words such as “unprecedented” and “new normal,” you’re not alone. That said, over time, what is average or normal or expected does change and evolve. Take commodity prices, for example. Over the very long term, the bottom level resistance for wheat futures at one time was $2/bushel. Eventually, that rose... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by CanolaMaster! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodity Research, on the broader market and a discussion on if we have reached a new normal in commodity prices, as well as Jay Whetter, editor with... Read More
It’s a busy time of year in Ottawa and around the world for ministers and for the official critics, too. John Barlow, Alberta MP for Foothills, spent time in Paris, France, last week attending the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) minister’s meeting. Canada’s federal ag minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, chaired the meeting. Now that... Read More
Corn on corn shouldn’t be the plan, but when it is, make sure the stalks are baled and returned as manure, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. In this early November episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, our host shares insight in to what’s causing corn field fires, how much stress tolerance has improved in crop types,... Read More
Dr. Samatha Yemmine, a neuroscientist, digital media producer and science communicator, also known as ScienceSam, recently spoke at the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s Public Trust Summit at Toronto. In her address, Yemmine dives into dealing with an “infodemic,” and how to discern between misinformation and information from credible sources.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. Your host Shaun Haney is joined by John Barlow, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food, and Food Security for the Conservative Party of Canada on a number of topics including the ag committee meeting, climate change, and more! As well as, John Vanthof, MPP for... Read More
The ground may freeze and the plants stop growing, but there’s no “off season” for good agronomy. Just because the crop is in the bin, doesn’t mean we should stop thinking about how to improve production. The way to do that, says Leighton Blashko of BASF, is to think of the 5 Ws of planning... Read More
Under the guise of solving the housing crisis, Ontario’s premier Doug Ford is moving to develop over 7,000 acres of prime agriculture land in the province’s Greenbelt around the city of Toronto. In exchange, the Ford government says it will set aside over 9,000 acres…somewhere else. MPP for Temiskaming-Cochrane, John Vanthof says the premier’s plan... Read More
When it comes to weed control, we can’t always wait for the next thing in the pipeline, we need to manage what we have — which sometimes means getting creative. For this edition of the Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Jeanette Gaultier of BASF, and Rob Bahry of ADAMA Canada, to discuss clever... Read More
What’s the number one disease problem in edible beans in Ontario? That’s a question University of Guelph associate professor Chris Gillard asked in a recent grower survey and the answer wasn’t surprising, says the edible bean researcher. Sixty-seven percent of growers named white mould as their biggest disease problem, and an even higher 75 percent... Read More
This episode of Soil School is an interview with Jodi DeJong-Hughes, of the University of Minnesota, discussing how best to adopt strip tillage and avoid some of the common pitfalls farmers face when changing practices. DeJong-Hughes examines optimum season of application, controlled traffic farming, crop type, and trafficability when it comes to strip tillage. Listen... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Alliance Seed! Today’s show host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to talk about the beautiful weather out east and how it’s contributing to corn harvest. As well, you’ll hear the top ag... Read More
Happy Friday! Thanks for tuning in to this RealAg Issues edition of RealAg Radio, recorded from the Maple Leaf Lounge in the Toronto Pearson Airport! On this episode of the show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, to discuss Minister Freeland warning of a recession but hints... Read More
From moisture to nutrients, plant roots play a critical role in feeding corn throughout the growing season. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, Sullivan Agro agronomist Paul Sullivan looks at some of the problems growing plants can run into as they push down into the soil looking to feed the plant, fuel cob... Read More
As the calendar turns to November, many are making plans for the winter months. Although the list of things to do in the winter can be just as extensive as the summer for many areas of agriculture, professional development is a focus for the winter months. Rob Stone, of Davidson, Sask., is one of those... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Guest host Kara Oosterhuis is joined by: Chris Moore of Kinburn, Ont.; Kevin Buchner of Brownville, Ont.; Logan Pizzey of Binscarth, Man.; and Rob Stone of Davidson, Sask. As well, don’t miss... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by UFA Cooperative! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Kevin Grier, of Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting, on food the price inflation blame-game; David Przednowek, CN Rail on the grain movement season to date; and, Hear an excerpt... Read More
What does triticale have to do with reduced soybean yields? What’s the payoff to longer season hybrids? And why on earth would someone rake up corn?! Tap below (or download for later) and hear this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word for all these answers and so much more. Have a question you’d like Johnson... Read More
The past three years have been a rollercoaster ride for the grocery retail business. Back in February 2020, grocery retail was searching for ways to delight consumers and compete with food service and restaurants that were gaining an increasing share of the food wallet. But then COVID-19 changed everything — suddenly grocers were asked to... Read More
Wheat and corn prices for the near and medium term are all about supply. The trouble is, there is plenty of wheat in Russia, but there are few countries who want to be seen buying Russian wheat. What’s more, the uneasy trade corridor accord between Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia is providing very little assurance to... Read More
CN Rail says October was its best single month ever for grain movement in Western Canada. The company says it moved over 3.23 million metric tonnes from the Prairies, exceeding the previous record set in October 2020 by 50 thousand metric tonnes. “Really from the end of September through the third week of October, we’ve... Read More
Hello November! Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by The Disruptors, an RBC podcast. Your host, Shaun Haney is back and is joined by Jim McCormick with AgMarket.net to discuss the markets and what is happening with the geopolitical and global commodity complex, China and their zero-COVID... Read More
We’ve discussed before how there will likely be whole research projects centred on the 2022 December corn futures contract. The contract has finally settled in to a range, but that has analysts and farmers alike wondering what it will take to crack this crop to the up — or down — side. To tackle that... Read More
Despite the rate of inflation slowing, food prices continue to tell a different story. The latest grocery report released by Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting lays out what’s behind the increasing cost of food, with little evidence that excessive profit-taking by grocers is the culprit. The blame game is certainly being played, says Kevin... Read More
For those who have recently been through a farm business transition, thinking about doing it again might seem like an unpopular idea. But Ron Krahn, farmer from western Manitoba, says that with so much of the farm succession talk being focused on the exiting generation, tax planning, and life insurance, for the last 20 years,... Read More
It appears in 2022 that Ontario growers have little to worry about when it comes to corn ear moulds such as gibberella contributing to elevated levels of mycotoxins in the corn crop. In late October, the annual Ontario corn ear mould and deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin survey found 98 percent of samples tested low — less... Read More
New Holland says it will redefine the disc mower conditioner with the introduction of its new Discbine PLUS Series. The discbines made their first appearance earlier this year at the 2022 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. The mower conditioner improves productivity, optimizes quality and preserves valuable feed nutrients, says Jordan Milewski, conventional hay tools... Read More
It’s time for the second Ontario Diagnostic Day episode of The Agronomists! For this episode, guest host Bernard Tobin (with a great hat) guides guests Horst Bohner and Albert Tenuta, both with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) on an exploration of soybean seed quality and corn leaf diseases. This episode... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this “spooky” Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! Today’s show host, Lyndsey Smith, is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson of RealAgriculture, on phantom yield loss (and voice loss!), subsoil moisture trouble, and ultra, ultra early wheat in the West. We will also hear a discussion on 4R nutrient stewardship... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg Radio, which features the RealAg Issues Panel. On this episode of the show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, and Ron Krahn, Manitoba farmer, for a discussion about on-boarding the next generation. They are also joined by Tyler McCann of the... Read More
There’s a lot of moving pieces going on in agriculture right now, and one of those pieces is the international crop. Just because we are talking international, doesn’t mean the crop doesn’t face one of the number one issues ours does domestically — the weather. As a function of La Niña conditions lingering, Australia has... Read More
It’s spooky season, and Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange is ready with her witch’s hat (to be worn with the grandkids, of course). As we approach Halloween, it’s no surprise for the west of the country to experience snow (after all, what would be Halloween in Canada without snowsuits under costumes), and Wasko’s... Read More
When it comes to new herbicides the product pipeline is not exactly bursting with new chemistry. This trend toward fewer new crop protection chemistries has created opportunities for a company like ADAMA Canada, which focuses its research on innovating and reformulating existing products to enhance performance and make them better. In this interview, from Canada’s... Read More
If the farm is waiting for the tax filing to sort out profit and loss, decisions are being made for close to a year, and maybe more, without a full financial picture. Budgeting may be up there on the favourites list with a root canal or unclogging toilets; it’s rare that someone really loves developing... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: John Guelly of Westlock, Alta.; Katie Keddy of Annapolis Valley, N.S.; Mike Groot of southwestern Ont.; and Daryl Fransoo of Glaslyn, Sask. As well, don’t... Read More
On October 26th, the Bank of Canada announced a 50 basis point interest rate hike — marking the sixth raise of the calendar year. Brennan Turner, grain market analyst and founder of Combyne Ag, says because we’re in an environment of high inflation, we’re going to see a few more of these increases over the... Read More
How visible is grain in a grower’s bin? How can they better assess grain quality and manage the investment? AGI Farmobile’s Harley Janssen feels the company’s BinManager automaton program provides a digital solution that allows growers to effectively tackle these questions. In this interview from the Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa, Janssen, vice president... Read More
Artificial intelligence is making it easier for farmers and ranchers to keep an eye on their livestock. At the recent Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show at Woodstock, Ont., OneCup AI showcased how its AI technology uses computer vision technology to identify and monitor livestock. In this video, the company’s CEO, Mokah Shmigelsky gives us a snapshot... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. Guest host Kara Oosterhuis is joined by Nate Horner, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, to discuss Alberta agriculture and irrigation, and Brennan Turner, grain market analyst, hops on to talk markets. As well, don’t miss the product spotlight interview with Jessica Young of Sevita International, and the... Read More
Halloween may be just days away, but we’re trying to make things as scary as possible around here. Want to be horrified by thistles in IP beans? What about the spectre of DON-heavy corn? Shriek at the thought of disappearing yield! That’s right, this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word is full of super scary agronomic... Read More
The cost of food, fuelled by inflation levels not seen in decades, is the top “life” issue concerning Canadians. That’s the headline emerging from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) 2022 public trust research report, released during the organization’s annual summit in Toronto this week. The 2022 findings illustrate that the cost of food... Read More
Who wins and who loses in the weather lottery all depends on where you live and what business you are in. For those in the farming business, too cold and too dry are usually not good for a winter outlook, but it appears areas of the Prairies that could really use more precipitation may lose... Read More
Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation says he has a list of “good stuff that isn’t finished yet” that he’s planning to tackle following his reappointment to the agriculture post in cabinet by new Premier Danielle Smith. Nate Horner was originally tapped to serve as the province’s agriculture minister by Smith’s predecessor Jason Kenney in... Read More
Too often, it takes a brush with a serious health issue to spur someone to take better care of themselves. For Amanda Nigg, it took a life-changing event to spur her farm-fit business. On this episode of the Fit Farmer podcast, Fit Farmer meets Farm Fit Momma as Gary Chambers is joined by Nigg to... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! Guest host Kelvin Heppner is joined by Brett Anderson, with Accuweather, on the Canadian winter forecast; Tyler Fulton, with Canadian Cattle Association, on the Canadian government’s new methane emissions reduction plan and what it means for cattle producers; and Greg Sears, chair for the... Read More
Wheat and barley growers in Alberta only have a few days left to vote on whether they want to see Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commission amalgamate into a single organization. Farmers who paid a levy on wheat or barley sales between January 2020 and April 2022 should have received a voting PIN in... Read More
Technology is continuously changing, and along with that is how we implement said technology on farms. For this edition of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Garth Donald of Decisive Farming, and Caleb Niemeyer of Woodrill Ltd, to discuss variable rate applications for seed and fertilizer. This episode of The Agronomists is brought... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! Today’s show host, Lyndsey Smith, is joined by Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson of RealAgriculture, on weird corn, spraying out hay, and record wheat yield for Ontario. Kelvin Heppner hops on for an Edible Bean School featuring Anfu Hou. We will also hear a... Read More
Two herbicides are better than one, right? That’s the goal when products are tank-mixed together, but they don’t always deliver better weed control when antagonism occurs. Antagonism takes place when two or more herbicides are combined and results in lower weed control than if they had been applied separately. This most often occurs when a... Read More
Happy Friday! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg Radio, which features the RealAg Issues Panel. On this episode of the show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, and Andrew Campbell, dairy farmer of Strathroy, Ont., to tackle the top stories of the week, including inflation and food... Read More
Fall fertility is a small part of the entire agronomy plan, but an important one. As we begin to feel the cool nip of fall in the air, there are plenty of decisions to make when it comes to fertility plans, says Leighton Blashko of BASF. With these fertility considerations and planning comes the 4Rs:... Read More
All eyes were on the electric Ranger at the Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa, this summer. Chris Jensen of Polaris says the Ranger XP Kinetic has received a positive response since its launch. “When we set out to build this machine, we didn’t set out to build an electric Ranger, we set out to... Read More
John Deere’s 5M utility tractor series lineup is getting new attention at the ground level with the 2023 models. With the new model, the series now boasts a range of 75 horsepower to 130 horsepower, with the ability to either have cast wheels or steel wheels. If you do choose the cast wheels, says Greg... Read More
Soil, water and topography maps — more commonly know as SWAT Maps — are becoming a familiar management tool for corn producers. These high-resolution soil foundation maps are used to execute variable rate fertilizer, seed, soil amendment and pesticide applications. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, host Bernard Tobin catches up with Sullivan... Read More
Environment and Climate Change Canada launched the national methane emissions reduction proposal in September, titled “Faster and Further: Canada’s Methane Strategy.” In it, the federal government outlines the expected reduction of methane emissions from agriculture based on 2020 levels. The total reduction — one per cent — is a pretty small portion, but it’s the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Guest host Kara Oosterhuis is joined by: Josh Boersen, of Stratford, Ont.; Mark Brock, of Staffa, Ont.; Randy Court, of Plumas, Man.; and Jim Hale, of Lancer, Sask. As well, don’t miss... Read More
Supply chains of consumer goods may be global, but they all start as local, and the pre-pandemic, just-in-time model of logistics has faced serious challenges in the last two and a half years. Challenges to Canada’s supply chains, however, pre-date current global backlogs, but the pandemic did prompt the federal government to create a National... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. Guest host Kelvin Heppner is joined by Neil Townsend, of FarmLink Marketing Solutions and GrainFox, on these super-strong grain markets, and Greg Northey, with the Ag Transport Coalition, on the latest federal supply chain report. As well, don’t miss the product spotlight interview with Sandy Hart for Sevita... Read More
The cure for high prices is high prices, but the world has to eat. Depending on which adage you subscribe to right now, the global grain markets are either bucking the trend or proving the point. Neil Townsend, senior market analyst with FarmLink Marketing Solutions and GrainFox, agrees that the current commodity price strength is... Read More
The password is: Incredible! This week, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is PUMPED about a number of things, including some new records, and some very cool plot results. Plus, he shares some listener feedback and a challenge to support a great organization. Oh, and there’s some great agronomic discussions, too. Have a question you’d like... Read More
The highly-pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus that has swept North America in 2022 will likely remain a threat in 2023, but there have been some lessons learned in the past seven months by producers, veterinarians, and poultry industry stakeholders when it comes to responding to the often-devastating disease. As of October 17, the Canadian Food... Read More
Is it safe for winter wheat growers to tank mix a herbicide, fungicide, and plant growth regulator in a spring application? It’s a question Syngenta Canada agronomist Marijke Vanderlaan says she’s hearing more often from wheat growers as they look to make spring more efficient and actively manage the crop. And it’s likely a question... Read More
A successful dairy farm requires incredible investment — from cows and quota to crops, to land base and labour, the list of key inputs is huge. One of the key pieces that drives a dairy operation forward is silage quality. On this episode of the The Sharp Edge, Maizex Seeds agronomist Greg Stewart visits custom... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Xplore. Guest host Kelvin Heppner is joined by poultry vet Teryn Girard to discuss the avian influenza, and Branden Leslie with Grain Growers, to talk about the federal carbon tax bill, grain movement and more! As well, don’t miss the... Read More
The House of Commons’ agriculture committee is reviewing Bill C-234, the private member’s bill that would exempt fuel used for barn heating and grain drying from the federal government’s carbon tax. The bill received strong support at second reading in the House of Commons back in May, with the Conservatives, NDP, Bloc, Greens, and one... Read More
CASE IH has launched two new updates for its suite of AFS Connect tools designed to more seamlessly share real-time data between multiple machines. With the introduction of AFS AccuSync, producers will be able to share real-time data between machines in the same field, for a fully connected operation. New AFS Connect features including insights... Read More
Yield is built from the soil up, so root development and healthy growing conditions down below are key to top yields. For this edition of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Dr. Mario Tenuta, of the University of Manitoba, and Dr. Dave Hooker, of the University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus, to discuss... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! Today’s show host Lyndsey Smith, is joined by Jeremy Boychyn with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, talking about too-warm soil and scouting for sawfly, and Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson of RealAgriculture, on hot beans in the bins, corn silage shortage in the... Read More
Safe storage of any crop is a function of not just moisture, but temperature as well. Ontario growers were blessed with some warm, dry weather to harvest the soybean crop — a crop that came off the field over-dry in some instances. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, says that growers reported taking beans... Read More
From November 22 – 24, producers from across the country will gather again for the Agricultural Excellence Conference after three years of the farm business management conference being held online. The conference, put on by Farm Management Canada, will be held in Canmore, Alta., and will tackle topics from optimizing growth potential, to taking at... Read More
With soil not yet cool enough to fully slow microbial activity, Jeremy Boychyn says certain fall field work tasks may have to wait a few weeks yet. Soil testing and some fall field applications of herbicides and fertilizer should likely wait, says the agronomy research extension specialist with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, as... Read More
Happy Friday! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg Radio, featuring the Issues Panel and the Beef Market Update! On this episode of the show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture, to tackle the top stories of the week, including the new shadow cabinet, banks backing... Read More
Soybeans can be used for many things. The versatile bean produces everything from healthy cooking oils to sustainable fuel, household products and animal feed. That list is about to get longer if the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa State University (ISU) are successful in helping soybean asphalt become a viable option for road construction and... Read More
Not for the first time this year, the Canadian and U.S. cattle market are out of sync. As Anne Wasko explains in this week’s episode of the Beef Market Update, it’s becoming a bit of a frustrating topic, as she had hoped we wouldn’t still be talking about it in October. Check out the full... Read More
Keeping hooves drier, harder, and cleaner is better for cows, dairy farmers, and the environment. Animal comfort specialist Bioret Agri believes it’s checked all these boxes with its new Magellan self-draining rubber flooring, which is designed to improve drainage, provide greater traction for cows, and reduce ammonia production. Adam Steward, business development manager for Bioret... Read More
New Holland is reaching to the past to introduce new technology to small square balers. At the 2022 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, the equipment manufacturer announced that its well known Hayliner Series of small square baler would return to the market boosting a host of new technology. The new models include the Hayliner... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ryan McCarron of Antigonish, N.S.; Luke Barron of Schomberg, Ont.; Corey Loessin of Radisson, Sask.; and Shaune Harty of Foremost, Alta. Don’t miss our spotlight interview... Read More
Despite the calendar date, many areas of the Prairies haven’t seen a killing frost this fall, which means the window for fall weed control is still open. As producers, agronomists, and everyone in-between are surveying fields, the perennial weeds are likely getting noticed. As Leighton Blashko, technical service specialist with BASF, says, there’s still time... Read More
Managing costs and minimizing herbicide use meets technology in the Greeneye Precision Spraying System, but when will this pesticide-saver be available in Canada? That’s the question RealAgriculture field editor Bernard Tobin puts to David Greer, of Greeneye Technology, in the video below filmed at the Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa, in August. The Israli-based... Read More
Finally, there is some plot data coming in for discussion! And that makes host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, incredibly happy. Why? Because even a “no yield response” is a valuable lesson and it’s more fun when we all learn together. In this week’s episode, Johnson talks corn harvest, weed control, and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio! On today’s show we will hear from Jon Driedger of Leftfield Commodity Research, for a grain market outlook and discussion on the USDA WASDE report. As well, Heather Watson with Farm Management Canada, hops on to talk about the upcoming Agriculture Excellence conference. Don’t miss our spotlight interview... Read More
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its WASDE report for October on Wednesday, and soybeans definitely received the bulk of the market reaction. Although corn and wheat yield projections were relatively in-line with analyst expectations, it was the soybean yield that made the market go…hmm. Arlan Suderman, of StoneX tweeted, “USDA pegged the #soybean yield... Read More
Case IH is now offering new size options for its centre-pivot DC5 series of disc mower conditioners. The configurations give growers greater performance in a smaller package. In this interview from the recent Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, Case IH hay and forage equipment marketing manager Brian Spencer breaks down the new models. These... Read More
JCB’s Fastrac is well known for its versatility of high speed, comfort, safety, and productivity, and the latest version of the JCB tractor has been described as a Swiss-army knife kind of fit for the farm. The latest iteration of the JCB tractor is the iCON series, and our own Kara Oosterhuis got a tour... Read More
Happy Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. On today’s show we hear from Justin Funk of RealAgristudies, on the first results from the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index, and Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson with RealAgriculture on all things agronomy. Don’t miss our spotlight interviews with Andrew Elgersma of Climate FieldView on harvest data in... Read More
Harvest is well underway across western Canada, and already wrapped up in many areas. The beginning of harvest also signals the start of the grain shipping season. David Przednowek, assistant vice president for grain for CN Rail, joined RealAgriculture’s Kelvin Heppner to discuss where grain movement is at from a railway perspective. Despite low carry-in,... Read More
The Friday before Thanksgiving should have a special name, like food-prep Friday or Best Holiday Eve. Around here, it’s also known as Issues Panel day on RealAg Radio. On this episode of the show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, of RealAgriculture, to tackle the top stories of the week,... Read More
Combines are rolling and as soybeans move to the bin, agronomists are reminding growers that the potential for an open fall presents a great opportunity for weed control. BASF agronomist Ken Currah says fall is the perfect time to tackle tough weeds like dandelion, Canada thistle and perennial sow thistle. “This is the time to... Read More
Tar spot was found in many regions of Ontario again in 2022 but dry weather conditions throughout the growing season reduced the leaf disease’s impact on the corn crop. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, we pay a return visit to the provincial tar spot nursery at Rodney, Ont, where Ontario Ministry of... Read More
When Farm Credit Canada (FCC) released its first-half of 2022 farmland values report earlier this week, reaction was somewhat mixed, ranging from “Well, of course prices are still strong!” to “This kind of growth is absurd given current conditions.” As J.P. Gervais, senior economist with FCC explains, it’s important to look at the 8.1 per... Read More
Cover cropping — and then planting into that green cover crop in spring — has become more common in pockets of the U.S. and Canada over the past decade, but the adoption rate has tended to be slower in more northern areas with short or dry fall seasons. These also happen to be areas where... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Aaron Bowman of Hampton, Ont.; Jeff Harrison of Quinte West, Ont.; Korey Peters of Randolph, Man.; and Mike Beckie of Davidson, Sask. Don’t miss our spotlight... Read More
Dairy farming is labour intensive 365-days of the year. It’s also an industry that can be both physically and technologically demanding all at once. Because of the round-the-clock care dairy farms require, it takes a certain kind of temporary work force to fill in when farmers need time off. Martin VandenHoven, of Relief Herdsmen Services,... Read More
It was a busy Farm Progress Show for Michelin as the tire manufacturer rolled out three agricultural tires at the annual farm tradeshow, located this year at Boone, Iowa. New from Michelin are the Agribib 2, Spraybib CFO and the TrailXBib. The Agribib 2 is an improved version of Michelin’s most popular agricultural tire, while... Read More
Happy Wednesday! Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. On today’s show we will hear from J.P. Gervias with Farm Credit Canada on mid year land value report, and Greg Northey with Pulse Canada on railways underperforming through Week 8 of the grain shipping season. Don’t miss out spotlight interview with Scott Anderson of Nutrien... Read More
New Holland is expanding its round baler offering with the launch of its Pro-Belt Series. The new balers made their first appearance at the recent Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. In this video, Jordan Milewski, New Holland’s conventional haytools marketing manager, says producers can expect both durability and reliability from the new baler. “When... Read More
In case you were wondering, this is episode 381 of Wheat Pete’s Word. That’s a whole lot of agronomy, with host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, and we’ve got plenty more! It’s almost Thanksgiving, and there are so many things to be thankful for. Keep those things at the forefront of your mind as we head... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this early October edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, you’ll hear from Dr. Reynold Bergen of the Beef Cattle Research Council on transport rules for calves, and from Dr. David Kohl, with Virginia Tech, on goal setting. Don’t miss our spotlight interview with Mike Biernacki of ConnectFirst Credit Union,... Read More
When draft regulations for livestock transport in Canada were brought forward in 2017, most within the industry could understand why: the rules that govern the care of livestock transport hadn’t been updated in decades. But perhaps one of the reasons it took so long to revamp the regs was because they were working quite well.... Read More
High residue, continuous corn, lack of nitrogen, drought — they’re all growing conditions that can make life stressful for corn plants. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, PRIDE Seeds agronomist Matt Chapple shares how seed companies stress test hybrids to ensure only the best, most resilient hybrids make it to market. He also... Read More
Every field tells a story, and not just through the yield monitor. From final plant stand figures, to disease pressures, to weed spectrums and control windows, harvest and post-harvest scouting can offer so much information about what to do next year or the next time a field sees this crop again. To dive in to... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday episode, brought to you by PRIDE Seeds. We are joined by Peter Johnson, resident agronomist with RealAgriculture, to discuss a variety of things from patience on the road to harvest yields, and Jodi DeJong Hughes with University of Minnesota, also hops on to discuss planting green. Don’t... Read More
Each growing season offers an opportunity to not just grow a great crop, but also evaluate new products coming to market. For PivotBio, bringing biological nitrogen-fixation products to Canada requires in-field testing under Canadian conditions to best position the product for growers going forward. As Chuck Broughton, general manager for the Canadian arm of the... Read More
Welcome to the last day of September. We’ve got a great lineup for you on RealAg Radio! You’ll hear a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. And, since its Friday — we’ve got a RealAg Issues Panel for you, featuring Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, and host Shaun... Read More
This weeks’ episode of the Beef Market Update is coming to you from the back of a horse, which is likely as authentic as we can get while we’re talking cattle markets. Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange is moving cattle, as yes, we approach October. In the U.S., Wasko says this week is... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Kennedy Kaufman of Woodstock, Ont.; Brendan Uruski of Zbaraz, Man.; Peggy Brekveld of Thunder Bay, Ont.; Shane Strydhorst of Neerlandia, Alta.; and Franck Groeneweg, formerly of... Read More
As always, there are plenty of things to talk about when it comes to the going-ons of the world — especially in geopolitics. Jim Wiesemeyer, of Pro Farmer, joined RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney to discuss border towns and COVID-19 restrictions, Biden failed trade policy for agriculture, the next farm bill, upcoming mid-terms, and more.... Read More
Whether it’s wet silage, dry hay, or stalks that need baling, Case IH says its round baler family — which includes Standard, Premium and Pro models — has been improved to give growers the efficiency and reliability they need in one machine. The latest addition to the Case IH round baler lineup, is the RB6... Read More
Farmers on the eastern coast of Canada have barely begun to clean up from post-tropical storm Fiona, even as a new hurricane, Ian, bears down on a huge swath of Florida and eventually the Carolinas. The devastation caused by these huge storms is taking a huge toll on livestock, still-standing crops, and fruit and vegetable... Read More
A full integration of precision technology and capacity combine in the relaunch of New Holland’s Guardian front-boom high-clearance sprayers — the SP310F, SP370F, and SP410F models. To get to know the new line up, RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin caught up with Jason Hardy, New Holland global product manager, at the Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa.... Read More
If you are looking for a simple design combined with precision and accuracy in a planter, the new Maschio Chrono 924 may be what you are looking for. The accuracy the company boasts has to do with a vacuum that singulates the seed, with an air compressor for adjustable airflow. Alessandro Cazzin, of Maschio Gaspardo,... Read More
Warren Schneckenburger is a big proponent of no-till and optimizing soil health, but he also has a disc cultivator that he turns to in times of need. The Morrisburg, Ont. farmer likes to say he farms in reality — he and his family have been focusing on soil health for a decade, but the clay... Read More
Thanks for tuning into RealAg Radio. Today’s show is brought to you by Lakeland College. On today’s show we will hear from Jim Wiesemyer of Pro Farmer on a number of topics, including Canada dropping the COVID-19 restrictions, and the Biden trade policy. You’ll also hear Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. on the fall... Read More
The host of Wheat Pete’s Word has a jam packed episode for you today, as always! Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson covers some quick updates from growers in the Maritimes, as they deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. As well, he’s hopeful that he’s going to win (win what, we’re not sure), as yields are... Read More
Since the middle of August, the corn market has experienced a bit of a holding pattern, with trade sticking mostly sideways. Joe Vaclavik, founder and president of Standard Grain, says a big part of what is playing into this pattern is the uncertainty surrounding the size of the crop in the U.S. “I think there’s... Read More
September 23, 2022 marked the third horrific — and likely most severe — storm to hit the Maritime provinces since 2003 and brought with it wind and rain that has left several thousand residents, including farmers, reeling from the damage. Days later, some are still without power. Tropical storm Fiona rolled in late Friday night... Read More
It’s time for Day 4 of Ontario Diagnostic Days! The annual Ontario crop diagnostic days were back in the field on July 20 and 21, 2022, but only at Ridgetown campus University of Guelph. Not everyone could attend these two field days, so the organizing committees of these highly successful in-field education and learning events are... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio! This episode is brought to you by Federated Co-op. Hear from: Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on the destruction caused by Hurricane Fiona; Chuck Broughton of Pivot Bio on nitrogen fixation of non pulse crops and the company’s plans for Canada; and Our spotlight... Read More
The variety and maturity group selections soybean growers make can have significant impact on how a variety develops throughout the season and its final yield. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, PRIDE Seed agronomist Matt Chapple looks at how two varieties with different maturity ratings perform in side-by-side plots under the same growing... Read More
Kinze Manufacturing featured it’s high-speed planting technology at the 2022 Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa, including the newest model, the True Speed Planter, which debuted this past spring. On display at the Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa, the planter hopes to grab the attention of farmers for the upcoming growing season. Eric Broadbent,... Read More
Multimodes of action in one product is the name of the game for many new crop protection products, and BASF’s new line up for 2023 holds to that. Building on last year’s launch of Veltyma fungicide, growers in Ontario can look for Veltyma DLX in 2023 for protection from northern corn leaf blight, tar spot,... Read More
The Straw Master straw spreader is a tidy unit that makes the job of bedding quick and easy. Filmed at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Richard Karst says the unit comes in three sizes, and can work with straw or shavings to process and spread bedding in tie-stall or free stall barns. At just five-feet wide,... Read More
Using best management practices (BMPs) with fertilizer management is all about making sure the nutrient is available to the plant while minimizing movement out or off the field, via air, water, or soil movement. To tackle what a fall-focused BMP might look like for phosphorus and nitrogen, host of The Agronomists, Lyndsey Smith, is joined... Read More
Thanks for tuning into Agronomic Monday on RealAg Radio! You’ll hear from Peter Johnson, resident agronomist with RealAgriculture, and Ken Wall with Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) on managing salinity. As well, don’t miss the top ag news stories of the day! Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney... Read More
More and more cases of waterhemp are being discovered, and last year, Manitoba saw its first confirmed finding of Palmer amaranth. As many producers are painfully aware — both weeds can be extra difficult to control, and herbicide resistance has only increased. Manitoba’s neighbour to the south is no stranger to either weed, with the... Read More
Farmers who are looking for replacement tires for sprayers now have a streamlined option with Titan’s new Ultimate Flex Technology (UFT) tire. The new tire can be a replacement for three different kinds of sprayer tires including conventional, increased flexion (IF) and very high flexion (VF), according to the company. Travis Lamb, field technician for... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner as they discuss the threats from Russia, along with the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve, plus the Ontario announcement and much more! We will also have a spotlight interview with... Read More
Reducing stress points isn’t only important for farmers but for their livestock as well, especially for dairy cows where stress can directly impact milk production. Bioret Agri’s innovative waterbed looks to reduce those stress points in cow housing. Adam Steward, business development manager for Bioret Agri, says their single-chamber waterbed stands out from others on... Read More
The Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA) says it is gun-shy when it comes to placing their faith in the rail companies’ ability to meet the demand of grain shipments needed this fall and in to the busy winter shipping season. The WGEA handles approximately 90 per cent, or more, of western Canada’s bulk grain exports,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Tyler Lester of Bloomfield, Ont.; Jason Kehler of Carman, Man.; Devon Walkerm of Lashburn, Sask.; and Gerrit Herremam of Uxbridge, Ont. Don’t miss our interview with... Read More
With harvest well underway, or even finished for some, markets continue to be susceptible to global events, but focus is now turning to what the actual yield numbers are as crops come off. Weighing in on the topic is Brian Voth, president of intetlliFARM, and he says he’s skeptical of the demand that is being... Read More
As the calendar pushes into late September, food-grade soybean growers are readying combines for harvest. In this video, Natalie Hazeleger, Sevita International’s national quality assurance manager, shares harvest tips to help growers meet the quality needs of food-grade soybean markets. Maintaining a clean sample is not difficult, but it does require attention to detail. Prior... Read More
Among the numerous pieces of machinery on display at this years’ Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa, was the new tedder from Massey Ferguson, which they tout as the best on the market. The new 1310x tedder was built for those who need something with a little more oomph and pick-up — literally — than... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. Today’s episode is brought to you by AGI Farmobile. Today we will hear from: Brian Voth of intelliFARM on the grain markets; Wade Sobkowich of Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA) on whether the railways are up to the grain hauling challenge; A product spotlight interview with Alicia Cowieson... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is feeling pretty good this fall, as Ontario yield numbers on his very favourite wheat crop are rolling in, and the yields are pretty strong. Will it be a new provincial record? That’s yet to be determined, but the numbers are promising. This week, the host of Wheat Pete’s Word tackles... Read More
The incredible drought of 2021 in Western Canada will have a long-term impact on many farms and ranches, but fallout from trying to keep livestock in the breeding herd is impacting farmers out east, too. Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), says that while the total amount isn’t huge, farmers who... Read More
For those who love soil, there’s nothing quite so painful as driving along a country road in winter, and seeing topsoil smeared along the snow banks. “Snirt” or “snoil”, depending on who you ask, is valuable top soil that’s been picked up by wind and shifted in to ditches, approaches, or even neighbouring fields. In... Read More
Anytime producers can right-size equipment for the job and save money is a good day to be on the farm. John Deere looks to do just that with their new AutoTrac option available on select Gator models starting this year. The new development allows for hands-free operation and GPS guidance which opens up the door... Read More
Two agronomic powerhouses, BASF and Corteva Agriscience, recently announced a long-term joint venture which looks to provide advanced weed control solutions for soybean farmers. The companies have entered into a collaboration where both agreed to cross-license soybean traits that in turn would enable the development of complementary herbicide technologies. Reps for both companies were on-site... Read More
Canola gives growers a little bit more leeway compared to other crops when it comes to growing in saline soil conditions. However, proper management of these areas is still needed to make sure they don’t get worse as the years go on. On this Canola School episode, we are joined by Ken Wall, grow team... Read More
It’s time for Day 3 of Ontario Diagnostic Days! The annual Ontario crop diagnostic days were back in the field on July 20 and 21, 2022, but only at Ridgetown campus University of Guelph. Not everyone could attend these two field days, so the organizing committees of these highly successful in-field education and learning events are... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: Mary Robinson, President of Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on a number of different issues from the fertilizer emissions reduction to the upcoming COP27 climate conference; A product spotlight interview with Tim Gardner, market development agronomist with Bayer on DEKALB... Read More
It pays to manage corn stalks. That message was heard loud and clear when agronomists Pat Lynch and Jonathan Zettler asked farmers why they till soil following a corn crop. The pair publish The Cropwalker — a weekly agronomy newsletter, and heard from 372 respondents in a Twitter poll. The top reason for tillage, cited... Read More
Automation in agriculture should solve at least two issues: replace labour hours and improve the job being done. Add saving money into the mix and the technology is sure to take off. But all technology has to start somewhere, and that somewhere can be universities. Kelvin Heppner, field editor for RealAgriculture, traveled to the Big... Read More
Each year, corn hybrid selection is a balancing of growing conditions, field selection, and in-field management that can bring up some tough questions to navigate when chasing big yields. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, Maizex agronomist Greg Stewart tackles these questions with with help from Illinois-based Crop-Tech Consulting agronomist Ken Ferrie. Together, they... Read More
Fall weed control isn’t just something to consider in the depths of the fall, it’s something to consider now, in the final days of summer. The key takeaway is not one solution but a whole myriad of things, through integrated pest management (IPM). Joining host Lyndsey Smith to discuss the topic is Jason Voogt of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to Agronomic Monday! Today’s show is brought to you by Nufarm. You’ll hear from Peter Johnson, resident agronomist with RealAgriculture, Arti Singh of Iowa State University on a new weed ID app, and Sam Markell with North Dakota State University (NDSU) on soybean cyst nematode. As well, don’t miss our spotlight... Read More
Claas has introduced a new Class 7 combine model for those looking at a new combine with modern features, but a lower price tag. RealAgriculture field editor Bern Tobin toured the Claas booth at the Farm Progress Show at Des Moines, Iowa, to get the scoop on where the Trion 740 might fit for farmers.... Read More
Iowa State University has been collecting data and building a scouting app that can identify about 2,000 insect pests at varying stages. “This app can not only identify the adult stage insect, but it can also identify other various stages, like a nymph or caterpillar,” says Dr. Arti Singh, assistant professor in the department of... Read More
As soybean cyst nematode (SCN) wriggles its way north, Western Canadian farmers can look to southern neighbours for advice on managing this pest. Sam Markell, extension plant pathologist with North Dakota State University (NDSU), says that late in the growing season is an excellent time to test for the pest. A core sample taken six... Read More
Planting winter wheat research plots at C&M Seeds near Palmerston, Ont. proved challenging during the difficult 2021 fall conditions. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Wheat School Peter Johnson and C&M research agronomist Mike Holzworth tour the plots and share what the challenging conditions revealed about winter wheat planting dates. The research plots were planted... Read More
September is seasonally not a stand out time for beef prices, yet we are starting to see some prices trend in a positive direction as the U.S. may be on the heels of another record year for beef production. Anne Wasko with the Gateway Livestock Exchange says to date, the U.S. beef production is running... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by RealAgriculture’s Kelvin Heppner, also a Manitoba farmer, and Jeff Nielsen, farmer and ag policy wonk from Alberta, for the Friday RealAg Issues panel, to discuss railway issues on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, the Canadian Grain Commission’s... Read More
Those looking to move to a larger, high-capacity draper header for the New Holland CR combines have a new option with the FD2 FlexDraper. New Holland combine marketing manager Curtis Hillen says that the flex draper header is the first product from the New Holland and MacDon Industries partnership first announced in late 2021. Hillen,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Brendan Byrne of Essex, Ont.; Rob Somerville of Endiang, Alta.; Aaron Hargreaves of Brandon, Man.; and Mark Huston of Chatham-Kent, Ont. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via... Read More
Trust is the foundation of any good relationship, including an industry’s relationship with its producers and consumers. The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is looking to continue to bolster this relationship through what they are calling the ABCs of truth. The ABCs doesn’t just mean getting to the basics surrounding the truth of the... Read More
In thinking of the current global logistics situation for several products, the concept of out of the frying pan and into the fire seems appropriate. First, it was the pandemic that shuttered factories and closed ports. Now, the longer-term impacts of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and other logistics challenges are continuing to weigh... Read More
It’s farm show week in Ontario, but it’s also the very beginning of soybean harvest in the province. The agronomy questions continue to roll in, especially for those keen producers looking to grow great wheat. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson has plenty of answers on perfecting wheat planting and much more! Have... Read More
Reducing compaction and fuel consumption both play a role in keeping more money in a producer’s bank account, and both are what the folks at Firestone Ag says is important about choosing the right tires for machinery. Tony Orlando and Matt Frank, president and product manager with Firestone Ag, were at the Farm Progress Show... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show we will hear: Host Shaun Haney discusses connecting the dots for consumers and the value of peer groups; and, Justin Funk of RealAgristudies, on a new fertilizer emissions survey Plus, don’t miss our spotlight interviews with John Van Herk of Sevita... Read More
It’s time for Day 2 of Ontario Diagnostic Days! The annual Ontario crop diagnostic days were back in the field on July 20 and 21, 2022, but only at Ridgetown campus University of Guelph. Not everyone could attend these two field days, so the organizing committees of these highly successful in-field education and learning events are again... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Maizex Seeds. On today’s show we will hear from: Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture on Pierre Poilievre winning the Conservative Party leadership and what it means for Canadian ag; Cornie Thiessen, general manager of Adama Canada, on the state of the crop... Read More
Humans are wired for connection, whether it’s in personal relationships with a spouse, children, friends and family, or through business (why do you think reps come out to your farm to see you in person?). Dr. Jody Carrington, psychologist, best-selling author, and public speaker, says meaningful face-t0-face interactions with loved ones is the key to... Read More
Peer to peer learning is incredibly useful in any business, and agriculture is no different. Put simply, peer groups allow for the collective sharing of great ideas. Perhaps just as valuable, they also allow for the collective learning of hard lessons, so that peers within a group don’t have to make the same mistakes. Evan... Read More
With the days of September ticking by, some soybean growers may be getting antsy to desiccate and get harvest underway; however, timing a pre-harvest application is critical to maximize yields and reap the rewards of the growing season. For this Soybean School episode, Rob Miller, agronomist with BASF, talks about what to look for when... Read More
When talking soybean harvest losses, all the focus is on the header. But for canola, losses add up at the header and through the combine. Understanding how to manage those losses is a mix of agronomy, mechanical know-how, and patience. To break down the process, this episode of The Agronomists features Mike Staton, soybean expert... Read More
Protecting and improving quality is a top priority as edible bean harvest gets underway. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, we focus on fine-tuning the combine with Delta Power Equipment technicians Brad Saunders and Andrew McCarthy. They take growers inside an edible bean combine and offer tips on how to reduce cracked... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Climate FieldView. On this show, we will hear from Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, our resident agronomist tackling the key agronomic decisions happening now, including the potential of N-fixing wheat. Plus, tune in to hear our spotlight interview with Troy Prosofsky... Read More
Information, knowledge, and data can be paramount when maximizing yield potential, and when talking about utilizing fertilizer to its highest potential, accurately measuring nitrogen loss can translate to net dollars at the end of the year. On this Corn School episode, we talk about how measuring nitrogen volatilization is the first step in determining how... Read More
Bacteria can’t have all the fun — it’s time for some very helpful fungi to get the respect they deserve. Kris Guenette, PhD candidate at the University of Alberta, is working on just that. He’s looking into whether or not incorporating a fungal inoculant on wheat could help with nitrogen uptake, yield, and protein development. Guenette... Read More
Nitrogen has been a hot topic, not only in Canada when it comes to emissions reductions, but worldwide as Europe faces steep increases on natural gas prices, which may have crop rotations shifting in the coming years for those producers, creating a domino effect for North American growers. In Europe, they’ve see a 3600 per... Read More
Seed toxicity can severely impede canola yield, and it can be difficult to determine just how much nitrogen is needed in the seed row to see maximum results, while mitigating losses from possible seed toxicity. On this episode of Canola School, Ken Wall, grow team advisor with Federated Co-operatives Ltd, breaks down seed toxicity and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith, Kelvin Heppner, and Meagan Murdoch with H + K Strategies for the RealAg Issues panel. We will also hear from the Honourable Rob Black, Senator from Ontario. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! We will hear from: Brett Israel of Mapleton, Ont.; Warren McCutcheon of Carmen, Man.; Leslie Ray Kelly of Watrous, Sask.; and Ethan Wallace of Seaforth, Ont. Also hear our spotlight interview with Derwyn Hammond, SW... Read More
As the commodity markets continue to hinge on the outcomes of several global factors, the glass-half-full approach is honing in on corn and what looks to be an upswing, as we look at the December charts. Slow and steady may win the corn race with consultants staying optimistic that a rebound is on the horizon.... Read More
On September 7th, the Bank of Canada announced a rate increase of 75 basis points bringing the overnight rate to 3.25 per cent. The move wasn’t a surprise to many, yet begs the question, are we done yet? The increase is designed to curb consumer spending and ultimately blunt inflation, however, consumer spending isn’t always... Read More
Drought can be an unavoidable issue in some areas which can require cattle producers to make some tough decisions, especially when excessively dry conditions persist for years at at a time with little to no relief. This topic is one well researched by Dr. Bart Lardner, professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and he says... Read More
A new report commissioned by Fertilizer Canada and the Canola Council of Canada shows increased adoption of 4R stewardship practices could result in a 14 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer — approximately halfway to the Canadian government’s 30 per cent reduction target for 2030. The study, released September 6, compares... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by MNP. Today we will hear from the following guests: JP Gervais with Farm Credit Canada on the Bank of Canada announcing another 75 basis-point rate hike this morning, and general economic direction; Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.net on market fundamentals with... Read More
How many times a season do you leave a test strip? Many test strips happen by accident — like running out of pop-up fertilizer, or forgetting to turn the sprayer back on — but lessons learned from a test strip are just as valuable whether left on purpose or because of a whoops. In this... Read More
Growers who plant winter wheat early can expect higher yields, but growing conditions and the environment can impact plant physiology and how the growing crop should be managed. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Wheat School, we’re joined by University of Guelph graduate student Emma Dieleman who shares what she’s learning from her planting date... Read More
Versatility, capability, and comfort is the name of the game with Fendt’s line up off the 700 Vario Series. The tractors, which were on display at the Farm Progress Show at Boone, Iowa, range in horsepower from 203 to 283 and can be a great fit for farmers of different operations including row crops, hobby... Read More
The annual Ontario crop diagnostic days were back in the field on July 20 and 21, 2022, but only at Ridgetown campus University of Guelph. Not everyone could attend these two field days, so the organizing committees of these highly successful in-field education and learning events are again partnering with crop researchers and extension, along with... Read More
Boron is one of the essential micronutrients needed to grow a high-yielding crop of canola. When looked at in the plant and how it is used, boron doesn’t move about all that quickly. As Erika Dowling, technical sales manager with Mosaic Company, explains in this Soil School episode, due to the slow mobility of boron... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio, as we are back to being LIVE from the studio! With yesterday being a holiday, we will be combining Agronomic Monday into this Tuesday episode, brought to you by Nutrien Ag Solutions. We are joined by Peter Johnson with RealAgriculture discusses all things agronomic, as well as our... Read More
Whether it’s your own trial or a company’s, a trial without data to back up the good or bad results, can be a waste of time and resources. It’s always the hope that you try something new and come harvest you see an increase in either yield or protein, or something that affects your bank... Read More
California’s environmental rules and regulations often set the pace for the rest of America. So when the state passed its latest law regarding phasing out gas powered passenger vehicles by 2035, the rest of North America took notice. Floyd Vergara, director of state governmental affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America, explains that there are details... Read More
First found in Canada in southern Alberta in the 1990s, the pea leaf weevil is continuing to expand its territory to the east. The invasive pest whose larvae feed on the rhizobia in nitrogen-fixing root nodules has since spread across most of the pea-growing areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan. It was first detected in Manitoba,... Read More
September has started off on a bit lower of a note in the cash cattle trade. Which, given the time of the year, isn’t all that surprising. According to Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, U.S. fed cattle was down to $141 in the south for live trade, while the northern states sat in... Read More
Happy Friday! Thanks for tuning in to today’s show. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner for the RealAg Issues panel. They discuss the StatsCan’s move away from surveys, interest rate hikes, seed treatment controversy, rods & chains, and China as a super power. We will also hear a Beef Market... Read More
There’s no doubt that nitrogen prices have seen a steep price increase again as of late. Most of this momentum is being propelled by the current state of the natural gas market. Sam Taylor, farm input analyst with Rabo AgriFinance, says North American natural gas prices are the highest they’ve been since about 2008. “What... Read More
Statistics Canada is pivoting away from farmer-answered surveys and is utilizing various technologies to provide agriculture-related information about crops across Canada. The AgZero program uses alternative data sources including Earth observation data and satellite imagery to create reports regarding Canada’s agricultural production, reports that were usually compiled from data farmers provided. Omar Youssouf, unit head with... Read More
Next month, China will appoint its next standing committee at its 25th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. President Xi is looking to lead an unprecedented third term, but, more broadly, the focus is on what direction the new group will take on China’s domestic and international policy. Charles Burton, senior fellow with MacDonald Laurier Institute, says... Read More
Well, hello September! Thanks for tuning in to this week’s edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire. On today’s show, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada, we will hear from: Philip Shaw of Dresden, Ont.; Nic Dubuc of Montreal, Que.; Jocelyn Wasko of Eastend, Sask.; and Kevin Porter of Stoney Plain, Alta. We will also hear... Read More
BASF is switching the main seed treatment package on its InVigor canola varieties for 2023, after determining “many, many factors” led to certain canola fields getting off to a noticeably sluggish start in 2022. The company, which has long held the largest market share in canola seed in Canada, published a statement in late June... Read More
With harvest underway and temperatures continuing to soar across the Prairie provinces, canola growers will want to weigh their options when it comes to when they swath — not only in the growing season, but on the day as well, to prevent green lock. Doug Moisey of Pioneer Seeds Canada, says during the days where... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear from: Charles Burton, Senior Fellow with Macdonald-Laurier Institute on the challenges Canada and the US face in dealing with China; Brent Collins with BASF providing the conclusions on the InVigor establishment issues; and Omar Youssouf with StatsCan on the Ag Zero Initiative to... Read More
On Wednesdays we listen to Wheat Pete’s Word. Welcome back to another episode as we close out August and look forward to September. On today’s show, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson dives into some of the yield numbers coming out of Ontario, which in most areas, are turning out better than expected. He also goes over... Read More
The North American agriculture industry’s first autonomous fertilizer spreader is debuting in Boone, Iowa, at the Farm Progress Show this week. Whether farmers are finding it difficult to find skilled workers or simply want to increase efficiencies and free up more man-hours to complete other tasks, the new Case IH Trident 5550 with Raven autonomy... Read More
An Alberta-based company is offering a solution for feedlots who are looking to manage the inflow and outflow of livestock through use of ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID). The system combines software and hardware and allows users to track when an animal arrives and when it leaves. Glen Kathler, director and partner of Cattle... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear from: Rick Bergmann with the Canadian Pork Council on the impacts of the ASF funding from last week; and Floyd Vergara, Director of State Governmental Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America on the California law to ban gas powered vehicles by 2035 and the... Read More
Massey Ferguson is rolling out some updates to its 2200 series square balers, including the pickup, interior components and technology. Dane Mosel, tactical marketing manager with Massey Ferguson, says the LB update to the series packs new tech and plenty of features for reliability and longevity. The LB features a continuous five bar pickup with poly... Read More
Spring planted canola is a dominant crop in Western Canada, but for Ontario farmers, the better option is winter canola. Still a minority crop, winter canola is gaining attention in the province, especially since the introduction of a new variety, Mercedes. What does it take to grow this brassica, starting in the fall? There are... Read More
Wow, it’s already the end of August! Thanks for tuning in to today’s show for Agronomic Monday. You’ll hear: Peter Johnson of RealAgriculture, on harvest yields; Dr. Sabine Banniza from the University of Saskatchewan, on identifying aphanomyces vs. fusarium root rot; and Brunel Sabourin of Antara Agronomy Services Ltd., on comparing planter setups for canola.... Read More
Next spring, Albertans will cast their vote for the next premier. In the running to lead the current governing United Conservative Party (UCP) is former rancher and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) president, Travis Toews. Toews has well-established roots in rural Alberta through his cattle operation and oilfield environmental company. In 2019, he was elected MLA... Read More
When looking at the overall picture, protein markets have battled the last while, amid rising costs, plant closures and export hiccups. But retail prices have also climbed, with consumer demand keeping pace here at home. For the hog industry, the result has meant a return to decent margins, but trouble could be brewing on the... Read More
There’s been a fair amount of interest in comparing the results of canola seeded with a drill versus a planter over the last decade, but as the percentage of acres sown with planters has increased, farmers and agronomists are also looking to compare different planter setups. This Canola School episode takes us to a planter... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s lineup, we’ve got a RealAg Issues Panel for you, featuring: Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, Andrew Campbell, dairy farmer from Strathroy, Ont., and of course — host Shaun Haney. The panel discusses what competitiveness really means, walking the talk on fertilizer... Read More
A wordlet. What a weird word, says RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter Johnson. Today’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word is just that — a wordlet — because it’s not a full episode. (And also, it’s Friday, not Wednesday, so how about that!) If you haven’t had a chance to check out this weeks’ full episode, do... Read More
Every year, pulse growers are on the lookout for root rots which can wreak havoc on not just the current crop but also have impact on future crop rotation decisions. Aphanomyces and fusarium are the main root rots of concern, and can be tough to distinguish from each other. In this episode of the Pulse School, Sabine... Read More
The next generation of leaders were at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) this year as a part of the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program, provided by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). Young producers — between the ages of 18 and 35 — are provided with industry-specific training, with a highlight in whatever interest... Read More
The federal government has committed up to $45.3 million in further efforts to prevent African swine fever (ASF) from entering Canada and to prepare for a potential outbreak that would result in the immediate closure of Canada’s border to pork and hog exports. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the funding in Quebec City on Friday.... Read More
In the food-grade soybean business, seed companies must maintain a sharp focus on end-user requirements and what growers need to do to meet those market demands. For Sevita International general manager Sandy Hart, the company’s success rests on its ability to breed soybean genetics that create value for end-users through food qualities that include protein,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! On today’s show, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada, we will hear from: John-Wiebe Dykstra of Salisbury, N.B.; Scott Perkin of Elgin, Man.; Jim Hale of Lancer, Sask.; Kevin Serfas of Turin, Alta. We will also hear from Trevor Herzog, area agronomist... Read More
Ag machinery sales are showing a decline compared to last year, looking at the first seven months of 2022, however, this isn’t necessarily indicative of a bad year, says the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM flash report for the month of July shows a decrease of 7 per cent for tractor sales in Canada... Read More
Jon Driedger of LeftField Commodity Research recently took a tour across Western Canada with LeftField Commodity Research and Argus Media to analyze the yield potential of the Prairie crop. Like any year, there are extremely variable pockets, but Driedger says for the most part, yields are looking average. The summary for cereals — with the exception... Read More
Wednesdays are for Wheat Pete’s Word! This late August episode of the Word features some yield estimates with a discussion on whether to over- or under-estimate, a first look at fungicide pay-back on wheat, the mightiness of rye in rotation, and why waterhemp is a menace. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or... Read More
Welcome to Wednesday’s edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Jon Driedger of LeftField Commodity Research, on the crop markets; Olly Peoples of Yield10 BioScience, on the potential for camelina as a fit on the Prairies and Plains; Kevin Grier of Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting, with an update on the pork... Read More
Olds College has been working on a multi-year project on in-bin drying, which was on display at AgSmart at Olds, Alta. The technology, developed by Top Grade Ag, at Calgary, Alta., uses a proprietary algorithm with pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors to optimize the grain drying process. Daniel Stefner of Olds College says the system... Read More
Due to last year’s extreme drought across many areas, straw was at a premium which may have tipped the scales in favour of baling for some producers. This year, much of the Prairies are in a different situation and farmers may be hurting themselves in the long run if they choose to bale off straw... Read More
Why are corn hybrids that typically reach eight and nine feet tall coming up as much as two feet short? It’s a question many Ontario growers are asking this year as the crop pushes through grain fill. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, PRIDE Seeds agronomist Matt Chapple digs into the “short corn”... Read More
Both lygus bugs and diamondback moths can cause issues for canola growers, not only because of the damage they do to a crop, but also because they tend to show up later in the growing season, which can complicate or eliminate the option to spray. For this episode of the Canola School, Jaden Wood-Sparrow, agronomy... Read More
A nice late July rain is a great way to kick off soybean grain fill. It also helps control pests like spider mites before they can set up shop in the maturing crop. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, we visit with PRIDE Seeds market agronomist Matt Chapple at the company’s education centre at... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Jeremy Cockrill, Saskachewan MLA, Minister of Highways, and Minister Responsible for Water Security Agency, on why federal employees are testing private dugouts; Curt Blades of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, on the machinery market; Matt Renkema of Sevita International, on the opportunity for... Read More
There’s no denying that farming is a string of tough decisions, from managing finances, inputs, and equipment, to deciding rotations, and managing pests and disease. However, something that perhaps takes the cake for difficult decisions and conversations is farm succession as a whole. Not only are there big business decisions to be made when developing... Read More
Adding a winter cereal in the rotation can have beneficial impacts on everything from spring planting workloads, to harvest, to soil health and ground-nesting birds. But having success with winter cereals and winter wheat requires a little planning and some winter luck. To delve in to stubble choice, seeding timing, seeds per acre, fertility and... Read More
After bringing its first prototype to Canada in 2020, Horsch is into full production with its Leeb VL sprayer for North America. Several features with the Leeb are designed to maximize the hours the sprayer can run every year, including days when wind is not cooperating, says Mike Wasylyniuk, Horsch’s sprayer product manager, in the... Read More
Join host Shaun Haney on today’s edition of Agronomic Monday as he is joined by: Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson of RealAgriculture; and Jeremy Boychyn of the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions Up for discussion: to bale or not to bale, late on-set tar spot, and gearing up for harvest! Thoughts on something we talked about... Read More
In 2020, the Canadian Beef Advisors (CBA) set industry-wide carbon goals for the next decade, spanning to 2030. Now, two years into the set goals, the CBA made working groups for all of those goals. Brenna Grant, executive director of CanFax Research Services — the secretariat for the CBA — was on hand at the... Read More
This story has been updated to include a statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada and an audio interview with Jeremy Cockrill . Saskatchewan’s premier and the cabinet minister responsible for the province’s water security agency say employees with Environment and Climate Change Canada have been trespassing on private land in the province, and they’re calling... Read More
Farmers aren’t short on decisions to make on any given year, and canola growers choosing a specific variety will dictate, for the most part, whether they will be swathing or straight-cutting come harvest time. On this episode of the Canola School, we talk with Jaden Wood-Sparrow, agronomy lead with G-Mac’s AgTeam, about swathing vs. straight cutting... Read More
Welcome to this week’s episode of the RealAg Issues Panel! Join Shaun Haney, Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner for the RealAg issues panel, discussing a call for an investigation in to from fertilizer pricing, make-your-own N, doing business in Russia, and the sniff test on milk. We will also hear the Beef Market Update from... Read More
Many eyes are focusing on the latest CanFax report, and Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange is one of those pairs of eyes. Particularly the August cattle-on-feed numbers — which were down by three per cent. What is so exciting about that? As Wasko explains, it’s the first time we’ve seen on feed numbers... Read More
With several factors and variables to consider, deciphering when to swath a canola crop can put a couple extra grey hairs on the heads of farmers. On this episode of the Canola School, we discuss the most important factors to consider and other variables to be mindful of when making the call to swath. Weighing in... Read More
As the federal government has announced it’s desire for a 30 per cent reduction in fertilizer emissions, specifically from nitrogen, the name of the game now is, how? For this Wheat School episode, Dr. Sheri Strydhorst, agronomy research specialist with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission, talks about the nitrogen cycle and takes a scientific approach to... Read More
Although new varieties of canola can greatly reduce the chance of herbicide injury, growers may still see some evidence of it due to specific factors. On this episode of Canola School, we are talking with Clark Brenzil, weed specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, on what to be mindful of to avoid it altogether.... Read More
Join your host Shaun Haney for this recorded LIVE episode from the grand opening of HyTech Production Ltd., a brand new seed facility at Coaldale, Alberta. On this episode of the show, guests provide insight in to each step of hybrid canola from breeding to production, treatment, and packaging. Shaun is joined by: Scott Horner with... Read More
Soil conditions and moisture levels are key factors to consider when setting ideal soybean planting depth, but growers should also think about soil type and clay content. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, we visit with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soybean specialist Horst Bohner at the Elgin Soil &... Read More
The Canadian Beef Industry Conference was held at Penticton, B.C., this week, reconnecting the beef industry in-person after several years. One of the key members in attendance was Anne Wasko, who is wrapping up her four-year tenure as chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). RealAgriculture’s Kara Oosterhuis was at the conference and caught... Read More
Thanks for tuning in today as we bump up this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire to Wednesday! Today’s show is brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. On today’s line-up hear from: Shawn Schill, of Arthur, Ont.; Aubrey Yule, of Killarney, Man.; Jeff Nonay ,of Edmonton, Alta.; Eric Dietrich, of Lucan, Ont. We will also hear from... Read More
How early is too early for wheat? How late is too late for tar spot to steal yield? Are too-late silks a high-risk for gibberella? This week’s version of Wheat Pete’s Word tackles those questions and much more! Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree with... Read More
Whether you’re talking to financial advisors or agronomists, having knowledge and data about your farming operation is key. Digging a soil pit is a great way to see what exactly you’re dealing with below the surface. On this episode of the Soil School, we are joined by Ken Wall, a grow team advisor with Federated Co-operatives... Read More
Work continues on training computer algorithms to unlock the potential of green-on-green spot spraying systems to identify and target the weeds found on Canadian farm fields. The goal of green-on-green spraying systems is to detect and apply herbicide to weeds that are growing within a green crop. Where green-on-brown spot spraying systems used for burnoff... Read More
Thanks for checking out the RealAg Radio show. Tune in to hear the show live on Rural Radio Sirius XM Channel 147 everyone Monday to Friday at 430 Eastern! On this episode, join your host, Shaun Haney, as he discusses all things succession planning with Elaine Froese on transferring the farm early vs. waiting too... Read More
Global need, market prices, and implications from the pandemic have all demonstrated the benefits of bolstering local agriculture infrastructure, something that Alberta NDP ag critic, Heather Sweet, says the province needs to play catch up on. When comparing the Prairie Provinces, Alberta is showing far less traction with breaking ground on new value-added processing than... Read More
There are two main insect pests of wheat that keep breeders busy: the wheat stem sawfly and the wheat midge. There is resistance to each and effective predators of each, but the insects still manage to eat a significant amount of wheat yield each year. To unpack how these two pests cut yield, quality, or... Read More
How can growers set themselves up for high yields when planting winter wheat this fall? Typically, the conversation revolves around planting early, phosphorus, weed control, and planting depth, but RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson says growers need to add a new management consideration to the conversation — heads per square foot. On this episode of the... Read More
Welcome to this mid-August edition of Agronomic Monday on RealAg Radio! On today’s show, resident agronomist, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, joins host Shaun Haney to discuss: Yield expectations across the country; Drought issues worldwide, including the UK and Europe; How to handle winter crops in dry years; and, Fertilizer prices — should you hold off... Read More
How much fertilizer do farmers lose when they apply nitrogen in season? Is volatilization a significant problem? Could 4R nutrient management and urease inhibitors help? On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, University of Guelph researcher Josh Nasielski shares what he and his collaborators are learning about the best way to minimize in-season losses using... Read More
Edible beans are usually viewed as one of the weaker performers among legume crops when it comes to fixing nitrogen, but new research shows they likely deserve more credit than they’ve been given. “We’ve really regarded them as non-legumes and standard practice in most areas has been to fertilize to their full nitrogen requirements,” notes... Read More
Replacing the good ol’ trusty calving book can be difficult, but there are systems out there that can help with that. Flokk Systems is one of them. The handheld device for data collection with a built in tag reader is important for traceability, says Jody Bell, of Flokk Systems. “It’ll collect all your calving data,... Read More
Happy Friday! Thanks for making the show a part of your day. Today we’ve got a great RealAg Issues Panel for you. On today’s panel, host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture. The trio discusses 2022 harvest help, temporary foreign workers, nitrogen emissions rules, and — depending who you... Read More
Although livestock and crops have some similar concepts, one of the differences is that you don’t have to keep your crops from escaping. The Razer Grazer, by Range Ward, is working to help keep your cattle in. Neil Thorsteinson, sales manager with Range Ward, was on hand at AgSmart at Olds, Alta., to show off... Read More
The CEO of Sollio Agriculture says there will be certain fertilizer products unavailable for the 2023 growing season, but that nitrogen fertilizer supply for purchases this fall and winter should meet the need of eastern Canadian farmers. Casper Kaastra, head of the co-operative, says there are three key times of year for sourcing nitrogen. Last... Read More
The On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is a federal program being administered by 12 organizations across Canada. In Ontario, the funding for nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing is largely being administered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). EcoCert is also administering a portion of funds for organic growers. Margaret... Read More
Extending the life of pastureland can be a main priority for cattle producers, especially in drought years, however, there are some tactics that can be employed to help carry operations through a tough season. Lorne Klein, a forage specialist who was with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture for the better part of three decades, says... Read More
Welcome to another edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Lyndsey Smith checks in with four farmers across Canada. On today’s line-up hear from: Sandi Brock of Staffa, Ont.; Gunter Jochum of St. Francois Xavier, Man.; Jim Wickett of Rosetown, Sask.; and, Jesse Meyer of Woking, Alta. Thoughts on something... Read More
Living in a world where everything from entertainment and fixes to problems are seemingly instantaneous, wheat breeding remains outside of these parameters, taking upwards of 10 years to have a concept come to fruition. This balance between what we know now and what may be needed in the future is what wheat breeders, like Richard... Read More
Building organic matter, soil health, 4R nutrient management, and profitability are all part of the crop production puzzle Bill Ungar and the team at Sandy Shore Farms is piecing together on the sandy north shore of Lake Erie. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Soil School, Ungar, Sandy Shore’s agronomy manager, shares how the family-owned farm and vegetable... Read More
Fungicides are integral for preventing disease in many pulse crops, however, just like how weeds have become resistant to certain herbicides, diseases can become resistant to commonly-used fungicide chemistries. The majority of pulse fungicides on the market in Western Canada contain a Group 11 — the category of fungicide most likely to be overcome by... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio! On today’s show hosted by Lyndsey Smith, we’ll hear from: Casper Kaastra, CEO of Sollio Ag on the fertilizer supply in to 2023; Margaret May, with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, regarding information on the Ontario On Farm Climate Action Funding; and, Today’s spotlight interview with... Read More
There’s so much going on this week in agriculture! In the west, field days are winding down, but there are still a few chances for Ontario growers to participate in some learning events, including an upcoming field day on compaction. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is encouraging all to attend, and also covers the top agronomic... Read More
Olds College and Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) have created a formal partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU). As part of the MOU, AFSC will provide support for applied research activities on the Olds College Smart Farm that will drive innovation in agriculture. Dr. Joy Agnew, associate vice president of applied research at... Read More
The details of how the Canadian government plans to reach its 30 per cent nitrogen fertilizer emission reduction target are still not clear, but the federal agriculture minister says the government has “no intention of going in a regulatory direction.” Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau also says farm practices that reduce emissions, but are not currently... Read More
We’ve been seeing more innovative ag-tech concepts and new practices come to fruition than ever before, and thanks to initiatives like the Olds College Smart Farm program, these concepts are put to the test at a farm level. The program, which began in 2018, conducts research and development on ag-tech, but takes it a step... Read More
Thanks for joining us and making RealAg Radio a part of your day. Join RealAgriculture’s Kelvin Heppner, as he talks with Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on the nitrogen fertilizer emissions policy, John Heard of Manitoba Agriculture on what research shows about different practices and products that reduce emissions from fertilizer, and also with... Read More
CN Rail is preparing for more eastbound shipments of grain and other commodities from Western Canada. As part of its federally-mandated plan for moving grain in 2022-23, the railway says it’s not only anticipating a much larger crop in Western Canada after last year’s drought, but it’s also expecting a re-balancing of trade corridors to... Read More
The canola crop is marching towards harvest, and that means it’s time to start the game day decision: is it ready to swath or do you let it stand? To tackle that question, we go to Doug Moisey with Corteva, and Shawn Senko of the Canola Council of Canada. From gauging seed colour change, to... Read More
A steam-sprayer company is currently conducting trials researching the efficacy of steam-spraying to new depths, which so far, has produced promising results. The X-Steam-inator is a spraying system that utilizes steam to kill weeds and thanks to research being done in Yuma, Arizona, could produce a sizeable increase in production. Ron Gleim, founder and CEO... Read More
As the saying goes, if you want to cut down on eating cookies, don’t buy them. In that spirit, if winter wheat is in the farm plan, there needs to be seed on-farm well ahead of the ideal seeding window. That’s just one of five key planning steps that Monica Klaas, of Ducks Unlimited Canada, shares... Read More
Join us for this episode of Agronomic Monday! On this show, we hear from our very own Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson of RealAgriculture, as well as a spotlight interview with Andrew Elgersma of FieldView Canada on harvest data. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via email shaney@realagriculture.com, on... Read More
The work culture of a farm is much like its reputation — whether it’s intentional or not, it still exists. What makes a work culture? It’s not just people, it’s the behaviour of the people and how well they live out a business’s core values that create a work culture. People’s behaviour is shaped by... Read More
A drone sprayer aimed at saving farmer’s inputs and resources was on display at Ag in Motion 2022, where it also took home an innovation award for its potential within the industry. SkyAg Tech, in partnership with XAG, debuted their v40 drone — a fully autonomous machine capable of spraying 100 acres per day. For... Read More
It’s time for our Friday edition of RealAg Radio. Thanks for making the show a part of your day. You know the drill — it’s Friday, and that means we’ve got a RealAg Issues Panel for you. Today’s panel features the dynamic duo of host Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture. They discuss the... Read More
August is starting out with an optimistic undertone in the cattle markets with fed cattle prices faring better than analysts may have predicted. In the southern U.S., prices are rounding out around $1 higher at $136 towards weeks end, whereas the north is holding a premium at $142 to $146 and their dressed market is... Read More
Can we improve yield parameters for farmers through enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs)? That’s the question that Adam Fast, masters student at the University of Alberta, is looking to answer. Fast was at WheatStalk at Lethbridge, Alta., to discuss the projects he and the team are working on, and what results they have seen so far.... Read More
Fertilizer emissions have garnered quite a bit of attention across Canada, and although this isn’t a new conversation, many questions still hang in the balance as the details get ironed out. In 2020, the federal government stated it wanted to see a 30 per cent reduction in fertilizer emissions by the year 2030. Some producers... Read More
There is no room for error when it comes to producing hybrid seed corn. It’s a complicated business, and one of the keys to success is effectively detasseling rows of female plants of one inbred line so it can be fertilized by the second male inbred line, creating a hybrid. On this episode of The... Read More
With more investments than ever being pushed into the ag-tech sector, companies are bringing together resources and technology to not only increase efficiency, but also keep environmental targets in mind. Precision AI is one of those companies. Precision AI’s current endeavour is bridging two emerging technologies, drone technology and green-on-green technology, the latter which is... Read More
Welcome to another edition of Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio! It’s officially August, which means that harvest is getting underway for some and slowly inching closer for others. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney checks in with four farmers from across the nation to see where in the process they are and how crops... Read More
A relatively new vaccine for cattle from Merck Animal Health is combining both bacterial and viral protection in one intranasal dose, reducing the number of instances producers have to administer vaccines to each animal. Bovilis Nasalgen 3-PMH, simply called Nasalgen, has been on the market for roughly one year and combines three virals and two... Read More
With numerous global variables still affecting commodity market prices, putting on blinders and bringing the focus down to individual operations may be the wisest way to navigate the uncertainty. Grain markets are still under the influence of several major unknowns including the Russia-Ukraine war, how much grain China will actually export, and Taiwan strait tensions,... Read More
Happy Wednesday, and hope you are enjoying the first week of August! Hard to believe that harvest and the beginning of another school year is right around the corner, yet here we are — thank you for making RealAgriculture and RealAg Radio a part of your day. We’ve got a great line-up for you today... Read More
When it comes to planting and establishing corn in a cereal rye cover crop, the growing corn can be adversely impacted by rye’s allelopathic effects, the release of chemicals that inhibit the plant’s growth. But rye can also limit the amount of light, and quality of light, available to corn when it’s growing in the... Read More
August is officially here and it’s time for another edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. On this week’s instalment, RealAgriculture’s Peter Johnson has a few surprises, and unfortunately for many, we aren’t talking about the good kind of surprise. Johnson discusses some of the ongoing and surprise insect issues plaguing producers along with diseases that have... Read More
The first half-track tractor model with full suspension in North America was on display at the 2022 Ag in Motion farm show, as CLAAS rolled out its new Axion 900-series Terra Trac machine. “We’ve got full suspension underneath this thing, so the traction and the ride is just greatly improved when you go to this... Read More
Root rot continues to be a concern for pulse growers and although work is being done on creating varieties that are more resistant to diseases such as aphanomyces, that reality is likely at least eight years away. In the interim, growers are encouraged to employ a comprehensive rotation schedule to best combat root rot in... Read More
A Saskatchewan-based company that builds 6500 bushel mobile field bins says the concept — still relatively new to North America — is gaining traction among farms of all sizes. The fall of 2022 will mark the third harvest for Vale Industries’ Grain Giant, which is built at the company’s factory along the Trans-Canada Highway at... Read More
On today’s Agronomic episode of RealAg Radio, hear from: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on the importance of rotation (no — not corn on corn!) in a drought season in the east; Bethany Wyatt of BASF, on fungicide resistance; Adam Fast of the University of Alberta, on enhanced efficiency fertilizers; and Sherrilyn Phelps... Read More
Weed science students from Canada and the U.S. put their lab lessons to the test in the field at the Northeastern Collegiate Weed Science Society (NEWSS) Weed Contest last week in Plattsville, Ontario. More than 50 students from seven universities competed in the full-day event that judged their skills in weed identification, sprayer calibration, herbicide... Read More
A new hardware system designed to simplify livestock water monitoring was among the recipients of innovation award winners at Ag in Motion, in Langham, Sask. FarmSimple is the creator of the product and set out to bring a year-round user friendly solution to the often time-consuming task of checking livestock water. The device monitors both... Read More
There has been significant discussion surrounding supply chain challenges and manufacturing over the last two years. While labour shortages are ongoing, there might be a light emerging at the end of the tunnel when it comes to logistics, says an executive with a global farm equipment maker. Eric Raby, senior vice president of CLAAS of... Read More
When getting ready for the new crop year, understanding the proper application, amount and maybe even the type of phosphorus on the canola crop can have a significant impact on yield, come harvest. On this episode of the Canola School, Warren Ward, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada, goes through some minimums and maximums... Read More
Thanks for joining us on this episode of the RealAg Issues Panel. Hear from our guests: Cherilyn Nagel, farmer at Mossbank, Sask., and international director for Global Farmer Network; and Meagan Murdoch of H+K Strategies in Toronto, Ont. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via email shaney@realagriculture.com, on... Read More
Cherry harvest has begun in the Okanagan Valley. Which, as Sukhpaul Bal, president of the B.C. Cherry Association, explains in this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio, is later than usual. The late harvest season is a result of a cooler spring, like most of Western Canada experienced. However, the heat has finally come, and it’s pushed... Read More
The same batteries that power electric cars could be used to move crops, as Convey-All debuted a prototype battery-powered conveyor at the 2022 Ag in Motion farm show. The “Volt” conveyor features 36 batteries and output equivalent to 30 horsepower, explains Gerald Unrau, product manager with Convey-All/Meridian Manufacturing, in the interview below. Under full load,... Read More
An Edmonton-based autonomous agriculture start-up is developing a camera-based system that allows self-driving tractors to recognize and respond to changes in their surroundings. Mojow Autonomous Solutions was incorporated in early 2020. “We’ve developed an autonomous navigation and control kit that uses a camera for its main sensor,” explains founder and CEO Owen Kinch. “It allows... Read More
The evolution of nitrogen emission policy in Canada is, well, a bit of a dog’s breakfast. There’s overarching emissions targets, there are several regulations and standards to follow, plus, there’s funding and support to achieve some of this — all tallied up in a ledger that’s controversial (and confusing) in where numbers are added in,... Read More
In any large-scale livestock operation, pen checkers have their hands full surveying herds daily looking for animals who are showing signs of illness, something that is now being streamlined by a monitor by Allflex Livestock Intelligence. The monitor, which can be a collar or a tag, tracks changes in the animal’s temperature, movement and also... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio on this Thursday, July 28. On today’s episode of the Farmer Rapid Fire, you’ll hear from: Chris Moore of Kinburn, Ont.; Dan Petker of Norfolk, Ont.; Kevin Witdouck of Iron Springs, Alta.; and, Sukhpaul Bal of Kelowna, B.C. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect... Read More
Could volatile be the new normal when it comes to commodity markets? With volatility being the only constant over the past while, it is certainly something that farmers and marketers are getting used to as they continue to try and navigate their way through fluctuating prices and variables that seem to be ever increasing. With... Read More
What if you could tell a disease was present before seeing the physical symptoms of it spreading through a crop? That’s what BioScout is looking to bring to producers with what they are touting as the world’s first automated spore trap. Lewis Collins, CEO of BioScout, was on site with his team at Ag in... Read More
On July 28, the federal, provincial, and territorial ministers met to hammer out an agreement-in-principle for the next version of the ag policy framework (APF). Beginning April 1, 2023, the next version will be called the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), and will include some big changes from the current version, including more total funding... Read More
Minister of Agriculture for British Columbia, Lana Popham, says the province is enjoying a relatively good growing season this year, in spite of the disaster that was last summer of forest fires across much of the province and fall flooding in the Fraser Valley. “When you drive through the Fraser Valley now, you know, I... Read More
Thanks for tuning into RealAg Radio! Today’s show is brought to you by FP Genetics. You’ll hear from: Neil Townsend of FarmLink Marketing Solutions, on what the market is currently telling him, and his thoughts on the current geopolitical landscape; Nathan Penner of FP Genetics, on their hybrid fall rye; Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture, on... Read More
Keeping a close eye on crop canopy development can help growers better manage soybean crops. From helping select the best row spacing for a specific variety, to improving weed control there’s much to learn from understanding the speed at which a soybean variety closes the row as well as plant characteristics and architecture. On this... Read More
InVigor hybrid canola celebrated an important milestone this year at Ag in Motion at Langham, Sask. 25 years of InVigor meant for a fascinating visual — a walk down memory lane of canola varieties. Corey Ralph of BASF was on hand at the show to discuss the long list of hybrids that many farmers in... Read More
We’re rounding out the last full week of July, and some areas of Ontario are just getting by with a few dribs and drabs of rain here and there. Still others have enjoyed plentiful moisture and will be on patrol to find signs of western bean cutworm, white mould, and aphids. For this week’s edition... Read More
Whether it’s input prices, groceries, or fuel, the cost of living is undoubtedly increasing; however, one company is looking to alleviate some of those expenditures in the way of electricity costs with their cogeneration generator unit. Guardian Plumbing and Heating were in attendance at this year’s Ag in Motion and although they are most commonly... Read More
On today’s episode of RealAg Radio hear from Steve Funk, with MNP, about potential changes to business risk management under the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Program. Also on the show is Josh Linville, with StoneX, with a fertilizer market update, and learn about a new program called Farmer Coach, from Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout.... Read More
Hemp is one of those crops that has been in and out of favour over the past number of years. It’s not a new crop, but there’s certainly a lot of new interest in it. Some of the shifting economies of growing hemp had to do with how the crop was previously used, and how... Read More
Nothing about drought is fun or easy, especially when you’re gearing up for your next seeding season with less than ideal soil moisture conditions. However, research is being done on how farmers could adjust their seeding rates to best maximize their wheat yields following a drought. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, we are... Read More
A Western Canadian company known for its combine drop pan is bringing another harvest quality tool to the North American market. BushelPlus debuted its new “Mini Combine” at the 2022 Ag in Motion farm show near Langham, Saskatchewan. The lightweight, battery-powered unit is designed to collect a grain sample for moisture testing prior to harvest.... Read More
Host Lyndsey Smith is tackling gibberella and tar spot management in this episode of The Agronomists, with guests Ken Currah of BASF and Greg Stopps of Corteva. This episode of The Agronomists is brought to you by ADAMA Canada, the Mind Your Farm Business podcast, and the Wheat School! Don’t forget to apply for your... Read More
Join host Shaun Haney on today’s Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! You’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, with an agronomy update from the east; Warren Ward of the Canola Council of Canada, on starter fertilizer research; and The top ag news stories of the day. Thoughts on something we talked about... Read More
There’s no doubt the 2021 drought across the Prairies had widespread negative impacts. Heading into the 2022 season there was a lot of concern for herbicide carryover, but as Warren Ward, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada explains, there is some positive carryover to keep in mind: nitrogen carryover. Across Saskatchewan especially, there... Read More
Although not an overly common disease, wheat streak mosaic virus can cause an immense amount of damage to final yield. Reports in southern Alberta have indicated the appearance of the virus. Although alarms aren’t being set off, it’s important to be aware of it, as the virus can spread quickly and easily. The initial signs... Read More
Biostimulants designed to enhance performance and yield are nothing new in the corn management world. But growers can expect to see more and more of these products as manufacturers look to bring to market management solutions that alleviate the abiotic stresses plants experience when growing conditions are either too hot, cold, wet or dry. On... Read More
The drill market in Western Canada has a new entrant, which is sure to catch people’s eye not only due to its bright green colour, but its unique transport folding system. The K-Hart Industries Spyder drill has been undergoing testing over the last few years and is officially for sale as of 2022, notes Ken... Read More
From a crop nutrition perspective, nitrogen losses as N2O or nitrous oxide pale in comparison to what’s lost in N2 form, but N2O has a much greater impact on the total greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer. As part of this Wheat School episode filmed at Manitoba Crop Diagnostic School, Manitoba Agriculture’s John Heard shares a... Read More
Whether the idea comes sitting in the tractor, around a boardroom, or in the middle of the night, actually converting an idea into a viable business can be a daunting task. To help move ideas forward, a non-profit company in Saskatchewan is focused on streamlining that process for food- and beverage-minded entrepreneurs. The Saskatchewan Food... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio! Join Shaun Haney, Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner on the RealAg issues panel as they tackle fertilizer sanctions, the FPT meeting, and the return of AIM. They are also joined by guest Anne Wasko for the Beef Market Update. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show?... Read More
As we approach the back half of July (!!), what many consider the dog days of summer have arrived. It seems the cattle markets would agree. In the southern U.S., Texas trade is sitting lower than it has been, at $136, says Anne Wasko, in this week’s Beef Market Update. In the northern U.S., it’s... Read More
Perhaps the only thing that made 2022 fertilizer prices palatable was the equally high commodity market prices. However, as farmers look ahead to the 2023 growing season, many are wondering if the high input prices are here to stay, even against declining commodity prices. Josh Linville is the fertilizer director with StoneX Financial, and says... Read More
Saskatchewan’s opposition party is adding its voice to the group calling for an investigation into beef and cattle pricing in Canada. New NDP leader Carla Beck, accompanied by Agriculture Critic Trent Wotherspoon, toured the Ag in Motion farm show this week, and spoke to RealAgriculture about what she sees as priorities for the agriculture sector... Read More
Thanks for joining us on today’s edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire! You’ll hear from: Alicia King of Antigonish, of N.S.; Kresten Jorgenson of New Brigdon, Special Areas 3, Alta.; Warren Schneckenburger of Morirsburg, Ont.; Keith Fournier of Lone Rock, Sask.; and Gerry Hertz of Edenwold, Sask. Thoughts on something we talked about on the... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. How do you find time for yourself, in the midst of volunteering, a career, and helping out on the family farm? What can you do to chase your passion? Why is it important to... Read More
NexusBioAg, a division of Univar Solutions, and MustGrow Biologics Corp. have reached an exclusive marketing and distribution agreement in the Canadian canola and pulse market for TerraMG, a mustard-derived soil biopesticide. Designed to combat clubroot and aphanomyces of canola and pea, respectively, the product is not yet registered with Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency. “Growers... Read More
Farmers and ranchers interested in accessing funding through the Prairie Watershed Climate Program should get ready to submit their projects in early August, says Lynne Roszell, with the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds. The exact intake date for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund program in Manitoba and Saskatchewan has not been announced, but details of what’s eligible for... Read More
The name on the executive director’s door at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is temporary no more. Scott Ross was serving as the acting executive director and director of business risk management and farm policy. This week, the organization made the executive director role permanent. One of the reasons he took the job was... Read More
Gaps remain on several headline issues, but federal and provincial agriculture ministers sounded optimistic they’ll reach a deal on the next Canadian ag policy framework as they headed into their annual federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) meeting in Saskatoon, Sask. taking place July 21 and 22. Most of the agriculture ministers from across Canada participated in a tour... Read More
Today’s edition of RealAg Radio is brought to you by Lallemand Plant Care. On today’s episode of the show, you’ll hear from: John Barlow, Conservative shadow minister for agriculture on the federal-provincial-territorial meetings this week; Nicolas Watters of Lallemand Plant Care, with a product spotlight; Kevin Auch of Pulse Canada, on supply chain issues needing... Read More
Several grain industry groups are calling on the federal government to show up for the commodity logistics system with a new public relations campaign. Ten policy and producer groups, including Pulse Canada, SaskWheat, Cereals Canada, and Canola Council of Canada, are calling on everyone in agriculture to use the hashtag #CanadasReady with photos or prepared... Read More
When it comes to yield, is it heads per square foot that matter the most or an ideal grain fill period? This year, at least, a pretty great grain filling period is making up for fewer than ideal heads, reports Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, so that’s something, but not something we can control — unlike... Read More
Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) ministers of agriculture are meeting this week to discuss several issues, but the key agenda item is an agreement in principle on the next Ag Policy Framework, set to roll out in March of 2023. John Barlow, Foothills MP and Conservative shadow minister for agriculture, was on hand at Ag... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Bayer CropScience. Be sure to check them out at Ag in Motion this week! On today’s episode of the show, you’ll hear: Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton of the University of Guelph, on a recent mental health study from the University of Guelph; Tim Gardner... Read More
Mental health in Canadian agriculture is no longer a foreign term, however, there is still plenty of work to be done. A new study out of the University of Guelph has made that even more clear. Prior to this study, there was a study conducted in 2015-2016, says Andria Jones-Bitton, of the University of Guelph.... Read More
Pulse growers have been waiting to hear who their next dance partner will be when it came to breeding new varieties. Now they know, as Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) and Limagrain Field Seeds have announced a six-year breeding agreement. Announced July 19, this first agreement is one of several SPG will announce says Carl Potts, executive... Read More
When thinking about protecting yield from disease, one of the first things to understand is where yield actually comes from. Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist with Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, understanding how the each leaf of the wheat plant builds yield helps inform decisions on how to best manage risks to yield. “One... Read More
Guest host Kara Oosterhuis is tackling irrigation management in this episode of The Agronomists, with guests Catherine Kerkhoff of Hytech Production, and Len Hingley of Alberta Agriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development. This episode of The Agronomists is brought to you by ADAMA Canada, the Mind Your Farm Business podcast, and our July 19th webinar... Read More
Thank you for listening to RealAg Radio! Today’s show is brought to you by Alliance Seeds. On the show today, hear from: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson on the week’s agronomic questions, conditions, and things to scout for; Jodee Karlowsky, general manager of Alliance Seeds, with a spotlight interview; and, Host Shaun Haney covers the top... Read More
Water hardness is a factor that needs to be considered when spraying, especially when it comes to glyphosate. The high amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in hard water will tie up weak acid salts such as glyphosate, making it ineffective at killing weeds, and potentially increasing the risk of weeds developing herbicide resistance, explains Kim... Read More
Volatile markets and rising interest rates can make farmers question whether or not they should be making the move to upgrade major equipment. Agtron Enterprises Inc. is looking to alleviate some of that burden through their Legend Air Drill Control. With the product, farmers can upgrade the technology on their equipment without having to purchase... Read More
Thanks for listening to RealAg Radio! Join Shaun Haney, Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner as they discuss all things from The Calgary Stampede, including cowboy hats, interest rate hikes and farm land values, plus farmer protests in the Netherlands, re: emissions and livestock reductions, and productivity in agriculture and the environment. Thoughts on something we talked... Read More
Deciding when and how much pesticide to spray on a pulse crop can have a significant impact on the yield come harvest, but aside from yield, growers need to consider and be aware of maximum residue limits, or MRLs, for each specific crop to ensure they don’t fall outside of the acceptable range. On this... Read More
Soil health has certainly gained more attention and become a higher priority when it comes to farming practices, but it remains a very personal idea, depending on who you talk to and where you are. While the results and practices may look similar, the definition of success when it comes to soil health can differ... Read More
Let’s catch up with some farmers across Canada on RealAg Radio! On today’s Farmer Rapid Fire edition of the show you’ll hear from: Ron Krahn of Rivers, Man. Stewart Skinner of Perth County, Ont. Charlene Whattam of Renfrew, Ont. Kent Erickson of Irma, Alta. a spotlight interview on grain contracts with Brett Halstead, chair of SaskWheat,... Read More
We are seeing more and more of controlled environment farming across the globe, especially as the focus around sustainability continues. In the controlled industry environment, there are three tiers of plants, says Rick Langille, founder and CEO of Harvest Today. Tier one is leafy greens and herbs. Tier two is anything that is fruiting —... Read More
The path of least resistance right now for these grain markets seems to be to the downside. That has more than a few analysts shaking their heads, and maybe going a little gray from all the volatility and the stress. Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk, says that there’s all sorts of wild things happening —... Read More
Wireworms are one of the biggest insect pests for cereals across the Prairies. Not only can they cause extreme damage to the crop, they are incredibly difficult to control. John Laurie, research scientist of molecular biology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and Haley Catton, research scientist of field crop entomology at AAFC, have been... Read More
We’re talking markets, markets, markets, on this wild Wednesday! Today’s episode of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Corteva Canada, is one you won’t want to miss. You’ll hear: Jeff Loessin of Corteva Canada, for a spotlight interview; Chip Flory of AgriTalk, with a deep dive into these markets, and how we can attempt to... Read More
Some areas of Ontario got a much needed shot of rain this week, but several corn fields in the southern regions are rolling up and hurting for moisture at a critical time. Host Peter Johnson tackles why that matters in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, plus he navigates the tar spot risk spectrum,... Read More
Pea aphids love to feed off the sap flowing to new pods on the plant. The trouble is, just two aphids per plant at the right stage can siphon off as much as five per cent of yield. Laura Schmidt, production specialist with the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, says that modern pea varieties are... Read More
Grasshoppers are usually associated with dry conditions and go hand-in-hand with drought. And yet, grasshoppers are once again showing up in high numbers and causing crop damage in areas of the Eastern Prairies where there’s been flooding, and more than enough rain and soil moisture for the first half of the growing season. Why is... Read More
Innovation was at the forefront of Canada’s Farm Show 2022 and FinDoor was in attendance to provide a spin on the vertically opening overhead door systems that have been the go-to, at least in Canada, for numerous years. FinDoor utilizes design and technology that is widely, and predominately, used in Finland and other Scandinavian countries... Read More
We’ve got a full lineup for you on RealAg Radio today, brought to you by Brandt. You’ll hear: Lorne Hadley and Lauren Comin of Seeds Canada, on where things are at with seed regulatory modernization; Derek Johnson, Minister of Manitoba Agriculture, on the upcoming FPT meetings, and what we can expect; Curt Borys of Brandt,... Read More
Diamondback moths blow in at some point early in the season (thanks, America!), and set about living on the Prairies and in the canola crop for the rest of the growing season. Jordan Bannerman, entomologist with the University of Manitoba, says that understanding when the moths arrive, through the use of pheromone traps, and how long... Read More
A Saskatchewan-based, Indigenous owned and operated company is harvesting organic wild rice along with cultivating a sense of community pride, profit, and support. NWC Wild Rice Company is comprised of three different Indigenous groups: Metis, Dene and Cree, and was created in 2019 to establish a voice for the harvesters, opposed to having the product... Read More
White mould of soybeans, dry beans and sunflowers is the same disease as sclerotinia of canola and sunflowers. What’s more, it’s a disease that can infect a multitude of broadleaf weeds. The endemic nature and soil survivability of the pathogen make it a tough disease to keep on top of. To tackle management of this... Read More
Monday may be a dreaded day for many…however, here at RealAgriculture we look forward to it, because that means we get to talk agronomy on RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Andy Kieraszewicz, farmer in Rodney, Ont., on raising soil organic matter; Manbir Rakkar of Montana State University, on the roll pulses can play... Read More
Efficiency and safety are two top priorities on many farming operation and an Alberta-based company has combined both with their PTO controller. Vincent Pawluski, owner and inventor of RC FarmArm, says the their controller not only streamlines operations, but also ensures safety on the job, as well. “What the product does is it takes all... Read More
Grasshoppers are out there, and, in some areas in the Prairies, in large numbers. It’s important to get into your field and scout, not only for populations, but also as a friendly reminder that not all hopping insects are grasshoppers. There are other insects in the field that hop and jump but aren’t grasshoppers, says... Read More
When should you apply nitrogen on a corn crop and how much? That question consumes countless hours every year for corn growers, researchers, and agronomists. Seven years ago, Rodney, Ont., grain farmer Mike Miller, like many growers, was also playing the guessing game. But that all changed when he bought a self-propelled sprayer and started... Read More
Research shows plant growth regulators (PGRs) are most effective — and least likely to cause damage — when they’re applied with precise timing, and that stage can pass quickly as a cereal crop develops. There are three questions to answer before applying a PGR, explains Anne Kirk, cereal specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, in this video... Read More
It’s Friday, so you know what that means! It’s time for a RealAg Issues Panel on RealAg Radio. On today’s panel, you’ll hear host Shaun Haney, along with Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, and Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture. The trio discusses the StatsCan jobs report, the Canadian Cattle Association’s name change, negotiations on Canada’s next Ag... Read More
Seeing as we’ve just closed out on the first half of 2022, we’re diving into overall beef production for the first half of the year on this week’s episode of the Beef Market Update. In Canada, beef production was up another 3 per cent, says Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, between fed cattle... Read More
A soil pH outside the neutral range can cause significant issue with nutrient availability. Western Canadian soils are largely in this range, however, over time, nitrogen fertilizer applications can create soil acidity issues that are very expensive to fix. Dr. Manbir Rakkar, assistant research professor at Montana State University-Bozeman, explains that managing acidic soil conditions is... Read More
More than five years in the making, the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) is happily looking to the future of the biofuel industry after the federal government published the new Clean Fuel Regulation (CFR),replacing the Clean Fuel Standard. Steve Pratte, senior manager of transportation and biofuel policy with the CCGA, shares why the organization is pleased... Read More
Several provinces are advocating for a larger overall funding envelope for the next Canadian agricultural policy framework, ahead of a meeting in Saskatchewan where agriculture ministers from across the country hope to finalize an agreement on the next five years of government programs for agriculture. The next agricultural policy framework will be the main item... Read More
The first week of July is in the books and we hope everyone is enjoying the summer days with friends and family and of course, us here at RealAgriculture.com and RealAg Radio. On today’s show, brought to you by Ag in Motion, we are joined by some long-time friends and guests for another episode of... Read More
A new breed of ATVs looks to bridge utility, durability, and sustainability to serve a wide range of markets from farmers, ranchers, hunters and even law enforcement. LyteHorse Labs, a family-owned and operated company based out of Regina, is the mastermind behind the innovation, on display at this year’s Canada’s Farm Show. Brad Bonk is... Read More
Watching the commodity markets was exciting for many producers, until it wasn’t. The decline of prices that we’ve seen over the past week has been a blow to the optimism for this year’s crop; however, it may be more palatable if there was some overarching reason as to why the sell-off. But any clear reason... Read More
We’ve got a lot to cover on this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by North Star Systems Inc. You’ll hear: Arlan Suderman of StoneX Group Inc., with of a breakdown on what is going on in these very volatile markets; Kyle Bortis of North Star Systems Inc., with a product spotlight; Steve... Read More
As the large pricing gap continues between cattle producers, feeders, packers and retailers, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is now looking for answers from the Canadian federal government as to why and what can be done about it. Although the price gap concerns have been looming for quite awhile, it has widened since the... Read More
Wheat harvest is underway in Ontario and many cash crop farmers are wondering whether they should plant those acres to soybeans and take advantage of double cropping. Double crop soybeans are always an opportunity for many growers, says AGRIS Co-operative agronomist Dale Cowan, but it’s important to understand the risks. In 2021, he notes that... Read More
What an odd summer this has been already! Too wet in some areas, far too dry in others, a mean flip from one to the other, and too much wind. The markets have done some wild swings, too, and the host of Wheat Pete’s Word has decided to move to England! Well, OK, he’s visiting... Read More
The list of technology continues to evolve, and Outback Guidance is continuing that trend. The new MaveriX Precision AG solution provides guidance, steering, and application control. The MaveriX application software includes a new user interface that provides a tablet-like user experience with improved 3D graphics, with adjustable widgets, says Darren Pritchard of Outback Guidance. The M-series... Read More
You can’t manage what you don’t measure, so the saying goes, but what you measure is just as important. If you aren’t familiar with KPIs — key performance indicators — this episode of Mind Your Farm Business is for you. Measuring the right things is just as important as the initial step to begin measuring... Read More
Consolidation is a word that has been floating around the cattle industry recently; however, the term is also gaining legs in the world of agricultural real estate. June Dako and Ray Nordin, real estate agents with ReMax Bridge City Realty, say that they’ve seen a fairly significant decline in available parcels for sale over the... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Garner Deobald of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, on price fixing; Justin Funk of Agristudies, on the latest RealAgristudies survey poll result; Daniel Samphir of Nexus BioAg, with a product spotlight; and The top ag news stories of the day. Thoughts on... Read More
A few years back, Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment launched a neck extender — but since then, have made some improvements with the launch of the head holder. The issue with the neck extender, says Myron Wigness of Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment, was that you are operating it with every animal, even if you... Read More
Timing crop protecting sprays is an important decision to make to ensure the health and quality of the crop. While sometimes weather conditions don’t allow farmers to be as precise in timing as they’d like to be, there are some variables that should be taken into consideration when weighing the options of getting back out... Read More
The recent collaboration between organizations, producers, and consumers to stop the intended front of package (FOP) labelling of ground meat proved just how effective organized lobbying can be. Reg Schellenberg, president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), says it has been smiles across the board after the federal government announced that ground meat, including beef,... Read More
How do we increase our diversity with the same amount of land? One consideration is relay or intercropping. Although they are often used in the same discussions, it’s important to remember they are two different things. Leading us through tonight’s episode of The Agronomists is host Lyndsey Smith, and guests Greg Vermeersch of VanMeer Farms,... Read More
Happy July 4th to all of our American listeners. We hope you are having fun, wherever you are. On today’s episode of Agronomic Monday, brought to you by Climate FieldView, you’ll hear: Kelly Turkington of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on fusarium management, as well as wheat streak mosaic, which has shown up in southern Alberta;... Read More
Andy Kieraszewicz never thought the sandy soils on the former tobacco land he farms at Rodney, Ont., could ever average more than 200 bushels of corn per acre. But a fervent commitment to rebuilding organic matter in the drought-prone areas across the 1,000-acre operation has the farmer now consistently producing eye-popping yields he didn’t think... Read More
The vertical aeration system offered by S3 Air Systems may solve a few common challenges that producers face with traditional horizontal systems. The vertical aeration system comes in three different sizes: four, six and eight stage, and Kelly Silbernagel, director of business development with S3 Air Systems, says their system saves farmers time and money... Read More
By early July, many canola fields across the Prairies are in the beginning stages of bolting. According to Héctor Cárcamo, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Lethbridge, Alta., that’s a great time to start thinking about the cabbage seed pod weevil. Before worrying about thresholds and spray timing for the insect pest that can... Read More
Happy Canada Day! On today’s RealAg Radio, host Shaun Haney is joined by panelists Kelvin Heppner, Meagan Murdock, and Lyndsey Smith to tackle the week’s biggest stories. Guest Andrea Kent, of Renewable Industries Canada, joins the show for two segments to talk about the newly released Clean Fuel Regulations. Thoughts on something we talked about... Read More
The Canadian government has unveiled its awaited Clean Fuel Regulation (CFR), setting the stage for increased biofuel demand and production. Once fully implemented, the CFR is expected to cut up to 26.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution by 2030, or roughly the amount of GHGs currently generated by the entire Canadian economy in two... Read More
What’s in store for the 2022 soybean crop as plants move through the vegetative and reproductive stages? Will it be a white mould year? On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, BASF agronomist, Ken Currah, looks at the stark contrast between the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons and how it could impact disease management... Read More
It’s time to catch up with farmers across Canada on RealAg Radio! This week, we even go international. On today’s Farmer Rapid Fire edition of the show, brought to you by MNP, you’ll hear: Mark Torrey, of Woodville, Ont.; Kristjan Hebert, of Fairlife, Sask.; Franck Groeneweg, of Three Forks, Montana; Richard Carr, of Marchand, Man.... Read More
As you look at growing conditions across the Prairies, it’s extremely variable . Too hot, too dry, too wet, too cool — the conditions range, which makes looking at production numbers a bit tricky. Chuck Penner, of LeftField Commodities Research says although there are a lot of big question marks, overall, production seems to be... Read More
Grain dryers are a key piece of equipment on many farms to help manage the harvest season. Especially in very wet years, but even in an average year, grain dryers can be a huge asset to protect grain quality in the bin. But grain dryers are also large users of energy. Most dryers run off... Read More
It’s time for another episode of our favourite show (but hey, we may be biased) — RealAg Radio! It’s Wednesday — which means we are keeping with our theme of talking markets. Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodities Research joins host Shaun Haney for a breakdown on what is happening across the commodities. You’ll also hear... Read More
After the crop is in and you start to see the fruits, or emergence, of your labour, it’s time to keep a watchful eye out for any stress points to best be able to detect root rot. On this episode of the Pulse School, Mike Palmier, owner of MaxAg Consulting, goes through when to scout for... Read More
Protecting yield potential from northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) and a newer pest, tar spot, requires being well-armed and ready to apply the right fungicides at the right time. That’s because these diseases are not only big yield robbers, but the window to provide adequate control is quite narrow, and gets narrower with certain weather... Read More
Sometimes, it’s the weather than gets farmers excited about double cropping, other times, it’s crop prices. The 2022 growing season looked like it was shaping up for an early wheat harvest in Ontario but recent dry weather has slowed things down. This week on Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson tackles water use in corn... Read More
Earlier this week, an announcement came through that consultations for the National Agricultural Labour Strategy are open. The consultations will allow the agriculture and agri-food sector to have an opportunity to weigh in on labour shortages, challenges, and obstacles through an online process. The labour strategy is put into action through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC),... Read More
When seeing the name Degelman, many think of their first product to hit market that became a game-changer — one of the first reel-type rock pickers ever built. That was in 1962. Fast forward to 2022, to Canada’s Farm Show, at Regina, Sask., and the company is celebrating 60 years since that first rock picker... Read More
BASF says it expects to know more within a couple weeks on why certain InVigor canola hybrids in Western Canada have appeared to stall in their development after emerging from the ground. The company issued a statement late last week acknowledging it was aware of a performance issue with some InVigor varieties. In most of... Read More
This June 28th episode of RealAg Radio is focused on people — from labourers, to future talent, to leaders. On today’s show, hear from: Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau on a new national labour strategy; Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on the sector’s labour needs; and, Crystal Mackay, of... Read More
Our collective knowledge of a particular pest, and also its enemies, builds over decades of observations, questions, and sound research. Sometimes, such as is the case with lygus in canola crops, research has to wait for the right person or timing to really get rolling forward. In this episode of the Pests & Predators podcast,... Read More
The decision whether to spray a fungicide for sclerotinia stem rot always comes back to the disease triangle — a susceptible host, the presence of the pathogen, and a favourable environment — and many canola-growing areas currently have all three. Under “favourable environment,” sclerotinia requires moist soil conditions to germinate. The last few years have... Read More
Nutrient deficiencies don’t always follow the textbook examples — sometimes a crop short of nutrients can look okay, but be behind in maturity, patchy, or show signs of poor reproductive performance. To dig in to common — and less common! — nutrient deficiencies, we go to newly minted soil nutrient specialist with the Ontario Ministry... Read More
Maximizing nitrogen uptake is a main priority for pulse growers and ensuring success starts with being knowledgeable about identifying proper nodulation. Mike Palmier, with MaxAg Consulting, joins us for this episode of the Pulse School, where we discuss when to scout for nodulation, why it’s important, how to assess if nodules are healthy. What happens if... Read More
Ranging from five- to 120-feet wide, Vogels Wick Weeder offers farmers another option when it comes to weed control. Ralph Wasylyniuk, of Farm Agro Sales, was on site at Canada’s Farm Show at Regina, Sask., to discuss the implement, which, by the way, isn’t meant to be used as a replacement sprayer. “It’s to be... Read More
It’s the last Monday of June, you guys! Can you feel summer zooming by? We sure can. On today’s episode of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Acadian Plant Health, we’re talking all things agronomy. You’ll hear: Jeremy Boychyn, of Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, on what’s happening on the Prairies, and questions he’s getting... Read More
The Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food has launched consultations for input in to a National Agricultural Labour Strategy. Opening June 27, and running until September 28, 2022, the agriculture and agri-food sector will have an opportunity to weigh in on labour shortages, challenges and obstacles through an online process. The National Agriculture Labour Strategy will seek to address... Read More
Transgenic traits that defend corn plants against against damaging corn rootwoom have been around since 2003. But in recent years, farmers have seen growing resistance to these traits and researchers and seed companies are working to preserve the effectiveness of the technology while also develop new ways to combat the yield-robbing pest. One of those... Read More
Soy Canada remains optimistic about its lofty goals for soybean acres in Western Canada. In 2017, the national organization set a target for 10 million acres across the country by 2027, with six million in Western Canada. In 2021, Prairie acres — mostly in Manitoba — were at 1.4 million, down from 1.8 million in... Read More
The Canadian government is contributing $50 million to help prevent grain in Ukraine from going to waste. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the funding while attending the G7 leader meeting in Germany on Sunday. “Canada has valuable experience in grain storage. The knowledge and experience of our farmers will be very useful. We will continue... Read More
Fungicides can deliver a strong defence against fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, but how the product is applied in-crop plays a key role in determining whether growers successfully protect those valuable wheat heads. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Wheat School, Syngenta agronomist Brad Garlough shares fusarium application insights and best practices accumulated from... Read More
Efficiency plays an important role in almost every area of farming and IntelligentAg is looking to maximize sprayer efficiency with their new product, the Recon SpraySense. As the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know and Recon SpraySense is looking to uncover that data by providing a feed of information on the performance... Read More
A question for many when they hear about inflation and rising prices is: how does this impact food, beef, and and what are the potential effects on demand? The extreme volatility doesn’t help anything either, says Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, in this week’s Beef Market Update. “One day it’s going to be... Read More
It’s the time of the year where a lot of people are spending time in the sprayer, or running around keeping other parts of the operation afloat….so we thank you for making RealAg Radio a part of your day! It’s Friday, so yes — that means we’ve got a RealAg Issues Panel for you. Today’s... Read More
Regina is set to welcome a new flax straw processing facility that looks to be a win-win business model as it allows producers a solution to flax residue and also will create oversea business opportunities in the way of biomass fuels. Prairie Clean Energy is the company behind the facility and Brita Lind, chief marketing... Read More
Have you ever wished you had the ability to move your grain bin from one yard to the next? With a transport height of 17 feet, and 27 feet wide, the T-Bin mobile telescoping bin allows you to do just that. Pat Beaujot, one of three founders of the system, says they do that through... Read More
Thursdays are for farmers on RealAg Radio! On today’s episode, guest host Lyndsey Smith tries her hand at the news once more, and then hops in to the Farmer Rapid Fire with: Aaron Bowman, from near Bowmanville, Ont.; Emery Huszka, from Lambton Country, Ont.; Tyler Bartmanovich, from near Glenlea, Man.; and, Jeff Bennett, from Dodsland,... Read More
The return of Canada’s Farm Show, previously known as Canada’s Farm Progress Show, in Regina, Sask., brought out thousands of industry reps, farmers and Saskatchewan’s Premier, Scott Moe. With the first day of the show being geared toward the theme of innovation, Moe shared his admiration for the ideas that have turned into full fledged... Read More
What goes up must come down, but if you’re waiting for deflation to begin any time soon, you may be in for a long wait. Inflation — and the increasing interest rates designed to put a pin in it — is top of mind for every economist right now, and Farm Credit Canada’s chief economist... Read More
While inflation continues to soar based on new data released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday, commodity markets have tumbled over the last few days over fears of a recession. Today’s show, hosted live by Shaun Haney in southern Ontario this week, includes the following guests and topics: Joe Vaclavik, president of Standard Grain on the... Read More
Grain markets are losing some steam as summer starts to heat up, but it’s not the dry corn crop that’s driving the sell-off. Joe Vaclavik, founder and president of Standard Grain based in Tennessee, says that yes, weather is front and centre for those with plenty of experience trading agriculture commodities, but there’s far more... Read More
Corn growers often turn to tissue testing to diagnose a problem. When plants in a field are yellowing or pale, grabbing a sample and sending it to the lab can seem an obvious way to confirm a nutrient deficiency. But there’s more to the tissue testing story than simply identifying a problem and finding a... Read More
The sins of the spring are expected to show up about now in the crop, but what about weather conditions last fall? This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word fields several questions about strange observations in the field: from stressed corn, weirdly tall wheat, tire-track greenness and much more. Have a question you’d like Johnson... Read More
It’s officially the first day of summer, the longest day and shortest night! To celebrate, occasional host Lyndsey Smith leads this episode of RealAg Radio. Tune in to hear about the difference between carbon offsets and carbon insets; how FarmTRX monitors yields; why forage fields need so much nutrient management; and, why Kelloggs is becoming... Read More
It’s time to talk about one of host Lyndsey Smith’s favourite topics on The Agronomists. What is it, you ask? If you guessed forages, you would be correct! Today’s show, featuring Christine O’Reilly, grazing and forage specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and Andre Bonneau, range management specialist with... Read More
If you’re tired of hearing about carbon credits or carbon offsets, let’s switch gears and talk carbon insets. A carbon inset credit is equal to a carbon offset — a metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent is either reduced or stored. The key difference, explains Dr. Sara Place, is that an offset is bought by... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio here on RealAgriculture! Mondays are for agronomy, and on today’s show host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson to tackle top-of-mind agronomic considerations, including what to spray on hailed crops, why yellow corn isn’t always concerning, and the real cost of too-big weeds, plus more!... Read More
Canola seedlings have experienced a tough start in many areas of the Prairies this year. In Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan, the crop has had to come through flooding, broadcast seeding, compaction, crusting, and flea beetles (stay away, grasshoppers), while it’s been the opposite soil moisture scenario in drought-stricken parts of Alberta and western Saskatchewan. In... Read More
Every year soybean growers invest in weed control to keep their fields clean. But quite often, new, uninvited weed pests enter fields. Where do they come from? How do they break though weed control defences and gain a foothold in fields? On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, OMAFRA weed specialist Mike Cowbrough looks at... Read More
Happy Friday and welcome to another edition of RealAg Politics! Today, co-hosts Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, are joined by a great list of guests to talk about the big ag policy issues of the week that are impacting farmers and ranchers across Canada and the US. This episode features guests: Karen Proud,... Read More
Welcome to this end-of-the-workweek edition of RealAg Radio. We’ve got a terrific lineup for you, including a RealAg Issues Panel. Joining the panel today is Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, Lyndsey Smith, of RealAgriculture, and host Shaun Haney. The trio discuss leadership races, interest rates, and more. As well, David Coletto, of Abacus Data, joins to... Read More
As the calendar quickly flips through the summer months, eyes are beginning to focus on the Agricultural Policy Framework — or APF — meetings set for July. Each province has their ask, and their focus on what should be top priorities at the meetings. Nate Horner, Minister of Alberta Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development,... Read More
There are two main species of flea beetles across the Prairies: the striped flea beetle and the crucifer flea beetle. Both can have devastating impacts on the canola crop, however, they have a few differences between them. As Héctor Cárcamo, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) at Lethbridge, Alta., explains, the crucifier flea beetle... Read More
Commodity prices this spring has made watching the markets an exciting part of nearly every day, especially for farmers who are anticipating a satisfactory yield and who are biding their time locking in prices. However, with many volatile factors contributing to those prices, experts are saying to weigh options carefully and take assurances where you... Read More
Happy Friday Eve! Hope everyone is rolling into the back half of the week in good spirits! It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for another Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is catching up with farmers from across the country, including: Ethan Wallace, of Seaforth, Ont.; Scott Hepworth, of Assiniboia, Sask.; John... Read More
In Ontario, corn growers are approximately six weeks into the growing season and now is a great time to do a couple tests to reassess the nitrate levels and decide on what the best plan is to sidedress nitrogen, on a field by field basis. Deb Campbell, agronomist with Agronomy Advantage, joins us for this... Read More
Through the pandemic numerous food perspectives were subject to a shift, with more people cooking at home and grocery scarcity showing up for the first time for many. Just ahead of the pandemic, Beyond Meat, a plant-based protein company, went public to much fanfare. The Canadian Meat Council has, of course, been watching the plant-based... Read More
Eighty-six partners from different sectors across Canada have come together with a singular focus: to set a benchmark and identify the key indicators that establish a baseline for Canada’s food safety and sustainability. The process and findings also create transparency within the industry, which ultimately could create trust or showcases opportunities for improvement and growth.... Read More
Congrats — the week is half over! Thanks for celebrating with us here at RealAgriculture. On this midweek edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Brian Voth of intelliFARM, with our Wednesday update in the markets (and probably a little NBA chatter in there too); Drew Fletcher of CLAAS, with a spotlight interview; David McInnes of... Read More
We all know the importance of trade, maintaining trade relationships, and what happens when those relationships hit road blocks. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC12) wrapped up June 15, in Geneva, Switzerland, where ministers from across the world attended to review the current trade system. Greg Northey, director of industry relations at Pulse... Read More
What’s happening this week in Canadian farm fields? Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has the latest questions and some answers. In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Pete tackles clover and hay questions, thin wheat stands, planting depth on corn and how to get that last bit of N on the wheat crop out west.... Read More
Soil-applied herbicide is the foundation of weed management for food grade non-GMO soybeans. But escapes do happen, and when weeds evade control, growers need to act. On this episode of RealAgriculture Soybean School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs weed specialist, Mike Cowbrough, shares tips on how IP growers can tackle weedy escape artists.... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Dennis Laycraft, of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) on the labelling of ground beef for saturated fat; Willie Van Solkema, beef industry consultant, on whether or not Saskatchewan could sustain a new packing plant; Greg Northey, of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance... Read More
Despite spring weather dividing the province of Saskatchewan in two, one thing that remains consistent across the entire province is flea beetle damage in canola crops. This, along with late spring frosts and dry conditions in the west, means some farmers haven’t put their seeders away just yet. Matthew Struthers is a crop extension specialist... Read More
Although spiders can sometimes get a bad rap, when we are talking about beneficials and crop health, the eight-legged creatures actually can go a long way in protecting plants from hungry pests. For this episode of the Pests & Predators podcast, brought to you by Field Heroes powered by the Western Grains Research Foundation, host... Read More
Soybeans have been slow to emerge and establish across Ontario this spring as cooler weather has tempered the vigour of the heat-loving crop. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) soybean specialist Horst Bohner notes that the crop tends to flourish early in the season when the daytime temperature reaches 28 degrees C... Read More
We’re back with another episode of The Agronomists, and as always, we’re excited to be here. Today’s show — hosted by Lyndsey Smith — features Greg Stewart of Maizex Seeds and Elizabeth Karpinchick of Tone Ag. The trio discusses in-crop N applications in the corn crop (and more). The Agronomists is brought to you by... Read More
Another Monday and another awesome episode of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson as they discuss a number of agronomy issues popping up across the country including slow soybean emergence. Also on the show is Hector Carcamo with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) at Lethbridge,... Read More
If you live in Ontario, you could support future agriculture diploma students and get a chance to win a new 2022 GMC Sierra valued at over $70,000. The #WinThisTruck lottery is the brainchild of Keith Bean, dealer with Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC at Carleton Place, Ont. Bean, a key player in making the Algonquin College... Read More
After a dreary few weeks, we’re starting this episode of the Beef Market Update on a positive note. Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, says on her ranch in southwest Saskatchewan, they got some rain, and hey, the markets are on the way up. The markets started out this week slow, but quickly picked... Read More
It’s Fridaaaaay! It’s hard to chose what our favourite day of the week is on RealAg Radio, but we’ll certainly tell you one thing: the Friday RealAg Issues Panel is up there on the list. Maybe it’s a five-way tie? On today’s show, you’ll hear a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko, of the Gateway... Read More
Discussions are underway on whether or not a new beef packing facility would be viable in Saskatchewan. The industry has sustained healthy margins over the past two-and-a-half years and with Saskatchewan being the literal breeding ground for upwards of one million cows, it’s no wonder the province is up for consideration. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association... Read More
Validating economic thresholds for flea beetles can be tricky — especially when we know the damage the insect can do to the canola crop. Héctor Cárcamo, research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) at Lethbridge, Alta., recently completed a study that confirms an economic threshold. The team at AAFC found that 25 per cent... Read More
The race is on for many corn growers as they hustle to apply post-emergent herbicides to control yield-robbing weeds. The duration of the post-emergence application window depends on the herbicide. A product like glyphosate can be applied all the way up to the 8-leaf stage. But other herbicides have tighter timing and need to be... Read More
What are farmers across the country up to? Let’s find out! On today’s Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Mark Brock of Chiselhurst, Ont; Patrick Dunphy of P.E.I.; D.C. Jensen of Swift Current, Sask.; and Jeff Elder of Wawanesa, Man. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host... Read More
From drought conditions, poor market prices, high input costs, and on-going costs for health maintenance, many western Canadian cattle producers are starting to question how much longer they can stay afloat. Some producers who are in drought-ridden areas are looking at selling off a portion of their herd out of necessity as their pastureland can no... Read More
Happy Wednesday and hope June is is off to a great start! We have another great show for you on RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear from: Ted Seifried with Zaner Ag Hedge Group; Ryan Bonnett with a Stoller Enterprises product spotlight; We’ll also be talking to farm groups who have concerns regarding cross... Read More
Although ground meat, such as beef or pork, is a single-ingredient food product, proposed regulation changes by Health Canada could require front-of-package labelling warning of the food’s saturated fat content. Single-ingredient foods, such as eggs, vegetables, and fruit, are usually exempt from some labelling requirements, under Health Canada. Other countries that have implemented front-of-package regulations... Read More
If you’re the happiest farmer in the world right now, you might be in Alberta, or maybe Ontario, as both regions got some much needed and timely rain respectively. For southern Manitoba and eastern Ontario, however, conditions are either get-the-seeder-stuck wet or make-the-wheat-pink wet. Early heat this season is pushing some insect populations higher than... Read More
With some insects, we may be confused as to why they have the name they do. When it comes to cutworms — this isn’t the case. It’s pretty “cut” and dry…as the pest will feed on the stems of the plant. Cutworms unfortunately don’t have terrific forecast maps, as Jack Payne of South Country Co-op... Read More
Several organizations that represent grain farmers from across Canada are raising concerns about the federal government’s push to add environmental incentives or criteria to business risk management (BRM) programs, such as crop insurance, AgriStability, or AgriInvest. As part of the negotiations for Canada’s next five-year agricultural policy framework, federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau is urging... Read More
Drought conditions are adding insult to injury for some cattle producers who considering tough decisions if pasture conditions don’t improve soon. Producers Jocelyn and Travis Wasko, who own XTC Ranches and Bar 4 Bar Ranches near Eastend Sask., are going into their third year of drought conditions and say they continue to employ a “take... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. Thanks for taking time to tune in, wherever you are listening from. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Cam Dahl of Manitoba Pork, on how trade with the U.S. must be deemed a priority; Damon Johnson of Parametrics.Ag with a product spotlight on their canola heat blast insurance;... Read More
Relationships matter. This might sound like a cliché to some, but that does not make it any less true. Agriculture in Western Canada is dependent on trade. Maintaining our relationships with our partners in other countries is one of the most important things agriculture representatives do, and no relationship is more important than with our... Read More
When we think of a wet year, we think of disease. Throw in a cereal crop, and what’s the disease we think of? Fusarium head blight or FHB. Here to teach us all about FHB management including control timing on this episode of The Agronomists is Dr. Kelly Turkington, plant pathologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food... Read More
It’s Monday, and it’s time to talk agronomy here on RealAg Radio! You’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, to shed light on everything he’s seeing in the east; Marvin Talsma of Climate FieldView, with a product spotlight; Jeremy Boychyn of Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, with an update from the west; and... Read More
Many cattle producers in west central and southwest Saskatchewan are once again facing extreme drought conditions, and the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is calling on the federal government to introduce a tax-deferral option for those producers who have no choice but to liquidate a portion of their herd. Scott Owens, vice president of APAS,... Read More
When it comes to corn, even emergence and uniform plant growth is a well-known recipe for a high-yielding crop. New research also shows that even emergence is a significant contributor in the fight against gibberella ear rot and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation and other mycotoxins associated with the disease. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, University... Read More
It isn’t uncommon to read about issues happening around the world that create hardship for some but leaving others unaffected, however; food inflation is not one of them. The rising cost of food is an issue being felt throughout North America and across the globe. Although it can be easy to focus on rising total... Read More
However (or wherever) you are listening, we’re glad you chose RealAg Radio! On today’s episode of the show, you’ll hear Dr. Michael Swanson, chief ag economist at Wells Fargo, on food inflation. As well, you’ll hear a RealAg Issues Panel, featuring Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture, and host Shaun Haney. The trio... Read More
Hosts Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner are back for another edition of RealAg Politics, where they discuss the latest in agricultural policy issues. This week we’re doing things a bit differently — instead of one segment, we’re having three, with three different topics and four guests! This week’s guests are : Tom Steve of the... Read More
Whether the corn crop is just being planted or is emerging in the field, it’s time to do some digging around. If the crop hasn’t emerged yet, you can still do some diagnostics to evaluate how everything is going and get a better understanding of the corn root, and how the corn plant is growing.... Read More
Should Ontario winter wheat growers apply a T3 fungicide to protect the crop from fusarium infection? That’s the question RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin and University of Guelph associate professor Dave Hooker tackle on this episode of the Wheat School. When it comes to yield response, extensive research conducted by Hooker and his colleagues indicate that, on average,... Read More
It’s a global game of chess and it’s Russia’s move. With ongoing talks of Russia allowing wheat exports to come out of Ukraine, which could mean 50 to 60 million metric tonnes of wheat, those market values have experienced a slight decline over the recent past; however some experts are saying it’s not likely long-lived... Read More
The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) recently released a report focusing on soil health, including soil carbon sequestration. The report takes a step past data collection and looks at how to effectively turn soil science data into usable policy across the nation. Lisa Ashton, CAPI doctoral fellow, is a part of the cohort who was... Read More
It’s time to catch up with some farmers across the country on RealAg Radio! On today’s Farmer Rapid Fire, you’ll hear: Billy Beaudry of Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.; Josh Boersen of Gadshill, Ont.; Logan Pizzey of Binscarth, Man.; and Sarah Weigum of Three Hills, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun... Read More
Welcome to the start of another month! We’ve got a great lineup for you on RealAg Radio. You’ll hear: Jim McCormick of AgMarket.Net with an update on the markets; Kelcy Elford of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, on their upcoming AGM; Lisa Ashton of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute on a new report CAPI released;... Read More
A five-year research project that will work to determine best-practices when it comes to carbon sequestration in perennial forage and pastures has received a $3.2 million grant from the government’s of Canada and Saskatchewan. The project will focus on identifying carbon stocks within forage acres throughout Saskatchewan and then further decipher if certain farming practices positively... Read More
It’s June 1st, do you know how many heads per square foot the tile-run wheat has? This last week has been one of scouting for the host of Wheat Pete’s Word. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has more than a few alerts and observations for the week’s podcast. From head counts and rapidly approaching T3 timing... Read More
Wow, last day of May already! We are going to end the month on a high note with today’s show. We are talking about everything from trade issues with Carlo Dade with Canada West Foundation to checking in with Jimmi-Lee Jackson of Bayer and chatting about their fungicide, Proline GOLD. Lastly, we’ll have Justin Funk... Read More
In an effort to establish new trade agreements with Asia, the U.S. has announced its intention to enter in to a trade pact named the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Canada was not included, but experts say there’s no need to fret over the forgotten invitation. Carlo Dade, director of the trade and investment centre with the... Read More
Wheat shows all, especially when it comes to the impact compaction can have on seed planted in to the headlands portion of a field. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, we catch up with resident agronomist Peter Johnson in a field near Stratford, Ont., as he looks for ways to combat compaction. In this... Read More
When it comes to seeding depth of canola, there are many different opinions and recommendations out there. While there may not be a right or wrong answer — did you know you can potentially mitigate flea beetle pressure through seeding depth? Flea beetles can be one of the most detrimental insect when it comes to... Read More