RealAgriculture's Podcasts: Recent Episodes
RealAgriculture
Big things happen in a big world and yet somehow the grain markets are still transfixed by what number the ProFarmer Tour is likely to come out with on Friday regarding corn production estimates for the U.S. Neil Townsend, Grainfox market analyst, says that it is a bit strange to think that Russia can literally... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio. Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Paul Hermans with Pioneer Seed Canada on when to why switching corn hybrids in late May can pay dividends; Robin Anderson with Canadian Agricultural Safety Association on the very first Kids FarmSafe Week; Stacey Domolewski with... Read More
Wet spring conditions across Ontario have some corn growers contemplating whether it’s time to switch hybrids and plant shorter season corn hybrids. In Eastern Ontario, Pioneer Seeds Canada agronomist Paul Hermans is one of many agronomists fielding calls from growers looking for insight on when to make a swap. Planting progress varies from 15 percent... Read More
Farm kids are the next generation of farmers and it’s up to the current generation to keep them safe. This week, May 13 to 19, 2024, marks the first-ever Kids FarmSafe week hosted by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) with presenting sponsor BASF Canada. Robin Anderson, director of programs and communications for CASA, says... Read More
Even a small field has variability from one end to the next. With more variability or larger fields comes the opportunity to vary input levels to better match the yield potential of each unique part of the field. Deciding on how many zones to split a field into and what the deciding factor for each... Read More
With everything coming back to life after a long winter, producers are eagerly anticipating putting cattle out to grass and ending the daily feeding required of wintering livestock. With the shift in season often comes question of how early is too early for turnout and what mineral package — if any — needs supplied early... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter Johnson to discuss the moisture situation, switching corn hybrids in Ontario, gene-editing, and much more! We will also hear a discussion with Ralph Thrall III on why the McIntyre Ranch signed... Read More
What crops can benefit from inoculants and what kind of yield impact can they have? XiteBio Technologies U.S. sales managers Doug Tigges says the first questions he typically gets from growers include whether an inoculant or biological product is easy to use; how it fits into management of the crops grown on the farm; and... Read More
Are crops really inefficient at taking up nitrogen? Actually, no — crops take up and store N in grain and also in stalks, stems, leaves, and roots, which can sometimes be overlooked in nitrogen removal calculations, leading some to think that there is more N “lost” than is actually so. But if crops are pretty... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Chuck Penner with LeftField Commodity Research on pulse tariffs into India; A spotlight interview with Rob Meijer of Genesis Fertilizers; The big win for Canadian agriculture with the gene-editing approval; and Hear some... Read More
North America farmers will see Case IH’s AF11 combine in the field in 2024 as the company gears up for a full-scale launch in 2025. The new combine created a buzz at farm shows last winter as Case IH showcased the 775 horsepower machine’s ability to bring together runtime advancements through speed and technology to... Read More
Cattle markets have been quiet throughout the American Midwest, with the choice market up from last week, but under where it was at the same time last year. The choice to select market is still under the five year average, according to Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. This is a good indication that... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! Shaun Haney is joined by Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange for the Beef Market Update. Haney is then joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, both of RealAgriculture, on the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics, including: The importance... Read More
India is nearly half-way through a six-week election period, and the government there is making sure it stays in the citizens’ good graces. That, in part, may have driven the decision by India to further extend a dropped tariff on imported peas out to October. Chuck Penner, founder of Leftfield Commodity Research, says that India... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Lyndsey Smith checks in with: Alicia King of Antigonish, NS; Jeff Harrison of Quinte West, ON; Simon Ellis of Wawanesa, MB; Devon Walker of Lashburn, SK.; and, Plus, we will... Read More
Last month, the Thrall family announced it had reached an agreement to protect the over 54,000 acres of native grasslands in southern Alberta that make up the historic McIntyre Ranch through a conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited. This makes the ranch the largest piece of privately-owned grasslands to be... Read More
When it comes to agriculture and the environment, some people see agriculture as a solution, while others view it as a problem. And in politics, people with different perspectives and levels of awareness about farming often sit in the same caucus or cabinet, influencing where a party stands on environmental policies that affect agriculture. Canada’s... Read More
Red Sun Farms in Kingsville, Ont., is one of 170 greenhouse vegetable farms in Ontario. Across the province, the Ontario greenhouse vegetable industry grows tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in 3,900 acres of greehhouse, producing 521 million kilograms of fresh vegetables with a farm gate value of more than $1.4 billion. On this episode of Profitable... Read More
Drought conditions in the last couple of years have led to St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) south of Lethbridge signing new water sharing memorandums of understanding amongst users in four sub-basins of southern Alberta. Without a significant change in reservoir levels, the water allocation for the 2024 year stands at eight inches of water... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Krista Thomas with Canada Grains Council on gene editing approval; Barry Senft and Lauren Comin with Seeds Canada on the Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) process and the potential impact on farmers; Chris Vervaet with Canadian Oilseed... Read More
German livestock-feeding-technology-maker Siloking is based at Tittmoning, Bavaria, but its feed mixers now travel the world with sales in over 50 countries. The ‘Made in Germany’ moniker is a big plus for the company’s products, which range from small single-auger mixers to trailed, self-propelled and electric mixers, says Siloking Canada representative Karl Terpstra. That wide... Read More
Tissue test, soil test, gut check, patience. That sums up this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word in a nutshell, but don’t worry, we’ve got a full summary of the 20 minutes of agronomy answers below. This week, Peter Johnson covers some key deficiency issues with wheat (sulphur and manganese), answers some phosphorus questions, and... Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s third and final ruling announced Friday on gene-editing for crop variety development clears the path for this precise, cost-effective plant breeding tool to be used in Canada. Does this mean farmers will have access to new drought-resistant or nitrogen-efficient varieties for next year? Not so fast, says Krista Thomas, vice-president... Read More
There’s more work to do to improve where canola’s carbon intensity score ranks in the tax credit regime for renewable fuels in the U.S., according to the executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA). After taking a few days to digest the U.S. Treasury Department’s awaited announcement last week of new requirements for... Read More
By Cam Dahl, general manager for Manitoba Pork It is not your great-granddaddy’s farm anymore. While some may have nostalgia for the old farm with a little red barn that housed a few chickens, a couple of pigs, and a dairy cow, it is better for both the environment and the economy that agriculture has... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio. Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Chuck Penner of Leftfield Commodity Research on the India tariffs and what that will mean for Canada; A clip from The Agronomists with Dr. Bart Lardner of the University of Saskatchewan and Christine O’Reilly of the... Read More
New Holland is touting a leap forward in performance, comfort and peace of mind for operators when its 2025 T9 SmartTrax tractors debut next year. In this report from the Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, New Holland product marketing manager Ken Paul says the combination of those three pillars will help farmers tackle the most... Read More
Legumes, such as alfalfa, trefoil, and sainfoin, are a great feed source, are excellent for soil health, and play a role in sequestering carbon in the soil. According to emerging research by Dr. Bart Lardner, legumes in the bovine diet also lowers methane emissions, one of the components being measured in an on-going research project... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jeremy Boychyn of Alberta Grains on cutworms, the FHB risk map and seeding rates; Peter Johnson of RealAgriculture on a biological breakthrough related to algae; Martin Carr with Winfield United Canada on agronomy issues in... Read More
Dairy farmers looking for consistently short-chopped straw for total mixed rations should take a look at Teagle’s Tomahawk 8250 bale processor. There are lots of machines on the market that will give farmers chopped straw, but Teagle’s North American sales manager Andy Robson, says the Tomahawk “consistently” delivers the short-chopped straw that nutritionists want for... Read More
Why is kochia resistant to multiple herbicide groups? Turns out, it’s not any one thing, but a few different aspects of how the plant grows, reproduces, and spreads that make it a hard-to-control and prone to developing herbicide resistance. In this episode of the Wheat School, Dr. Charles Geddes, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food... Read More
GSI wants to tell farmers everything they need to know about the grain they have in storage. The company is touting its GSI Connect grain dryer app as a mobile-first solution that provides monitoring and remote control of GSI grain dryers to help growers improve quality, minimize risk and save on operational costs. “It’s an... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Auditor Generals Report on AAFC’s climate action policies; A discussion with Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, both of RealAgriculture on the Viterra and Bunge merger report from University of Saskatchewan; Product spotlight with... Read More
There’s no shortage of demand for Canadian beef in South Korea, but the country’s import tariff regime is making it difficult for Canadian beef to compete with meat from the U.S. and Australia, according to the president of the Canadian Cattle Association. Nathan Phinney and other representatives from the CCA and Canada Beef were in... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! Shaun Haney is joined by joined by Dennis Laycraft with the Canadian Cattle Association to discuss the changes of testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Haney is then joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, both of RealAgriculture, on the RealAg Issues Panel.... Read More
The advent of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in several dozen U.S. dairy herds in nine states has prompted both U.S. and Canadian regulators to impose testing restrictions on transportation of lactating animals. Dennis Laycraft, executive vice president at the Canadian Cattle Association, says that the virus appears to reproduce in mammary tissue making dairy... Read More
With a spring fire season that has fired up early and hot in Western Canada, there is no time like today to start working on a fire prevention plan. With most producers out in the field seeding, the risk of wildfires starting is high. In this interview, Kaia Fossheim of AgSafe Alberta reviews on-farm fire... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Bruce Hill of Kinburn, Ont.; Eric Dietrich of Lucan Biddulph, Ont.; DC Jensen of Swift Current, Sask.; and, Rob Somerville of Special Areas, Alta. Plus,... Read More
Looking for an intuitive and user-friendly tractor that makes loader work less taxing on the operator? Kubota says its M7-4 Series tractors, with an LM2606 front loader and a new loader joystick, fits the bill. In this report from Commodity Classic at Houston, Texas, Kubota product manager Morgan Ludwig shares how the loader-joystick combination allows... Read More
Canada is in the extremely fortunate position of having an abundance of one of the world’s most critical resources — one that is often taken for granted, until there’s not enough, or too much. Whether talking about multi-year droughts, algal blooms on Lake Erie, or economic potential through irrigation, there are massive opportunities and challenges... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Nathan Phinney, president of the Canadian Cattle Association on the trade mission to South Korea; A spotlight interview with Bruce Lowe with AgDirect Hail on holding their rates at 2023 levels; Andrea Kent with RI Canada... Read More
There’s something about the calendar flip to May that injects a sense of urgency to planting and seeding plans. Is it go time? Well, it might be — and already has been for some both in the west and the east — but the weather calls the shots this week, and some areas are just... Read More
Soybean yields are often determined by growing conditions and whether growers are lucky to get those August rains that make grain. But how important is it to make the right agronomic and management decisions at planting to set up that yield success? That’s a question Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soybean specialist... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio. Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Tyler McCann with Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute on season 2 of the Ag Policy Connection podcast; Leigh Anderson with Farm Credit Canada on a harvest equipment sales report; A clip from The Agronomists on early season... Read More
One of the most important things to learn about a pest before trying to manage for it, is to learn its lifecycle and assess the economic damage it can do. Jeremy Irvine, masters student with the University of Saskatchewan, is working on this important information for an uncommon pest: the lesser clover leaf weevil. Mainly... Read More
What’s it going to take to maintain and grow Canadian agriculture in the future? After all, that’s ultimately the definition of that word “sustainable” that we hear so often these days. Whether you consider yourself a full-fledged ag policy nerd or just dabble every now and then, we’re excited to let you know that the... Read More
A non-winter for much of Ontario and a milder-than-average early spring for parts of Western Canada has got farmers and entomologists on high alert. Parts of Ontario are as much as two or three weeks ahead of the 10-year average for growing degree accumulation, and because insect development is driven by heat, those first crops... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss a number of topics including: Grasshopper forecast for western Canada; Weed control without using herbicide products; Soil microbiology; and, the importance of planter calibration. We will... Read More
Weaverline says it has electric battery-powered feed carts down to a science. That’s a big statement, but Frank Weaver says his family-owned company has the experience to back up the claim. The Narvon, Pennsylvania-based operation has been building electrified feed carts since 1965. At the Canadian Dairy XPO in Stratford, Ont., Weaver showcased his Series... Read More
Making sprayers light and nimble and getting them in the field when farmers need them. Those are some of the keys to the success of Massey Ferguson 500R Series sprayers, which hit farm fields for the first time in 2023, says Massey Ferguson product specialist Heath Kehnemund. In this report from Commodity Classic at Houston,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Charles Geddes with Agriculture and Agri Food Canada on the Kochia Survey Results; Jon Driedger of LeftField Commodity Research on the markets; A clip from our recent Canola School with Keith Gabert of... Read More
In closing out the first quarter of 2024, Farm Credit Canada has released a report comparing current harvest equipment sales to last year and the five-year average. Not surprisingly, combine sales are way down over the five-year average, but nearly all harvest equipment classes have pulled back significantly from 2023 sales, a strong sales year.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! To start, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange for a Beef Market Update. Lyndsey is then joined by Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture and Saskatchewan farmer, Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics,... Read More
What does soil look like after 20 years of applying the GRASS principles? (Those are covered in this video) A soil pit in this pasture that Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranching has grazed cattle on for about 20 years shows the results of using animal impact and strategic rest periods to build not just... Read More
After a decent start of better markets in terms of cash cattle, the futures market ended the week to the down side. This volatility is related to news around the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), currently confirmed in eight U.S. states and in 33 herds of U.S. dairy cattle. Earlier in the... Read More
Tillage can play an important role in weed control but integrating additional tools always makes for a better strategy, says BASF agronomist Rob Miller. On this episode of RealAgriculture Soybean School, Miller illustrates this point when he takes a close look at a wheat field from 2023 that received a fall burndown and some light... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Lyndsey Smith checks in with: Steve Twynstra of Alisa Craig, Ont.; Gerrit Herrema of Uxbridge, Ont.; Fred Grieg of Reston, Man.; and, Jesse Meyer of Woking, Alta. Plus, we will... Read More
New Holland is touting its recent joint venture with Raven industries as an opportunity for grain growers to access grain cart automation that can reduce cart operator stress and also reduce grain spillage. Earlier this year, New Holland announced a joint venture with Raven Industries to make Raven Cart Automation available on its combines in... Read More
The premise behind why a good healthy plant stand is important when battling flea beetles in canola is simple: the fewer beetles per plant, the less likely they’re going to damage more than 25 per cent of the total leaf area. In dry conditions, too much seed-placed fertilizer can hurt that plant stand and help... Read More
Agriculture is the art of applying the science — this is definitely the case when it comes to figuring out how few tillage passages are enough and if the quest for zero is actually the goal. As part of this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses the importance of no-till and... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jim Wiesemeyer with Pro Farmer to discuss the U.S. Farm Bill; Hear data from the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index on if biofuels a positive or negative for farmers; A clip from the Farm Safety Roundup on... Read More
It’s unlikely the U.S. Farm Bill gets passed in 2024 by Shaun Haney’s estimates, but what does Jim Wiesemeyer, D.C. policy analyst for Pro Farmer magazine think? Plenty of things need to happen for this bill to be passed, Wiesemeyer says, but there is some impetus to get well into the process by June. That’s... Read More
From hitch pin to closing wheels, Kinze plans to introduce a new 5670 pivot fold, split-row model planter for the 2025 planting season. “It’s kind of the next member of our 5000 series family,” says Kinze product specialist Brad Niensteadt. In this report from Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, he tells RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin that... Read More
Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries, with heavy machinery often being the culprit behind farm-related injuries and fatalities. Collisions and roll-overs are a major concern, but so too are machine entanglements. In this episode of the Farm Safety Roundup, host Shaun Haney is joined by Michael Wilson, a senior health and safety consultant... Read More
Farmers can look for more horsepower, more efficiency, and simplified precision technology from 2025 model year Magnum tractors. Case IH rolled out the new tractors for public viewing at the Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas. Morgen Dietrich, tractor segment lead at Case IH, believes Magnum upgrades will help drive productivity on the farm. He says the... Read More
Let’s hope grain markets fare better than the Winnipeg Jets did in Game 2 of their Stanley Cup playoff game last night, but if they don’t Jon Driedger, disappointed Jets fan and market analyst with Leftfield Commodity Research, says there’s still reasons to sell small into price rallies. Where are we at right now? Big... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jon Driedger, LeftField Commodity Research to discuss the markets; Ken Forth with FARMS on the Temporary Foreign Worker changes; Listener feedback; and, Don’t miss the top ag news stories Thoughts on something we talked about on the show?... Read More
What do you do if you’re a woman working in agriculture and you can’t find comfortable work clothes? How about starting your own clothing line? That’s what independent agronomist Michelle Durnin did in 2021 when she launched Durnin Farm & Ranch Wear to design and sell women’s workwear. At the Canadian Dairy XPO in Stratford,... Read More
Clubroot has expanded its reach across the Prairies each year since it was first confirmed in a canola field in Alberta in 2003. Since then, the soil-borne disease has spread across the province and positive cases have popped up across parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. For Manitoba, what could have been a disaster of epic... Read More
Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops seeded at the same time (in one pass or two) that are then also harvested at the same time. The seeds are separated post-harvest, and the yield can, at times, out yield what each crop would have yielded on its own. But not all crops... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss a number of topics including: Questions on cold temperatures and winter crops; Nitrogen applications at Growth Stage 32; and, Tips for using inhibitors. We will also... Read More
Building on a solid foundation is one way to produce a dependable planter that offers the latest in precision planting technology. That’s what farmers can expect when they take a look at Massey Ferguson VE Series planters, says marketing product specialist Forrest Francis. In this report from Commodity Classic at Houston, Texas, Francis notes how... Read More
For Ingersoll, Ont., dairy farmer Darryl Markus it’s all about giving back. Earlier this month at the Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX), Markus and his family, and the entire Canadian dairy industry, were on hand for the Calves for a Cause auction to benefit London Children’s Health Foundation. Markus started the auction four years ago to show... Read More
There’s a reason just about every agronomic question can be answered by, “It depends.” That’s because no single management decision is made alone: the genetics of the crop and the environmental conditions will always play a role in the success of any one management practice. To further explain the concept of GxExM, this Wheat School... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Kelvin Heppner with RealAgriculture to break down the federal budget; Ryan Kehrig with MNP to discuss the capital gains changes in the budget; and Spotlight interview with Landon Fahlman with Farm Credit Canada... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAgRadio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Ryan Kehrig with MNP to discuss the capital gains changes in the federal budget and possible impacts for farm succession plans.. Haney is also joined by Tyler McCann with Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), and RealAg’s Kelvin Heppner and... Read More
There may be a flurry of activity in several accountants’ offices over the next 10 weeks as farm families grapple with how changes to the capital gains inclusion rate and exemption laid out in the latest federal budget may impact their succession planning. The government plans to increase the taxable portion of capital gains —... Read More
The Canada Food Inspection Agency will continue to refer to highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle as HPAI in cattle, and not refer to it as bovine influenza A virus (BIAV), as suggested by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners earlier this month. Dr. Martin Appelt, senior director for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in... Read More
There’s big yield potential in winter wheat fields across Ontario as the crop advances quickly with help from favourable spring growing conditions. Growers have been busy getting that first shot of nitrogen on the crop and focus now shifts to whether the crop can benefit from a plant growth regulator (PGR) as the wheat advances... Read More
A bed of chickweed is a sure sign that weeds are awake, actively growing and planting isn’t far off. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Soybean School, host Bernard Tobin heads to the field with BASF Canada agronomist Rob Miller to talk spring weed control and what growers should be looking for as they scout fields.... Read More
The topic of soil compaction often arises when talking about the heaviest of farm machinery — four-wheel drive tractors, grain carts/buggies, and manure spreaders — but sprayers should also be at the forefront when it comes to trying to minimize compaction. After all, with some sprayer tanks now exceeding 2,000 gallons and booms extending upwards... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Ethan Wallace of Seaforth, Ont.; Dan Petker of Norfolk, Ont.; Murray Froebe of Homewood, Man.; and, Kevin Bisschop of Chilliwack, B.C. Plus, we will hear... Read More
If there’s one thing freshly-planted soybeans don’t like, it’s a cold drink of water. Soybeans are quite resilient to early season weather and cool soil, but a cold rain in the first 12-hours after planting can spell death to newly-planted soybeans. How does corn fare? Well, not much better, says RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist Peter “Wheat... Read More
Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is several years into what’s been dubbed a “transformation.” The PMRA reform process started nearly three years ago, leading up to the 2021 federal election, and this initial “transformation” was to focus on four area: transparency, increase the use of real-world data and independent advice, strengthen human health... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jacob Shapiro with Cognitive Investments to discuss the geopolitical tension in the middle East; Spotlight interview with Landon Fahlman with Farm Credit Canada on their AgExpert software; Kelvin Heppner with RealAgriculture to break down the 2024... Read More
Calendar dates can be thrown out when it comes to scouting for weeds and early nitrogen application in Ontario, as growing degree accumulation is well ahead of normal. As part of this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses the implications of crops being ahead of schedule, the confirmation of glyphosate-resistant lamb’s... Read More
Jacob Shapiro of Cognitive Investments is back for another episode of Frontlines. Joining host Shaun Haney, Shapiro delves into the complex dynamics of current Middle Eastern geopolitics which continues to find increased escalation among a broader set of countries. When it comes to the Middle East it is difficult to gain a full understanding of... Read More
After two years of consultations, meetings, and research, Grain Growers of Canada has published a 10-point plan for moving the Canadian grain industry forward on its “Road to 2050.” Grain Growers executive director Kyle Larkin says his organization has laid out what policy issues are most important to the success of the Canadian grain industry,... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Tuesdays with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio, with host Lyndsey Smith! On this episode we will hear: Stewart Skinner, Ontario farmer, on housing and land development on Ontario farmland; Dr. Martin Appelt with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on HPAI in cattle including surveillance, testing, and more; A clip from... Read More
It’s a beetle-eat-worm world out there in the field, and it pays to know which insects are doing the eating of others, says Tyler Wist in this latest episode of the Pests and Predators podcast, brought to you by Field Heroes. Wist, entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Saskatoon, says that Ladybird beetles are... Read More
There’s no data better suited to a farm than data derived FROM that farm. Designing and executing an on-farm field trial can be incredibly valuable for informing changes in production practices, but it’s key that the trial be designed to deliver solid data. To tackle what it takes to get the most out of on-farm... Read More
It won’t be long before the soil is fit and planters roll into edible bean fields. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, Hensall Co-op field marketer and edible bean grower Dave Louwagie shares a checklist he uses to make sure all systems are go when conditions are right for dry beans. To... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss a number of topics including nitrogen loss, planting corn, and more! We will also hear from Shad Milligan with Syngenta Canada on why you should consider... Read More
Cover crops can do a number of things, such as hold soil in place, cycle nutrients, suppress weed growth, and fix nitrogen. They can also interfere with planting and seeding the next crop if not terminated properly. There are several options available for terminating cover crops: choosing species that will winterkill (most of the time!),... Read More
What makes a rubber cow mat unique? For German manufacturer Huber Technik it comes down to the fact that their rubber never meets the road. In this report from the 2024 Canadian Dairy XPO at Stratford, Ont., the company’s owner Veronika Kamm says Huber Technik’s stall mattresses are made from only new tire compounds. “Our... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Peter Johnson to discuss some agronomic issues including the flea beetle feeding period, getting seed in the ground, and more! As well, hear from Brian Beres, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on the... Read More
Cattle market moves are interesting this week, as prices move opposite directions in Canada and the U.S, demand for hamburger tidies up some supply, and feeder cattle movement remains strong. Every second Friday, the Beef Market Update brings you the latest in cattle movement numbers, beef export stats, value changes and so much more. This... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith both of RealAgriculture for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics including: The road to 2050; The growth of solar grazing in the U.S.; Bill C-282 coming up in the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Kevin Buchner of Brownsville, Ont.; Landon Friesen of Crystal City, Man.; Jim Hale of Lancer, Sask.; John Guelly of Westlock, Alta. Plus, we will hear... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Kyle Larkin with the Grain Growers of Canada on their sustainability recommendations “Road to 2050”; Mac Ross with the Canada Grains Council on an update on PMRA transformation; Haney then discusses some listener feedback; and, Don’t... Read More
Once the snow is gone, it’s time to assess how the fall-seeded crops have fared. For much of Ontario, they not only did well, they’re already growing like weeds! For some areas of the province, the winter wheat crop is as much as five days ahead of the 10-year average. That’s where we start with... Read More
Canadian potato growers will have a new weapon in the fight against rhizoctonia and black scurf for 2024. AZteroid FC fungicide uses precision chemistry to deliver systemic, long-lasting control of diseases in a wide range of crops, but is registered for only potatoes in Canada, says Vive Crop Protection marketing and communications manager Emily Roden.... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Tuesdays with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio with host Lyndsey Smith! On this episode we will hear: Discussion about planting corn into green cover crops; Spotlight interview with Colin Tchir for ADAMA Canada; A clip from The Agronomists with Mario Tenuta and Albert Tenuta on soybean cyst nematode management; and,... Read More
In March, under political pressure to do something about the housing crisis, the federal government announced changes to the amount of temporary residents that would be allowed in to Canada beginning May 1. On the surface, this may not seem to directly impact agriculture if farms and agri-businesses typically access the seasonal worker programs. However,... Read More
Soybean cyst nematode is a tiny but very destructive pest of soybean. It’s so damaging, that its presence can cause up to 25 per cent yield loss before symptoms are visible. Once SCN is in a field, it won’t ever go away — for Manitoba and points west, there’s still a chance to keep this... Read More
Planting corn directly into a living cover crop before it is killed by herbicide or tillage is not something growers would have considered 30 years ago, says Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural affairs soil management specialist Jake Munroe. More and more farmers, however, are now willing to take the leap thanks to advances... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss a number of topics including: Impact of compaction from the sprayer; Resistant water hemp and kochia; Timing for nitrogen application. And don’t miss the top ag... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney discusses if farmers are ready for spring as well as what the toolbelt generation is. We will also hear from Lauren Martin with the Canadian Meat Council on temporary foreign worker policy changes, and Paul Bullock... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture and Meagan Murdoch of Hill & Knowlton for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics including: New rising unemployment numbers; The Trudeau Liberals’ strategy ahead of the upcoming federal budget; and,... Read More
For Brenda Simeon, it all started when her father decided he wanted a farm sign. He had seen signs while travelling in Western Canada and decided it was time to make one for his own farm in Ontario. That sign went up 40 years ago and launched a business that now sees Simeon crafting and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Katie Keddy of Woodville, N.S.; Shawn Schill of Arthur, Ont.; Warren McCutcheon of Carman, Man.; and Lesley Kelly of Watrous, Sask. Plus, we will hear... Read More
Research from Purdue University agronomy professor Shaun Casteel indicates that early sulphur applications broadcast pre-plant or right at planting can deliver a soybean yield bump in specific conditions. On the season debut of The Sharp Edge, Maizex agronomist Henry Prinzen takes that knowledge to the field to compare notes with Simcoe, Ontario, grower Kyle Sowden... Read More
Starting in May, Prairie farmers will have access to an up-to-the-day fusarium head blight forecasting tool for winter and spring wheat, durum, and barley. The new forecasting tool is based on over five years of research and field-level proof-of-concept work supported by Alberta Grains, SaskWheat, SaskBarley, the Manitoba Crop Alliance, the University of Manitoba and... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Bill Greuel with Protein Industries Canada on the opportunities for plant protein and some of the barriers including the capital gap; Hear a spotlight interview with Marcel Kringe for Bushel Plus; Haney then discusses some RealAgristudies... Read More
In 2019, John Deere’s eAutoPowr concept arrived at Agritechnica touting the potential of the world’s first electric variable transmission. That year, the new transmission concept, developed through a partnership with Joskin, won Agritechnica’s gold innovation award. Fast forward to Agritechnica ’23 and eAutoPowr was again attracting throngs of farmers at the innovation show’s John Deere... Read More
B.C. wine of a 2024 vintage is going to be hard to find in the coming years, as vineyards and fruit producers in much of southern B.C. are reeling from a cold snap in January — the latest in a series of major challenges for the high value crops grown in the region. “I’m hearing... Read More
Here’s something you maybe didn’t know: Host of The Word, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson started Wheat Pete’s Word a full NINE years ago, back before podcasts were cool. So let’s kick off the 10th year with something really special — like the second warmest winter on record since 1895! Johnson also discusses evaluating geese damage... Read More
Canada is a major global player in the trade of bulk commodities and animal protein, that’s clear. In addition, the increase in domestic processing of plant-based protein and pulse-based ingredients in the last five years has created more opportunities for processors to ship these types of products worldwide. Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada,... Read More
Several of the crop pest species farmers grapple with in a season aren’t actually native to the area. Pea leaf weevil, cabbage seedpod weevil, and wheat midge all came from other geographies before setting up shop on the Canadian Prairies. Still more insect pests could find their way here — or could be here already... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Tuesdays with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Marty Vermey with Grain Farmers of Ontario on the drift awareness campaign; Paul Bullock with University of Manitoba on FHB forecasting and more weather stations; A clip from The Agronomists on saving N with... Read More
A fruit tree orchard can be viable for many, many years, but it also means that establishing an orchard requires significant investment. That investment should pay off in the years of harvesting the fruit, but as many in B.C. are struggling with, severe weather can cut yield potential weeks before the trees begin their spring... Read More
Fendt’s E-Vario weeder concept presents a weeder that is optimized for combining with an electrically powered tractor. What happens after a company develops an electric tractor and makes plans to bring it to market? In the case of the Fendt e107 V Vario tractor, which made its public debut at Agritechnica, one of the jobs... Read More
Wheat is a crop that sets yield potential very early in the season, so it’s imperative that the crop get off to the best start possible. Once plant stands and tillers are off to the races, splitting nitrogen can manage risk and help reach full yield potential. What’s more, late N can also bump protein... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss the Ontario yield numbers, adverse weather conditions impacting the wheat crop, the importance of sulphur, B.C. cherry crop, and much more! Don’t miss the top ag... Read More
Farmers looking for an air cart to help increase seeding-time productivity, quality and accuracy will find a cart that fits their operation with the Deere C-Series, the company says. At the recent Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, growers got their first look at Deere’s new C-Series lineup that includes five carts that range from 350... Read More
When it comes to planter prep, corn is king. The simple truth is most growers spend a lot of time fine-tuning planters to ensure corn seeds are deposited at a consistent depth and are snugged into the soil after the trench is closed. But what about soybeans? Do growers spend enough time working on how... Read More
There’s no better place to conduct practical agronomic research than in the real world, under the same conditions, using the same equipment and management practices. That’s the premise underlying the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers’ On-Farm Network, a farmer-driven research program that was officially launched 10 years ago, in 2014. “We really saw a need... Read More
Happy Easter! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney discusses announced changes to the Advanced Payments Program, as well as if rolling snow is helpful to making it stay on fields. We will also hear the Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, and Stuart Person of MNP for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics including: The Port of Baltimore and its importance to agriculture; HPAI being found in... Read More
Cattle markets reacted negatively to the news earlier this week of dairy cows testing positive for HPAI in Texas and Kansas. As Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange explains, it’s unfortunate but not unexpected to see a downward dip in futures when uncertainty creeps in to the marketplace. Cash trade in the U.S. was... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Brendan Byrne of Essex, Ont.; Mark Brock of Staffa, Ont.; Mike Shewchuk of Blaine Lake, Sask.; and, Sukpahl Bal of Kelowna, B.C. Plus, we will... Read More
We know what the seasons are like for cattle and grain farmers, but have you ever wondered what a typical season is like for a bee keeper or what challenges they might experience? Joining me, Paige Warner, in my first time as a podcast host is Brennen Smith, manager and co-owner of Baconian Bee Farm.... Read More
Farmers looking for high-speed, aggressive tillage may want to take a look at the Vaderstad Carrier XL disc harrow. In this report from Agritechnica, RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin and Vaderstad’s Bernt Martensson check out the Carrier XL 725 on the trade show floor at the agriculture innovation showcase held in Hanover, Germany. “We would normally go... Read More
Soil tests are one tool for determining fertilizer needs of a particular field, but several other factors impact the overall productivity of any soil zone, regardless of nutrient level. Factors such as physical make up of the soil, salinity, internal drainage, field position, and organic matter levels, all play a role in determining the high-yield... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, hear from: Mike Steenhoek with Soy Transportation Coalition on the Port of Baltimore’s impact to agriculture; Drew Spoelstra with Ontario Federation of Agriculture on Temporary Foreign Worker restrictions; A clip from the latest Farm Safety Roundup episode on safety week with Ryan... Read More
It’s the last week of March but the weather has turned cool and more average for this time of year. That means there’s plenty of questions streaming in as farmers get ready to hit the fields. This week on Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has to make good on a bet, we learn about... Read More
As Canadian Agricultural Safety Week concludes, the conversation around farm safety continues to be paramount. In this episode of the Farm Safety Roundup, hosted by Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture, Ryan Dick of Workplace Safety and Prevention Services sheds light on the crucial role of safety in agriculture. With a dual perspective as both a Health... Read More
It wasn’t the biggest new tractor roll-out at Agritechnica, but the Valtra S Series certainly attracted its fair share of attention thanks to a unique combination of size and technology. The Valtra S Series is a sixth generation tractor from the Finnish manufacturer, which operates plants in Finland and Brazil. Models range from 280 to... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Tuesdays with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Michael Harvey with Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance on the EU/UK trade with Canada; A spotlight interview with Doug Miller of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association; John Conrad with Alberta Agriculture on the Western Crop... Read More
In the early hours of Tuesday, March 26th, the cargo vessel MV Dali collided with a support post of the Francis Scott Key Bridge at Baltimore, Maryland, causing the bridge to collapse. Reports are that the Singapore-flagged ship experienced a power loss and inability to steer the ship before the collision. While the rescue and... Read More
What’s a planter supposed to do when it rolls into fields and tucks into a fit seedbed? On this episode of RealAgriculture Corn School, Kearney Planters operations manager Cullen Tinline shares a corn planter furrow management wish list and what growers should expect if their planter is fine-tuned, properly prepped, and rolling in good soil... Read More
Damage from wireworms can go unnoticed at low levels — sometimes the only symptom is a missing seedling. The trouble is, wireworms have a multi-year life cycle, so early detection is key to management. For this Wheat School episode, we’re back with Shad Milligan, seedcare specialist with Syngenta Canada, to talk about not just why... Read More
When it comes to phosphorus, having early availability close to the seed is of utmost importance to support early seedling development. Too much phosphorus too close can also cause seedling toxicity and death. What’s the right amount for starter fertilizer? There’s no one right answer, but there are several considerations for phosphorus management at seeding,... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss using a land roller to snow, soil testing, and more! Also hear from Ruoxi Xia with Alberta Grains on seeding rates and tackling seed borne diseases... Read More
There’s no timetable for its arrival, but when it does hit farm fields Steyr expects its hybrid CVT to pack a powerful punch. In this report from Agritechnica, RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin and CNH Industrial business manager Marco Otten discuss how Steyr plans to place significant power, speed and manoeuvrability at the tractor operator’s command. In... Read More
Last year at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, investors and inventors were all a-buzz about biologicals. This year, the spending mood at the conference was more subdued overall, with the focus shifted away from biological products and on to measuring carbon emissions. Jay Whetter, editor of Canola Digest and unofficial San Fransisco tour guide, attended... Read More
A frigid fundraiser hosted by a seed business at Domain, Manitoba has raised more than $70 thousand for STARS air ambulance. 19 people from the seed industry and broader agriculture community, including RealAg’s Kelvin Heppner, plunged into a hole cut in the thick ice on the Pitura Seeds farm pond on Friday afternoon. All the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jay Whetter with the Canola Council of Canada and Canola Digest on what he heard from the World Agritech Innovation Summit; Ian Boxall with Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan on the upcoming Canada... Read More
Consultations have been done, and the “What we heard” document was published in 2021. So why then has the actual opening of the Grain Act — and modernization of it — not happened? On Tuesday, March 26, industry participants, government, and farmers are getting together to talk about exactly that, says Ian Boxall, president of... Read More
Geopolitics, interest rates, currency fluctuations, market demand and the weather — there’s much for farmers to consider when making business decisions in a volatile market. Meteorologist and market analyst Shawn Hackett says it’s important for farmers to have a good understanding of all the factors that can impact prices to build effective marketing strategy. At... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics including: The timing of interest rate cuts; Impending pull back on Temporary Foreign Worker allowances; Inflation numbers; and, Kelvin’s... Read More
A private member’s bill that aims to allow for manufacturers in certain circumstances to circumvent digital locks on computer programs or hardware — such as a new million dollar-plus combine — has stalled in the Canadian Senate after receiving unanimous approval in the House of Commons last spring. Bill C-294, introduced by Saskatchewan MP Jeremy... Read More
The big corn Ontario crop of 2023 is doing what analysts suspected it would to cash prices — and it’s not a rosy picture. Phil Shaw, market analyst and farmer from Dresden, Ont., says that a seasonal post-harvest rally didn’t even happen, which was a little surprising, and Ontario farmers have got plenty of corn... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Lyndsey Smith checks in with: Josh Boersen of Gadshill, Ont.; Nic Dubuc of Montreal, Que.; Aaron Hargreaves of Brandon, Man.; and, Jason Lenz of Bentley, Alta. Plus, we will hear... Read More
Lemken will debut Rubin 10, its next generation of speed disc cultivators, for 2024. Last fall, the company announced plans to introduce a new Rubin 10 series, replacing its Rubin 9 series. A key feature of the new machines is the ability to be hitched via a ball coupling or drawbar eye; hydraulic support is... Read More
One of the most commonly-used tools for fighting insect pests will be missing from the toolbox in many situations on Canadian farms again in 2024. There’s been no change to the label for products that contain lambda-cyhalothrin, such as Matador and Silencer, heading into the 2024 growing season, says Ian Epp, agronomy specialist with the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Phil Shaw on the corn and bean markets; Spotlight interview with Michaela Lobay for ADAMA Canada; Jesse Cole with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation on what production insurance options for drought-stricken farmers; GoCrops.ca new website launch; and,... Read More
Massey Ferguson plans to deliver the most powerful tractor it has ever produced for fall 2024. The MF 9S Series includes six models with power ranging from 285 to 425 horsepower. The tractor drew plenty of eyeballs at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany. Beyond the power boost, the manufacturer also says it’s the most straightforward tractor... Read More
It’s too soon to know if March will leave like a lion or a lamb, but points west are getting some heavy snow and much of Ontario is back to very cool and even cold temps. Cooler temps haven’t slowed down farmers’ enthusiasm for frost seeding or putting on some nitrogen and sulphur on wheat... Read More
April is almost here and that means thousands of dairy farmers will soon be heading to Stratford, Ont., for the Canadian Dairy XPO. This year, the show is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. The annual dairy industry showcase takes place at the Stratford Rotary Complex on April 3 and 4. In 2023, almost 17,000 people... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Carlo Dade with the Canada West Foundation and Anthony Rosborough of Dalhousie University on Bill C-294; Jordan Underhill with the Canadian Dairy XPO and being back for another year; Steve Verheul on Canada steering though the muck... Read More
Ontario farmers looking for the latest performance and variety data for corn, soybeans, cereals, and beans may now visit just one site — GoCrops.ca — to compare and contrast different offerings. A complete revamp and modernization of the four legacy sites of GoCorn.net, GoCereals.ca, GoBeans.ca and GoSoy.ca is the result of the collaborative effort between... Read More
Nitrogen fertilizer can be lost through volatilization, leaching, or denitrification depending on conditions. Farmers can adapt application practices and timing to minimize loss, and they can choose to have nitrogen fertilizer treated with an enhanced efficiency product. For a discussion on losses, loss management, and what product to use and when, this episode of The... Read More
Wheat seed placed in a furrow across a field spells possibility to a farmer, but to diseases that lurk in the soil, wheat seed is food, not a potential crop. Using untreated wheat seed means that each seed could be vulnerable to seed- and/or soil-borne diseases, explains Shad Milligan, Seedcare technical lead for Syngenta Canada.... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss the Great Lakes YEN program, the basics of drainage, agvocating for agriculture, and more! Also hear from Laura Schmidt with Manitoba Pulse Growers Association on planting... Read More
What can you learn from two decades of scouting canola fields? Turns out — a lot. In this episode of the Pests & Predators Podcast, brought to you by Field Heroes, host Shaun Haney is joined by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada entomologist Jennifer Otani, based at Beaverlodge, Alta., to talk about those lessons learned from... Read More
Once soybeans are up and out of the ground, the crop can be quite resilient. What’s more, soybeans are proving hardier than first thought, and new research suggests that planting earlier — even before corn or canola — can yield good results. In this episode of the Soybean School, Laura Schmidt, production specialist with the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ed Broschinski with Cargill Marketsense on the current state of the markets; J.P Gervais with Farm Credit Canada on the land value report; and, RealAgristudies data on how important trade is and market... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio recorded LIVE! at the Cargill Marketsense event. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Ed Broschinski to discuss the current state of the markets. Then hear a panel discussion with Cargill Marketsense employees Ed Broschinski, Michelle Gemmell, and Denise Gabriel on a number of topics,... Read More
There are reasons to feel some sustained optimism in cattle markets right now, as trade is holding steady while feed costs dip slightly, says Anne Wasko in this week’s Beef Market Update. Cattle prices held strong to steady this week in the more northern regions, which is good news, even if trade was quite light... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Chuck Amyot of New Liskeard, Ont.; Charlene Wattam of Renfrew, Ont.; Eric McLean of Oak River, Man.; and, Jocelyn Wasko of Eastend, Sask. Plus, we... Read More
Exports from Canada face growing uncertainty as governments around the world look inward in an effort to gain votes. Whether it’s the collapse of the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement process, individual countries introducing new technical trade barriers, or politicians deploying subsidies and tariffs in the name of more domestic jobs, the world is generally... Read More
Canadian farmers who run Väderstad planters will see something familiar when they look closely at the company’s new Proceed V seed drill. The tillage and seeding company has been working on the Proceed V for several years and when it starts production in 2025 it will feature the Gilstring seed meter — it’s currently used... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Dennis Laycraft with Canadian Cattle Association on the USDA final rule for the “Product of USA label” Curt Blades with Association of Equipment Manufacturers, on the machinery market in 2024; JP Gervais with Farm Credit Canada... Read More
It won’t be long before planters and seeders are rolling for #plant24, but some areas will be well ahead of others, like southern Ontario. The mild winter has certainly got many thinking about field passes. From nitrogen and sulphur applications, to manure, and even maybe some early planting, wheels are turning. And with that comes... Read More
There’s plenty of excitement for both economic and environmental reasons about the potential for biological nitrogen fixation for corn and other crops that don’t fix their own nitrogen, but a soil scientist from North Dakota State University says farmers and agronomists should be asking several key questions before counting on added organisms to supply N... Read More
Edible bean breeders have a lot of boxes to check when developing new varieties. From yield and maturity to quality and end use market considerations, breeders need to develop varieties that flourish in the field and also please palates when they appear on dinner plates. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Edible Bean School, Hensall Co-op... Read More
Canadian farmland values increased at a lower rate in 2023 compared to 2022, but still posted a double-digit average increase at 11.5 per cent. The national average was 12.8 per cent in 2022, according to the FCC Farmland Values Report. The highest average provincial increases in farmland values were observed in Saskatchewan, Quebec, Manitoba and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to Tuesday with Lyndsey on RealAg Radio. On today’s show we will hear from: Steve Kenyon in a recent Farming Forward episode on the GRASS principles; Scott Gillespie with Plants Dig Soil on his new book “Practical Regeneration”; A spotlight interview with Dave Gallant with Canadian Canola Growers Association on the... Read More
Monday, U.S. ag secretary Tom Vilsack released the final wording of the “Product of U.S.A.” label requirements as it relates to several products, including beef and pork. Though voluntary, the rule is as restrictive — or more — than the mandatory country of origin labeling (mCOOL) requirements that spawned years and years of trade disputes... Read More
What’s going on in your grain bin? That’s the question GSI intends to answer with its new GrainVue system — technology it says will take the guesswork out of managing grain. From inside the grain bin, the technology provides up-to-date moisture and temperature data, as well as inventory levels. It also gathers and analyzes site... Read More
Clubroot is a persistent, destructive, soil-borne disease of canola that lurks in soil waiting to be carried by equipment, boots, wheels, or even wind to a new field. First found in an Alberta canola field over 20 years ago, clubroot is now found in each of the Prairie Provinces and some of the northern American... Read More
In agriculture, we love to hate on acronyms and buzzwords, but like many things that become a daily part of our lives, some words — and the topic they represent — are worth getting past the initial dislike and really diving in to what a particular idea or topic could mean for the farm business.... Read More
It’s a frustrating problem farmers face when stacking bales — you need a few more inches of loader range to stack that bale but the loader is coming up just a little short. That’s a challenge Stoll is looking to solve, especially for farmers who work with 4-cylinder medium class tractors, a popular choice for... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss stripper headers, optimal corn plant population, and more. There’s also a spotlight interview with Dr. Meagan Vankosky of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on the Field Heroes... Read More
When it comes to forage production, tedders play a key role in quickly transforming green, freshly-mowed forage to a crop with consistent quality and moisture that’s ready to bale. In this report from Agritechnica, RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney and Krone territory manager David Taylor take a close look at the new Krone Vendro C 1120, part... Read More
Approval of a biotechnology reform bill in the European Parliament last month has been hailed as a major breakthrough toward allowing “new genomic techniques,” such as gene-editing, to be used in crop breeding in Europe. The bill still faces an uphill battle to become law across the European Union, but the vote was one example... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by: The 2024 outlook for beef producers from the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index data; A spotlight interview with Kaeley Kindrachuk with SaskCanola on the top notch farming trials; Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture on his... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, both of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics including: Canada and U.S jobs numbers; What a Conservative government might mean for ag policy; Doug Chorney’s retirement and... Read More
Precision Planting says it wants to create a new product category with its CornerStone planting system. “CornerStone really is everything but the planter bar,” says Caleb Schleder, Precision Planting’s director of technical services and support. At the Commodity Classic earlier this month in Houston, Texas, he shared how the company set out to build a... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Peggy Brekveld of Thunder Bay, Ont.; Brett Israel of Mapletown, Ont.; Scott Perkin of Elgin, Man.; and, Andrea Stroeve-Sawa of Taber, Alta. Plus, we will... Read More
When the weather is warm early in the season, everyone starts talking winter wheat. This spring in Ontario, the winter wheat crop is awake and no one is more excited than RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson. On this episode of the Wheat School, Johnson is walking a wheat field near Georgetown, Ont. The crop is greening... Read More
There’s a long list of known ways in which wildfire smoke can negatively affect corn and other crops, but could the overall effect of the smoky haze in summer potentially be positive for yields? It’s a complex question to answer, says Dan Quinn, extension corn specialist with Purdue University, in this Corn School episode recorded... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Koch Agronomic Services. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Tyler Schau with AgMarket.net on the wheat and canola markets; Bryce Geisel with Koch Ag for a spotlight interview on protecting nitrogen; Hear some Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index data... Read More
Before the invention of autonomous tractors all the intelligence needed to operate the machine and implements sat squarely in the tractor seat — the farmer controlled all aspects of the operation. In the case of tillage, for example, the farmer monitored the speed of the tractor and when the cultivator clogged they were there to... Read More
How did March begin where you are? If it came in like a lion does it leave like a lamb? Chances are slim, as Old Wives’ Tales aren’t usually very dependable, but we’ll soon find out as wicked weather hit the west but Ontario is nearly a month ahead of the calendar. For Peter “Wheat... Read More
Advanced grazing can be summed up in one word: GRASS. But we’re not talking the actual grass, we’re talking about the GRASS principles of advanced grazing. In this episode of the Farming Forward video series, Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranching, explains the principle that stands for: G – Graze period R – Rest period A... Read More
Equipment manufacturers transported seven combines to the Commodity Classic at Houston, Texas last week. They came in all colours but the green machines created the biggest buzz as John Deere showcased two new S7 Series combines on the tradeshow floor. RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin was on location to report on the S7 Series combine family rollout,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to Tuesday with Lyndsey on RealAg Radio. On today’s show we will hear from: A clip from recent canola school on clubroot management with Manitoba Agriculture, David Kaminski; A spotlight interview with Ambrely Ralph, ADAMA Canada, on their new product launches; Charles-Antoine St. Jean, chair of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board... Read More
Precision Planting made its first venture into the sprayer technology market in North America in 2022 when it unveiled several products focused on improving sprayer operation and data collection. Fast forward to 2024 and Tremont, Illinois-based company is now forging into the European spraying market with its Symphony nozzle control system — designed to maintain constant... Read More
There are aspects of soil that are unchangeable — the amount of sand, silt, and clay, for example. But many other measures of soil can be nudged, either to the good or bad, when it comes to soil productivity and health. Organic matter, porosity, and bulk density are all changeable, but how do they impact... Read More
Corteva Agriscience and the Pioneer seed brand are looking to new Z-Series soybeans to deliver agronomic advantages, better disease defence, and higher yields for North American soybean growers. Canadian growers will have access to limited seed from 20 varieties for planting in 2024 — 50 will be available in the U.S., with full availability expected... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to discuss changes in soil pH at depth, usage of liquid fertilizer, and more! We will also hear a clip from a recent Pulse School episode with Daryl... Read More
Austrian family-owned Pöttinger established its first dealership in Canada in 2005 and three years later opened for business in the U.S. From mowers to seeders, balers and cultivators, the agriculture implement company continues to grow in North America, setting a string of sales records on both sides of the border, says Andrew Brown, president and... Read More
Houston, we have a problem — and it’s larger-than-ideal crop supplies available combined with lagging demand for some oilseed and crush byproducts. That’s at least part of what is going on in the oilseed complex, says Tyler Schau of AgMarket.net. He spoke with Shaun Haney at Commodity Classic last week held at — you guessed... Read More
By Tyler McCann, managing director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute Many in Canadian agriculture and food are proud of the sector’s position as a major exporter. Many are also proud of Canada’s position as a sustainable food producer. But many are worried about the relationship between trade and sustainability. While the landscape is shifting,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Curt Blades with Association of Equipment Manufacturers on the current trends in the machinery market; Tyler Schau with AgMarket.net on the canola and wheat markets; Lorne Boundy on the oat market; and,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange for the Beef Market Update. Smith is then joined by Shaun Haney, Kelvin Heppner, and Ontario farmer Andrew Campbell for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss a number of topics including:... Read More
The jewel in the 2025 John Deere lineup crown was unveiled at Commodity Classic at Houston, Texas, this week. The new 9Rx line up available with 710, 770, or 830 horsepower, four tracks and heaps of new features turned heads and had the whole crowd talking. Our own Bern Tobin was at the John Deere... Read More
We know the Canadian cattle herd has been shrinking, but by how much? In this week’s Beef Market Update, Anne Wasko shares the January 1, 2024 Canadian cattle inventory numbers and provides some context on not only what it means for the current beef and dairy cow herd, but also how the inventory breaks-down by... Read More
Have you got your bushels covered? Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net says that if farmers still have a lot of unpriced grain, it’s going to take some work to minimize losses in the next few months. Bennett spoke to several farm audiences at Commodity Classic at Houston, Texas, this week and he says farmers are listening... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Lyndsey Smith checks in with: Mark Torrey of Woodsville, Ont.; Aaron Bowman of Hampton, Ont.; Wilco VanMeijl of Rapid City, Man.; and, Chris Bauer of Lake Lenore, Sask. Plus, we... Read More
Sales of new tractors and combines have slowed down from a year ago, almost certainly due to lower commodity prices and higher interest rates. Combine and four-wheel drive tractor sales ended 2023 up slightly while sales of small tractors were down — in both the U.S. and Canada “As we look ahead to 2024, we’re... Read More
Steve Verheul, now principal with GT Canada, served as Canada’s chief trade negotiator for several large trade deals, including what eventually became the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement, or USMCA/CUSMA. This week, he joined Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio, recorded live at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s AGM in Ottawa. They spoke about: Multi-lateral vs bi-lateral trade... Read More
Oh my goodness, what a wild swing in temperatures! Ontario hit some record high daytime temperatures for February, only to have a huge cold front move in that had already socked in the Prairies. As much as we’d all like to think this is spring, it only feels that way. The calendar still says February,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg Radio, LIVE from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual general meeting brought to you by MNP. On today’s show hear from Steve Verheul, former chief trade negotiator for Canada and principal of GT Canada, on behind-the-scenes of global trade relationships. Host Shaun Haney is then joined... Read More
Scientists and plant breeders have their sights set on root rots, given the risk that one in particular — aphanomyces — poses to pea and lentil production in Western Canada and the Northern Plains. Federal funding for a new five-year Pulse Crop Research Cluster, leveraged by funding from farmer check-off organizations, was announced earlier this... Read More
When Ryan Jespersen sits down with the Prime Minister of Canada, what answers does he get? Last week, we all got to hear some speaking-note-free answers from Justin Trudeau on Jespersen’s show, Real Talk. While he didn’t get to ask ALL the questions he wanted, the Edmonton-based host did tease out some insight from the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to Tuesday with Lyndsey on RealAg Radio. On today’s show we will hear from: Sara Epp with the University of Guelph on why vets aren’t going north; Lorne Boundy, merchandiser with Paterson Grain for an oat market update; James Mitchell of Crop Management Network with a fertilizer market update; A clip... Read More
The fertilizer market of yore could be relatively dependable for ebbs and flows in pricing. There were general seasonal highs and lows that storage-savvy farmers and retailers could use to their advantage. But in the last five years, on-farm storage has been as much about secured access as it has been about cost. The year... Read More
Crop scientists know a lot more about nutrient uptake in corn and soybean than winter wheat. That’s something RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson and a host of researchers, technicians and industry stakeholders have been working to change. On this episode of the Wheat School, Johnson shares data from a new wheat study on nutrient uptake and... Read More
It’s time for another episode of Wiesemeyer and Haney discussing all the big agricultural topics impacting farmers and ranchers in Canada and the United States! As we hit the end of February, the news cycle shows no signs of slowing down. This week, Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture, and Jim Wiesemeyer, D.C. policy analyst with Pro... Read More
Baling hay has always been a very manual process with baler operators following the windrow and managing speed to optimize productivity. But with increasing innovation, baler operators now no longer have to spend their days twisting and turning in the tractor seat and riding the throttle to constantly manage bale making. At New Holland, innovation... Read More
The labour gap in the farming sector is a pressing issue, and with the physically demanding and seasonal nature of farm work, finding suitable workers is an annual struggle. In this latest episode of the Farm Safety Roundup, Shaun Haney is joined by Jay Remsik, a health and safety consultant at Workplace Safety and Prevention... Read More
Soybean prices aren’t the shiny prize they were a year or so ago, and that has plenty of farmers sharpening the pencil on cropping plans. If input dollars are scarce (and they always are), where do you spend and where to do you save? For that conversation, when it comes to the most important pass,... Read More
After rolling through a boom and bust cycle over the past few years, the oat market is searching for stability in both supply and demand heading into the 2024 growing season. Record high prices and seeded acres in 2022 led to a dramatic decline in prices and production in 2023. Acres are expected to increase... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson, to discuss if there are places to cut corners or not cut when it comes to agronomics, split N applications, soil fertility, and more! Then hear the spotlight... Read More
Did you always know what you wanted to be when you grew up? For many, their career arc is not necessarily what they planned. Many who start in one field discover and become fascinated with another. Others identify opportunities and switch gears accordingly. Some people just fall in to a job they love. When deciding... Read More
In recent years, many corn growers in Ontario have wrestled with gibberella ear rot in the crop and the high levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) levels it can produce in the grain. It’s made for stressful harvest seasons, especially in 2018 when mycotoxins produced by the gibberella fungus in some fields climbed well above safe feeding... Read More
Welcome to the latest episode of The Canola PODcast, sponsored by InVigor® hybrid canola from BASF! In this episode, host Shaun Haney, founder of RealAgriculture, delves into the topic of clubroot with Russell Trischuk, Regional Technical Services Manager with BASF, and Leighton Blashko, a Senior Technical Service Specialist and clubroot lead for BASF Canada. They... Read More
Running at up to 12 mph, Amazone’s Catros-2TX trailed compact disc harrow can work at depths of 5.5 inches and leave the field with a smooth finish, ready for planting. In this report from Agritechnica, Amazone’s Jeff Schott shares how the implement, ideally suited for shallow and intensive soil mixing tillage, also has the flexibility... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney discusses a recent tweet controversy from Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAuley eating a lobster. Haney is then joined by: Neil Townsend of GrainFox to discuss this slide in the grain markets; Jennifer Wright with Canadian Agricultural Human... Read More
Every year soybean growers make seed choices based on a host of factors. One of the key decisions is whether to plant long-season varieties, full-season varieties or choose a shorter-season variety. Many growers target longer-season varieties and an early planting date to try to optimize yield potential and put more bushels in the bin, but... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of the RealAg Issues Panel! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, both of RealAgriculture. They discuss a number of topics, including: The new Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada office in Manila; Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAuley’s lobster photo controversy; No more roads? and, Being... Read More
Cover crops can be a non-starter in dry areas of the Prairies — or are they? A lack of moisture is definitely a concern when working to establish cover crops; however, over the long term, farmers Derek and Tannis Axten of Axten Farms at Minton, Sask., are finding covers build soil water holding capacity. That’s... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Geneve Newcombe of Port Williams in the Annapolis Valley, N.S.; Tyler Lester of Bloomfield, Ont.; Riley Anderson of Red River Valley, Man.; and, Shane Strydhorst... Read More
North America is a growing strategic market for the SDF Group, manufacturers of Deutz-Fahr tractors. Farmers in Canada and the U.S. can expect to see a bigger footprint for the brand in 2024 with arrival of the new Deutz-Fahr Agrofarm 5 Series tractor, says SDF international regional director Umberto Miceli. In this report from Agritechnica... Read More
The race is on among canola processing companies to supply growing demand in the U.S. for canola oil as a feedstock for lower carbon-intensity fuels. Construction is underway on three of five planned canola crush projects in Saskatchewan, notes Chris Vervaet, executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA), in the interview below. Cargill,... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney discusses farm financial performance and the relation to age. Haney is then joined by: Neil Townsend with Grainfox on a market outlook; Jordan Brisebois for a spotlight interview for FMC Authority Strike; and, The top ag news stories of... Read More
Farmers sitting on unpriced grain aren’t going to love this week’s market report from Neil Townsend, market analyst with Grainfox. But not liking it doesn’t change the facts: there’s plenty of grain out there and buyers know they can get what they need at a lower price than many want to accept. Townsend, in this conversation... Read More
In just six years time, there will be more than 100,000 jobs vacant in the agriculture industry if significant measures are not taken to adapt, train, and attract new entrants to the industry. New data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC)’s latest report on labour market dynamics, from a study conducted by The... Read More
How does an on-farm biodigester and 2,200 beef cattle merge to make a farm more profitable and sustainable? On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Profitable Practices, Carl Frook shares how Frook Farms and Mar Creek Renewables have come together to help him manage manure, his cattle, his crops, and boost the bottom line for the family... Read More
When you think about managing crop residue breakdown, do you think about the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the residue? If not, it might be time to do so, as genetic advancements in corn, for example, has actually made it somewhat harder for stalks to breakdown. That’s just one discussion in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by Nufarm Oxbow! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. with a spring weather forecast; Jennifer Wright with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council on the latest labour report through to 2030; Chris Vervaet... Read More
When it comes to spraying crops, European farmers want accuracy and the ability to effectively control rates as they travel through the field. North American farmers have similar spraying goals, but the size and capacity of equipment differs considerably from one continent to the other. In this report from Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, John Deere... Read More
There’s a growing problem in rural and remote areas of Ontario. A lack of large animal veterinarians is looming for the region, and the problem will only get worse without strategies to address the impending issue. Already, farmers and ranchers have identified that large distances and too few vets makes proper veterinary care expensive. Now,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange with the Beef Market Update; Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. with a spring weather update and what happens with El Nino’s exit; Murad Al-Katib... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio recorded live at Cargill Marketsense. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ed Broschinski of Cargill Marketsense on Canada’s clean fuel regulations; Marcus Weidler and Ben Girard of Cargill Marketsense on canola production, trade flow differences and grain transportation; and, Hear an Alberta farmer opinion... Read More
The cattle markets took a little breather this week, down from some of the highs set in January. It’s not unexpected for the time of year, says Anne Wasko with the Gateway Livestock Exchange, in this week’s Beef Market Update. Wasko hits on the latest round of cattle prices in the U.S. and Canada, before... Read More
The dry bean breeding program at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Morden Research Centre in Manitoba will continue for at least another five years under a new arrangement involving McGill University in Quebec and AAFC’s Harrow Research Centre in Ontario. An earlier proposal from the federal government would have seen the program cut or moved to... Read More
2023 was a roller coaster for edible bean growers in Canada’s two biggest growing regions. After record-breaking yields in 2022, Manitoba endured some dry summer growing conditions to produce a good crop with most growers harvesting above-average yields, reports Manitoba Ag pulse and soybean specialist Dennis Lange. In Ontario, the crop emerged well despite dry... Read More
The odds of much-needed precipitation in Western Canada this spring will depend on how quickly the Pacific Ocean transitions out of El Nino, but even if a switch to La Nina opens the door to more moisture, it likely won’t be enough to replenish low water supplies in the driest areas of the Prairies, according... Read More
Canada and the U.S. are unique, different, and not at all the same in many ways, but these two countries also have a laundry list of things in common. There’s also the trade relationship that exists, where plenty of products — agriculture and otherwise — flow both north and south freely. Some of where we... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Drew Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ont.; Mark Huston of Chattam-Kent, Ont.; Tyler Bartmanovich of McDonald, Man.; and, Jocelyn Velestuk of Broadview, Sask. Plus, we will hear... Read More
With a new brush-based seed guidance system, Monosem says its ValoTerra Ultimate planter can ensure optimal planting and depth at speeds of 2 to 18 kilometres per hour. In this report from Agritechnica, Monosem product sales specialist Flavien Cattoni explains how a new Active Seed Guidance system was developed based on a zero-gravity concept to... Read More
In Canada, we’re pretty good at identifying opportunities for the agriculture sector. As an industry, we are told that what Canada has, the world needs, and that agriculture is an industry with huge earning potential. What we are less good at is taking a shot at those opportunities and turning potential into momentum. How do... Read More
Keep it simple and deliver field performance. That’s the message Great Plains is sharing with growers taking a look at the manufacturer’s PL5700 planter for 2024. The planter features 5000 Series row units, and Air-Pro meters, and a positive air system that sets it apart from the competition by providing more accuracy with fewer headaches... Read More
Canada has what the world needs: abundant food and food ingredients. More importantly, Canada has what much of the world lacks — good arable land, clean water, and stability. Murad Al-Katib, president and CEO of AGT Food and Ingredients, based at Regina, is well versed in moving commodities and food products around the world. In... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Syngenta. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Reg Gurney and Brian Woolley of Syngenta on pushing wheat yield with intensity; Marijke Vanderlaan and Phil Krieg of Syngenta on fungicides’ role in battling corn diseases; Kim McConnell on the Canadian and... Read More
A good portion of Ontario is nearing the end of what has been a very mild winter. Bare and sometimes thawed ground has many farmers asking if it’s too early for clover, for frost seeding, for tillage, and for patching in wheat crops. There’s also a saying that goes, “just because you can doesn’t mean... Read More
Southwestern Ontario is home to some of Canada’s most productive farmland. In recent years, land values have climbed to dizzying heights with competition for top acres driving sales for some farms into the $40,000-per-acre range. But some of the air was let out of the value balloon in 2023, says Ryan Parker from London, Ont.-... Read More
Canada is a global player in food production and boasts a competitive advantage over many in how we produce what we do, but what do we have to do to take us even further regarding ag sustainability? Alanna Koch, chair of the Global Institute for Food Security based at Saskatoon and farmer from Edenwold, moderated... Read More
Happy Canada’s Ag Day! Thanks for tuning into this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Justine Hendricks, CEO of Farm Credit Canada on the Future of Food event in Ottawa and their role in the future; Murad Al Katib, President and CEO of AGT Foods on nourishing the... Read More
As the possibilities of farming with autonomous tractors and implements gain traction, many manufacturers are working on how autonomous machinery will run efficiently without human hands and eyes as it travels on or through the ground. At Agritechnica, Lemken shared how its iQblue tool monitoring technology uses sensor systems to monitor performance as well as... Read More
Orange wheat blossom midge — or simply, the wheat midge — devastated spring wheat yields in the ’90s. Since then, wheat breeders have been working hard to build protection into wheat varieties. To help with tips to scout for the pest, why spraying is a limited option, how Field Heroes help, and what’s new in... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Nufarm. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s in-house agronomist Peter Johnson to discuss yield components, learning blocks, winter crops with cold weather, and more! We will also hear a spotlight interview with Tyler Gullen for Nufarm... Read More
Wheat yield is made up of many yield components ranging from thousand kernel weight to head size and kernels per head. But when it comes to driving higher yields, all those components take a back seat to the number of heads per square metre. It’s the big data point emerging from three years of data... Read More
Western Canadian farmers and ranchers have endured several years of drought over the last five seasons. While AgriRecovery and other national drought programming has been triggered in all the Prairie Provinces, there are other provincial insurance products available. Both Saskatchewan and Alberta have modified moisture deficiency insurance products in the last two years, with Alberta... Read More
A Canadian seeding success is heading overseas, as Vaderstad is bringing its Seed Hawk air drill to European farms for 2024. In this report from Agritechnica ’23 in Hanover, Germany, Vaderstad’s Bernt Martensson explains how the company has modified the machine to fit the specific needs of smaller European farms. In Canada, the air seeder... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney discusses: The data from the January Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index survey; Greg Peterson, otherwise known as Machinery Pete, on used equipment prices and the trends he is seeing; and, A clip from a Farming Forward episode... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of the RealAg Issues Panel! Host Shaun Haney is joined by Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, both of RealAgriculture, and Alberta farmer Jeff Nielsen. They discuss a number of topics, including: The dicamba ruling in the U.S.; A noticeable decline in Canadian farmers’ optimism coming into the... Read More
If you love buying used farm equipment, you’re going to love what Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson has to say about the latest trends in prices. But before you get too excited, Peterson says that while the price dynamics might have shifted to favour the buyer, it’s only a slight shift, and it certainly doesn’t cancel... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Shaun Haney checks in with: Jay Lewis of Holstein, Ont.; Billy Beaudry of St.Thomas, Que.; Gunter Jochum of St. Francis Xavier, Man.; and, Kent Erickson of Irma, Alta. Plus, we... Read More
Round balers come in many sizes with a wide range of capacities and capabilities, but it’s important for farmers to find the right baler for their operation and a service dealer they can rely on to keep them running through harvest. In this report from Agritechnica, RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney and Krone territory manager David Taylor... Read More
When it comes to improving fertilizer application and utilization, growers are encouraged to focus on the 4Rs — the right source, right rate, right time, and right place. Former Manitoba Ag soil fertility specialist John Heard won’t argue with that strategy but he would also like farmers to think about the ‘4Ls’ — lift-off, leftover,... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Greg Peterson, otherwise known as Machinery Pete, on used equipment prices and the trends he is seeing; Justin Funk with RealAgristudies on the data from the January Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index survey; Lance Zimmerman with Rabobank... Read More
Amazone is touting its new boundary spreading feature as a tool that gives crop growers the confidence to spread full fertilizer rates to the edge of the field. In this report from Agritechnica, Amazone’s Jeff Schott illustrates how the company has modified its AutoTS spreading system by adding BorderTS — a deflector, operated hydraulically, that... Read More
What’s one thing you love about agriculture in Canada? Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson wants us all to celebrate and share whatever that is next Tuesday on Canada’s Ag Day! Johnson’s got some thoughts on how to best share our thoughts about agriculture in this week’s podcast, but don’t worry, there’s also plenty of agronomic questions... Read More
After 40 years in the cattle business, a Canadian veterinarian, entreprenuer, and cattle feeder legend got the tip of the hat and was inducted in to the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame last week during the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association cattle convention. Kee Jim, from Okotoks, Alta., founder of Feedlot Health Management Services Ltd. and... Read More
Choosing the right protection product for nitrogen fertilizer comes down to hedging against the most likely risk of loss. Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, sometimes referred to as EEFs or EENFs, work well to protect against nitrogen losses, but they don’t all work in the same way or in the same situation. In this episode of... Read More
CLAAS is celebrating 50 years of Jaguar self-propelled forage harvesters. The company launched its first Jaguar in 1973 and have produced 45,000 machines over the last half century. Last November at Agritechnica, CLAAS showed off a new special edition of its Jaguar 990 Terra Trac with an exclusive anniversary colour scheme. In this report, CLAAS... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesdays with Lyndsey edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Koch Agronomic Services! Host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Tom Barrie, in a spotlight interview for Koch Agronomic Services on protecting nitrogen fertilizer losses; Stuart Chutter with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation on their insurance program to help with... Read More
John Deere is set to roll out its 26 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader for 2024. The new unit was on display at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s cattle convention, last week in Florida. RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney spoke with go-to-market manager at John Deere Agriculture & Turf, Luke Gribble, to get the specs on this... Read More
For years, even decades, one crop’s boost in productivity because of following a different crop was put down as the “rotation effect.” As we begin to unravel what the rotation effect actually is, it’s clear that rooting depth and type, root exudates, and microbial population shifts all play a role in contributing to the bigger... Read More
A Saskatchewan based start-up is deploying a combination of cameras and machine learning to automate and dramatically reduce the time it takes to grade a sample of grain. Ground Truth Ag has developed a machine with a vision detection model that can assess around 50 different grading factors for Canada Western red spring wheat, as... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Matt Makens with Makens Weather on the weather forecast for spring; Jason Deveau of Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, on why spray drones won’t fly any time soon on Canadian farms; and, A clip from a... Read More
After decades of trending smaller, rebuilding North America’s cow herd will not begin until 2025 at the earliest, according to a new report from Rabobank’s senior animal protein analyst. One of the challenges that needs to be overcome to rebuild a resilient supply chain is the boom-bust nature of each segment, from the cow-calf producer... Read More
From closing the bale chute to kicking that last bale out of the baler, Case IH, with help from ISOBUS technology, now delivers a higher level of automated baler controls from inside the tractor cab. In this report from Agritechnica, CNH Industrial baler automation guru Gerd Gerdes shares some of the features North America farmers can... Read More
The last time Shaun Haney sat down with Matt Makens, of Makens Weather, the possibility of moisture returning to Western Canada was slim. Now, as the two reconnect in person at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association #CattleCon, Makens has a little more confidence that the west could indeed see some early — and desperately needed —... Read More
Drones are flying everywhere these days but farmers can’t use them to spray pesticides on their crops. It’s illegal to fly unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) for applying crop protection products in Canada and it’s likely to stay that way for a couple of years. Why are drones still grounded for spray application? The answer is... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of RealAg on the Weekend! On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney discusses: Dennis Laycraft with the Canadian Cattle Association on the Canada/U.S./Mexico Trilateral meetings; Matt Makens of Makens Weather on a chance of moisture on the horizon for the west; James Tansey with the Government of Saskatchewan... Read More
There were major files up for discussion this week at the trilateral meeting of cattle industry representatives from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Dennis Laycraft, executive vice president of the Canadian Cattle Association, was on hand representing Canada’s interest at the meeting, tackling the biggest policy and political issues facing the industry. Shaun Haney met... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Alltech. On this episode host Shaun Haney is joined by members of the Alltech team to discuss a range of topics: Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO on the company’s 2023 acquisitions; Dr. Emily Stackhouse, research manager, and Dr. Vaughn Holder,... Read More
The Canadian cattle industry and the U.S. cattle industry are intertwined, perhaps unlike any other agriculture commodity in North America. Calves, cattle, and beef all move south — and north — depending on economics, demand, and the weather. For this reason, what happens in the U.S. beef market has a major impact on the Canadian market... Read More
When it arrives on-farm, Fendt is telling farmers they can start work with its electric e107 V Vario tractor in the morning, plug it in over lunch, and then continue working for the rest of the day. The German machinery manufacturer showed off its 2024 ‘Sustainable Tractor of the Year’ award winner at the latest... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Thursday edition on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! On this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire, host Lyndsey Smith checks in with: Jenn Doelman of Renfrew, Ont.; Mark Burnham of Coburg, Ont.; Brendan Uruski of Zbaraz Man.; and, Kristjan Hebert of Fairlight, Sask. Plus, we will hear... Read More
What’s better than a Beef Market Update a day early? A Beef Market Update recorded in person! On this episode of the Beef Market Update, host Shaun Haney and Anne Wasko, of Gateway Livestock Exchange, sit down face to face to discuss: What happens at #CattleCon and what reports and analysis is up for discussion... Read More
Wild pigs are smart, adaptable, and multiply quickly. They also have the potential to wipe out entire species of animals or plants in an area before moving on and doing the same somewhere else. Wild pigs cause losses for livestock and grain farmers alike, and, perhaps most concerning, pose a real threat to any ecosystem... Read More
The possibility that Canadian cattle and beef will face market discrimination if the U.S. government moves ahead with a new labeling rule is one of the main concerns representatives from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) are raising while meeting with American counterparts at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.... Read More
The phrase work smarter, not harder is perhaps best applied when you’ve got no other choice — a one-person or two-person farm has no choice but to get creative when it comes to handling grain, the logistics of seeding and harvest, and more. But it’s not just farms with only a few people that benefit... Read More
You can learn a lot about reducing tillage in 35 years. That’s the combined number of years Horst Bohner and Rob Templeman have spent leading Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) soybean research and extension efforts. On the first episode of the 2024 season of RealAgriculture’s Soybean School, OMAFRA’s current and former... Read More
Small plot research has its place, however, there is a need for field-scale research, too. When you take research to field scale, it allows for genetic and environmental interactions that may not show up in small-plot results, says Jagroop Kahlon, of Alberta Pulse Growers (APG). Kahlon presented about the APG Plot to Field program at... Read More
When it comes to nitrous oxide emissions, there are many complex formulas that can be used to determine what is going on in the fields. Abby Sim, field technician at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, says this is precisely why the Smart Farm at the college decided to look at estimating nitrous oxide emissions.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday episode of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, Lyndsey Smith discusses some agronomic issues including green canola, frost, and swathing. We will then hear from: Colin Rosengren on the ins and outs of intercropping; Neil Townsend with GrainFox on grain and oilseed markets; and, Kelvin Heppner with RealAgriculture fills... Read More
A less than ideal wheat harvest hasn’t dampened a lot of excitement over wheat yields in Ontario, as some great averages are trickling in. The biggest question popping up on Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson’s radar right now is how to get next year’s wheat off to the best start while beans are still standing. The... Read More
As slow-release products and split applications become more common in the pursuit of fertilizer efficiency, it’s important to understand the timing of when a crop needs those nutrients to avoid situations where fertilizer that’s been applied is not available when the plants need it. The agronomy team at Manitoba equipment dealer Enns Brothers is in... Read More
There’s plenty of crop management data available to growers in our mobile, connected world and it moves at ever-increasing velocity. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, AGRIS agronomist Dale Cowan looks at simple ways growers can tap into this data to make in-season management decisions and also run field trials to evaluate how... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Tuesdays with Lyndsey! On today’s show, hear from: Megz Reynolds with Do More Ag on managing stress at harvest; Luis Garcia, director with the Centre for Meat Innovation & Technology on how the centre will help train new talent for the industry; and, Kelvin Heppner with RealAgriculture... Read More
Sharing is caring, except for when it comes to crop diseases. Many of the diseases that impact corn have in fact been shared through spores in the wind at some point, but most have become endemic to the corn producing regions of Canada. For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition with this week’s host Lyndsey Smith! On today’s show, hear from: Breanne Tidemann of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on what to do about herbicide resistant wild oats; Kelvin Heppner’s recent interview with Kim Brown-Livingston of Manitoba Ag on herbicide resistant Canada fleabane; and, Peter Johnson on... Read More
Weed control in organic soybeans can be challenging but new technology is helping Brandon Jantzi and his family keep it clean at Janlan Farms near Baden, Ont. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, Jantzi and Maizex Seeds agronomist Henry Prinzen dig into the farm’s weed control strategy, which is designed to deliver high-yielding organic... Read More
For many a hockey fan, Brian Burke needs no introduction. An outspoken and dedicated lover of the game, Burke has served as general manager for four National Hockey League teams, winning a Stanley Cup in 2007, and president of hockey operations for another two. Last week, he took the stage at the Canadian Beef Industry... Read More
Whether you are a farmer, rancher, agronomist, researcher, or industry professional — you’ve likely encountered herbicide resistance. We know herbicide resistance is out there, and unfortunately, there’s no silver bullet to managing it. However, as Rob Klewchuk, of Syngenta Canada explains in this Wheat School episode, there are some management things that can be done.... Read More
On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney talks with; Ryder Lee, Canadian Cattle Association, on pushing back on Bill C-282; Rick Rutherford, farmer from Manitoba, on why he opened up his 6,000-acre to farm research; and A clip from a recent Profitable Practices with Colin Rosengren of Midale, Sask., farmer on intercropping. Thoughts on something... Read More
It’s Fri-yay! Fridays mean the RealAg Issues Panel on RealAg Radio. Host Shaun Haney is joined by RealAgriculture’s Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith. They discuss a number of topics, including: Minister MacAulay’s popularity and if he will move forward with the Sustainability Ag Strategy; Upcoming mandate letters; The cattle industry pushing back against Bill C-282;... Read More
Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay took the opportunity to drive a combine while visiting a Saskatchewan grain farm between Regina and Saskatoon this week. MacAulay and some of his staff dropped in at Stone Farms near Davidson, Sask., for about an hour and half on Tuesday. “I’ve been inviting the minister of the portfolio to come... Read More
We’re midway through August, and the cattle market is beginning to pick up on both sides of the border. Beef market prices are continuing to improve, but questions surrounding whether demand can sustain a higher cutout are looming around as well. This week’s episode of the Beef Market Update takes a look at all of... Read More
Adversity is something we have all come to face varying degrees of at some point or another. But where does it fit into a business? Todd Millar, chief executive officer of TEC Canada, based at Calgary, Alta., says how we tackle adversity in a business — and no matter the business, there’s going to be... Read More
It’s time for another edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Luke Barron of Schomberg, Ont.; Steve Twynstra of Ailsa Craig, Ont.; Scott Perkin of Elgin, Man.; and, Rob Stone of Davidson, Sask. Plus, hear from western Manitoba field agronomist... Read More
New technologies may work in the lab or in a research setting, but can they provide value in the real-world on a modern, large-scale commercial farm? That’s the basic premise behind a unique arrangement that has come to be known as “Innovation Farms,” just northwest of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Grosse Isle-area farmer and long-time seed grower... Read More
Thanks for tuning in for this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, recorded live at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. Host Shaun Haney discusses dealing with adversity in the farming business. We will hear from Todd Millar, CEO of TEC Canada, and then Haney is joined by a panel of producers including: Andrea Stroeve-Sawa of Shipwheel... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is back from a refreshing vacation full of family and fun, and he’s ready to share The Word once again. In this week’s episode, Johnson discusses tar spot risk, late white mould infection, aphid thresholds, and much more! Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to address or some field results... Read More
Crop breeders are continuously looking developing new varieties: how they can grow bigger yields, have resistance to certain diseases, and of course, become more efficient. However, when we get a new variety, there are often tons of questions surrounding it. One of the questions Shannon Chant, of Saskatchewan Agriculture, sought to answer in a trial... Read More
It may be hard to believe but something as simple as a humble nose flap on a calf can turn a very stressful event — weaning — into a manageable process. That matters, because stress can have significant negative impacts on a calf and impacts the animal’s ability to adjust to new feed and new... Read More
Resistance to glyphosate has not officially been confirmed in Canada fleabane populations in Western Canada, but the weed, sometimes called horseweed or marestail, should be on the radar when it comes to herbicide resistance on the Prairies, according to Manitoba Agriculture’s weed specialist. Canada fleabane that’s resistant to glyphosate and other chemistries is already established... Read More
For more than 10 growing seasons, some fields around Midale, Saskatchewan, have looked just a little different. Instead of solid fields of yellow canola or green pea stands, those traveling through might think they’re seeing both. And that’s because they are. Intercropping — the practice of growing two or more crops at the same time... Read More
It’s time for Tuesdays with Lyndsey! Smith that is. On today’s show, hear from: Rachelle Murrison, on how SWAT Maps can inform management of lodging; Dr. Joe Stookey, on why weaning is so stressful on calves and how to mange that stress; and, Peggy Brekveld, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, on the loss... Read More
It’s that time of the week — time to catch up on the latest and greatest in agronomy. Host Lyndsey Smith looks forward to this topic every year, as she gets to talk forages! For this episode of The Agronomists, Smith is joined by Dan Undersander, professor emeritus from the University of Wisconsin, and Christine... Read More
It’s Agronomic Monday! On today’s show, hear from: Jeremy Boychyn, of Alberta Grains, tackling agronomic challenges; Clint Jurke, of the Canola Council of Canada, talking about verticillium stripe; Sara Meidlinger, and Breanne Rey of PRIDE Seeds with a spotlight interview; and, A preview of what’s to come this week at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.... Read More
Verticillium wilt is a well known global disease that impacts many different crops. Verticillium stripe, however, is a lesser-known disease and one impacting canola, specifically. They may have similar names, however, they are not nearly the same disease, and it’s important to know that when discussing the disease, says Clint Jurke, of the Canola Council... Read More
On this weekend’s show, host Shaun Haney talks with; John Schmeiser, president of the North American Equipment Dealers Association, on the future of equipment dealerships; Shannon Chant of Saskatchewan Agriculture on nitrogen rates on modern barley varieties; and Cherilyn Jolly Nagel of Mossbank, SK with a crop update from the southern part of the province.... Read More
It’s Fri-yay! Fridays mean the RealAg Issues Panel on RealAg Radio. For this August 11 edition, host Shaun Haney is joined by Saskatchewan farmer Cherilyn Jolly Nagel, and RealAgriculture’s Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith. Up for discussion: Moisture deficits and floods and can we trade water for equalization payments; By-elections in Saskatchewan, where the NDP... Read More
In the most recent Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index survey, farmers were asked about whether or not they were concerned about consolidation within the ag industry. From ag retail, to precision ag companies, and more on to equipment dealerships, farmers weighed in on what consolidation worried them most. As for category, the highest rating was given... Read More
The biological market in agriculture is growing exponentially, as many companies are investing in development and introducing products that contain bacteria or fungi that are supposed to provide a significant benefit to a farmer’s crop or soil. It’s up to farmers and their agronomists and retailers to not only determine whether a biological product works... Read More
Government policies that promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) are unlikely to make a major dent in future demand for renewable diesel, says an author of a recent report on the future of the renewable diesel market. Unlike biodiesel, renewable diesel can be directly substituted in diesel engines. Production capacity in the U.S. is... Read More
It’s time for another edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada! For this early August look at what’s happening on the farm, host Shaun Haney is joined by: Ethan Wallace of Seaforth, Ont.; Phil Shaw of Dresden, Ont.; Jason Kehler of Carman, Man.; and, Jesse Meyer... Read More
When heavy summer rains arrive, Albert Tenuta’s phone starts to ring. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plant pathologist started hearing from growers across the province in late June as soil-borne disease moved into many soybean fields after a series of pounding rain events. When soybeans get wet feet in early summer,... Read More
A newly-tasselled corn field indicates that silage harvest is only 45 to 50 days away. As producers speed down the runway toward silage harvest takeoff, Pioneer Seeds Canada nutritionist Ashley Knapton says now’s the time to look at key factors that will influence silage quality and how a well-managed silage crop can contribute to farm... Read More
What on earth is happening right now with canola and spring wheat prices? Call it a 2021 hangover or the cruelest of come-downs, but many farmers are watching crop prices with just a pinch of melancholy as the bears seem to be making themselves at home again in the canola and spring wheat markets. To... Read More
The current recommendation of not exceeding two to three parts per million of ergot alkaloids in ruminant feed could be too high, according to research being conducted at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro is an associate professor there and the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Chair, and his research over the past four years has... Read More
Thanks for tuning in for this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. Join host Shaun Haney for a listen now, or hit that download or subscribe button and listen later. On today’s show, hear: Brian Voth of IntelliFarm with a canola and wheat market analysis; Voth on the fundamentals of past and current weather markets; Justin... Read More
Just last week, Chip Flory and Shaun Haney were talking about unlikely market moves and the unpredictability of a weather market, with a discussion on the risk of a sliding market. This week, Shaun is back again talking weather markets, but this time with Brian Voth, founder of IntelliFARM. Voth is keen on looking back to... Read More
Some herbicides aren’t very effective at controlling a weed like horsetail, but when you combine two poor-performing products, they can deliver a surprising level of control. In weed science terms, this ability of different active ingredients to team up and deliver a knockout blow is called herbicide synergy. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean... Read More
When looking at any pesticide label there should be three words that make you stop, think, and mark the calendar: pre-harvest interval. The pre-harvest interval — PHI — is the minimum time necessary between application of a product and cutting the crop, either by swathing or straight-cutting. As Sheri Strydhorst explains in this RealAgriculture Wheat... Read More
Canada is a country of 40 million, and while we’re also an exporting nation, many crop types grown here are at such a small scale that the economics just don’t work to have a company go through the steps required to register a pesticide for use. That’s where the Minor Use program through the Pest... Read More
We are in for a treat this week as host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson, sends us this weekly podcast update while on vacation in Portugal. In the line up for today’s discussion: test weight vs. yield, falling number and binning wheat, stored grain pests, struggling beans, and some great discussion on cover crop... Read More
Welcome to Tuesdays with Lyndsey! Host Lyndsey Smith hops on RealAg Radio to bring the latest Canadian ag news, plus a few great guests to discuss top of mind issues, events, and research. On today’s show, hear from: Kelly Daynard, executive director of Farm and Food Care Ontario on what it takes to host a... Read More
Growers looking for disease and weed control in winter wheat will often apply a herbicide-fungicide tank mix at the four-leaf stage (T1). This strategy helps defend the crop against early-season diseases such as powdery mildew and also tackles problem weeds, but there may be other benefits such as protecting the crop from a frosty springtime... Read More
Health care is a top concern for all Canadians, but for those living in rural areas emergency care can be hours away by car. The STARS air ambulance service is one solution to emergency care, and a Saskatchewan event last month raised over $500,000 for this critical service. For the last six years, the Field... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney discusses the week that was in agriculture. We will hear from David Coletto with Abacus Data on the Conservative’s lead, and from David Przednowek with CN Rail on the grain plan for the 2023/24 shipping season. Shaun will also go... 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: Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index results; Buhler Industries looking for an investor; The latest jobs numbers, Taylor Swift,... Read More
Late last month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), released their mid-year inventory report. In a couple of weeks, the Canadian numbers will come out as well, which will give us the opportunity to reflect and compare. Ahead of the CanFax report, Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange shares in this Beef Market... Read More
Nufarm has announced a large research partnership with Old College in Alberta worth a million dollars over five years. The crop protection company says it will establish its first technology development station in Canada at the college, which will include up to 80 acres of land for trials, as well as access to Olds College’s... Read More
It’s been 10 years since Farm & Food Care Ontario hosted its first Breakfast on the Farm. Over the past decade, an estimated 30,000 people have attended the events at farms across Ontario with many visiting a farm for the first time to learn about where their food comes from and how it’s produced. On... Read More
Pick a cut, any cut, and The Gateway will tell you how best to prepare it. Curious about learning a new style of cuisine? The Gateway can help with that, too. So says Joyce Parslow, with Canada Beef, who joined Shaun Haney for a discussion on Canada Beef’s updates to its online resource for recipes,... Read More
Every year, Olds College of Agriculture and Technology announces a Partner of The Year award. This year, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) is the recipient. The award was presented at AgSmart held at Olds, Alta., earlier this week. The award recognizes the successful joint initiatives undertaken by AFSC and Olds College. Notable projects include initiatives... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Jeff Harrison, of Quinte West, Ont.; Emery Huszka, of Lambton, Ont.; Aubrey Yule, of Killarney, Man; and Scott Hepworth, of Assiniboia, Sask Thoughts on something we talked about on... Read More
Canada’s railways are navigating two notable federal policy changes — new rules regarding downtime for railway workers and the return of extended interswitching — as they prepare to move the 2023 crop from Western Canada to market. Both CN and CPKC have published their 2023-24 grain plans to mark the start of the 2023-24 crop... Read More
Rail conductors, port workers, government staff, and even grocery store employees either are in the midst of a strike or have been on strike, sometimes more than once, in the last few years. Work stoppages are on the rise in several industries, but there’s more friction than just between employee and employer: disagreements and rifts... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Koch Ag Services. On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Jacob Shapiro, with Cognitive Investments, to discuss China’s economic and social standing and what Russia might do next. You’ll also hear from Joyce Parslow, with Canada Beef, on... Read More
There’s been a significant shift in how Canadians feel about the governing Liberals and the Official Opposition, the Conservative Party of Canada. For the first time since 2015, the Conservatives have posted a double-digit lead over the Liberals, according to a survey from Abacus Data, polled just ahead of last week’s cabinet shuffle. Since the... Read More
Can we make it around the world in 27 minutes? We can if it’s a discussion on geopolitical happenings that impact North American agriculture! Settling in for their monthly discussion, RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney and Jacob Shapiro of Cognitive Investments dig in to what the recent Russian attacks on port and logistics infrastructure might mean to... Read More
Green silks are slow to show up in some areas of Ontario — what gives? It’s early August and most of the corn should be tasseled by now, but July weather just didn’t push the crop as far ahead as is expected, explains host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Why... Read More
Ground beetles are some of the most abundant natural enemies for crop insect pests, but their free services in the field often remain overlooked and under-appreciated, says an entomology professor from the University of Manitoba. “They’re far more abundant than most people realize, but many of our species are really restricted to the ground and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney. Today’s episode we will hear from Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk, with a grain market update and full analysis of the week’s price moves. We will also hear from David Coletto, of Abacus Data, on union membership and leadership being... Read More
Drought or even just dry conditions can significantly impact a crop’s ability to make use of applied fertilizer. What happens when there’s plenty of nitrogen left in the soil ahead of rotating to pulses? That’s the question being asked in a trial happening across three Saskatchewan sites through the Agri-ARM research network. Mike Brown, agronomy... Read More
When grain markets don’t react to news like many predict they should, it’s time to dig deeper in to what’s really driving prices. Earlier this week, analysts expected a positive day at the open on Monday, but instead markets took to the downside. What happened? For that discussion, Shaun Haney is joined by host of... Read More
Understanding each field’s soil is key to maximizing yield potential. That’s the philosophy Fieldwalker Agronomy’s Jonathan Zettler takes to the field when advising clients on how to best manage the unique environments throughout their farms. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soil School, host Bernard Tobin catches up with Zettler at Luymes Farms at Moorefield,... Read More
Insect problems often come in cycles, waves, and even by stiff breezes. Knowing which pests are carried in, purposefully march in, or overwinter is key to determining when in the year to begin scouting and where to look. From sticky traps to sweep nets, the insect population in any crop is staggering. But not all... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney. Today’s episode features Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson discussing crop quality, corn root worm, and fungicides. We will also hear an interview Kara Oosterhuis had with Robyne Bowness-Davidson, Alberta Pulse Crop Specialist with Lakeland College on lupins and whether they... Read More
Many times on the Mind Your Farm Business podcast we focus on one issue or topic, as if challenges run independent of each other. On this episode, host Shaun Haney throws that all out the window, and attempts to cover a cloud of issues in farm management. There are many issues impacting the farmers and... Read More
Last month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith named her new provincial cabinet, including a new Minister for Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. RJ Sigurdson, the MLA for Highwood, has been appointed to the position, with former ag minister Nate Horner moving to the finance portfolio. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney had the opportunity to meet with Minister... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Derek Robinson of Mash Strategy to discuss the federal cabinet shuffle and Alana Koch with STARS on the Field of Dreams event held inconjunction with Ag in Motion. Haney is then joined by Jon Dreidger of Leftfield... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Jeff Nielsen, a farmer from Olds, Alta, Tyler McCann with Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: The Cabinet shuffle why MacAulay?... Read More
In politics, often times the battle of inches is brought up. However, it may have been a battle of several hundred yards that lead to the recent federal cabinet shuffle, says Derek Robinson, founder and CEO of Mash Strategy. According to pollsters such as Abacus Data and Leger Polling, the Liberal Party of Canada is... Read More
There are plenty of acres in Western Canada that are seeing significant drought stress. Much of Saskatchewan started the growing season with adequate amounts of precipitation, but then came the heat, and the taps turned off. 85 per cent of the province’s cropland and 92 per cent of hay and pasture land in Saskatchewan is... Read More
When it comes to producing seed corn, managing pollination and effectively detasseling the crop are critical steps in maintaining genetic purity and seed quality. To get the job done, seed companies use a combination of technology and old fashioned boots on the ground to remove female tassels to ensure they get the unique hybrids they... Read More
Growing a new crop can be tricky for a number of different reasons. There are so many unknowns, and at the end of the day, a farmer needs to know they will make a profit off the crop. Robyne Bowness Davidson, pulse specialist at Lakeland College, has been working with lupins for 20 years. The... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Franck Groeneweg, of Three Forks, Montana; Mark Burnham, of Cobourg, Ont.; Patrick Kunz, of Beiseker, Alta.; and Kristjan Hebert, of Fairlight, Sask. We will also hear from Ashley Knapton,... Read More
It’s been over four years since the federal government changed the rules regarding accessing antibiotic and antimicrobial products for livestock use. A key change to antimicrobial access was the move to requiring that any livestock producer seeking antibiotic products must have a vet-client-patient relationship (VCPR). It also meant that many common medications were removed from... Read More
Soybeans don’t like wet feet, and when rain is plentiful in June and July, saturated soils typically lead to an increase in fungal seedling diseases. Four of the most common culprits are pythium and phytophthora root rots as well as rhizoctonia and fusarium. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,... Read More
A new face to agriculture, but certainly not a new face on Parliament Hill, Kyle Larkin has stepped up to lead the Grain Growers of Canada. Larkin has served in political and lobbying efforts for a decade, including working with two Members of Parliament one of whom served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney! On today’s show, Shaun discusses Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle and the fall out of some big moves. Haney is then joined by Ted Seifried of Zaner Ag Hedge on the the impact of the Black Sea blow up and the weather... Read More
Escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war is weighing on farmers’ minds as harvest quickly approaches. Those who follow markets are usually comfortable reading charts and tracking fundamentals but how many are comfortable trading on military strategy? It’s pretty new territory for sure, says Ted Seifried of Zaner Ag Hedge, in the video below. The Black Sea... Read More
July is winding down and some Ontario crops are having a sad time summer. Wheat that’s still in the field is suffering quality loss with every heavy downpour (there have been many), and edible beans and soybeans are yellowing from excess water and/or poor drainage. What can be done about this week’s challenges? Host Peter... Read More
CLAAS has rolled out its new offerings for the latest models, including three options in the Arion series. Introduced at Ag in Motion last week near Saskatoon, Arion is the smaller, hard-working chore tractor complement to the Xerion 12 series. Host of RealAg on the Weekend Shaun Haney caught up with Frans Reijmers of CLAAS... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this “Tuesdays with Lyndsey” edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by AgSmart Expo at Olds College! On this episode, we will hear from Dr. Reynold Bergen with the Beef Cattle Research Council on managing for antimicrobial resistance. We will also hear a clip from a recent canola school on... Read More
If you’ve ever had a sunflower seed snack that left a terrible taste in your mouth, you can thank lygus bug for that. More commonly a pest of broadleaf crops, such as sunnies and canola, lygus made an early appearance in spring wheat this year in Manitoba. For this episode of the Wheat School, Kelvin... Read More
Sclerotinia is predictably unpredictable. Always lurking but not always a problem, so making the call to protect canola flowers can be a tough one in dry years. To talk sclerotinia (also known as white mould of soybean and dry beans) prevention and management, special guest host Kelvin Heppner is joined by Jeanette Gaultier of BASF,... Read More
It only takes 15 seconds for a summer hailstorm to terrorize a soybean field and turn a great-looking crop into a nightmare. But soybeans are tough, as we discover on this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School where we catch up with AGRIS Co-operative agronomist Dale Cowan near Mount Brydges, Ont., after a mid-July hailstorm.... Read More
Agronomic strategies that maximize fertilizer efficiency should be good for a farm’s financial bottom line and the environment, but specific decisions about how fertilizer is applied should be made with the overall outcome in mind, stresses the soil management specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. The 4Rs — the right source at the right rate, right time,... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney. Today’s episode features Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson discussing drone spraying, wheat harvest, hail storms, and much more! We will also hear the top ag news stories of the day. Don’t miss the spotlight interview with Frans Reijmers with CLAAS... Read More
How low can you go? When it comes to silage, a lower harvest height can add real tonnage to the final yield tally. Kayla Slind, acting general manager with the Western Applied Research Corporation (WARC), says that harvesting close to the ground requires land rolling to protect the harvester from damage due to picking up... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney discusses a recap of Ag in Motion. He is then joined by Blaine Woycheshin of BASF Canada on Invigor Hybrid Canola, and Frans Reijmers with CLAAS on new tractor technology. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Meagan Murdoch of H + K Strategies, and Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Untimely rain; The size of Saskatchewan grasshoppers; Port strike update and back to... Read More
It is hot hot hot, in many parts of North America right now. We are likely aware of how the heat is impacting us, but the question today for Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange is how is this impacting the cattle markets? In this episode of the Beef Market Update, Wasko explains that... Read More
Is it efficient to use autonomous vehicle in row crop agriculture in southwestern Ontario? That’s a question cash crop farmer Mark Richards is wrestling with on his Dresden, Ont. farm. In 2022, he used a solar-powered FarmDroid robot to plant sugar beets. That machine found it challenging to adapt to the widespread use of strip... Read More
What do you get when two broadcasters sit down at a farm show to talk crop conditions, visits, and farm tech adoption? The interview below! This week at the Ag in Motion farm show near Saskatoon, Sask., Rawlco radio host John Gormley had RealAgriculture’s own Shaun Haney on his show to talk about farming in... Read More
There are all shapes and sizes of farms, and with that, comes many different ways that people set up infrastructure, grain handling, and how they make best use of equipment. It’s not a one size fits all sort of deal, as someone who has 30,000 acres is going to be looking for something very different... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Guest host Lyndsey Smith is joined by: Tyler Lester of Bloomfield, Ont.; Kevin Buchner of Brownsville, Ont.; Fred Grieg of Reston, Man.; and John Guelly of Westlock, Alta. We will also hear from Ambrose Allin,... Read More
More power, great traction, more hydraulic flow, and lower fuel use are all on offer with the CLAAS Xerion 12 line up, according to the company. Frans Reijmers, with CLAAS tractors, was on hand at the Ag in Motion show this week in Saskatoon to show off both the Xerion and new Arion models. Built... Read More
What happens when a soil-applied herbicide application is followed by severe weather? For many herbicides it is business as usual, but in some cases a heavy rain can cause a typically safe product to injure the plant. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs weed specialist Mike... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney! On today’s show, hear Shaun’s interview with John Gormley, host of The Gormley Show as they discuss some action at Ag In Motion, the crops across the province, agriculture technology, and more! We will also hear from Paul Brisebois and... Read More
Nothing good happens to mature wheat left in the field, and Peter Johnson is pretty thankful that some elevators are taking wheat at 17 per cent moisture to keep combines rolling. It takes a village, sometimes. For this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Johnson also discusses compaction, rescue nitrogen on corn and beans, why... Read More
Is there a yield and quality advantage to using biological nitrogen fixation products? This is a question the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) is aiming to answer in a trial at Scott, Saskatchewan. Carmen Prang, agronomy research specialist with Sask Wheat, says there are different fertility treatments the trial is targeting: a low, medium,... Read More
Soybeans will pop out of warm spring soil a few days after planting but they often sit for weeks before breaking the surface when planted early in cool, no-till environments. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Soybean School, host Bernard Tobin and Abhi Deora, head of Syngenta Canada’s Seedcare Institute, look at how soil temperatures... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this “Tuesdays with Lyndsey” edition of RealAg Radio brought to you by Corteva! On this episode, we will hear from Brett Halstead with SaskWheat on pending Canadian Grain Commission changes for August 1, and Colin Elgie, with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, on nitrogen loss in... Read More
The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) and the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) are calling on the Canadian Grain Commission to reverse its decision to harmonize export and primary test weight and total foreign material tolerances in wheat. Announced in June, the harmonization is set to take effect August 1, 2023, at the... Read More
Wet, humid conditions can cause corn diseases to advance quickly. The usual suspects are always a concern: Northern corn leaf blight, gibberella ear rot, and more, but a new-to-Ontario disease, tar spot, has been harder to predict when it comes to threat level. In 2022, early indications showed the disease was present but a dry... Read More
Can heavy July rains fuel nitrogen leaching and push the valuable nutrient beyond the reach of corn plant roots? That’s a question Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs corn specialist Ben Rosser has been hearing a lot lately as many areas of the province have been dealt a deluge of rain. On this... Read More
Zappers, seed grinders, and robots, oh my! What’s the latest in weed control technology? For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Chuck Baresich, of Haggerty AgRobotics, and Kim Brown Livingston, of Manitoba Agriculture, to discuss the trouble with problem weeds and the new (old?) ways to deal with them. From... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney. We will hear from Peter Johnson of RealAgriculture on nitrogen, ultra early seeding, sunshine, and much more! Then, we’ll hear from Albert Tenuta, plant pathologist with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, on tar spot risk in... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney discusses a number of topics including: The importance of setting goals; The Bank of Canada rate decision; and, A preview of Ag in Motion happening next week near Saskatoon. Plus, hear a discussion on canola prices and pricing decisions with... Read More
Those green plants sticking out of the crop — are they regular redroot pigweed, or a much nastier pigweed species, such as waterhemp, or even Palmer amaranth? This has become an increasingly common question for farmers and agronomists on the eastern side of the Canadian Prairies as waterhemp that’s resistant to multiple herbicide groups continues... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this special Friday edition of RealAg Radio, part of the BASF InVigor Series! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Darrin Hicks, senior brand manager at BASF to discuss the 10 year anniversary of InVigor and upcoming innovations. Then hear from Kalem Haney and Carlin Dyck, players for... Read More
There are so many things that can’t be controlled on the farm, including when Mother Nature decides to provide some moisture. Irrigation provides more control over the moisture situation — however, the water is not limitless. Maximizing the water allowance not only makes growers happy, because it allows them to become more profitable, but it... Read More
If you’re wondering what on earth is going on with the canola market, you certainly aren’t alone. Shaun Haney, RealAgriculture founder, took this question to Jonathon Driedger, vice president of Leftfield Commodity Research, to gain some clarity. At the time of the interview, November canola was almost at $800. At the end of May, the... Read More
The meeting of food production and solar power off the same acre has a name — agrivoltaics. It’s both a new term and a new concept, still in the beginning stages of an industry in Canada. While new, early adopters and research alike point to some real benefits of marrying power and food production, contrary... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney is joined by: Mark Recker of Arlington, Iowa; Stewart Skinner of Perth County, Ont.; Kris Mayerle of Tisdale, Sask.; and Brendan Uruski of Arbourg, Man. We will also hear from Sheila Murphy,... Read More
Corn growers who dodged the tar spot bullet last season are unlikely to be nearly so lucky this year, as the disease has been identified in southern Ontario and conditions are conducive to its spread. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has that discussion on this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, plus an insect alert, an... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney! On today’s show, catch: Jon Driedger, LeftField Commodity Research with analysis of today’s WASDE report and a market outlook on the major grain and oilseed markets; Greg Northey of Pulse Canada on the impacts of the port strike on agriculture... Read More
Corn, soybean, and wheat futures all dropped on Wednesday following the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s July supply/demand estimates. The USDA did not reduce its production estimates to the extent analysts were expecting due to dry conditions in the U.S. Midwest and the markets reacted to the downside for August soybeans and the... Read More
When talking soil, often the topic focus is on soil type, nutrients, moisture, or microbiology. But what about soil structure? As Steve Larocque, Alberta farmer and founder of Beyond Agronomy, explains in this Soil School episode, the physical types of soil can’t be changed, whether it be sand, silt, or clay. However, how land is... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this “Tuesdays with Lyndsey” edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, we will hear from Rene Roy with the Canada Pork Council about the strike impacts to meat at port, as well as Deb Campbell, Advantage Agronomy, in the latest Soybean School on using the SWAT Cam in soybeans. As... Read More
True armyworms hungry for grassy plants, including wheat, have arrived in large numbers in parts of the Prairies this summer. The pest, which migrates north as a light brown moth, arrived in Manitoba during the last week of May, explains John Gavloski, entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, in this armyworm-focused Wheat School episode filmed at the... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney. We will hear from Peter Johnson of RealAgriculture on a glyphosate study, different varieties’ performance, ag policy in France and much more! Then, we’ll hear a clip from a Canola School with Chris Manchur of the Canola Council of... Read More
Many growers apply a T3 fungicide on winter wheat in Ontario to protect the crop against fusarium head blight and get one step closer to achieving high grain yields. But a strange thing happened on the way to harvest in 2023 as many fields across the province experienced severe leaf tip burn after fungicide application.... Read More
Welcome to the Canola PODcast, sponsored by InVigor® hybrid canola from BASF. In this episode, we delve into the topic of managing canola diseases, including clubroot, blackleg, and verticillium stripe. Joining us for this informative discussion are three Senior Technical Services Specialists with BASF: Allison Bishop, Leighton Blashko, and Jeanette Gaultier. In this episode, we... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney discusses a grain contract costing a Saskatchewan farmer over $80,000 by sending the thumbs-up emoji. Haney is then joined by Al Mussell with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute on carbon border adjustments. We will then hear from Eddie Lemoine on... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, host Shaun Haney is joined by Tyler McCann of Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute and RealAgristudies Canadian Producer survey results; Glyphosate controversy and... Read More
Advancements in RNA interference (RNAi) technology could soon unlock new tools for managing canola pests and pathogens, such as sclerotinia and flea beetles. RNAi — ribonucleic acid interference — involves targeting specific RNA sequences in a disease or pest, rather than targeting entire proteins or enzymes, as is the case with current pesticides. It’s a... Read More
We’re into the dog days of summer, and the cattle markets are certainly reflecting that. Add in the July 1st holiday in Canada, and July 4th in the U.S., and we’ve got a slow start to the markets this week, says Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have... Read More
Could cameras mounted on sprayer booms help revolutionize crop scouting, stand assessment and the gathering of crop management information? On this episode of RealAgriculture Soybean School, we ride along with the SWAT Cam to learn how these sprayer-mounted cameras scout fields and gather information agronomists and growers can utilize to make crop management decisions. Agronomist... Read More
If you picture someone born without arms and legs, chances are you go straight to thinking about the physical challenges. There’s no doubt that Chris Koch, a farmer from Nanton, Alta., has faced physical challenges, but that hasn’t stopped him from chasing his dreams and becoming a farmer. Koch says there have been times when... Read More
Many of you run family farm businesses filled with the opportunities, challenges and satisfaction that comes with it. As businesses transition from one generation to the next, the incoming generation is faced with many internal and external expectations to be like or even better than the last generation. This is true on the farm and... Read More
The Canada Grains Council (CGC) is announcing new board leadership. Pierre Petelle will take the place as chair, and Greg Cherewyk as vice-chair of its board of directors. Petelle brings expertise in strategic direction and collaboration, as president and CEO of CropLife Canada. Joining the CGC as vice-chair, Cherewyk has over two decades of experience... 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: Nick Dubuc of Montreal, Que.; Mark Mclean of Port Albert, Ont.; Dwayne Leslie of Portage La Prairie, Man.; and John Kowalchuk of Trochu, Alta. We will also hear... Read More
On a recent Wheat School episode, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson spoke to New Zealand’s Eric Watson, the former world record holder for wheat yield. This got RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney thinking about whether Canadian growers could apply any of Watson’s techniques to the spring wheat crop. Of course, before making any... Read More
When we talk about agriculture and food system sustainability, there are a lot of questions that seem to repeatedly come up, including who needs to collaborate, and who’s going to pay for the real-world implementation of sustainability measures. Sustainability and food security are intrinsically linked — you can’t have a secure food system if you’re... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, recorded at the Alltech ONE conference in Calgary, Alta. Host Shaun Haney is joined by a number of guests including motivational speaker Chris Koch as he discusses his journey through life being born without limbs. We will also hear from the CEO of Alltech,... Read More
Unfortunately, when it comes to Mother Nature, there’s no equality in the weather. Regardless, #harvest23 for winter cereals is underway in parts of Eastern Canada, and will continue through the country in the upcoming weeks. There are a few things Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson wants to hit on before everyone is in full-blown harvest mode,... Read More
Earthworms are not just great for fishing bait, but also an indication of soil health. Or is that actually true? The origin of this topic popped into my head as I travelled across the Prairies last week shooting agronomic videos. At a couple stops the farmers referenced earthworm populations as an indication of soil health.... Read More
The Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) has released what’s it calling landmark study on the economic impact the potato industry in the province. The report outlines the significant growth of Alberta’s potato industry in recent years, and documents its economic impact. The study — completed by Serecon Inc. and Nichols Applied Management — estimated the... Read More
How do you cover acres quickly during planting season with big equipment without causing compaction and compromising yield? Cliff Horst and his brother, Dale, make it happen with a 24-row Harvest International planter and a Fendt 1038 tractor. The brothers farm in Perth County, Ont., and also operate Country Custom Ag, providing custom services to... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney brought to you by Cargill Marketsense. We will hear from Peter Johnson of RealAgriculture on night crawlers, soil health and much more! Then, we’ll hear from John Heard on the new Prairie Nutrient Removal calculator, and an interview Kelvin... Read More
Soybeans can be called the ugly duckling of the crop world. Sometimes slow to emerge, especially under less-than-ideal conditions, soybean fields can look pretty stagey and ragged in late June to early July. However, Ken Currah, of BASF, says that soybeans can really surprise a grower — both in how quickly an uneven field can... Read More
Agriculture has long struggled to attract and retain enough people at nearly every stage of the industry, from general labour, to skilled operators, to farm management, and in the c-suite. In certain geographies, local job markets have made things even more difficult, as higher paying jobs pulled people away from the farm. But now, just... Read More
“We’ve always done it that way” isn’t always the best approach in farming, and that includes the decision on how much fertilizer to put down with canola at seeding. Canola is sensitive to fertilizer toxicity, especially in dry soil conditions. It’s well worth revisiting what’s traditionally been considered a safe rate in the seed row,... Read More
There’s so much to observe and learn from a well set-up trial. This growing season, we’re following a set of trials with Robert MacDonald, manager of agronomic excellence with BASF, looking at several aspects of canola production. Earlier, MacDonald dug into seeding rate and depth differences. In this episode of the Canola School, MacDonald runs... Read More
Happy Canada Day! Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney gives us a recap of the week, plus hear from Peter Johnson of RealAgriculture in conversation with Eric Watson on his World Record Wheat. Then we will hear an interview with Carlo Dade, with the Canada West... 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: StatsCan acreage report; Fireworks; A lack of grocery store competition; and West Coast port workers strike and... Read More
What’s the best strategy for applying fungicide in highly variable corn fields where plants range in maturity from three to 10 leaves? That’s a question BASF agronomist Ken Currah tackles on this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School. He says that’s been the story of many corn fields this year, especially on clay soils where... Read More
While the European Union is ahead of the pack when it comes to applying a carbon tariff to imports, Canada and the U.S. are also looking at implementing border carbon adjustments. Fertilizer will be front and centre, along with steel and cement, when it comes to imports subject to the EU’s border carbon adjustment that... 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. What does it take to change the original venture of your business? Why is it important to keep an open mind, even if you think you have everything planned out? And how do you... Read More
Strong plant stands can set a soybean crop up for big yields. But difficult spring conditions can leave soybean seedlings fighting to emerge and unable to contribute to the population levels needed to reach yield expectations. In Ontario, typically one to four per cent of the soybean acres fail to establish adequate plant stands and... Read More
A new online tool has been launched to help farmers and agronomists in Western Canada understand nutrient removal rates to make more informed fertilizer decisions. The Prairie Nutrient Removal Calculator provides updated estimates of nutrient removal for 12 different crops, based on samples collected from farmers’ fields in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in 2020 through... Read More
Wireworm is a destructive pest of potatoes, wheat, barley, and more crops. It’s also a below-ground feeder, making it difficult to scout for and even harder to control. Changes to available insecticide seed treatment ingredients has also made it more challenging to protect crops from feeding. Research from Eastern Canada has made significant discoveries into... 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: Brendan Byrne of Essex, Ont.; Simon Ellis of Wawanesa, Man.; Mike Beckie of Davidson, Sask.; and Blake Rasmussen of Plentywood, Montana. We will also hear from Pioneer Seeds... Read More
To till or not to till? It’s an ongoing conversation in areas where water is controlled through irrigation or risk of soil erosion is high. Carlo Van Herk, research technician with Farming Smarter, says strip tillage ahead of a canola crop could be the answer, as it creates a happy medium between soil water conservation... Read More
What does it take to grow 258-bushel-per-acre wheat? On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, Peter Johnson peppers New Zealand wheat grower Eric Watson on how he achieved that world record wheat yield in 202o. His record has since been broken but the Ashburton, New Zealand farmer is now planning another assault on the record... Read More
It’s never too early to start thinking about harvest prep, especially as fall-seeded crops race towards the finish line in mid-summer. Jim Franceschetti, product marketing manager, crop harvesting, hay & forage for CASE IH, says that starting combine prep early means avoiding too-busy service bays and techs and avoids waits for parts, too. Franceschetti says... Read More
Perhaps Mother Nature heard the call for rain just a little too loudly, as some areas of Ontario experienced violent storms and huge downpours over the last week. The early dry conditions did set the cereal crops back, but this moisture could make for a tidy yield improvement says host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Matt Makens of Makens Weather to give us a weather forecast for Western Canada, Eastern Canada, and the U.S. corn belt. As well, hear from Dan Darling with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance on their... Read More
There are several considerations when deciding to try cover crops to maximum potential, and there are likely equally plentiful considerations to termination when the time comes. While there are a few mainstream ways to terminate a cover crop, Farming Smarter at Lethbridge, Alta., is looking at using a roller crimper to do the job. The... Read More
Farmers in parts of Alberta and moving east will likely end up with some welcome moisture as the calendar flips to July, however the parched southern areas aren’t likely to see much of the rain action. Ontario is in an unsettled weather pattern that’s sure to bring plenty of water followed by heat, and the... Read More
Scouting fields, it’s very common to see several species of beetle scurrying along the ground and up plants. Plenty of these beetles are likely friends and not foes, as ground beetles are a diverse species with plenty of members doing good work in the crop canopy. Dr. Khaldoun Ali, a plant-insect ecologist at the University... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this “Tuesday with Lyndsey” edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, we will hear from Dr. Christine Noronha with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on wireworm learnings. We will also hear from Lauren Martin, chair of the Do More Agriculture Foundation on the new AgTalk platform. And lastly, Melanie Morrison of... Read More
On Monday, Canada completed the first step towards adopting and implementing sustainability financial disclosure standards for many industries, including agriculture. The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) says it achieved quorum with the appointment of four new members, putting the board in “decision-making mode” now that the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) has released its initial... Read More
Volunteer corn or canola aren’t just a plant out of place — both can eat yield and quality, depending on the following crop,. Managing volunteers benefits from several layers of cultural practices, such as harvest settings and row spacing, and a well thought-out herbicide strategy. To delve into the challenge of volunteers, this episode of... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio with host Shaun Haney! We will hear an interview Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture had with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie Claude Bibeau on the decisions made on MRLs and cosmetic pesticide use. We will also hear an interview RealAgriculture’s Kara Oosterhuis... Read More
When spraying post-emerge herbicides in conventional soybeans getting good coverage is key to controlling weeds, such as ragweed and pigweed. On this episode of RealAgriculture Soybean School, Syngenta Canada agronomic sales representative Brad Garlough explores how new sprayer technology can help growers get better herbicide coverage, optimize weed control, and defend the farm against herbicide... Read More
Canola has a very high sulphur need, unlike most other annual crops. Sulphur is relatively mobile in the soil, but not in the plant. It’s also a nutrient that comes in a readily-available and slow-release form. All told, sulphur management of canola takes some careful planning and forethought, with a few key cautions thrown in.... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg on the Weekend! On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit to discuss new funding for the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence. We will also hear from Dan Darling of the Canadian Agri-food Trade Alliance the disappointment over Bill C-282, Ian Boxall... 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, as well as Stuart Person of MNP for the RealAg Issues Panel. They discuss many topics, including: The renewable fuel industry and news out of the U.S.;... Read More
For many, branding season is quickly coming to a close. Calves are moving out to grass where possible, and the summer season is underway, says Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. On this week’s episode of the Beef Market Update, host Shaun Haney and Wasko discuss a few key topics including western Canadian cattle... Read More
A well-written contract should spell out the risk and responsibilities of both parties involved. In agriculture, grain contracts spell out expectations, but the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan says current contracts don’t go far enough to manage farmers’ risk. Following an estimated $60 million in farmer losses due to cancelled contracts with one grain buyer... Read More
Many agronomic and environmental factors can contribute to uneven soybean emergence. From variable planting depth to moisture availability at seeding depth or untimely rains that seal some seeds underground — every uneven soybean field has a story. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soybean specialist Horst Bohner has seen his fair share 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: Josh Boersen of Gadshill, Ont.; Jason James of Drumheller, Alta.; Mark Torrey of Woodville, Ont.; and Rudy Meier of Fraser Valley, B.C. We will also hear from Pioneer... Read More
The national coalition of export-focused agriculture commodity organizations is voicing major frustration following final approval of Bill C-282 in the House of Commons. The private member’s bill, brought forward by a Bloc Quebecois MP, aims to prevent Canada’s trade minister from making any further concessions on supply managed commodities — dairy, chicken, eggs, and turkey... Read More
The University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) is set to receive $6.6 million over five years in joint federal-provincial funding to conduct livestock and forage research. The LFCE focuses on beef, bison, and forage research in support of the continued growth of the industry. The funding, under the new federal-provincial Sustainable... Read More
When it comes to soil management, living roots produced by cover crops provide a laundry list of soil health benefits — everything from building soil aggregates and pore spaces to improving soil infiltration and controlling wind and water erosion. But those cover crops need water and as dry conditions persist in Western Canada, the U.S.... Read More
The federal government announced a series of changes to its policies around pesticide use on Tuesday, including the introduction of a ban on cosmetic uses of pesticides on federal land and the end of a nearly two-year pause on reviews of maximum residue limits (MRLs). CropLife Canada, which represents companies that make crop protection products,... Read More
Corn and soybean markets are all about supply right now, while wheat markets are waiting on demand news to find some strength. The persistent dry bias for huge areas of the U.S. and Western Canada are definitely impacting grain markets. That’s according to Darin Newsom, senior market analyst at Barchart. The current weather market has... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. On this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Darin Newsom of Barchart to discuss how real the weather market is and what could happen next. You’ll also hear from Carlo Dade, with the Canada West Foundation, on the need for a national trade... Read More
It certainly isn’t every year that Wheat Pete’s Word AND the longest day of the year fall on the same day, but hey, we’ll celebrate! On this episode, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is talking about the weather, because as we know, weather drives everything in crop production. Johnson has a quick alert to get... Read More
Trade between countries 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... 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. As well as Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson drops in to discuss cover crops, stressed winter wheat and much more! Thoughts on something we... 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 their 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 pests in their fields 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,... 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
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, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by 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 Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture on heifer gains from canola meal. As... 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! Today’s show is 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,... 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-fuirrow 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
Across Western Canada, the cereal crop is very quickly approaching the critical period to decide on whether or not to apply a plant growth regulator, or PGR. As Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension manager with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, explains in our latest Wheat School episode, there’s a few things we can think... 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 we do 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
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
Canola is not a very competitive crop in its early stages, so keeping an eye on the competition is key. We’ve covered on the Canola School why a pre-emerge herbicide pass can be valuable, but of course, the next step is to watch for weeds that have emerged with the crop. Sean McKnight, technical service... 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
Across agriculture, there’s a lot of topics are relative to local circumstances, as we are spread across many different conditions and so dependent on weather; seeding and planting progress is no different. Instead of asking whether you are 50 or 90 per cent done, we’re asking you this week: where are you at compared to... 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
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
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on Friday. Wheat futures rose between 10 and 30 cents following the report, with the global wheat outlook for 2023/24 featuring lower supplies, trade, consumption, and ending stocks compared with 2022/23. Global production is forecast at a record... 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
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
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
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, to discuss the March results from the Canadian Farmer sentiment index. As well, 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
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 commitments, 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
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
We’ve got exciting news for our Saskatchewan listeners and podcast subscribers! Beginning Saturday, March 11, 2023, you can hear RealAg on the Weekend with host Shaun Haney at 4 pm Saskatchewan time on 650 CKOM Saskatoon and 980 CJME Regina! RealAg on the Weekend is a one-hour, agriculture-focused radio show featuring the issues, people, and... 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
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
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
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 was moving forward with a required label change for lamba-cy products, ie. Matador and Silencer, effective April, 2023, immediately set off alarms across Western Canada regarding problems with flea beetle control in canola. Then, Ontario agronomists and growers 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
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
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
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
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 where Jim Everson of the Canola Council of Canada gives a report on... 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
Alberta’s government is increasing the total provincial loan guarantee to $150 million for cattle and sheep producers buying and feeding livestock for market. The Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program helps local, producer-run co-operatives obtain financing, as the government provides an overall loan guarantee. Today’s announcement is a $50 million increase over the former limit. Nate... 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
The way we farm is continuously changing, through knowledge-transfer, new technology, and innovation. How farmers take care of farms and the land required to raise livestock and produce grain is changing too — for the better. Soil health may have become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, but that’s not to diminish its... 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
Ground Truth Agriculture Inc. has secured $4 million to develop technology that it says will provide farmers with lab-quality grain analysis right off their combine, in real-time and with location precision The funding round was led by Conexus Venture Capital Inc. and includes $2-million from the ag-tech Emmertech fund. Additional investors include SaskWorks Venture Fund... 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
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
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 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
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 Yemmin, a neuroscientist, digital media producer and science communicator, also known as ScienceSam, spoke at the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s Public Trust Summit at Toronto. Yemmin dives into dealing with an “infodemic,” and how to discern between misinformation and information from credible sources. The infodemic is defined... 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 chemistry... 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
Backswath Management, a Winnipeg-based agriculture-only management consulting firm, has announced new leadership, a new service area, and big plans for the future. Josée Lemoine, co-owner and chief operating officer of Backswath Management, will now serve as the firm’s chief executive officer. In her new CEO role, Lemoine succeeds Backswath founder Terry Betker, who will continue... 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
Higher yields are always a top priority for plant breeders developing new crop varieties, but yield itself is the result of a combination of different factors, including resistance to disease threats, maturity timing, and harvestability. These characteristics are all taken into consideration when screening and developing new edible bean varieties, explains Anfu Hou, bean breeder... 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
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
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
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, with it 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... 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, as always, for you today! 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 lateFriday night and... 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 Seeds 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 is making an entrance into the high speed planting market with their 3665 True Speed Planter. 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, senior director of sales at Kinze, says although they are breaking... 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 spotlight interview... 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
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 fall out 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... 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 Kelvin Heppner, with RealAgriculture and 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, on... 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 in 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... 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
As expected, the Bank of Canada raised its key rate seventy five basis points on Wednesday morning. Heading into the meeting a majority of financial journalists and analysts felt this would be the likely move to trim the impact of inflationary pressure. This is the fifth rate hike in 2022 and brings the key rate... 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 wheat planting... 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 we have... 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 in 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 Wednesday’, 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
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
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, of Yorkton,... 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
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; Ollie Peoples, of Yield 10 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... 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 Association of Equipment Manufacturers, on the machinery market; Mark Renkema, of Sevita International, on the opportunity for farmers on... 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 ‘WheatPete’ Johnson, of RealAgriculture; and, Jeremy Boychyn, of 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 on the... 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
Farmers aren’t short on decisions to make on any given year, and for 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... 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
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
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
Disease management can make or break any given crop year, and on this episode of the Pulse School we are taking a look at chickpeas and the most important disease to scout for, ascochyta blight. Dr. Michelle Hubbard is a research scientist in pulse pathology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She says disease prevention starts before putting... 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-tecch, 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 fertilizer emissions policy, and also with David Przednowek, with CN Rail, on their 2022-23 grain plan and the increased shipments out East. And on today’s show... 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
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 farmers 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
With 2022 harvest knocking at the door, producers are starting to look ahead to the 2023 growing season, and it appears the Canadian government will continue to impose its 35 per cent sanctions on fertilizer from Russia and Belarus. Canada is the only country that has implemented and maintained sanctions against fertilizer from these, and... 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: host Shaun Haney, and Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture. They discuss the jobs... 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 him 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
Researchers at Laval University in Quebec have developed a hydroponic lab test that could allow growers and agronomists to better deploy genetic resistance and tolerance in the fight against phytophthora root rot in soybeans. There are three main ways to curb phytophthora, explains Geneviève Arsenault-Labrecque, co-founder of AYOS Technologies, a spinoff founded by students at Laval, in... 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 outits 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 system,”... 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 adoption 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... 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
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, H+K Strategies of Toronto, Ont. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via email shaney@realagriculture.com, on Twitter... 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.; and Thoughts on something we talked about on the show?... 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
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
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 that 2021 was a widespread drought across the Prairies. 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 seemed... 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
Drought is never welcomed by any producer, however, if and when it does happen, residual nitrogen following a dry year could be a small silver lining on an otherwise undesirable situation. On this Canola School episode, Warren Ward, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada, walks us through what that nitrogen bonus looks like... 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. They 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 moth 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, too. The endemic nature of it and soil survivability of the pathogen make it a tough disease to keep on top of. To tackle... 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
Growers in the western provinces are right on the cusp, if not in, prime fusarium season and knowing the ins and outs of the fungus can give you a leg-up and allow you to get out ahead of the potential problem. There are several factors to consider when dealing with fusarium, including history of the... 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... 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 we are joined by some long-time friends and guests on the show for another episode of Farmer Rapid Fire. We’ll... 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
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
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
Thursday’s 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
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, meeans 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
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 passture 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 says 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
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 evaluatee 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
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
An emerging technology yet to be released in Canada looks to up the ante on spraying herbicides by using an algorithm that is able to identify and spot-spray just the weeds in a growing crop. On this episode of the Pulse School, we speak with Tom Wolf, owner of Agrimetrix Research & Training, about the new... Read More
Usually a pest of canola, but sometimes a pest of faba bean and other pulses, the bertha armyworm is a significant eater of crop yield in Canada. For this episode of the Pest and Predator podcast, brought to you by Field Heroes powered by the Western Grains Research Foundation, host Shaun Haney discusses a fascinating... Read More
After a week off for Victoria Day (and host Lyndsey Smith busy caring for lambs), we’re back! This episode of The Agronomists — brought to you by the Pest & Predators podcast, RealAg Radio, and ADAMA Canada — features Dr. Dave Hooker, associate professor at the University of Guelph-Ridgetown, and Laura Schmidt, production specialist with... Read More
It’s time to talk agronomy on RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Peter “Wheat School” on a number of topics, including alfalfa weevil, fusarium risk status, and more; and Tom Wolf of AgriMetrix on spray water quality, and green-on-green sprayer technology. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun... Read More
After a string of storms tore through parts of Saskatchewan early this spring, many cattle producers sustained losses which severely impacted their bottom line. The current eligibility requirements for disaster relief programs has left some producers with no relief at all. The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) provides assistance to residents, small businesses, agricultural operations, First... Read More
Water quality plays an important role in the availability of pesticides and other chemical products applied to crops year after year. Knowing the chemical make-up of your water source allows for informed decisions about how to get the most out of crop inputs. Tom Wolf, owner of Agrimetrix Research & Training based out of Saskatoon,... Read More
It’s the last Friday in May, and we’ve got a great lineup for you here on RealAg Radio. You’ll hear a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. Also, we have a RealAg Issues Panel featuring Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, and Christina Crowley-Arklie of Crowley + Arklie Strategies. Thoughts on something... Read More
Stagflation, inflation, rising food costs…these are all factors that are creating murky waters in front of beef demand, if you look at the rest of the 2022 calendar year. Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange says in our latest Beef Market Update, that even if you look at live cattle futures, and live cattle... Read More
It’s time for Farmer Rapid Fire Thursday on RealAg Radio! Find out how farmers are making out with seeding, planting, and spring activities across the country. You’ll hear: Luke Barron of Schomberg, Ont.; Jason Kehler of Carman, Man.; Mike Beckie of Davidson, Sask; and Drew Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ont. Thoughts on something we talked about... Read More
Manitoba farmers are finally able to start getting seed in the ground following a string of spring storms that had some areas of the province receiving over 260 per cent of normal annual rainfall. The excess moisture has been the topic of conversation for numerous weeks now with June fast approaching, along with the threat... Read More
If you’re a pea grower, you’ve seen it: the notching that almost looks like someone took a hole puncher to your plants as they unfold. That feeding is characteristic to the pea leaf weevil. As Lyle Jensen with AgroPlus Inc explains in this Pulse School episode, you’ll see the pea leaf weevil during the day,... Read More
The Ontario provincial election is set for June 2. Where do the parties stand on agriculture issues and the challenges facing farmers and the agribusiness sector? Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) has teamed up with RealAgriculture to help you understand the commitments the parties are making to farmers as voting day draws near. On this... Read More
Although we’ve experienced dips in market pricing, there are good reasons to be cautiously optimistic about where commodity prices are for now, unless we see some significant changes in the local and global landscape. There are many factors that are currently affecting commodity markets. First and foremost is the ever-unfolding situation between Russia and Ukraine.... Read More
Welcome to this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio; thanks for making RealAg Radio a part of your day. Today’s show is brought to you Parametrics.Ag, powered by Global Ag Risk Solutions (GARS). You’ll hear: Pam de Rocquigny, CEO of Manitoba Crop Alliance, on the state of seeding across the province of Manitoba; Neil Townsend of... Read More
It’s the last Wheat Pete’s Word of May! Very quickly are the growing months going to fly by… On this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses wild weather, why talking to the public matters, the importance of not beating yourself up, and so much more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to... Read More
In a year when input prices have skyrocketed, producers are looking for ways to cut back where they can to maximize profits. When it comes to pesticides, is it possible to stretch or conserve product without sacrificing performance and efficiency? On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Canola School, research scientist and sprayer guru Tom Wolf shares tips... Read More
A $225 million plant protein processing facility is to be built in Strathmore, Alberta. Phyto Organix is set to break ground on the 15-acre facility, which the company says will be net-zero, in fall of 2022. Chris Theal, founder, president, and CEO of Phyto Organix, says the investment will generate over $120 million of annual... Read More
Happy day-after-the long weekend, Canada. Is it Monday? Is it Tuesday? Does anyone know? What we do know is we have a great lineup for you on today’s episode of RealAg Radio, brought to you by MNP. You’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on the wild storm that went through Ontario, and... Read More
Canadian beef producers who are certified through the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), are now eligible to receive an incentive payment from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) of up to $2,000. Curtis Granger, director of lending products and sustainability programs with FCC, says the main motivation behind the incentive payment is to increase certification for FCC customers.... Read More
Much of Ontario’s corn crop has shot out of the ground and is carrying tremendous yield potenial as June draws near. But while many growers are reporting corn emerging as quickly as five days after planting, RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson has noticed a significant number of corn kernels that are corkscrewing underground, with plants struggling... Read More
Every year, there seems to be times we have more questions about the crop than others. As the wheat crop is emerging is often one of those times. In order to get those questions answered properly, there’s a few different things you’re going to need to do, says Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist with... Read More
A new white paper document released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), outlines 13 trends that they say requires the attention of the industry, if we are to keep up with a growing global population and environmental requirements. Megan Tanel, president of AEM, says over the years farmers have been expected to produce more... Read More
It’s Friday, and if you’re in Canada — it’s the Friday before the Victoria Day long weekend. Also known as the most unpredictable weather weekend of the year. However, on RealAg Radio, we are more predictable! We’ve got a great lineup for you on today’s show, including a RealAg Issues Panel. On the panel, you’ll... Read More
There is so much happening right now in the world of politics and trade, whether it’s dairy disputes, the wheat market, big decisions for countries on what they are doing with exports, massive inflation, and more. Al Mussel, research lead with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), joins hosts Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner on the... Read More
As the wet spring continues in Manitoba, growers are looking for ways to get their crops planted as fast as possible. RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson has been getting plenty of questions on whether broadcast seeding wheat is an alternative for growers as the calendar turns toward June. In this video, he says broadcasting wheat seed... Read More
The flag leaf plays a key role in managing disease in the wheat crop. On this episode of the RealAgriculture Wheat School, our resident agronomist Peter Johnson shares tips on identifying the flag leaf and how growers can use its emergence to guide their disease management strategy to protect yield at T2 timing (flag leaf) and... Read More
Health Canada has issued a long-awaited clarification on how it will regulate different forms of plant breeding, including newer gene-editing methods. Genetically modified crops are deemed “novel” under Canada’s regulatory framework, requiring an expensive multi-year safety review before being approved for sale, but there was uncertainty about whether gene-edited crops would also be treated as... Read More
Canada is standing by its proposed solution regarding dairy tariff-rate quotas under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), as U.S. dairy groups continue to pressure the White House to escalate the matter. Earlier this week, U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai said Canada’s changes didn’t go far enough, and the proposed solution was a disappointment. Jim Wiesemeyer with Pro... Read More
It’s time to catch up with producers across the country on this Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s panel, you’ll hear: Nick Dubuc of Mercier, Que.; Korey Peters of Randolph, Man.; Lesley Kelly of Watrous, Sask.; and Kevin Buchner of Brownsville, Ont. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with... Read More
It’s been a wild week in the wheat markets, with lots of trading action and news stories driving the markets. Chaos, says Jon Driedger of Leftfield Commodities Research, is one way to describe it — starting off with last week’s United States Department of Agriculture report. “That was a friendly report for wheat. We go... Read More
Welcome to this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Jon Driedger of Leftfield Commodity Research, on what is going on with this wheat market; Jamie Puchinger of Farming Smarter, with a product spotlight on some of the events they have coming up; Jim Wiesmeyer of Pro Farmer, on the U.S.’s approach... Read More
In ideal conditions, the recommendation is to roll pea acres shortly after seeding. But what happens when a portion of the Prairie’s pulse growing acres are facing extreme drought? Jack Payne, agronomy solutions manager with South Country Co-op Ltd, says some growers may opt to roll later — because if you roll right after the... Read More
It’s mid-May, but you almost wouldn’t know it by looking at seeding progress in Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan. Super-dry Alberta and suddenly-warm Ontario bookend the seeding and planting progress and average things out (what does average really tell us, anyway?). On this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson brings us up to... Read More
Positioning of the right crop protection products in the right region for the right timeframe is an annual logistics challenge. For the 2022 season, anticipated delivery snags and supply chain pinch points were managed as well as could be expected, but extreme conditions in Western Canada, and persistent manufacturer issues have suppliers and retailers working... Read More
Crop insurance deadlines may be looming, but the rush to get corn seed in the ground when it’s late in the planting window and soil conditions are wet can also cause problems, such as poor root development, later in the growing season. Sidewall compaction in the furrow is a common consequence of planting into wet... Read More
Happy day-after-host-Shaun-Haney’s birthday to you all! On today’s episode of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Dave Gallant of the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), on their Ag Advance program; Megan Tanel, president of the Association of the Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) on a recent white paper they released; Cornie Thiessen of ADAMA Canada, on supply chain issues and... Read More
Welcome to another episode of The Agronomists! For this episode, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Warren Ward with the Canola Council of Canada, and RealAgriculture resident agronomist, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. The topic of discussion today is starter fertilizer — of course with some other colourful tidbits thrown in there as well. The story... Read More
If your idea of a beneficial insect is one that sits back and waits for dinner to crawl on by, you’ve likely never heard about the secret lives of lacewings. Green lacewings are nothing short of ferocious, and, as Dr. Tyler Wist of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada explains, they’re more like aphid-hunting lions than laid-back... Read More
Happy Monday and welcome to another Agronomic Monday on RealAg Radio. Today, host Shaun Haney is joined live by RealAgriculture’s Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, as they discuss a number of agronomy issues across Canada and also, things to keep in mind when it comes to soil health and everything that plays a part in producing... Read More
The U.S. cattle market was steady again this week, continuing to chop, chop, chop sideways, with cut out prices climbing slightly, though still at sluggish pace. Here in Canada, the average weekly price is in the low 170s, and, according to Canfax, that’s the first time since 2017 the weekly average has held in this... Read More
Happy Friday (the 13th…)! We hope your week is closing out on a high note. We have an awesome show for you today featuring the RealAg Issues Panel with host Shaun Haney and guests — both from RealAgriculture, Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith. Below they discus some hot topics including the Conservative leadership race and... Read More
Not all glufosinate ammonium herbicide formulations are the same. This is especially important to note in areas that grow both glufosinate-tolerant (aka LibertyLink) corn and canola. A corn grower in Ontario, or in the Midwest U.S., who orders Liberty or glufosinate from a retailer would likely receive a formulation containing 200g of active ingredient per... Read More
Happy Friday Eve! As always, Thursdays mean it’s time for another Farmer Rapid Fire, as we check in with producers across the country and see what they’re up to and how things are going in their neck of the woods. Today you’ll hear from: Ryan Barrett – Belmont, Prince Edward Island Peter Gredig – St.... 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 a choice to change your career, when you have committed to a certain track? What can you do to unite the industry, and break down silos within agriculture? Why is... Read More
Looking back to last fall after fertilizer inventories were wiped out, there was cause for concern on what shortage issues we may face come spring, but the markets are proving the opposite to be true. Josh Linville, fertilizer director for StoneX, says one uncertainty is sometimes the only certainty when it comes to the volatility... Read More
It’s time for our mid-week edition of RealAg Radio. We hope you are having a great Wednesday, whatever you are up to. On today’s episode of the show, you’ll hear: Josh Linville of StoneX Group Inc., on the fertilizer market, how it continues to perplex us, and what we’ve learnt so far this year; Jade... Read More
If the very idea of hiring a new employee stresses you out, the HR Toolkit offered by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) might help. What’s more, your general farm organization membership may get you the toolkit free-of-charge. CAHRC is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues specific to farming and... Read More
Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree with something he’s said? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Summary: Go time, y’all But go safe. Share the road, respect the farm equipment The Habs got the first... Read More
Happy Tuesday and welcome to another edition of RealAg Radio! We have another great show for you; besides having some great guests, host Shaun Haney will be bringing you all the top ag news stories that are making headlines. Today, you’ll hear from: Peter Seemann of Grassroots Public Affairs, who shares why it’s important farm... Read More
On this episode of The Agronomists we’ve brought in two guests who know all there is to know about the pesky pests that seem to inevitably find their way into your crops. We are talking about the infamous wireworm, flea beetles that can wreak havoc on canola crops, and cutworms that, let’s face it, are... Read More
The principles around fertility and nutrient uptake in soybeans are the same, whether you’re farming in Ontario, the U.S., or Western Canada, but there are some unique or special factors to be considered by soybean growers in western and northern growing areas. Following up on this Soybean School episode from last month with Horst Bohner... Read More
It’s time to talk all things agronomy on this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! In today’s fantastic line-up, you’ll hear: Marijke Vanderlaan of Syngenta, on timing plant growth regulators (PGRs) on winter wheat; RongRong Xian, BASF, on pre-seed weed scouting, and the importance of getting off to a clean start; Ben Rosser of the... Read More
Greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer were reduced by approximately 20 per cent in the Canadian government’s official 2022 greenhouse gas inventory report thanks to an update to how nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from fertilizer are estimated. The reduction, however, will not count toward the federal government’s mandate to reduce emissions from fertilizer by 30... Read More
Just ahead of the busy planting and seeding season, another almost-as-important season began: hockey playoff season. Here at RealAgriculture, we know hockey plays a key role in the rural experience, in our communities, and our relationships, especially when it comes to friendly rivalries over our favourite teams. To honour the very important playoff season, RealAgriculture’s... Read More
Every year, dry bean growers wrestle with insects and the impact they have on yield and quality. Some of the pests arrive early in the season, some of them come later. Some do damage above ground while others do their business under ground. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Edible Bean School, OMAFRA canola and edible... Read More
It’s Friday, which means we’re talking the top ag issues of the week on our RealAg Issues Panel. Joining the panel today, hosted by Shaun Haney, is Andrew Campbell, of FreshAir Media, and Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture. The trio discuss tractor subscriptions, the Conservative leadership debate, grocery profits, a breakdown of the ag sector’s NHL... Read More
Across Canada, we are seeing sky-high diesel prices, with some provinces inching closer to $2 per litre, where other provinces are closing in on $3 per litre, is there light at the end of the tunnel? According to experts, if there is, it’s not coming anytime soon. The market has seen a surge in demand... Read More
It’s Thursday, so it’s time to catch up with farmers across the country! It’s go season, so let’s get at’er and see what they are busy doing. You’ll hear: Michael Groot, of Huron County, Ont.; Adam Gurr, of Rapid City, Man.; Daryl Fransoo, of Glaslyn, Sask.; and Shaune Harty, of Foremost, Alta. Thoughts on something... Read More
Producers in southern Ontario and throughout eastern Canada are likely to experience a cool and wet spring followed by a summer with lower than normal temperatures, as they push through to harvest. Temperature and all things weather however, are a matter of perception. Keeping in mind a dry spring for Ontario is 8 to 12 inches... Read More
With over 30 species of wireworms across the Prairies, the chances of you seeing some in the springtime are pretty good. For the most part, it does get narrowed down into three main species of wireworms that seem to cause the most issues in our cereal crops: the bicolor, the destructor, and the californicus. Lyle... Read More
When it comes to determining the right rate of nitrogen for your farm there’s nothing better than on-farm data. After a winter of talking with growers about escalating nutrient prices and the most economic rate of nitrogen (MERN), Ben Rosser, corn lead with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is encouraging... Read More
April brought upwards of 100 millimeters of rain to parts of Manitoba with a large part of Alberta begging for even a fraction of that moisture, as Saskatchewan is stuck in the middle with a grab-bag of weather ranging from average moisture, too much or not enough. One thing is for certain, it doesn’t matter... Read More
May the 4th be with you on this episode of RealAg Radio! On today’s episode, which was recorded live and brought to you by Federated Co-op Limited (FCL), you’ll hear: Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on the federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) meetings that finished up earlier this week; Lane Christiansen, with a FCL product... Read More
Don’t let the soil temp keep you from putting corn or beans in the ground, however, you will want to make sure the forecast isn’t calling for cold rain. That’s right, it IS May and that means that soil temperature as a guide to planting gets thrown out the window, but a cold drink of... Read More
As tillering winter wheat moves into stem elongation it’s time to assess the lodging potential of the crop and determine whether a plant growth regulator (PGR) should be applied. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, Syngenta agronomic service representative Marijka Vanderlaan offers tips on identifying plant growth stages and how plant growth can be... Read More
Hard to believe that it’s May already but here we are and with any luck everyone will be getting the weather they’ve been crossing their fingers for! Speaking of weather, we have another great show for you today. First up, we are going to be taking a look at the spring forecast for the prairies... Read More
We’ve all experienced those fields where the weeds have gotten out of hand. Sometimes weeds getting away on us is because we didn’t have a great handle on what was out there to begin with. RongRong Xian, technical service manager with BASF, says scouting before you get into the field with the drill is key.... Read More
There are so many pearls of wisdom in this episode of The Agronomists, such as, sometimes old science is good science; compaction is all bad; and not all manure is created equal. But how should you pay for manure — by the pit or by the load? How much is it worth? Is fall-applied with... Read More
Can you tell an armyworm from a hover fly larva? What about a helpful pirate bug from a lygus? The trouble with insect identification is that it’s actually incredibly difficult, especially when you’re looking for adults but find nymphs, or are nervous about a pest species and a look-alike pops up. John Gavolski, entomologist with... Read More
Federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) ministers of agriculture from across Canada met in Ottawa on Monday to discuss the next agricultural policy framework ahead of their annual meeting in Saskatoon in July, where they hope to sign a new five-year agreement. The ministers, nine of whom attended in-person, spent their morning session discussing want they... Read More
It’s Monday, and we’re happy to be back here on RealAg Radio. On today’s show, we’re going to cover both western and eastern Canadian ag (and the differences across the board, especially when it comes to moisture). Joining us for these conversations is Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, and Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research... Read More
Tillage can play an effective role in warming and preparing soil for planting. When it comes to weed control, however, there are limitations and growers need to have a plan in place to tackle weeds that escape uprooting by cultivators, or those tenacious plants that manage to re-root and grow on to steal yield. On... Read More
With May long weekends quickly approaching, many are starting to have barbecuing on the brain, which of course – is good news for the beef market. We definitely have enough supply for people to “chew” through…but the price on the shelves is certainly still high enough. So where is demand? Anne Wasko, of the Gateway... Read More
And just like that, it’s Friday again! On today’s show, we have a RealAg Issues Panel, featuring host Shaun Haney, Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture, as well as Stuart Person, of MNP. The group discusses crop pricing, inflation, inputs, planting, and more. As well, Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange joins in... Read More
Public opinion is sometimes tough to gauge with many jumping on social media to air any slight inconvenience, which can then skew the perception of people, services, and even entire industries. This is where comprehensive surveys, such as the one spearheaded by Grassroots Public Affairs, plays an important role to see how Canadians truly feel... Read More
Looking at the current state of the commodity markets, you may be tempted to make some last minute changes to your crop plan. Deviating away from your crop rotation may seem like a good idea in the short term, but as Sheldon Toews, technical service specialist with BASF, explains in this Canola School episode that... Read More
50 years ago this summer, Soviet agents traveled to North America in the middle of the Cold War and secretly bought massive amounts of grain, driving up world prices in one of the most significant events in the history of commodity trading — later dubbed the “Great Grain Robbery.” Russ Crawford, who had a front-row... Read More
A cool, wet spring has slowed fieldwork and dreams of early planting appear to be disappearing as the calendar turns to May. But the backward conditions have not stalled weed growth in fields across Ontario. That means growers will need to keep a close eye on winter annuals and mounting weed pressure in soybean and corn... Read More
Shaun Haney is back in his favourite seat — the host seat — for this episode of RealAg Radio. It’s Thursday, so that means its time for a Farmer Rapid Fire. You’ll hear: Steve Twynstra of Ailsa Craig, Ont; Eric McLean of Oak River, Man.; Tyler Lester of Bloomfield, Ont.; and Chad Beagle of Rimbey,... Read More
If I buy the best golf club, am I the best golfer? By the same token, if someone plants a cover crop, are they taking better care of soil health than someone who doesn’t? Not necessarily, says Shaun Haney, founder of RealAgriculture and host of RealAg Radio. The trouble is, policy can be prescriptive (i.e.,... Read More
Looking across the world, there is one thing that really unifies us — and it’s agriculture. We can often learn about new methods and technologies by talking to our colleagues around the world. Rob Stone, farmer out of Davidson, Saskatchewan, went down to São Paulo, Brazil to check out some of the technology different companies... Read More
April is VERY quickly disappearing, and as many of you are aware… once April is gone, it seems summer flies by at the blink of an eye. Needless to say, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to listen to RealAg Radio. We’ve got a terrific show lined up for you, with... Read More
Saskatchewan farmers who convert at least 40 acres to perennial forage could qualify for a cash payout through the Marginal Areas Rehabilitation in Saskatchewan (MARS) program. Administered by Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association (SaskSoil), with some support by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), the MARS program will connect producers with an agrologist to help identify problem areas of... Read More
Merry Christmas in April? Plenty of Ontario residents woke to snow this morning — does this mean planting will be delayed? Chill out, says Peter Johnson, in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. It’s only late April, and a little snow isn’t going to cause an issue. But, the growing season is underway, so it’s... Read More
Ontario farmers continue to tread water as they look to the government to provide some sort of relief or assistance in regards to the fertilizer shortage that has ensued due to the sanctions put on Russian imports following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Brendan Byrne, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), says time is... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Brendan Byrne, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) on fertilizer supply and the sanctions being applied; Sean Osmar of the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, on spring run off in the province; Rob Stone, farmer out of Saskatchewan, on his trip to... Read More
Even as we enter a third year of COVID-related disruptions, farm and agriculture part stores are still finding it difficult to keep certain items in stock due to supply chain issues that continue to plague the industry. Additionally, for some items, including many petroleum products, the price point has seen a steep increase, with no... Read More
As warmer weather arrives and fields start to dry up, many growers are tempted to begin field work in preparation for planting. Working soil that’s not fit, however, can prove problematic later in the spring and throughout the growing season. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, we catch up with PRIDE Seeds agronomist Matt... Read More
Biology is forever adapting — to tillage, to cropping systems, and to selection pressure of herbicide applications. The advent of herbicide resistance has created a huge challenge for farmers across North America. Some of the worst weeds include kochia, fleabane, wild oats, waterhemp, and Palmer amaranth. Managing these weeds and delaying more resistance requires a... Read More
Happy Monday and welcome to the last week of April, where we seem to have a complete mixed bag of conditions across the country. To no surprise, Alberta and western Saskatchewan are among the driest, with Manitoba getting rain and snow storm after rain and snow storm, pushing seeding back even farther than anticipated. At... Read More
Happy FriYAY! Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, we sure appreciate you taking time out of your day to tune in to RealAg Radio. On today’s show, we’ve got a RealAg Issues Panel, featuring RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, Christina Crowley-Arklie of Crowley-Arklie Strategy, and host Shaun Haney. The group discusses Earth Day,... Read More
With half of the province fairly dry and the other half still under a decent amount of snow, Saskatchewan’s most recent spring runoff report is all over the map, figuratively and literally. The west is following suit of Alberta and is showing dryer conditions, where large portions of the eastern side of the province is still... Read More
In the pulse industry, the use of inoculants is becoming more and more widespread. However, they can be a complicated input to wrap our heads around sometimes. Different than other products, inoculants are living organisms that help provide crops such as peas, lentils, faba beans, chickpeas, and soybeans with the required amount of viable bacteria... Read More
As the snow melts, many producers across the Prairies are eagerly awaiting for the day they can get in the field — if they there aren’t already. Sheldon Toews, technical service specialist with BASF, says when it comes to getting canola seed in the ground, farmers definitely need to pay attention to soil temperatures. “You... Read More
Editors note: This story has been updated as of April 25, 2022. Farmers are all well aware of what happens when mother nature turns off the water tap, but what happens when human-engineered access to water is suddenly blocked? Water users in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID) in southern Alberta are currently facing this... Read More
With many still waiting for some actual spring-like weather now three weeks into April, we are checking in with farmers and ranchers across the country on this edition of Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio, brought to you today by Pioneer Seeds Canada. Host Shaun Haney will see who’s getting started or how much longer... Read More
Corn yield records are made to be broken. That was certainly the case in Ontario in 2021 when the provincial average topped 200 bushels per acre, smashing the previous average yield mark. But all the corn brings with it an abundance of organic matter to return to the soil. When it comes to soil health... Read More
Earlier this month the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal which could open the export doors even wider for Canadian canola producers. The proposed plan would recognize renewable diesel and jet fuel made from canola oil as “advanced biofuels” under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) is enthusiastic about... Read More
Happy Wednesday, all! It’s time for another episode of RealAg Radio, sponsored today by MNP. Shaun Haney is back in the host seat as well — so buckle up, it’s going to be a good show. You’ll hear: Kody Blois, Liberal member of parliament for King-Hants in Nova Scotia, and chair of the Parliamentary Standing... Read More
In an effort to gain a better understanding of agriculture on the Prairies, Liberal Member of Parliament for King-Hants in Nova Scotia, Kody Blois, recently visited Saskatchewan to learn about innovation happening in the province, and to hear what challenges producers are facing. Blois serves as the chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and... Read More
Spring is clawing its way forward for many parts of Canada, but slowly. Snow continued to fall in Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan over the Easter weekend, and even Ontario is getting a taste of a slow-to-start spring. The cold weather sure brings up some interesting questions regarding planting and seeding, nitrogen applications, weed control,... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. Kara Oosterhuis is in the host seat today, and she’s got a jam-packed lineup for you. You’ll hear: Hannah Konschuh, operator of Generation Land & Grain Co. Ltd., at Cluny, Alta., with an excerpt from The Successors podcast; James Tansey of Manitoba Agriculture, and Meghan Vankosky of... Read More
The values of some of the current commodities may be at numbers we’ve never seen before; however, the trends are not new. Brian Voth of IntelliFarm joined RealAg Radio to discuss some of the current trends in the markets, and how producers can navigate through them. “The patterns we’re seeing, they’ve shown up in history... Read More
Mitigating pests will always be a top priority for many, but how much of a role can Mother Nature play in that process? In our season premiere of the Pests & Predators podcast, we’ll be talking about the relationship between unwanted pests and insects. This time we’re adding in a third element: weather. Host Shaun... Read More
Here’s to hoping everyone had a great Easter weekend! We are excited to be back with another episode of The Agronomists. We’re hitting the ground running with this week’s topic: nitrogen management. More specifically, this episode is focused on managing N losses and products that potentially help reduce some of those losses. This week’s panel... Read More
We all know here’s more than one way to achieve a goal, and farming is no exception. Four years ago RealAgriculture caught up with an Indiana farmer pioneering relay and intercropping; fast forward to today and that same farmer is getting creative, now incorporating livestock into the mix. Jason Mauck was one of many in... Read More
Welcome to this Easter Monday edition of RealAg Radio. Wherever you are, we hope you are having a wonderful day. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Horst Bohner of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), on whether to plant your corn or beans first; Bethany Wyatt of BASF, on the importance of... Read More
When you are managing a farm or agriculture business of any size, some areas may feel more daunting than others, or you quickly realize where strengths are and which avenues could benefit from outside help. That’s when it’s time to hire consultants. There is no shortage of consultants specializing in a variety of topics including... Read More
In recent years, leading U.S. soybean researchers have touted the benefits of early planting to reduce the loss of yield potential as planting stretches into late April and pushes into May. But does this research give growers clear direction on the best time to plant further north in Ontario? Horst Bohner, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,... Read More
It’s no surprise that many cattle feeders are still facing negative margins. The combination of negative margins and a basis wider than we would like to see have created a question for many, says Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. From the producers’ perspective, what do we need to do to make this basis... Read More
Welcome to the Good Friday edition of RealAg Radio. Whatever this weekend means for you, we’re glad you are making RealAg Radio a part of your day. In today’s special edition of the show, you’ll hear Mark Gasparotto, of the Gasparotto Group, who was a combat engineer with the Canadian Army for 21 years. This... Read More
It’s time for RealAg Radio! We’ve got a great lineup for you on this Farmer Rapid Fire edition of the show, brought to you by ABJ Agri Products. You’ll hear: Jeff Harrison of Quinte West, Ont.; Murray Froebe of Homewood, Man.; Jim Hale of Lancer, Sask.; and John Guelly of Westlock, Alta. As well, you’ll... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic…Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. We’re live and in person again today for day three of our RealAg Summit — so needless to say, there’s a couple of laughs on today’s show. On today’s episode featuring host Shaun Haney and panelists Kara Oosterhuis, Bernard Tobin, and Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, you’ll hear... Read More
What a wild week in weather for much of the Northern Plains! The blizzard of decades is settling in on Manitoba, socking in many and closing the roads. Meanwhile in Ontario, the warm sunshine is setting up some winter wheat for nitrogen application, which brings us to some great questions for Wheat Pete’s Word. Host... Read More
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has been long-served by Bob Lowe as president, but upon his retirement from the role, Reg Schellenberg has stepped in. Heading in to the change in leadership, the cattle industry is healthy but with certain challenges ahead, including escalating input prices, severe drought, and a shrinking cow herd. Succession and... Read More
The team is in-person this week at Lethbridge, Alta., and that means we can record the radio show face to face! The panel today is made up of Shaun Haney, Kelvin Heppner, Lyndsey Smith, and Brittany Warner. On today’s show, the panel: Talks money for the agriculture policy framework; Increasing inflation; Pulling cattle off grass,... Read More
After a methodical march north from the Corn Belt, tar spot has now gained a foothold in Ontario. Last year, the yield-robbing leaf disease was confirmed in five counties in the southwestern, stretching from Essex to Simcoe. Characterized by tar-like speckling on the upper surface of corn leaves, the fungal pathogen has been delivering yield... Read More
Welcome to the Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Nikki Vercaigne of BASF, on the importance of inoculants in your pulse crops; Albert Tenuta of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) on tar spot management strategies for 2022; Sheldon Toews of BASF, on soil temperatures for seeding... Read More
The cattle value chain has undergone significant pressure both to the upside and down since 2019. A major fire at a plant in the U.S. caused a backlog of processing. Soon after, COVID-19 hit. During 2020 and 2021, demand both at home and abroad skyrocketed. In short, for an industry that has to plan for... Read More
When looking at maximizing the yield on soybean crops, there are plenty of variables to consider including timing, number of passes and which ones to use exclusively, or combine a couple to elicit the desired outcome. To gain insight on these variables, we turn to another 2021 Ontario Diagnostic Days video report, where we talk with Horst... Read More
Massey Ferguson debuted their entire S Series lineup this past February at the National Farm Machinery Show in Kentucky, and today we are going to take a closer look at the 7S series, the big brother to 6S that we took you through earlier. As we look to up the ante from the 6S, the... Read More
Would you become a long distance trucker for Walmart for US$110,00 per year? The retail giant hopes so. That’s just one item up for discussion on today’s RealAg Radio Issues panel. Featuring Meagan Murdoch of H+K Strategies, RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner and host Shaun Haney, the panel talks #cdnag in the 2022 federal... Read More
Agriculture received multiple mentions in the 2022 federal budget unveiled on Thursday, mostly in the context of climate programs that had previously been announced. The budget, with its projected $52.8 billion deficit, also included some tax changes that could potentially impact farmers. As part of this live episode of RealAg Politics, we unpacked what was... Read More
Spring is slowly making its way into the air across the country, as always, faster in some areas than others. As tractors begin to hit the fields, one of the things producers need to be paying attention to is which crop protection products could potentially hurt the marketability of a crop. Keep it Clean is... Read More
Thursdays are for catching up with farmer’s across the country. Find out how they are making out for their prep for spring…and spoiler alert, one of our farmers is already putting crop into the ground. Today on RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Brett Israel of Mapleton, Ont.; Dwayne Leslie of Poplar Point, Man.; Tim Oleskyn of... Read More
With some southern Alberta farmers already in the fields seeding, many producers are still waiting ?— and for good reason ?— as the weather across the Prairies can, and has, turned on a dime. The unpredictability that is spring weather is being demonstrated perfectly in Saskatchewan this week. The southwest portion of the province was the... Read More
Happy Wednesday, wherever you are! It’s time now for RealAg Radio. On today’s episode, you’ll hear: Reg Schellenberg, new president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), on some of his priorities going forward for the CCA; Greg Bartley of Pulse Canada, on Keep it Clean Canada, and some of the latest recommendations, including a change... Read More
If the weather cooperates in the next week or so, plenty of equipment will be rolling in Ontario. The ultra early seeding is already (or has already) happened in Western Canada, and some farmers are pretty excited to see if dormant seeding is the right call. And as we gear up for #plant22, farmers have... Read More
Potassium powers soybean yield. Nitrogen and phosphorus make key contributions and then there are the micros like sulphur and boron that pitch in and help. How much of these nutrients should growers apply in 2022 to optimize their soybean acres? How do you navigate the challenge of skyrocketing fertilizer prices and availability versus lucrative market... Read More
Changes have been made to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, announced earlier this week by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. The Program Workforce Solutions Road Map is an initiative that marks the next step in an ongoing effort to adjust and improve the TFW Program to ensure it continues to meet the... Read More
The right source, right rate, right time, and right place —together, these make up the 4Rs of nutrient management. In recent years, there has increased focus on 4R nutrient management as a tool of environmental stewardship, but in a year where input costs are through the roof, the 4R focus makes economic sense, too. Bethany... Read More
Thanks for taking the time to listen to RealAg Radio. Shaun Haney is back in his favourite seat — the host seat! On today’s episode of the show, you’ll hear: Marie-France Mackinnon of the Canadian Meat Council, on a temporary foreign worker announcement, and to discuss some of the changes; Nolan Berg of Azotic, for... Read More
Precision agriculture strategies and technology have become an integral part of managing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, but are edible bean growers using it effectively in dry bean crops? Dublin, Ont., grower and Hensall Co-op field marketer Dave Louwagie doesn’t think so. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Edible Bean School, Louwagie explains that compared to other... Read More
When it comes to insect pests, most of us feel quite strongly about them. Wireworms are no different; they are an insect we love to hate. To talk about all things wireworms, we go to our experts, and this time, we have three! Join in for the fun and informative session on all things wireworms... Read More
This Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio sounds a bit different — as Kara Oosterhuis of RealAgriculture is sitting in the host seat today. On this jam-packed episode, you’ll hear: Bethany Wyatt of BASF, on 4R nutrient management and saving on input costs; Rob MacDonald, in the fourth episode of the Canola PODcast series, brought... Read More
Over the past few years the phrase “unprecedented times” has been used often and for good reason. There has been a continual domino effect of global events that has put a unique strain on many things, especially global trade. The result is that change isn’t coming — it’s here. As a country, Canada needs to... Read More
Welcome to the fourth 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 today’s episode, we’re tackling myths about canola seed performance, and to break down the topic... Read More
In February, the seed industry participated in a three-day Seed Summit over the course of three Mondays. The summit brought together the entire value chain to discuss and answer some questions that have been top of mind between seed sellers and buyers, including what it means to meet the needs of producers. RealAgriculture founder and... Read More
We love Fridays, because we get to break down the top events of the week for all of you, our listeners. On today’s show, our RealAg Issues Panel, featuring host Shaun Haney and RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, break down net zero, fuel price inflation, the USDA corn planting number, huge skating rinks, and... Read More
When we look at the cost of gain, it’s historically high. As Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchanger explains in our latest Beef Market Update, we have reached record highs for cost of gain — with the second highest year on record being last year. “We’re in this environment, the last two years, where... Read More
It’s Farmer Rapid Fire Thursday here on RealAg Radio! From across Canada, you’ll hear: Brendan Byrne of Essex, Ont.; Simon Ellis of Wawanesa, Man.; Kris Mayerle of Tisdale, Sask.; Todd Hames of Marwayne, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via email shaney@realagriculture.com, on Twitter by using the... Read More
With so many factors being tied to the war between Russia and Ukraine, many are trying to get a grasp on the situation to better situate themselves, or to just make sense of it. Understanding something that you’ve never been a part of can be a difficult task, and that’s why we’ve brought in a... Read More
Have you zeroed your row units? It’s one way to help ensure the corn planter is planting at the same depth across the entire implement and the field. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, Kearney Planters sales and customer care specialist Jay Curtis shows why zeroing row units is important and how to do it... Read More
Spraying fungicides from within the canopy is a more efficient method of achieving good crop coverage, as compared to trying to penetrate the crop from above. That’s the idea behind the Beluga drop hose — technology developed in Germany by Agrotop, and now distributed by Greenleaf Technologies in North America. RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin caught up... Read More
Welcome to the last Wednesday of March; not sure how that happened so quickly but I’m not complaining as we see spring get into full swing! We have a great lineup for you today on RealAg Radio. Lots to talk about including: Breaking down and trying to make sense of the markets with Chip Flory,... Read More
There are so many questions surrounding nitrogen management this spring, and for good reason. Nitrogen is darn expensive and might be hard to come by in the coming weeks. For this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson covers questions about split application N, N stabilizers, N credits and making the most of... Read More
As of March 30, there are three confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza on commercial poultry farms in Ontario. That’s in addition to a case in a commercial turkey flock in Nova Scotia and positive findings in wild birds in six Canadian provinces. The H5N1 pathotype has also been found in commercial flocks in... Read More
As farmers contemplate a multitude of variables heading into this growing season, crop prices are favourable, indeed. Favourable does not mean stress-free by any means. With commodity prices hovering high for numerous crops, many farmers have yet to pull the trigger on locking in prices with the optimism and hope that those numbers will continue... Read More
Fendt, who released the Momentum planter at last year’s Commodity Classic, debuted the latest updates at this year’s show with a focus on dry fertilizer applications. The Momentum planter has features designed to put more money in the farmer’s pocket including in-line tandem wheels, as opposed to side by side, which therefore eliminates pinch-rows. Additionally,... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. We’ve got lots to discuss on today’s show, so buckle up! You’ll hear: Al Mussell, research director at the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), on a recent report CAPI released on trade and policy gaps — from both a Canadian and a global perspective; Branden Leslie, manager... Read More
What’s going on below ground? That’s a question farmers often ask when it comes to tillage and the impact different tillage strategies and implements have on soil and crop roots. In this 2021 Ontario Diagnostic Days video report, we catch up with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) soil management specialist Sebastien Belliard,... Read More
It’s too early to call time of death on any wheat crop just yet…mostly. The trouble is that wheat, like all crops, is rather valuable right now, and if there’s crop forwarded contracted, it’s important to make sure there’s enough to deliver. But how do you make the call on what’s enough of a crop... Read More
Hopefully you had a great weekend, whatever that meant for you. Just like that, it’s Monday again. The positive of Monday on RealAg Radio, means we get to talk all things agronomy! Host Shaun Haney has a great lineup for you. You’ll hear: Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph — Ridgetown Campus, on glyphosate... Read More
Glyphosate supply has been a hot topic this winter as growers look for ways to navigate through short supplies of this critical weed control tool. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Soybean School, University of Guelph weed scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema joins Bernard Tobin to discuss best practices and strategies to help growers make the most of... Read More
Grain Growers of Canada has announced a “Road to 2050″ initiative aimed at helping the Canadian government work toward its commitment of net-zero emissions by 2050. “The ‘Road to 2050’ will propose a path forward that focuses on innovation, research and beneficial management practices. This will boost productivity while continuing to enhance soil quality, improving... Read More
Today’s episode of RealAg Radio is fun one — with (most) of the same people on our RealAg Issues Panel…just in a bit of a different order. Guest hosted by RealAgriculture’s Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith, today’s show tackles a number of different topics, including rail movement, labour codes, potato trade resumption, and more! Kody... Read More
Snowbanks may have made moving feed to cattle a challenge in eastern areas of the Prairies that received plenty of snow this winter, but cattle producers are definitely not complaining about the now-melting drifts as they scratch through an extremely tight feed situation in anticipation of green pastures. As foreseen since the drought last summer,... Read More
Automation isn’t the only new advancements being made in farm equipment, as proven by New Holland that’s moving forward commercializing a methane powered tractor. The new sustainably-minded T6.180 tractor was on display at Commodity Classic in New Orleans earlier this month. Mark Lowery, with New Holland, talks about the new opportunities on the horizon for... Read More
Welcome to this Thursday edition of RealAg Radio. It’s time to catch up with farmers across the country, and see what they are up to this week! You’ll hear: Katie Keddy, of Woodville, N.S.; Sandi Brock, of Staffa, Ont.; Scott Perkin, of Elgin, Man.; and, Kent Erickson, of Irma, Alta. As well, you’ll hear a... Read More
If ever there was a time to get up to speed on how to protect different types of nitrogen fertilizer from various forms of loss, it’s now. That’s not just because fertilizer prices are sky high — it’s also because the total amount of N fertilizer that makes it to Canadian farms this spring might... Read More
It’s not the most common tractor name in the yard, but Deutz-Fahr’s Warrior line caught the attention of plenty of attendees at the 2022 National Farm Machinery Show. Kara Oosterhuis, with RealAgriculture, was there to chat with Andrew Winkels, product marketing manager for Deutz-Fahr. In this video, Winkels talks about the new Warrior line of... Read More
A difficult fall, with too much rain, late planting and reduced acres, made for a tough Ontario wheat crop heading into winter. As we move into late March, the crop is looking good and RealAgriculture’s resident wheat guru Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is enthusiastic about prospects for the crop. On this latest Wheat School episode, Johnson notes... Read More
It’s Wednesday, people! Is the snow melting where you are? Is spring in the air? From the RealAgriculture studio in Lethbridge, Alta…it’s a windy 20 degrees celsius. We’ve got a terrific lineup for you on today’s episode of RealAg Radio. You’ll hear: Kevin McNew, chief economist at Farmers Business Network (FBN) on a new economic... Read More
RealAgriculture and Agri Studies are excited to move forward with the next stage of their partnership: the RealAgristudies Insights Panel. When we need to understand the latest innovation, we go to scientists and engineers. When we need to understand legislative changes, we go to politicians for answers. When we want to know what farmers think…... Read More
With increasing demands for commodities and a desire by many to work smarter not harder, automation within farm equipment has taken a front seat and Raven is dedicated to creating autonomic solutions for new and traditional farm machinery. Commodity Classic in New Orleans was the backdrop for the introduction of Raven’s Omnipower 3200, the latest... Read More
As the snow recedes and fields begin to show up again, some farmers are itching to get going on field work — from frost seeding to early nitrogen. But, hold up. It’s way too early for N, even for forage crops, for the vast majority of Ontario right now. It’s not too early for clover... Read More
Move over ‘spic and span’ and ‘squeaky clean’, there’s a new measure of clean in town thanks to one southern Ontario man who’s hashtag #AndyClean, has taken over Twitter, gaining him the attention, and backing, of John Deere. Andy Pasztor is the man behind the brand #AndyClean and interestingly enough, although he was the muse... Read More
Soybean farmers are riding the wave as the market continues to see a strong global demand creating a multitude of opportunities for growers. Caleb Ragland, director with the American Soybean Association (ASA), says although the input prices remain high, commodity prices also remain high, creating an offset that will likely be very favourable for soybean... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! Our show today is dedicated to the topic of conservation easements. Host Shaun Haney will play some clips from a recent webinar he hosted with Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGF). The list of panelists you’ll hear include: Tom Harrison, of the SSGF Tenille Hammon, rancher Chay Anderson,... Read More
Independent depth control is one of the features that makes Unverferth’s Raptor strip till tools a good fit for growers looking to create ideal seedbeds in the tillage system, the company says. At the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky, Unverferth’s Garrick Schroeder took RealAgriculture on a short tour of the Raptor. In this video,... Read More
Soybeans are a handy crop in rotation, as it fixes its own nitrogen, through N-fixing nodules on its roots. But soybeans still need a full compliment of other macro and micronutrients to reach maximum yields. To discuss identifying, correcting, and avoiding micronutrient deficiencies, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by guests Aaron Stevanus of the Mosaic... Read More
Welcome to spring and to another edition of Agronomic Monday on RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: John Gavloski, Manitoba Agriculture, giving us an update on the grasshopper forecast for Western Canada; Brad Walker, Belmont Farm Supply, on the fertilizer shipment disruptions in eastern Canada and what it means from a retailers point of... Read More
Supply chain issues continue to cause disturbances as the U.S. IP soybean market has product but is finding it increasingly difficult to secure transportation to export to the countries with the highest demand. As Canadian producers are working to fulfill contracts around the world, producers south of the border are looking to do the same... Read More
As warmer weather arrives, it’s time for final planter preparation. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, Kearney Planters sales and customer care specialist Jay Curtis takes a look at some of the basic requirements to ensure row units are ready to travel at the proper depths, seed drops are accurate, and the seed trench... Read More
We’ve talked about the “why” of creating an advisory board for the farm or agriculture business, but the “how” of setting one up requires some discussion, as well. Terry Betker, founder of Backswath Management, says that putting together an advisory board is perhaps a little different than you might think at first. Maybe people’s minds... Read More
As the calendar makes its way through March, Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, says we are running short on time for a surprise spring rally. On the demand side, things are looking really good. However, it’s posing a bit of a problem, as it’s not translating to the cash cattle side, do to... Read More
After a week’s hiatus, we’re back with our favourite part of Friday — the RealAg Issues Panel. Joining today’s panel is host Shaun Haney, and guests Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, Lyndsey Smith, of RealAgriculture, and Brendan Byrne, farmer and chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. The group discusses stranded fertilizer, interest rates, inflation concerns, and... Read More
Railway performance has been subpar for several weeks when measured by rail car fulfillment for the grain industry. For Week 29 of the marketing year (mid-February) fulfillment hovered below 45 per cent. There’s no denying the numbers, but the context of those numbers bears digging in to, says David Przednowek, assistant vice president of grain for... Read More
It seems the only certainty in the ag industry is knowing there will always be a level of uncertainty. Knowing this, Agricultural Economic Insights (AEI) have designed a tool to help farmers forecast commodity prices within specific timeframes, share their predictions, and even get a payout if they are the most accurate. David Widmar, with... 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 your place on the farming operation? What can you do to keep the lines of communication open? What can a peer group provide to both you and your career? Fiona... Read More
Drought, offshore import shortages, and labour disruptions are among several factors CN Rail is juggling as the railway continues to work in overdrive to ensure products and commodities get to where they need to be. Many people likely think of trains running westbound bringing goods to the coast, however in recent times, where it seems... Read More
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here’s to hoping you have the luck of the Irish on your side this year. Speaking of lucky…it’s time for this week’s Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Mark Burnham, of Ont.; Bruce Holmquist, of Sask; Sukhpaul Bal, of B.C.; and Wilco Van Meijl ,of... Read More
Fertilizer suppliers and retailers are scrambling to sort out the impact of the Canadian government’s sanctions on fertilizer from Russia and Belarus, including shipments that were paid for and loaded prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Fertilizer has historically been one of Canada’s largest imports from Russia. Approximately 660 to 680 thousand tonnes of nitrogen... Read More
After being back on the road and attending several trade shows filled with machinery, one thing is certain — combines aren’t getting smaller, and neither are the headers. Kevin Forth, tactical marketing manager for Fendt, was on hand at Commodity Classic at New Orleans, Louisiana, to showcase the latest addition to the Fendt IDEAL combine —... Read More
As producers start to prepare for the upcoming seeding season, equipment manufacturers are also preparing for what could be another successful year for their industry. Despite all of the challenges that came with the pandemic, including persistent supply chain shortages, the ag equipment industry has seen strong sales over the course of the last two... Read More
It’s not easy to get a handle from an economic perspective on what some of the outcomes and the impacts are of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It’s already caused inflationary pressure, as Russia becomes cut off from the rest of the world, but as Kevin McNew, chief economist at Farmers Business Network (FBN), explains,... Read More
It is somehow WEDNESDAY already! Welcome to this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio. You’ll hear: David Przednowek of CN Rail, on the performance of the railways, and the why’s behind some of the numbers when it comes to rail cars; Robert Gobeil of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), on Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, and... Read More
The electrical current that makes the global supply chain run is reliability and predictability. If ever someone had “unplugged” that current, it’s now. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soybean Transportation Coalition, says that the past few weeks and few years have been a real eye-opener for some, that what happens half-way across the globe... Read More
Crop nutrients are top of mind for just about everyone this week, from what the prices will be, to whether or not orders will even be fulfilled for eastern Canada, including Ontario and Quebec. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson talks about some of the logistical challenges of world... Read More
The 2021 average increase in farmland values isn’t entirely surprising, says J.P. Gervais, chief economist for Farm Credit Canada (FCC), but the magnitude of the increase certainly is. With a weighted average of 8.3 per cent on the year, the significant weather events of the year — the extreme drought for the Prairies and parts of... Read More
When you think insects and drought…it can be a tricky combination. After the drought across the Prairies in 2021, there are many farmers asking the question: what are grasshopper populations going to look like in 2022? Parts of Manitoba have fortunately experienced large amounts of snowfall this winter, enough that the ditches could be underwater... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! We’re nearly half-way through March, if you can believe it. Today’s focus is heavy on land prices — so you won’t want to miss it. You’ll hear: J.P. Gervais of Farm Credit Canada, breaking down some of the highlights from FCC’s Farmland Values Report; Janice Tranberg of... Read More
Move over, green-on-ground spray technology: green-on-green is here. And not just any green, John Deere green. Kaylene Ballesteros, product manager with John Deere, took RealAgriculture’s Kara Oosterhuis for a tour of the tech at Commodity Classic at New Orleans, Louisiana, last week. “This here is our See & Spray Ultimate. That is our in-season solution... Read More
What can growers do to reduce crop injury in soybean fields where they rely on soil-applied herbicides for weed control? Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs weed management specialist Mike Cowbrough sees this type of injury every year in soybean fields, but he says there are always other factors at play including untimely rain, compaction... Read More
Planning for great corn yields begins the year before, by assessing how well the planned plant population translated to actual cobs per acre. That’s key information that informs THIS year — how well did you do on the planting pass, setting up the corn crop for success? Is picket-fence the goal, or is it a... Read More
It’s pie day — 3.14, but there’s no pie here. Instead, we’ve got a lot of ground to cover on this Agronomic Monday — so let’s get to it! You’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on how much winter snow actually translates to spring moisture (and much more); Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research... Read More
Supply chain disruptions from fertilizer, to fuel, to equipment and equipment parts have plagued the agriculture industry for several months, but there isn’t an end in sight. Eric Raby, senior vice president of Americas for CLAAS was at Commodity Classic at New Orleans, Louisiana, providing customers with some answers to some of their questions. The... Read More
Attention to detail and some help from Mother Nature earned Simcoe, Ont., grower first place in the 2021 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) overall yield category. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, Van Netten speaks with agronomist Peter Johnson and shares how he grew 152.8 bu/ac to earn the Gold award in the pilot year for the Great Lakes... Read More
Welcome to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. We’re switching it up — there’s no typical RealAg Issues Panel, as part of the RealAgriculture team is on the ground at Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana. Co-hosts Shaun Haney and Kara Oosterhuis share some of their thoughts from the show, along with some of the... Read More
In the near term, at least, all bets are off as to just how high fertilizer prices might climb. “We already had situation where last fall, China had stepped out and said ‘no more exports of fertilizer, phosphate and nitrogen.’ That was bad. Now all of a sudden we are talking about removing Russia. That... Read More
Growers will see more efficient row units and a bigger tank when they take a look at the Precision Disk 550 series air drill from Case IH. The company rolled out the drill for its first public viewing at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky last month. In this video report, Trent Nowosad, Case IH... Read More
When the government releases a report at 6 pm on a Friday, just ahead of the House of Commons rising for a few weeks, it’s reasonable to assume it’s bad news. So when Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada released its white paper on its upcoming fertilizer emission reduction target exactly then last week, many, including Dave... Read More
It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time for the Farmer Rapid Fire! On today’s episode we start in Ontario and end in Ontario, and you’ll see why in a moment. Hear from: Jennifer Doelman, Renfrew, Ont.; Aaron Hargreaves, Brandon, Man.; Devon Walker, Lashburn, Sask.; Jeff Nonay, Edmonton, Alta.; and, Chris Moore, Kinburn, Ont. Thoughts on... Read More
The head-spinning volatility in the grain markets that has coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is expected to continue for a while, as the market continues to grapple with what the war means for a supply-demand scenario that was already tight. “We need to remember the table was set coming into this. We were already... Read More
While there are still plenty of unanswered questions surrounding the federal government’s goal of reducing nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer by 30 per cent by 2030, the organization that represents Canada’s fertilizer manufacturers and suppliers is welcoming the release of a discussion paper outlining the government’s plan. The document, in which the federal government summarizes... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio! Even though Shaun Haney and Kara Oosterhuis are in New Orleans at Commodity Classic, we’re still keeping the show going. On today’s show, hear from: Karen Proud of Fertilizer Canada, and: Dave Carey of the Canadian Canola Growers Association, as they both discuss the recent white paper released... Read More
It won’t be long now until many Ontario farmers who put in winter wheat last fall will be anxiously watching crop green up and regrow to determine if the crop is worth leaving, or if it needs to be ripped out. Crop prices are good pretty much across the board — especially wheat — so... Read More
There is so much happening in the carbon credit space right now, even those with over a decade in the business are taking a cautious approach. Alastair Handley, founder of Radicle, based at Calgary, Alta., says he’s got two words of advice for farmers itching to sell carbon credits to the voluntary market: slow down.... Read More
It’s easy for growers to get excited in July when the rows close in their soybean crops and lush canopies are intercepting sunlight, generating high photosynthesis rates and building big yield potential. But there could be trouble ahead if sclerotinia — the pathogen that influences white mould — infects flowers and allows the yield-robbing disease... Read More
It’s International Women’s Day! Thanks for checking out RealAg Radio. This show is co-hosted by Lyndsey Smith and Kara Oosterhuis, featuring an interview with Fiona Jochum, farmer from Manitoba, plus an excerpt from last night’s episode of The Agronomists with Deb Campbell of Agronomy Advantage, and Anne Kirk of Manitoba Agriculture. And, listen on for a... Read More
The Do More Agriculture Foundation is welcoming a new executive director. Megz Reynolds, former Saskatchewan grain farmer and well-known online agriculture advocate, has been hired to lead the organization that is focused on being a national leader, voice and champion for mental health in Canadian agriculture. She replaces Adelle Stewart, who led Do More Ag since... Read More
There’s a certain number of acres that switch from one crop to another every spring, but #plant22 could be unlike any other, given the global uncertainty, sky-high crop prices, input supply chain disruptions, and pricey fertilizer. A last minute cropping change requires a bit of homework, however. To tackle what’s at issue, we go to... Read More
Great Plains is expanding the capacity and efficiency of its BD7600 box drill lineup with the addition of a 50-foot model. Two years after the initial roll-out of the BD7600, the company is now offering its largest model size with several enhancements, including hydraulic drive with DrillCommand capabilities, an exclusive metering system, and a durable, field-tested design. Now... Read More
Thanks for tuning into Agronomic Monday on RealAg Radio. On today’s episode, you’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist with an agronomy update from the east; Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist with Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions with an agronomy update from the west; and The top ag news stories of the... Read More
The Salford Group rolled out the latest model in its Halo tillage line at the National Farm Machinery Show last month at Louisville, Kentucky. The company is touting its latest innovation — the Halo VRT — as the agricultural industry’s first tillage implement capable of varying tillage intensity on a forward folding, narrow transport frame. Salford’s... Read More
We don’t know about you…but we sure are excited it’s Friday! On today’s episode of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, outlining the extreme volatility in the market right now. And of course, since it’s Friday, we have a fantastic RealAg Issues Panel for you,... Read More
As the situation continues to unravel in Ukraine, many in the agricultural industry are following the markets, and trying to get a handle on the impacts. This week’s Beef Market Update is no different. Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange says we have often talked about uncertainty and volatility in the last few years... Read More
Although we don’t quite know what the moisture situation is going to be like for seeding across the Prairies, we do know one thing: if it’s dry, there are certain things we’re really going to have to watch out for this spring. One of those items on the watch list is fertilizer injury of seed.... Read More
In June of this year, Michael Hoffort will end his 34-year career with Farm Credit Canada (FCC), having spent the last eight years as president and chief executive officer. Hoffort joined FCC in the late ’80s, a decade that was known to be particularly difficult for the farming sector, marked by sky-high interest rates, poor... Read More
Canada grows a lot of seed — from forage, canola, wheat and a host of other crops. But when it comes to Canadian edible bean production, the vast majority of the crop is grown from seed produced in Idaho. The decision to grow seed south of the border really comes down to the need to control seed... Read More
Karn Manhas, CEO of Terramera, wants to know why Canada is lagging so far behind the U.S. when it comes to investing in carbon capture demonstration and knowledge transfer within the farming and agriculture sector. Terramera is an agriculture tech company based at Vancouver, focused on artificial intelligence, computer modelling, and diagnostic devices. Manhas spoke... Read More
Wondering what other farmers are up to across the country? Tune into today’s episode of Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio to find out! You’ll hear: Mark Huston of Chatham-Kent, Ont.; Mark Torrey of Woodville, Ont.; Randy Court of Plumas, Man.; Jeff Bennett of Dodsland, Sask; and Jesse Meyer of Woking, Alta. As well, don’t... Read More
It’s been a wild ride for the commodity markets in light of what’s happening with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Chuck Penner of Leftfield Commodities Research joined RealAg Radio on Wednesday to help interpret a bit of what is happening, in what is a very fluid situation. As Penner explains, it’s tough to even talk about... Read More
Happy Hump day! Thanks for tuning into RealAg Radio. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodity Research, on the impacts of Russian invasion of Ukraine on the commodity markets; Dr. Sara Place, chief sustainability officer at Elanco, on how livestock production fits into the sustainability equation; Steve McQueen of ALPINE, with a... Read More
Several Canadian companies have been impacted by what has happened thus far between Ukraine and Russia, and the aggression by Russia. North American Plant Genetics (NAPG) is one of those companies — based in Canada, with international partners — and their focus being entirely on Ukraine. The company sources genetics from breeders in Canada and... Read More
Being able to define “sustainability ” is critical when it comes to understanding the impact of livestock production, and while environmental metrics are often top of mind, the definition must also account for social and economic outcomes. Dr. Sara Place, chief sustainability officer with animal health company Elanco, joined RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney this... Read More
Precision Planting, a company well known for innovative planting technologies, has set its sights on the sprayer market, revealing projects focused on improving the operation and data collection of sprayers. In January, the company announced it was working on three sprayer technologies it will be testing this summer and releasing over the next couple of years.... Read More
Spring has sprung — at least meteorologically — says host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. In this very first spring 2022 episode, he tackles a plethora of topics, including Soil Champion highlights, wheat exports, starter nitrogen, and more! Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send... Read More
Canada and Ukraine share a deep connection, as Canada is home to the second largest population of Ukrainians outside of the country, after Russia. Ukraine’s influence can be seen and tasted in towns across Manitoba and Saskatchewan especially, in the shape of churches and delicious perogies and cabbage rolls. With so many Canadians sharing a... Read More
It’s that time — time for RealAg Radio! On today’s episode, brought to you by Lakeland College, you’ll hear: Jars Balan, past director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta; Claire Cowan, CEO of North American Plant Genetics; and A product spotlight with Geoff Brown of Lakeland College. Thoughts on... Read More
When should growers apply nitrogen during the growing season to help their soybean crop optimize yield? That’s a question Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soybean specialist Horst Bohner tackles in this 2021 Ontario Diagnostic Days video report. Bohner kicks off the discussion with help from Aaron Stevanus, agronomist and Mosaic technical sales manager. For Stevanus,... Read More
It’s entirely possible that while herbicide supplies will be tight for #plant22, there will be enough to go around. That said, at least two popular herbicides — glyphosate and glufosinate — will be somewhat limited. What does that mean for herbicide plan B or C? Will tight supplies of some of the more popular actives... Read More
Happy Birthday to all of you leap day babies out there…whether you celebrate today or tomorrow! Our gift to you is Agronomy Monday! On this episode of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, on herbicide plans, starter fertilizer, insects, and more: Jason Voogt of Field2Field Agronomy, on crop rotations from... Read More
When it comes to biosecurity and livestock, we’re often focused on hogs or poultry. But what about cattle? Dr. Julia Herman, beef cattle specialist veterinarian at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), joined RealAg Radio to discuss why biosecurity should be more of a conversation on the ranch. When thinking about biosecurity and cattle, Dr.... Read More
With strong farm commodity demand and high crop prices, confident farmers attending the National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) at Louisville, Kentucky in February look to be eager to replace equipment and upgrade technology. In this interview from the floor of the NFMS, Kurt Coffey, Case IH vice president for North America, tells RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin that the Association... Read More
Perhaps you’ve heard about conservation easements, but aren’t sure if they might be a fit for your ranch. If that sounds like you, we’ve got an educational opportunity coming up for you! On March 3rd, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF), in partnership with RealAgriculture, is hosting a webinar Q&A to open up the conversation about... Read More
There is certainly no lack of concern in the marketplace right now when it comes to the supply of crop protection products and crop inputs. Going back a couple just a few weeks and even months, we first heard about glufosinate shortages, followed by glyphosate. Most recently, glyphosate announced a signifiant issue, when a supplier... Read More
It has been a tumultuous week on the world stage, and the RealAg Radio Issues Panel will discuss it all, but first, on this Friday edition of the show, hear from Trish Jordan of Bayer CropScience on why farmers should have steady supply of glyphosate for the seeding season and in to June. Then, Shaun... Read More
Trimble has launched Virtual Farm, an interactive online platform for farmers across the world to immerse themselves in precision agriculture. Users walk through a digital farm in this online tool, and identify common challenges they encounter on a day-to-day basis. From there, farmers are directed to Trimble’s connected solutions for each challenge and are paired... Read More
This interview was recorded on Wednesday, February 23, the day before Russia invaded Ukraine, an action that has since closed key ports for grain movement and disrupted fertilizer supply chains out of the region. We considered not posting this audio interview because the situation has changed so dramatically; however, much of the discussion is still... Read More
Farmers will find power, intuitive controls, and advanced technology in new Massey Ferguson MF 6S Series tractors, which delivers up to 180 hp — the highest from a four-cylinder on the market. The Massey Ferguson S Series tractors include the MF 5S, MF 6S, MF 7S and MF 8S Series. The 6S Series was rolled out at the... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Farmer Rapid Fire episode of RealAg Radio. You’ll hear from farmers across Canada, letting you know what’s happening on their operations, including: Warren Schneckenburger of Morrisburg, Ont.; Mike Shewchuk of Blaine Lake, Sask; Kresten Jorgenson of Special Area No.3, Alta; and Jack Froese of Winkler, Man. As well, you’ll hear... Read More
There is a difference between good work ethic and commitment and pushing too hard, to the point of burnout. What does burnout look like? And how do you balance racing against the weather, but stopping at “enough”? For those answers, host Shaun Haney goes to Hamza Khan, speaker and author of The Burnout Gamble, for... Read More
We’re tackling some big-picture items today in this episode of RealAg Radio. It’s a good one you won’t want to miss… You’ll hear: Neil Townsend of FarmLink Marketing Solutions, on geopolitical tensions in Russia and Ukraine impacting wheat and soybean markets; Andy Jung of Mosaic Company, on the impacts of these tensions from the fertilizer... Read More
Ask Wheat Pete and he’ll tell you that every day is Canada’s Agriculture Day, but for everyone else, it was February 22nd, and we hope you had a great time celebrating the people that make Canadian agriculture great. In this week’s podcast episode, host Peter Johnson tackles some key questions on Delta yield, the nutrient... Read More
If you’ve been following the markets lately, you’ll have noticed moves in the wheat markets in the past couple of days, driven by geopolitics. But what’s going on with soybeans? Neil Townsend, chief market analyst with FarmLink marketing solutions, joins RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney to discuss the impacts as Russia starts to make moves into... Read More
Back in fall of 2019, Vermeer Corporation acquired Schuler Manufacturing to add to its hay tool offerings. Debuted for the first time at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky, was a 600 cubic-foot-mixer — the VT 600 twin-screw vertical mixer. Kendra Davis, forage product marketing specialist with Vermeer, says the leading edge of... Read More
First off, to all of our Canadian listeners — happy Canada’s Agriculture Day! We’ve got a great lineup for you on this Tuesday-that-feels-like-a-Monday on RealAg Radio. You’ll hear: Michael Hoffort of Farm Credit Canada, on looking back on his career and the current state of ag lending and finance; Tom Harrison of the Saskatchewan Stock... Read More
Will a plant growth regulator help wheat growers harvest a better wheat crop? That’s the question Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) cereal specialist Joanna Follings and RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson tackle in this 2021 Ontario Diagnostic Days video report. We join Follings and Johnson at a wheat trial in Arva, Ont. —... Read More
Growers can look for greater capacity and productivity from the new 2150S Early Riser front-fold trailing planter from Case IH. The company unveiled the new split-row configuration of the planter last week at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky. With the arrival of the 2150S, Case IH has boosted planting capacity thanks to a 525-gallon fertilizer tank —... Read More
Welcome to this Monday edition of RealAg Radio. You know the drill: it’s time to talk all things agronomy. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Ward Smith of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on changing weather patterns and what that could mean for your rotations; Mark Gottselig of Global Ag Risk Solutions, with a product spotlight; and... Read More
John Deere unveiled their 5125M utility tractor at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky. Brian Thorpe, manager of territory business at John Deere, was on hand to showcase the additonal 5M series tractor, which brings the lineup range from 75hp to 125 hp. Equipped with Deere’s PowrQuad transmission, the utility tractor can do... Read More
It’s a good news, complicated news, good news sandwich for this week’s Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. The good news comes in the form of cash prices, which showed strength this week, up about $2, putting south Texas and Kansas numbers around $142. In the north, numbers hit between... Read More
We’re officially passed the half-way point of the Tuesday of all months, February. If you’ve been watching any news this week, you might share in today’s issues panel’s fatigue with trying to keep up with all that has been happening at the border crossings and in downtown Ottawa. For this edition of RealAg Radio, hear... Read More
All machinery-loving eyes were fixed on the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky this week. RealAgriculture had a full team on the ground in the home-of-the-bourbon state to talk to clients and cover the latest in machinery features and technology. The show was only down 20 exhibitors from prior years, and when talking to... Read More
Coming off an incredibly strong year for beef exports, and looking ahead to the future, the global demand for North American protein continues to be very strong. Just how strong the year ahead may be is contingent on several aspects, but Kent Bacus, senior director of international trade and market access for the National Cattlemen’s... Read More
There’s a reason Thursdays are a crowd favourite — each week, host Shaun Haney speaks with three to five farmers from across Canada to get a feel for what’s happening, what’s top of mind, and what’s in the workshop. This week, you’ll hear from some familiar voices, and some new ones, too. On the show:... Read More
Ruminant animals aren’t just great at turning grass and forage into nutrient-dense protein; they can also turn food waste back into food, but we need a system to do it. Dr. Kim Ominski, with the University of Manitoba, Dr. Tim McAllister, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Lethbridge, and Herman Peters, of Birkland Farms, join... Read More
The National Farm Machinery Show is underway this week in Louisville, Kentucky. Two of RealAgriculture’s team are there taking in the show and will be on the radio later this week to discuss how it’s gone. In the meantime, we’ve got a great Wednesday show lined up for you. On Wednesday’s show, host Shaun Haney... Read More
If you’re thinking of using a foliar spray to fix a macro nutrient deficiency, just hold on — Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has some thoughts on that. That’s just one of the topics he covers on this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Also on the podcast, hear about other options for glyphosate, why phone calls... Read More
While drought is still top of mind in Western Canada, especially in areas of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan that are without snow, there are reasons to be hopeful for more moisture on the Prairies than last year. With La Nina fading, it’s possible a shift in the jet stream along the West Coast could result... Read More
Thanks for listening to RealAg Radio, which airs Monday to Friday at 4:30 E on Rural Radio Channel 147, on Sirius XM. On today’s show, you’ll hear from: Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions, on weather trends and forecasts; Kent Bacus of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, to talk global beef trade; A segment on the... Read More
The confirmation of issues with the glyphosate ingredient supply chain has rattled the farming industry this week and added uncertainty for what spring may hold for input supplies. Another crop protection product that has also been under scrutiny when it comes to availability is glufosinate, also sold as Liberty by BASF. Mark Shillingford, director of... Read More
When it comes to applying nitrogen fertilizer, agronomists have to help determine the right rate, right placement, the right time, and the rate form of N to protect the environment and feed the crop. The backdrop to those decisions include the farm setup, soil test results, yield goals, and product availability. There’s also that key... Read More
How might a changing climate affect soybean production across Canada? On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Soybean School, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientist Ward Smith shares how he and his colleagues have been studying agroecosystem models to predict the impact changing climates have on soybean production. During the virtual Northern Soybean Summit hosted by last month... Read More
Yep — it’s the start of yet another week, which also means it’s time to talk agronomy! On today’s Agronomic Monday episode of RealAg Radio, we’re going to share some of our favourite episodes of The Agronomists. You’ll hear: Horst Bohner of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and Doug Moisey of Pioneer... Read More
Host Shaun Haney has a great lineup for you on today’s episode of RealAg Radio. It’s Friday, so as you know, we have a RealAg Issues Panel for you, featuring: Meagan Murdoch of Hill + Knowlton Strategies; Jeff Nielsen, farmer from Olds, Alta.; and, Lyndsey Smith of RealAgriculture.com. The group discuss the Conservative leadership, blocked... Read More
Since the start of COVID-19, the rise of at-home fitness equipment has surged, especially with fitness centres not being able to remain open during lockdowns. Phil Villeneuve of Newtown Sales joins co-hosts Shaun Haney and Gary Chambers in this Fit Farmer podcast episode, to discuss the sporting goods industry. Originally from Sarsfield, Ont., Villeneuve spent... Read More
The Weston Family Foundation has launched a $33 million challenge for Canadian producers in an effort to spur development of long-term fruit and vegetable production. The Homegrown Innovation Challenge will run until 2028, supporting new ideas, technology, and business models that will help offset the 80 per cent of fresh fruit and vegetables currently supplied... Read More
With an eye to the future, cattle prices and cut-out values will eventually have to reflect significant shifts in labour and robotics, packaging, transport, and sustainability demands on the sector. Over the last 23 months, there’s been a lot of talk about supply chains moving from just-in-time delivery to a more of a just-in-case type... Read More
It’s Thursday, and Shaun Haney is back in the host seat, just in time for one of his favourite days — the Thursday Farmer Rapid Fire. On today’s show, you’ll hear from: Steve Terpstra, of Atwood, Ont.; Riley Anderson of River Valley, Man.; Jake Leguee of Filmore, Sask.; and Chris Allam of Edmonton, Alta. As... Read More
Each week, we here at RealAgriculture choose a new question to ask in our poll. A few weeks ago, we asked which professional farmers plan to add to the farm in the year ahead. The final tally favoured a business/succession expert, but adding a marketing advisor ranked second. Brain Voth, founder of IntelliFarm Inc., isn’t... Read More
Proponents of a new private member’s bill that would remove natural gas and propane used on farms for grain drying and barn heating from the federal carbon pricing system are hoping it will proceed on an accelerated timeline, given the fact the bill is very similar in wording and intent to a previous bill that... Read More
Thanks for taking the time to tune into RealAg Radio. The snow in Manitoba keeps on falling, but Kelvin Heppner took a break today from clearing to guest host, and has a great lineup for you today. You’ll hear: Don Close of RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, on a report he published on the four major... Read More
If you’ve been waiting for your question to be answered by Peter Johnson, today is your day. Yes, there are some talking points in this Wheat Pete’s Word, but Johnson has devoted most of this episode to Q and A! Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in?... Read More
The impact of 2021’s drought and heat across many parts of the Prairies continues to be a key point in conversation as we look towards the 2022 growing season. Meghan Vankosky, field crop entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) based at Saskatoon, Sask., recently spoke at Alberta’s Agronomy Update to discuss the impact the... Read More
Fine-tuning nitrogen and managing lodging are two key strategies that helped earn London, Ont., wheat grower Jeff Cook a third place finish in the 2021 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) overall yield category. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, Cook speaks with agronomist Peter Johnson and shares how he grew 148.6 bu/ac to earn the bronze... Read More
How can you build soil organic matter? How long does it take and what’s the impact on yield? University of Guelph researcher Laura Van Eerd and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) soil management specialist Anne Verhallen tackle these questions in this 2021 Ontario Diagnostic Days video report. The researchers visit Van Eerd’s... Read More
This just in! There are strange markings showing up on spray nozzles all over Canada. What could these numbers and letters possibly mean? It’s time for the long-awaited next instalment of Exploding Sprayer Myths with Jason Deveau and Tom Wolf of Sprayers 101. Acting as their alter-egos, Chuck Underhand and Tip Heavily, the dynamic duo... Read More
Ruts are compaction we can see, but what about the yield-robbing compaction you don’t see? What can we do to prevent compaction, and how do we manage already-compacted ground? For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by compaction action gurus Jodi Dejong-Hughes, extension specialist with the University of Minnesota, and Ian McDonald, crop... Read More
It’s Monday, and that means it’s time to talk agronomy! On today’s February Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, with a little bit of everything; Meghan Vankosky, field crop entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), on some insect forecasts for the Prairies in canola —... Read More
There’s so much going on in the geopolitical scene right now, and all that works its way back in to the markets. The focus right now is squarely on Russia and Ukraine and how the current political situation is impacting markets. Joining RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney to break it down is Arlan Suderman, chief... Read More
It’s the end of the work week — thanks for wrapping up the week with RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, with an update from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Cattle Convention. It’s Friday, which means we’ll also have a RealAg Issues... Read More
This episode of the Beef Market Update comes to you from Houston, Texas, as Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange reviews the events of the past week, down at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) convention. To start off, Wasko says it was a good week for the U.S. cattlemen to be together, as... Read More
Depending on where you farm, the story of the 2021 edible bean varied across the country. Growers in Eastern Canada were the recipients of excellent growing conditions that produced above-average yields in most classes. The story in Western Canada was much different, however, as growers endured a dry, difficult year that produced below-average crops. On... Read More
Often thought of as an Ontario crop, some Manitoba farmers are showing an increased interest in growing food-grade soybeans. What does it take to grow identity-preserved beans? For that answer, we go to Sandy Hart, business manager at Sevita International. Food-grade soybeans are a premium product and require extra care and attention from planting, in... Read More
It’s that time of the week — it’s time for a Farmer Rapid Fire! As always, we’ve got a fantastic lineup for you. You’ll hear: Kennedy Kaufman of Woodstock, Ont.; Peggy Brekveld of Thunder Bay, Ont.; Landon Friesen of Crystal City, Man.; Cherilyn Nagel of Mossbank, Sask.; and Patrick Kunz of Beiseker, Alta. Thoughts on... Read More
Whether to support or oppose a widely-discussed piece of legislation that aims to increase price transparency in the U.S. cattle market is one of the big topics up for debate at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s annual Cattle Convention taking place at Houston, TX this week. There was a strong turnout for NCBA’s live cattle... 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 when it’s time to act on your true passion? What can you do to get through the cold winter months? Why do you need to learn more about yourself to... Read More
Dennis Laycraft, executive vice president of Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), is on location at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) annual convention happening now at Houston, Texas. Laycraft is part of the Canadian contingent and is taking part in several meetings with his U.S. and Mexican counterparts, discussing country of origin labeling, sustainability, processing capacity, and... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to this midweek, Groundhog Day edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear: Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist for StoneX Group Inc. with a look at the commodity markets; Sandy Hart, business manager for Sevita International, on what the opportunities are for food grade soybeans in Canada; and Dennis Laycraft... Read More
Of course we’re in for six more weeks of winter, Groundhog, we live in Canada! You know what else you can expect for the next six weeks (and longer)? Wheat Pete’s Word! On this week’s episode, host Peter Johnson explores many topics, including some shifting thinking on sulphur, how nitrogen fertilizer can acidify soil, and... Read More
The science supporting what we know and don’t know about soil health, nutrient cycling, and soil microbes builds every year. Not long ago, much of the soil management narrative focused on keeping soil covered (don’t farm naked!) to minimize erosion risk and build soil. Now we know that while preventing or at least decreasing erosion... Read More
Grain farmers are known for their generosity when supplying nitrogen to the corn crop, but many growers get stingy when providing nitrogen to the soybean crop. That’s a situation University of Illinois plant physiology professor Fred Below sees too often when it comes to managing the oilseed crop. In his presentation last month at the Ontario Agricultural Conference, Below... Read More
It may not be a brand new week, but it’s a new month — so we’re going with that. With January out of the way… the rush of 2022 begins. On today’s episode of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Marie-Claude Bibeau, on all the things she’s got on her plate... Read More
Host Lyndsey Smith and guests George Lazarovits of A&L Biologicals and Jon Treloar of Novozymes BioAg, discuss the evolution of biological products, what exists now, what’s working, what’s in the pipeline, any cautions around using biological products, and where they have made a significant difference in cropping systems. Catch a new episode of The Agronomists... Read More
The federal agriculture minister remains fully committed to her government’s cross-border vaccination mandate for truck drivers, despite pressure from some industry groups and provinces to loosen the requirement to reduce the impact it’s having on specific supply chains. While there’s been much discussion about the direct effect the mandate could potentially have on grocery prices,... Read More
Welcome to another Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show you’ll hear: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAg’s resident agronomist; Fred Below, professor in the Crop Science department at the University of Illinois; Justin Funk, market researcher and managing partner at AgriStudies Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host... Read More
VeriGrain has made some updates to their grain inventory product, since the last in-person trade show, including an update to the VeriGrain app. “We really made it easy for growers to take grain samples, track those samples, with the goal of getting a more representative sample and to be able to share and manage that... Read More
Today, farm robots come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re really not much different than a farm tractor, says Chuck Baresich, robot expert and general manager for Haggerty Creek Ltd. Last summer, Baresich joined OMAFRA crop innovation specialist Ian McDonald on the Ontario Diagnostic Days video series talk about the evolution of robot technology and where it fits... Read More
About a year after #buttergate took social media and mainstream media by storm, the working group tasked with investigating the issue has provided its conclusions and recommendations. It’s unfortunate we can’t go back in time and track the fatty acid profile of milk, says working group chair and president of Lactanet, Daniel Lefebvre, but we... Read More
In this Friday issues panel edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, joined by Andrew Campbell of FreshAir Media. They’ll be talking about: The trucker convoy; The Bank of Canada’s decision to not raise interest rates; and The hardness of butter; You’ll also hear special guest Greg Cherewyk, president of... Read More
This editorial was first published on Breaking the Box blog As an advisor with Emmertech, a Saskatchewan-based ag-tech accelerator and venture fund, I get to see the latest ideas and proposed solutions entrepreneurs are pitching to industry. It’s exciting to see companies from all across Canada vying for funding and the chance to locate and scale... Read More
The conversation surrounding supply chains and transportation have been plentiful as of late, and coming up on the list of things to watch is the National Supply Chain Summit. On January 31, the Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra is hosting a trade summit, with the participation of five other ministers, including Minister of Agriculture and... Read More
Farmers may be familiar with Morris Industries’ Quantum air seeder, but the company has recently made some updates to openers, too. “We’ve gone to a complete-cast opener on the unit sitting on the frame here,” says Garrie MacKay, district manager at Morris Industries, in this interview with Kara Oosterhuis at Western Canadian Crop Production Show,... Read More
We’re taking you on the regular cross-country check-in trip, including a dip into the U.S. on this Farmer Rapid Fire. On today’s show you’ll hear from: Aaron Bowman of Hampton, Ont.; Tyler Bartmanovich of Glenlea, Man.; Tamara Carter of Lacadena, Sask.; Franck Groeneweg of Three Forks, MT; and Wade McAllister of Penhold, Alta. Thoughts on... Read More
Thunderstruck Ag has launched a new grain dryer product, the ThunderDryer from GO Technologies. “The ThunderDryer gives you the opportunity to condition and dry your grain in your bin allowing you to take your grain off the field in better conditions and operate your harvest in less than favourable conditions,” says the company’s website. Jeremy... Read More
There are more than 660 Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) working in Ontario agriculture, a number that has grown tremendously in recent years that reflects the growing trust that farmers have in those who are certified. To gain insight into the evolving role of CCAs and how they’re working with farmers, Bernard Tobin is joined by... Read More
Egg Farmers of Canada is announcing a contribution of approximately 3.5 million fresh eggs to food banks across the country, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Canadian food security. Food Banks Canada appealed to more than 1200 egg farmers from across Canada for more local eggs to ensure that fresh, nutritious food be made... Read More
This mid-week edition of RealAg Radio is packed full of the same level of insight on ag issues you’ve come to expect. On today’s show you’ll hear from: Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on P.E.I. potatoes and trade issues with the U.S.; Rory Cranston joins the show for a Cirray product... Read More
Who would have thought that wireworms would cause so many calls and concerns? A discussion from a few weeks ago has certainly opened — ahem — a can of worms on the topic, and we’re here to set the record straight, mostly. In this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, you’ll hear that, plus we... Read More
As January marches towards a close, there’s plenty happening across the country. On this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Derek Johnson, the new Minister of Manitoba Agriculture, and the priority list for the province as he starts in the role; Greg Dahl, senior research at WinField United, on why plants can’t eat rocks;... Read More
The practice of variable rate seeding for corn continues to increase as growers attempt to match seeding rates and hybrid characteristics to the varying yield potential across their fields. With the growth of precision agriculture, every year more growers adopt variable rate seeding strategies but are they effectively evaluating and fine-tuning this strategy on their... Read More
There are more than a dozen decisions to make before the sprayer hits the field. Are conditions right? Are the tank-mix partners correct? Do I have the right nozzles? How’s my water? Should I be adding in something more? The key to making the right call for these and all the other decisions that go... Read More
Building organic matter is a complicated and sometimes slow process, but you can’t build soil organic matter without carbon and biological activity. There’s some research out there to suggest that adding commercial nitrogen fertilizer to cropping systems burns through organic matter — but field level research doesn’t show the same results. What’s happening? First time... Read More
Maybe it’s just us, but this month is flying by. On this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist at Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission, and our resident agronomist Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. They’ll both be talking about considerations for the upcoming growing season including barley on... Read More
If ever you’ve been frustrated by seemingly never getting to those big jobs you’d like to work on, or you feel like all you need to do is work faster and harder to get where you want to be, Chris Croft has six strategies he’d like you to try. Croft is a management trainer and... Read More
Manitoba’s new agriculture minister says helping producers recover from the drought of 2021 and maintaining cross-border movement of feed and the province’s agricultural exports are top priorities as he settles into the minister’s office. Derek Johnson was sworn in as Manitoba’s minister of agriculture last week, as the province’s new premier, Heather Stefanson, appointed her... Read More
2021 won’t be forgotten anytime soon in the cattle world. The January 1, 2022, Cattle on Feed report from CanFax showed a 12 per cent increase in the number of cattle on feed from a year ago, with placements down a bit. As Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange explains in our latest Beef... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, we’ve got a Beef Market Update for you with Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. We’ve also got an issues panel featuring host Shaun Haney, and RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner. They’ll be discussing small town growth, financial disconnects (which you can find more info on... Read More
Harvest weed seed control isn’t necessarily new to the agriculture industry. Farmers in Australia have been using seed control units on the backs of their combines to reduce weed seed return to the soil for several years. There are different methods to control weeds with a seed control unit — everything from cost-effective things like... Read More
When it comes to increasing soybean yield, University of Illinois plant physiology professor Fred Below has two words of advice — plant early. In his presentation earlier this month at the Ontario Agricultural Conference, Below shared data from eight years of trials that show growers in Illinois lose almost half a bushel (0.47 bu/ac) for every day... Read More
Imports of feed into southern Alberta since November have been unprecedented, but delays in shipments, of both corn and distillers’ dried grains (DDGs), from the U.S. have resulted in cattle feeders still having to scramble to find feed. As we reported earlier this week, many feedlots are waiting nervously for trains to arrive, with feed... Read More
There’s a rising number of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) cases in Manitoba’s hog population. The numbers are so high in fact, that Cam Dahl, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council, has deemed the issue to be a “general outbreak.” “Normally, this is a disease that we see spread in late spring or summer, a... Read More
And we’ve reached another Thursday, which can only mean one thing… The Farmer Rapid Fire! On this edition of the Farmer Rapid Fire, you’ll hear from: Billy Beaudry of Saint-Valérien de Milton, Quebec; Emery Huszka of Florence, Ont.; Rob Stone of Davidson, Sask.; and Shane Strydhorst of Neerlandia, Alta. Plus, Shayne Dueck of MNP joins... Read More
Regina is on its way to becoming the canola crush hub of the country. The most recent canola crush announcement, made last week, includes a 1.1 million metric ton capacity plant, funded by AGT Foods and Federated Co-operatives Limited. While announcements have been fast and furious the last few years, Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodities... Read More
The global phosphate market is experiencing some shortages lately and there is a potential domestic solution. Over the last ten years, Arianne Phosphate, based out of Montreal, Que. has been working on the largest green-field, or undeveloped phosphate deposit, located north of the Saguenay region. “It’s a very big deposit. Today it’s the world’s largest... Read More
Welcome to your mid-week edition of RealAg Radio! We appreciate our audience whether you’re tuning in on Rural Radio 147 or catching the podcast version. On today’s show you’ll hear: Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodity Research. He’s going to talk about the crush plant announcement and what that means for canola; Chad Wonchulanko is here... Read More
It’s always amazing to see how much can transpire in just one week. Since Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson returned from Montana last week, much of Ontario and the Prairies got a foot of snow or more, someone fell asleep on the listener line, and Pete owes someone a steak dinner over Ontario’s average corn yields.... Read More
Clean Seed’s new SMART Seeder MAX is surely a seeding unit like no other. For an in-depth discussion on the SMART Seeder MAX, Kara Oosterhuis caught up with Colin Rush, COO of Clean Seed, at their new assembly facility at Saskatoon, Sask. With a completely different way of engaging in the ground, the SMART Seeder... Read More
Planting corn into a cultivated strip provides many soil health and management benefits, but dealing with residue from the previous crop can prove challenging. In this video report from 2021 Ontario Diagnostic Days, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs corn specialist Ben Rosser and Anderson Agronomy Services agronomist Chad Anderson share what they’re learning from... Read More
On this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Cam Dahl of the Manitoba Pork Council, on how the pork industry is impacted by trucking issues; Mark Gottselig joins us for a Global Ag Risk Solutions (GARS) spotlight interview; Brian Ostrof, CEO of Arianne Phosphate, a domestic phosphate mine located in Quebec, on making a... Read More
The EVO LFS from Capstan Ag Systems is a turn compensation variable rate sectional control module for air drills. The new product was featured at the Western Canadian Crop Production Show (WCCPS) in Saskatoon, Sask. Garnet Welykholowa of Capstan Ag Systems breaks down what the new product is about in the interview below. “Capstan designed... Read More
On January 15th, Canada officially put in place a vaccine mandate for cross-border truck drivers. The United States is planning on doing the same starting January 22nd. Cam Dahl, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council, says from the perspective of the pork industry, the entire system is already strained and it’s uncertain know what... Read More
Mergers and acquisitions saw an active year in the ag tech sector over 2021. A recent report from Verdant Partners, states that there were over 50 technology deals announced in 2021, excluding biotechnology and food tech, representing a 40 per cent increase over 2020. More than 70 per cent of the transactions included a U.S.... Read More
How do you rebuild a farming community after the most serious flooding event in modern history? Last week on the Farmer Rapid Fire, Shaun Haney was joined by Rudi Meier, Abbotsford, B.C.-area farmer. Meier shared what his community is dealing with, now two months after the first flooding began in the Fraser River valley. “There’s... Read More
There are significant differences between what is available in Canada and the U.S. when it comes to adjuvant additions to the spray tank. But that’s not to say there aren’t options for Canadian farmers — there are — and knowing what’s available, how they work, and when to use them is key to getting the... Read More
Today’s agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio is brought to you by NuFarm Canada! You’ll hear the latest agronomic news from our resident agronomist Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, including soil pH, autonomous tractors, and the difference between carbon cycling and sequestration. Plus, Mike Bender joins the show for a NuFarm product spotlight. Then, your host... Read More
2021 was a big year for corn yield in Ontario. Although not official, the average yield is expected to check in at just over 200 bu/ac — a new record. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, we take a closer look at where this yield is coming from with Purdue University agronomy professor Dr.... Read More
A brand-new high speed discer series from Brandt is “highly configurable” starting with seven different sizes, from 16 feet up to 45 feet. Two different disc sizes — 20-inch or 22-inch — and three different styles, smooth, U-notch, or fluted, add to customization. “As far as the finishing options we have three different types of... Read More
Fridays are for the RealAg Radio Issues Panel! On the show today is host Shaun Haney, Meagan Murdoch of Hill and Knowlton Strategies, and Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture. Up for debate are trucker vaccine mandates, inflation, and suspended temporary foreign worker movement. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect... Read More
The Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame honours leaders in agriculture in the province who have made significant contributions. There are four inductees this year, including: Rick Holm, professor emeritus in plant science at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and former director of the Crop Development Centre; William (Bill) Jameson, founding partner of JGL... Read More
Corn rootworm resistance to Bt proteins and hybrids is a growing concern for Ontario corn producers. In this video report from Ontario Diagnostic Days 2021, University of Guelph research scientist Jocelyn Smith helps growers understand corn rootworm’s life cycle and how to rate corn roots for rootworm injury. She also discusses how growers can work with researchers to... Read More
The days are speeding by this week here at RealAgriculture, and we’re excited to bring you another great episode of RealAg Radio. On today’s Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Dan Petker of Port Rowan, Ont.; Allison Wilkinson of FMC joins the show for an Aim EC herbicide product spotlight; Brendan... Read More
One of the conversations in the first few weeks of the new year often ask the question “What should I be paying attention to?” Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has released its list of the top 5 economic trends for Canadian agriculture and food to watch in 2022. J.P. Gervais, chief economist at FCC, joined RealAg... Read More
There might be some assumptions about what the impact of the ongoing pandemic has been on the global middle class and there might also be the underlying realities that explain what’s going on. COVID changed everything in supply and production chains and really pointed out the precarious nature of those systems, says Carlo Dade, director... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAgRadio! On this full-slate Wednesday edition of the show, brought to you by ADAMA Canada, you’ll hear: JP Gervais, chief economist at Farm Credit Canada; Cornie Thiessen joins the show for an ADAMA Canada spotlight interview; Blake Croegaert of Verdant Partners, on M & A activity in the ag tech... Read More
What’s in that snoil? That’s snow and soil, in case you’re wondering (AKA snirt). That’s that “little” skiff of brown or black snow in ditches and in fact, there’s a heck of a lot of good stuff in that snoil. From nutrients to organic matter, top soil moved by wind erosion is some of the... Read More
The 20-year pulse breeding agreement between the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ Association (SPG) and the Crop Development Centre is changing, and that has many farmers asking what happens next. Previously, varieties that came out of the SPG/CDC agreement were released royalty-free for producers. Before the expiry of the agreement, the CDC notified SPG of their intentions... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: Marco Beghetto of the Canadian Trucking Alliance, on cross-border trucking vaccine mandates and what it means for agriculture; Jim Bagshaw of Alliance Seeds, joins in to chat seed supply and weather conditions; Shaun Dyrland of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ Association, on plant breeding... Read More
Cover crops deliver significant soil health and ground cover benefits, but they can often cause spring headaches when growers fail to kill them off in advance of corn and soybean planting. In this video report from Ontario Diagnostic Days 2021, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soil management specialists Anne Verhallen and Jake... Read More
If you change how you deliver seed to the ground, what else has to change? From fertilizer planning, to seeding rate, to weed control, the planter vs. seeder decision isn’t as easy as which unit does the most consistent job. To explore considerations for canola and soybeans, and to kick off the 2022 season of... Read More
Welcome to another week of RealAg Radio! We’re kicking off the week with an Agronomic Monday edition, where you’ll hear an update from Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson as well as a Smart Nutrition MAP + MST product spotlight with Dr. Alan Blaylock, senior agronomist at Nutrien. You’ll also hear the top ag news stories of... Read More
Several of Canada’s key economic sectors are bracing for the impending cross-border vaccine mandate for truck drivers, scheduled to take effect on Saturday, January 15, 2022. On its heels is a second Canadian government mandate that would impact all federally-regulated employees, the implementation date of which has not been confirmed but is said to be... Read More
With the rise of the omicron variant, we’re watching COVID-19 once again disrupt the supply chain. Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livstock Exchange says the markets are looking a bit defensive this week — especially the futures market. “We can see some of the slaughter disruptions that are going on with the absenteeism from COVID.... Read More
It’s hard to believe the first full week of the new year is over. We are ready to be back in routine — and with that we’ve got a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange to kick off the show. Then, we’ve got a RealAg Issues Panel featuring: Alanna Koch,... Read More
Wheat is an emotional crop. It doesn’t cry or yell but it will tell you how it’s feeling, especially if it’s struggling in a field that’s compacted, has inadequate drainage, or is suffering from poor manure or nitrogen application. “Wheat shows everything,” says Russ Barker, Corteva/Pioneer Hi-Bred agronomist, who joins OMAFRA cereals specialist Joanna Follings and RealAgriculture’s... Read More
A Stanley Cup. The most wins as a coach in Detroit Red Wings history. Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in Vancouver and Sochi. Mike Babcock’s coaching resume is among the best, as he has been behind the winning bench for some of the greatest teams and the biggest hockey moments of the last few... Read More
A resolution from the dispute panel regarding dairy tariff rate quota (TRQ) allocations has been reached, and the news is a bit, well, divisive. The panel’s decision includes the statement that because Canada’s reserving of access of 85 to 100 per cent of 14 separate TRQs for Canadian processors is “inconsistent with Article 3.A.2.11 (b),”... Read More
Funny how the week goes by so quickly. For this first Farmer Rapid Fire of the year, you’ll hear: Ryan Barrett of Belmont, P.E.I.; Kevin Buchner of Brownsville, Ont.; Korey Peters of Randolph, Man,; Lesley Kelly of Watrous, Sask.; Sarah Hoffman of Three Hills, Alta.; and The top ag news stories of the day. Thoughts... Read More
Did this middle of the week sneak up on anyone else? On this Wednesday, mid-week edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Amber Mac, president of AmberMac Media and co-host of The Feed on Sirius XM, on technology and how remote environments aren’t living up to the hype anymore; Shawna Morris, senior vice president of trade... Read More
There have been major disruptions to school schedules since March 2020 when the first wave of COVID-19 hit the shores of North America. Students of all ages, from elementary through university, have now faced several stops and starts, the full impacts of which are not even fully understood yet. As provinces such as Alberta and... Read More
In this first-of-the-year episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses Ontario Ag Conference (on now), soil nutrient bank accounts, and low volumes going through a combine. Plus, Johnson works through a tiling/drainage problem for clay textured knolls. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree... Read More
When glyphosate-resistant waterhemp was first discovered in Lambton County in 2014, University of Guelph weed scientist Peter Sikkema never imagined the course the weed would take across Ontario, or the speed it would travel. Fast forward to 2022 and glyphosate-resistant waterhemp has moved 700 kilometres east to Leeds & Grenville County. The invading resistant weed, often... Read More
On this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Andrew Scheer, Conservative shadow minister for infrastructure and communities, on how the next CEO of CN Rail could affect service; Geoff Backman, manager of business development and markets at Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, on farmers’ right to repair; Mohamad Fakih, president and CEO of Paramount Fine... Read More
CN Rail is currently looking for a new CEO. Normally, an executive search wouldn’t draw that much attention; however, when the position is potentially filled by someone from a shareholding hedge fund, it could impact the direction and mission of the company. That’s according to the federal Conservatives, and Andrew Scheer, shadow minister for infrastructure... Read More
Happy New Year, everyone! We’re back to the regular routine and kicking off 2022 with an agronomic Monday, featuring resident agronomist Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson and Ontario soybean specialist Horst Bohner. On the show, hear about: Inter-row cultivation; N-fixation for non-legume crops; Where big bean yields came from; Our latest poll on ’22 resolutions; and,... Read More
Welcome to this Friday (and last of 2021) edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show you’ll hear the best interviews from October, November, and December, featuring: Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture, on the recover efforts post-flooding in the south of the province; Greg Northey of Pulse Canada, talks about the Container Crunch website, and... Read More
On this Thursday edition we’re continuing our year-in-review with interviews from August and September. Supply chain disruptions, the drought, and emissions policy were all the talk in late summer. On this episode, you’ll hear: Karen Proud, president and CEO of Fertilizer Canada, on the impact on fertilizer use by government decisions; Pierre Petelle of CropLife... Read More
Welcome to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. We’re continuing the reflection of the past year with interviews from June and July. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Lisa Thompson, Ontario Agriculture Minister, fresh off being named ag minister and her key priorities; Jeff Yorga, Saskatchewan Stock Growers’ Association, on drought and decision-making by livestock growers in... Read More
You’re out in a piece of new machinery and something in the computer system breaks down. Are you equipped to fix it? Do you have the right to repair it? Geoff Backman, manager of business development and markets at the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, says farmers’ frustrations continue to grow as they don’t have... Read More
Farmers across the country are getting creative in trying to find the answer to high fertilizer prices and tight supply for 2022. Including manure can be a part of the plan to decrease the fertilizer bill, but there are some considerations when including it as part of the overall fertility plan, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson.... Read More
We can be fooled by a plot demonstration side-by-side comparison when we use a visual response to evaluate products. Whether it’s an in-crop fertilizer application, a fungicide application, or something else, a visual response in a crop doesn’t necessarily translate to a yield bump. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson gives the example of fusarium trials in... Read More
On this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, your host Shaun Haney continues the recap the year. Today’s show includes interviews from March, April, and May. You’ll hear: David MacNaughton, former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. on relations between the two countries; Kyle Jeworski, president and CEO of Viterra, on their canola crush facility outside of Regina,... Read More
During this last week of the year, RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney will recap top interviews from the year. Today’s edition focuses on relevant stories and interviews from January and February. You’ll hear: Tyler Bjornson of Canada Grains Council, on the Responsible Grain Code of Practice; Kelly Dobson of Leadershift, talks conflict management and interpersonal... 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 can you provide mentorship to those around you? What can you do to get that succession conversation going on the farm? Why do you sometimes need to take a step back and evaluate the... Read More
At this point in the year, plenty of growers have booked their canola varieties for the upcoming season or are trying to sort that decision out as quickly as possible. There’s been increased focus over the past few years on reducing seeding rates, and it’s a good question to explore says Russell Trischuk, InVigor technical... Read More
Kody Blois, Liberal Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, N.S., was recently named chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in the House of Commons. Blois joined RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney to break down the context of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, and what kind of work they do. “We’re parliamentarians... Read More
Welcome to this Christmas Eve edition of RealAg Radio! Today, we have an informative and educational RealAg Issues Panel, with host Shaun Haney and RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner. The trio talk about the top stories of the year (spoiler alert, inflation and wild weather is amongst the topics), the top lobbyists in Ottawa... Read More
It’s the Thursday before Christmas, and it’s been a busy one! Along with the busyness comes a Farmer Rapid Fire. You’ll hear: Ethan Wallace of Ont.; Warren McCutcheon of Man.; John Guelly of Alta.; and David Kutcher of Sask. Also, you’ll hear the top ag news stories of the day with host Shaun Haney! Thoughts... Read More
When it comes to talking about markets, we focus on the uncertainties; things we don’t know. However, sometimes we need to focus on what we do know. Peter Rohde, of IHS Markit, says what we do know right now is that we need to stay focused on the U.S. balance sheet, as it continues to... Read More
It’s the last Wheat Pete’s Word of 2021! For this season-ending episode, host Peter Johnson tackles a few questions from the audience, including some phosphorus immobilization questions, and an encouragement to focus on the positive. Wheat Pete’s Word will be back the first week of January, and in the meantime make sure you take that... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to today’s edition of RealAg Radio! On this mid-week, pre-holiday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Kody Blois, Liberal MP for Kings-Hants, and agriculture committee appointee and chair; Peter Rohde, vice president client advisory and development at IHS Markit Agribusiness; and Dennis Laycraft, of Canadian Cattlemen’s Association about the Korean... Read More
AgriStability, the whole farm, business risk management program has been in place for Canadian farmers for 16 years. In that time, it’s been maligned and criticized, and it continues to be subject to an ongoing tug-of-war between federal and provincial politicians. But with a new ag policy framework to be unveiled for 2023, changes to the... Read More
On December 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed a case of an atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an eight-and-a-half-year-old beef cow on a farm in Alberta. On December 21, South Korea announced it would be restricting Canadian beef imports due to the case. Dennis Laycraft, executive vice-president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association... Read More
Planters add a level of precision depth, seed placement, and seed spacing that’s rather difficult to duplicate in a drill, but adapting planters to a canola growing strategy does require shifts in management. Doug Moisey of Pioneer Seeds Canada says that row spacing is the first of several considerations for planter success. Super wide rows... Read More
Paramount Fine Foods is an 80 restaurant, 17 butcher shop food company chain, operating not just in Canada but in seven other countries around the world. Mohamad Fakih, president and CEO of Paramount Fine Foods, started the operation after coming to Canada in 2006, with $1,200 in his pocket. Fakih sat down with RealAg Radio... Read More
It’s time for another episode of RealAg Radio! On this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by SeCan, host Shaun Haney takes a deep dive in to seed regulatory modernization for the Canadian industry. You’ll hear from: Wendy Jahn, national manager of the seed section at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Mike Scheffel,... Read More
In honour of the shortest days of the year, it’s time to really think about those batteries in big machinery. Batteries are an often overlooked aspect of machinery winterization, and what maintenance could look like in the spring if we’re not following proper care methods. Josh Goldsworthy, product manager for batteries at Case IH, says... Read More
It’s time to wrap up the 2021 growing season, with a discussion on the most challenging agronomic topics of the year: from soil management, to determining yield capacity, to managing plant growth regulators. For this special year-end edition of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Jeremy Boychyn with the Alberta Wheat and Barley... Read More
It’s time for another Agronomic Monday on RealAg Radio! On today’s show, you’ll hear from Peter “Wheat Peter” Johnson on the Ontario corn harvest, winter wheat survivability, and the importance of leaving a check strip or taking plots to yield (not just using observation as a decision-driver). Also on the show, you’ll hear from Pioneer... Read More
The 2021 growing season was one of challenge and opportunity, and Ontario’s soybean specialist, Horst Bohner, says that it all added up to a record average yield for the province at 51.6 bu/ac over 2.9 million acres. The record isn’t a surprise, given that early field tour estimations pegged yield potential well above average. On this... Read More
How do you measure soil heath? On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Soil School, OMAFRA soil scientist and land use specialist Dan Saurette joins Bernard Tobin to look at some of the assessment tools available to farmers and the type of insights they provide. One of the most well known soil health tests is Cornell’s Comprehensive... Read More
Welcome to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. We’ve got a fantastic lineup for you! You’ll hear: Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, with a Beef Market Update; Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, as well as Andrew Campbell, Strathroy, Ont. dairy farmer and partner in Utensil.ca, for a RealAg Issues Panel. The... Read More
We don’t have to say it twice: it’s been a frustrating year for many involved in the cattle community. As Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange explains in our latest Beef Market Update, the impacts of the 2021 drought won’t easily be forgotten, and and it’s not something that’s just going to go away.... Read More
It’s a surprise to only a few at this point to hear we’re currently at a 20-year high in the fertilizer markets. The reasoning comes from a combination of things, but as Ryan Furtas, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry explains, a hike in crop prices, an increase of feedstock costs, and as we... Read More
It’s time for our Farmer Rapid Fire! “Travel” across the country with us to find out how farmers are making out planning for the 2022 season. You’ll hear: Brendan Byrne of Essex, Ont.; Randy Court of Plumas, Sask; Devon Walker of Lashburn, Sask.; Andrea Stroeve-Sawa of Taber, Alta.; and The top ag news stories of... Read More
2021 has been a tough weather year. From prolonged drought and excessive heat, to the flooding witnessed in recent weeks in British Columbia — weather disasters have had a tremendous impact on Canadian farms and agriculture businesses. Erik Davies, from Barefoot Consulting, has spent his career working on disaster recovery and risk management issues. Last month... Read More
The economic state of affairs for Canada right now is an interesting mix of rising prices, decreasing unemployment, and strong demand for export goods. There are both positive and negative factors at play in Canada’s economic recovery from the pandemic. Craig Klemmer, principal economist at Farm Credit Canada says that we’re seeing different levels of... Read More
We’re midweek in mid-December, and you know what that means? Another episode of RealAg Radio! Thanks for tuning in — we appreciate you making us part of your day. On this Wednesday episode of the show, we hear from: Nate Horner, minister of Alberta Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development; Doug Chorney from the Canadian... Read More
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to take the time to reflect on just how lucky we are to live in this part of Canada. This last week of wild weather in the U.S. is a reminder of that. And let’s not forget the hundreds of livestock producers may not be back home after... Read More
A month into the job as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development, Nate Horner says he’s catching up with producer groups in the province and working to get up to speed on the priorities for Alberta agriculture. Up first on the docket following his appointment was the Federal-Provincial-Territorial ministers meeting last month, where Horner... Read More
Thanks for tuning in to RealAg Radio — we’re so happy to have you along for the ride. On this Tuesday episode of the show, we hear from: Brian Innes of Soy Canada, on a new sustainability initiative that Soy Canada will be launching in 2022; Mark Gottselig of Global Ag Risk Solutions with a... Read More
As farmers continue to look for answers to questions they are faced with on their farm, the need for on-farm research programs continues. One of these on-farm research programs is the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions Plot2Farm program. Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist with Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, was at the Prairie Cereals... Read More
Bill C-208, an act to amend the Income Tax Act, received royal assent in June of 2021. The act, which governs the rules and regulations regarding the transfer of agriculture businesses between family members, was applauded by many in the farming industry. Farm business advisors and accountants might be telling farmers and ranchers that changes... Read More
Every selection tool shifts the weed spectrum, and that includes farmer-controlled decisions such as tillage, crop rotation, and seeding rate. It also includes non-farmer controlled selection tools, such as wet or dry weather cycles. To unpack what we can learn from shifting weed patterns, we go to Mike Cowbrough, weed specialist with the Ontario Ministry... Read More
2021 will certainly be remembered for the drought in Western Canada, but there were other factors, such as late frost, damaging winds, and new pests that also challenged the soybean crop on the eastern side of the Prairies. Despite all of those stresses, there was still a crop to harvest in most cases, with yields... Read More
Last winter, a draft of a code of practice for Canadian grain farmers created significant push-back from growers. Following a consultation period, the majority of feedback was “unsupportive” of the code, as written. The feedback provided pushed the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC) to take a step back, and further dig in to the “why”... Read More
Welcome to another Monday edition of RealAg Radio! We’re excited to bring you a jam-packed agronomy show to start out your week. You’ll hear from: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, with an agronomy update from the east; Matt Chapple of PRIDE Seeds, on corn and soybean agronomy; Russell Trischuk of BASF, with an... Read More
Thanks for tuning into this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. First up, you’ll hear an interview with B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham, on the flooding aftermath. Then, you’ll hear an issues panel featuring Lyndsey Smith, Kelvin Heppner, and Christina Crowley-Arklie, of Crowley-Arklie Strategy. They’ll talk about: The situation in B.C. and thoughts on Minister Popham’s... Read More
Raymond and Tracey Bredenhof, of R&T Poultry and Bredenhof Hops at Abbotsford, B.C. are one of the two winners chosen as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2021. The Bredenhofs operate a 40,000 broiler per cycle chicken operation in the Fraser Valley. Poultry farms are quite common for their area, but what’s less common is growing... Read More
In November, John Barlow, MP for Foothills, was re-named to the position as the Conservatives’ shadow minister for agriculture. Among Barlow’s current priorities is the attention — or lack thereof — that country-of-origin labelling (COOL) is currently getting in Ottawa. As the conversations grow in strength with a bipartisan bill in the U.S. senate surrounding... Read More
Using surveys and science to detect regional pathogens aren’t new methods to detect diseases in pulse crops, but how are our U.S. pulse crop growing counterparts dealing with the diseases present in their areas? In this Pulse School episode, Lyndon Porter, research plant pathologist with the United States Department of Agriculture, joins Kara Oosterhuis to... Read More
What drives demand for sustainably grown soybeans? Is there a need for a sustainability program for Canadian grown soybeans and what would that look like? It’s not just identity-preserved value chains that are seeing an increased demand for record keeping and assurances, says Brian Innes, executive director at Soy Canada. “What we’re seeing is the... Read More
With high fertilizer prices heading into 2022, corn growers can’t afford to over-apply nutrients. But they also can’t risk losing money by shorting the crop of its fertility needs. On the season-ending episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School for 2021, University of Guelph associate professor Dr. David Hooker returns to comment on this conundrum and share... Read More
Minister of Agriculture for British Columbia Lana Popham says that despite the absolute devastation of the last three weeks, dairy production for the province is back to 100 per cent. Poultry production is running about about 90 per cent capacity, and the egg industry is status quo as it was less impacted by the mid-November... Read More
On this Thursday, Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Amy VanderHeide of Coldbrook, N.S.; Nick Dubuc near Montreal, Que.; Eric McLean of Oak River, Man.; Scott Hepworth of Assiniboia, Sask.; and, John Kowalchuk of Rumsey, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked about on the show? Connect with host Shaun Haney via... Read More
At any current conference, no matter what sector of the agriculture industry, the word sustainability is going to pop up. Last week at the GrowCanada conference, hosted by CropLife Canada, there was a whole section of the agenda devoted to sustainability. Mary Shelman, of Shelman Group and former director of Harvard Business School’s agribusiness program,... Read More
Year-end financial statements aren’t just for year-end reviews — especially if they happen months after the year-end. Realistically, if you’re not reviewing the books until months later, the decisions being made in the present aren’t fully informed by the reality of the business situation, says Lisa Miller, partner with MNP Agriculture, based at Edmonton, Alta.... Read More
Neeralta Manufacturing is well-known for their grain baggers, extractors, and line of grain bags, but they’re adding augers to the product line-up this year. John Weirenga, co-owner of Neeralta Manufacturing, says they’re excited to come out with their first ever auger, the 1046. “We have a heavy-duty auger tube, it’s 10-gauge. The flighting is extra... Read More
On this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Mary Shelman of Shelman Consulting, on sustainability food systems from a consulting standpoint; John Raines, new CEO of TELUS Agriculture joins the show for a TELUS spotlight interview; Jenny Butcher, recent winner of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers; and, Your host Shaun Haney wraps up the... Read More
Last weekend, Jenny Butcher and Wes Kuntz, of Brantford, Ont., were named one of two winners of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for the year. The honour is no surprise. The two have been farming together for 13 years, and in just the last six years, have managed to buy a property, expand their Jersey herd,... Read More
It would seem that there’s one thing Peter Johnson can count on from his loyal listeners: a stern finger wagging when he’s got something all wrong. Such is the case with last week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, where Johnson had the audacity to say manure was anything but magical. Have no fear, dear listeners,... Read More
Lentils are one of those crops that can be difficult to keep free of weeds. Lentils are a poor competitor with weeds not just as seedlings, but throughout the growing season, as well. Over the past five years, the Western Applied Research Corporation (WARC), has been doing research trials that look at herbicide layering to... Read More
A cereal, oilseed, and even pulse drill, the Ultra SR 60 foot air drill from SeedMaster is an all-in-one complete unit, the company says. It has a 750-bushel capacity and uses the Ultra-Pro II metering system for both fertilizer and seed says Duane Kent, territory manager at SeedMaster. “This is kind of a new concept... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: Jen Gerson of political commentary vehicle The Line, on priorities of the Trudeau government and her thoughts on Kenney and Ford; Ryan Kehrig of MNP joins the show for a product spotlight; Dick Wittman of Wittman Consulting, on succession planning and how... Read More
There are plenty of things farmers can add to soil other than a commercial fertilizer to add carbon and feed microbes. Increasingly, there are products that promise increased nutrient availability or even nitrogen-fixation for non-legumes. Whether or not the products work as they should and determining the best situation to use them is yet to... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, where you’ll hear from: Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, for an Ontario ag update. Also catch more of that soybean discussion in last week’s Wheat Pete’s Word; Tanis Sirski, agronomist with Corteva Agriscience and Pioneer Seeds Canada; and, Aaron Stevanus of Mosaic Company, for a clip from... Read More
One challenge that many farmers face is how to pass the reins of an operation to a successor and how to get out of the way, but not go away. Dick Wittman learned plenty of valuable lessons managing a family-operated 20,000 acre crop, cattle, and timber operation in northern Idaho. He now heads Wittman Consulting, specializing... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, the show starts with an interview with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, on sustainability as an economic driver. You’ll also hear an issues panel featuring Lyndsey Smith, Kelvin Heppner, and Meagan Murdoch of Hill + Knowlton Strategies. They’ll be talking about: Premier Moe’s speech at the GrowCanada conference; B.C.... Read More
In this week’s Beef Market Update, Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange breaks down the beef markets, including what’s going on in the U.S., whether or not their tides have permanently turned for choice cut-outs and choice select prices, and how western Canadian numbers are faring in comparison. The U.S. didn’t take a lot... Read More
The soil health benefits of growing a forage crop, such as alfalfa, are well documented. Traditionally a staple crop on livestock farms, alfalfa delivers increased biomass, especially in its root structure where the plant boasts a large tap root which contributes to soil health, while reducing compaction. There’s also increased organic matter and water-holding capacity,... Read More
The political jurisdiction of federal and provincial governments has perhaps never been made more clear than during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw provinces taking the lead on regulations, recommendations, and requirements. Along the same vein, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says that federal policy should take a regional approach to delivery. For example, Saskatchewan doesn’t need... Read More
Designed and manufactured in the U.S., the Herd-Boss is meant for feeding bulk rations to livestock with minimal stopping or cleaning out, efficiently covering more ground. Cameron Mulder of Herd-Boss Feeders says that whether it’s a total mixed ration for cattle, or by-product of something from ethanol plants for example, the Herd-Boss will make feeding... Read More
On this Thursday, Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada, you’ll hear from: Sandi Brock of Hensall, Ont. Dwayne Leslie of Poplar Point, Man.; Jim Wickett of Rosetown, Sask.; Jeff Nonay of Sturgeon County, Alta.; and Derwyn Hammond joins the show for a Pioneer Seeds product spotlight. Thoughts... Read More
Fertilizer Canada and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) have come together with matching funding of $257,252 towards a soil health project that will provide Alberta grain, forage, and crop producers with tangible results realized at the farm gate. A multi-year soil health project led by Dr. Miles Dyck at the University of Alberta will aim... Read More
A new commercial-scale facility from GoodLeaf Farms may help prove the potential of vertical farming. Jeff McKinnon, senior vice president of network development at GoodLeaf, joined Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio, to chat about the announcement, how GoodLeaf fits in with the food supply chain, and what the new facility means for the fresh greens vertical... Read More
Many Canadian beef cow-calf operators are not just surviving, they’re thriving. That’s one of the key takeaways from the first report produced by the Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network, which was established in the spring of 2021. Made up of cow-calf operations from across Canada, the network of producers is working with Canfax Research Services... Read More
MacDon’s new FD 200 series headers boasts plenty of features, but has aluminum components to keep the weight down. The new line-up comes in 30- and 35-foot widths (with optional double knife), and 40-, 45-, and 50-foot widths, says Joel Woods, North American sales manager at MacDon Industries. The 50-foot header is the largest they’ve... Read More
The premier of Saskatchewan says the dust-up between his government and the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan can be attributed to the way the province has kept its books since 2014. APAS, led by vice-president Ian Boxall, has raised concerns about the provincial government blaming its record-high projected deficit of $2.7 billion on increased crop... Read More
And just like that it’s a brand new month. On today’s RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Cam Dahl of Manitoba Pork Council, on the labour crunch in agriculture; Ryan Keurig, tax specialist at MNP, on splitting the farm between partners and tax considerations; Katie and Luke Grove of Spring Grove Agri on the latest episode of... Read More
If you’re already shopping around for next year’s seed supply for, well, everything, you’re probably going to be glad you did. To help make the decision on what to buy, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson says the corn hybrid information for Ontario is complete and ready for your scrutiny, and on this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word,... Read More
When it comes to skilled labour needs in agriculture, we’re very good at identifying and quantifying the gap. However, as an industry where we’ve lagged is in making progress on the action items required to fill that gap. Cam Dahl, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council, says that while the labour shortage is not... Read More
When a person thinks of cyber security, it’s not often thought about in the context of agriculture, or at the same time as agriculture. But, recent cyber security attacks in the past few months have prompted large and small companies alike to review the risks and vulnerabilities to attack. Darktrace is a cyber security company... Read More
On this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: David Przednowek, assistant vice president of grain at CN Railway, on the flooding and repair situation in B.C.; Jeff McKinnon, senior vice-president of network development at GoodLeaf Farms, talking about their Calgary, Alta. vertical farming facility; and The top ag news stories of the day.... Read More
Turn on Bloomberg, CNBC, or Fox News and just about every mainstream news outlet is talking about inflation. But how worried should farmers or ranchers be about inflation? In some ways, farmers or ranchers may be set up to benefit from inflation, says Shawn Hass of RBC Dominion Securities, in this interview with Shaun Haney... Read More
We’ve all been watching the situation in British Columbia unravel, as this significant weather event continues to transpire and wreak havoc. Amongst the challenges people are facing in all the areas impacted, are challenges to our transportation system, along the highways and railways. David Przednowek, assistant vice president for grain with CN Rail, joined RealAg... Read More
Fall seeding of spring cereals may sound like a wild idea — and it is — but research out of Western Canada is trying it for durum. Meanwhile in Ontario, a new seeding trial could help farmers decide if it’s time to upgrade the drill. For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Agriculture... Read More
It’s Monday, which means all things agronomy on today’s RealAg Radio. You’ll hear: Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist of Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley, on P and K, fungal screens at seed testing, and more; Sarah Anderson, agronomy manager at Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, on herbicide carryover risk for 2022; Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, on... Read More
A strong legacy component to a farming operation can often make choosing who will take over the farm a difficult decision. Renee Wiatt, family business management specialist with Purdue University’s agricultural economics department, talked succession planning with RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney, as part of Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence Conference. “Farming is a very... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Heather Watson, executive director at Farm Management Canada, on their Agricultural Excellence Conference; Peggy Brekveld, re-elected president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture; David Masson, director of enterprise security at Darktrace, on cyber security, ransomware attacks, and how they could impact the farm; Ryan Barrett,... Read More
As part of Ontario’s reopening plan, farms and agriculture businesses with one employee or more are required to have COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Dean Anderson, strategic advisor, agricultural initiatives with Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS), says that many farms, ag businesses, and processors are not aware of the change. But, all it... Read More
Which management practices help boost soybean yields and give you the best return on investment? That’s a question Wisconsin soybean specialist Shawn Conley and his colleagues have been working on for four years, and the answers may be surprising for many growers. On this episode of the RealAgriculture’s Soybean School, Conley shares how the researchers... 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 separate business from personal when you live and work with your spouse? What are some of the things you can do when you’re the newcomer into an operation? Why is planning... Read More
Farmers looking to upgrade their farm management skills, without the cost and commitment of on-location learning, will be able to access a new online course beginning in January 2022. RBC Royal Bank, Farm Credit Canada and the University of Guelph have teamed up to offer an eight-module, learn-at-home course called Foundations in Agriculture Management. The... Read More
Change is everywhere in farming and often everything seems to be in flux, whether it’s markets, trade relationships, weather, or family relationships. Depending on the circumstances, farmers react differently to change says Heather Watson, executive director at Farm Management Canada (FMC). “Some people see that as unwelcome and unnerving; others see it as an opportunity... Read More
Today’s RealAg Radio is sponsored by RBC, and was broadcast live at Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence Conference. You’ll hear: Shawn Hass of RBC Dominion Securities, about how concerned farm or ranch owners should be with inflation; Ryan Riese joins in for an RBC spotlight interview; and Renee Wiatt, research and extension specialist at Purdue... Read More
Since yesterday was our issues panel, the switch-up for the week continues with a Farmer Rapid Fire on this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: Tyler Lester of Bloomfield, Ont.; Charlene Wattam of Douglas, Ont.; Gunter Jochum of St. Francois Xavier, Man.; Shaun Dyrland of Kyle, Sask.; and Jason James of... Read More
On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson talks about damaging wheat plants, upcoming sessions at the Ontario Ag Conference, economic rates of nitrogen, and foliar potash results. Is only one episode a week enough? Some of you say nay. For now, however, one will have to be enough. Have a question... Read More
This story has been edited to include the vote result. With a strike deadline looming on December 6, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 (UFCW) who work at Cargill’s High River beef processing plant have voted against a new contract offer this week. The union that represents over 2,000 workers at the... Read More
On this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, we’re tossing it up a bit. You’ll hear an ALPINE product spotlight with Ken Brett, regional sales manager in Ontario, and the issues panel comes early this week (instead of on the usual Friday). Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner are on to talk all things Canadian ag including... Read More
The Prince Edward Island Potato Board has expressed its shock over the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision to suspend all seed potato exports out of P.E.I., and all potato movement from P.E.I. to the U.S., following a ministerial order announced Monday, November 22. Potato wart is a soil-borne fungus that can lay dormant for decades.... Read More
Horsch’s Leeb sprayer is a brand new unit on the market and the features are seemingly endless. To start, a high gear ratio on hubs are heavier built, meaning the Leeb can go up a steeper hill in a higher gear. “It’s a 50/50 weight distribution throughout the whole unit, front to back,” says Cody... Read More
The dry 2021 growing season will certainly put pressure on the risk for herbicide carryover in 2022, and special attention should be paid to pulse crop planning in that respect. “Growers should look to understand what active ingredients were applied and what crops may be sensitive to carryover,” says Sarah Anderson, agronomy manager at Saskatchewan... Read More
For the second consecutive year, Thunder Bay, Ont. dairy farmer Peggy Brekveld will lead the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the province’s largest general farm organization. Brekveld was elected president by OFA’s board of directors after the conclusion of the organization’s annual general meeting on Monday, Nov. 22. Mark Reusser and Drew Spoelstra were re-elected as... Read More
If one crop is good, two could be better. Intercropping and relay cropping is gaining momentum in Ontario and Western Canada, in an effort to maximize yield, decrease fertilizer use, and possibly reduce herbicide and fungicide passes. To explore what the science tells us, we go to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers Eric Page at... Read More
Many farmers will be familiar with Honey Bee Manufacturing’s Airflex header, out since 2014, but the company has made some updates to the header model. Kara Oosterhuis recently caught up with Matt Krupski, sales manager at Honey Bee Manufacturing, at Agri-Trade in Red Deer, Alta. to talk about the updates. Krupski says that the latest... Read More
On this Monday edition of RealAg Radio, guest host Lyndsey Smith has all the latest in agronomic content and ag related news. You’ll hear: Dr. Dave Hooker of University of Guelph-Ridgetown Campus, on planning fertility for soybeans in ’22; A clip from last week’s episode of The Agronomists, featuring Jason Deveau and Tom Wolf; Joanna... Read More
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers regional nominees have been announced and the national event is set to take place December 2 and 3. The program recognizes farmers between 18 and 39 from any area of agriculture, with a few criteria. Carla Kaeding, COYF program manager, says that outstanding young farmers are people that excel in agriculture,... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear an issues panel with your host Shaun Haney, and RealAg’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner. They’ll be talking about: The latest on flooding and closed highways in B.C.; The Three Amigos meeting between Prime Minster Trudeau and Presidents Biden and López Obrador; Strike actions; Agriculture Minister... Read More
Running is one of those activities that can be very polarizing: many seem to either love it or hate it. For this episode of the Fit Farmer podcast, co-hosts Shaun Haney and Gary Chambers brought in someone who actually knows what he’s doing, because neither co-host is super confident in the running department. Justin Kurek of... Read More
It’s November and Ontario corn growers continue to push through a harvest that will likely smash the provincial yield record. But there’s also lots of talk about the 2022 season, especially when it comes to fertilizer prices and what impact the cost of nutrients will have on growing corn when the calendar turns to next... Read More
On this Thursday Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Kevin Bisschop of Chilliwack, B.C. who’s on a bit higher ground and has capacity in his dairy barn for evacuated cows; Brian Thomas of Okanagan Falls, B.C., a rancher who is about an hour away from majorly flooded areas; Jocelyn Wasko of... Read More
It would seem that no one has ever told the Jochums that “too many cooks spoil the broth.” Günter, Crystal, and daughter Fiona Jochum farm together just west of Winnipeg, Man. But they don’t just farm as a family, they also farm with Gunter’s brother-in-law. All told, there are a number of managers, and Günter... Read More
Canadian Western Agribition’s 50th show is happening early next week at Regina, Sask., and after having to go virtual, the show is set for a return to in-person entertainment, shows, and business deals. Chris Lane, CEO of Agribition, joined Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio Tuesday to talk about meeting in person, purebred cattle, and all... Read More
Putting down fertilizer or acting as a back-up seeder, the Degelman Pro-Cast precision granular applicator is designed to mount on Degelman’s Pro-Till high performance discs or Strawmaster heavy harrow units. Derek Molnar, territory manager at Degelman, says the unit will fit on the Pro-Till 30 up to the company’s Pro-Till 45 as well as the... Read More
Welcome to this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio! Sitting in the host seat today is RealAgriculture’s Kelvin Heppner. You’ll hear: The top ag news stories of the day, with a focus on B.C., and the struggles and destruction people and farmers are working to get through; Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford, on the cost of... Read More
Plow might be a four-letter word, but plenty of Ontario farmers are reaching for the primary tillage tool as a way to manage rutted fields this fall. What are the trade-offs when using the plow? For that answer, you’ll have to listen well towards the end of this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word; and in... Read More
How could precision planting technology impact Ontario winter wheat yields? Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs cereals specialist Joanna Follings and RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Johnson are back with a final report on precision planting trials Follings conducted on her home farm at Ayr, Ont. RealAgriculture first visited the site in September 202o when... Read More
Updated to include comments from B.C.’s minister of agriculture. The Fraser Valley of B.C. accounts for over 75 per cent of dairy production in the province, and the area has been hard hit by the “atmospheric river” earlier this week. There are several hundred dairy farms in and around the flooded Sumas Prairie area outside... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. It is certainly a jam-packed one you won’t want to miss. On today’s show, you’ll hear: Jesse Meyer, farmer in the Peace Region of Alta., on his experience with currently being stuck on the side of a highway in B.C., as the disastrous flooding continues; Carla Kaeding... Read More
We’re not about to let some technical difficulties keep us from having The Agronomists go live! In this episode, storm-stayed Tom Wolf and mall-Santa-ready Jason Deveau join host Shaun Haney for an engaging conversation about new sprayer technology, the rate of commercialization, and strategies for effective product application in the face of possible shortages in-season.... Read More
Soybean harvest in Ontario is wrapping up as growers roll through a 2021 crop that won’t break any records but will deliver solid yields. The province’s corn crop, however, appears poised to smash the average per-acre yield and be one for the record books. As combines continue to soldier on through November, growers are turning... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: Leighton Blashko, senior technical service specialist at BASF, talks canola storage considerations on a recent Canola School episode; A clip from last week’s episode of The Agronomists, featuring Dr. Merrin Macrae of the University of Waterloo, and Dr. Jeff Schoenau of... Read More
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) says they are calling on the province to reject proposals by the Saskatchewan Growth Coalition which is calling for lower rural municipal tax rates for resource and processing industries. Scott Owens, APAS board member and farmer at Maidstone, Sask., says that the proposal would decrease the amount of... Read More
The temperatures may be headed downwards and winter is on its way, but beef cattle prices aren’t going to be following that trend. “We’ve had another super week in the U.S. in terms of cash trade,” says Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, in this week’s Beef Market Update. “Last week the market started... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. You’ll also hear an issues panel with Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner. They’ll discuss: Federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers meetings; Lobbying in Canadian ag; and The potential meat processing strike at Cargill’s High River, Alta plant.... Read More
Methane production naturally occurs in the stomachs of ruminant animals, such as beef cattle. Microbes work together to carry out the digestion of plant cell walls, and one of the end products of the process is methane (which often gets “burped” out, not “farted.”) Dr. Tim McAllister, research scientist in ruminant nutrition and microbiology at... Read More
Since the 40s, the number of farms in Canada are fewer and larger, a trend that holds every census. But digging in to a layer below that, are all farms getting a bit bigger year-over-year, or what does that dynamic look like? Plus, what factors are driving that average? Al Mussell, research lead at Agri-Food Economic... Read More
Erin O’Toole has turned to a familiar face from Alberta to lead the agriculture file in his shadow cabinet. John Barlow, MP for Foothills, is back as the Conservatives’ shadow minister for agriculture, a position which he previously held while Andrew Scheer was leader of the Conservative Party. “It’s great to be back,” says Barlow... Read More
On this Remembrance Day edition of RealAg Radio, we present a Farmer Rapid Fire. We appreciate you taking the time today to tune into the show, and hope that you’ve had time to reflect on the importance of the day. On today’s show you’ll hear from: Jeff Harrison of Quinte West, Ont.; Murray Froebe of... Read More
Welcome to this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Lallemand Plant Care. On today’s show you’ll hear: John Barlow, Foothills MP and shadow minister for agriculture, agri-food, and food security for the Conservative Party of Canada; Matt Pfarr, technical sales manager, joins the show for a Lallemand product spotlight; Dr. Tim McAllister,... Read More
Where on earth did all this corn yield come from?! Combines in Ontario are rolling through beans and on to corn, and the results are astonishing, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this episode of the Word. This week’s episode asks that question, plus delves into rust on winter wheat, wheat acres in the ground,... Read More
Even in a year where harvest weather was dry, understanding how canola cools and dries in storage is key to avoiding a big wreck in the bin. Leighton Blashko, senior technical service specialist at BASF, joins Kara Oosterhuis for this Canola School episode, to talk about the factors that will affect safe canola storage this... Read More
With the latest federal election behind us, it’s time to dig in to the task at hand: lobbying this new government. This week, federal, provincial, and territorial ministers are gathering to discuss business risk management, and the next ag policy framework. We also got the Conservative’s shadow cabinet. To break this all down, host Kelvin... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Alliance Seed. On today’s show you’ll hear: Al Mussell of Agri-Food Economic Systems, on a new policy concept paper involving middle-sizes farms; Jim Bagshaw, general manager of Alliance Seed, joins the show for a product spotlight; Daniel Ramage, director of market access and... Read More
Massey Ferguson has two new round balers on offer, the 1745 D and the RB 4160 P Protec. RealAgriculture’s Kara Oosterhuis caught up with Matt LeCroy, marketing manager of hay and forage at AGCO, back in August at Farm Progress Show, to chat about the new round baler and baler-wrapper combo units. The 1745D is... Read More
Phosphorus is a key nutrient for crop production, and requires careful management to ensure there’s enough P to feed a growing crop, but not so much that the nutrient moves off the field in run-off or soil movement. For what makes phosphorus management different versus say, nitrogen, we go to experts Dr. Merrin Macrae, professor... Read More
Welcome to a new week of RealAg Radio! On this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Anne Verhallen, OMAFRA soil specialist, on what makes soil healthy; Your host Shaun Haney has some questions for the audience about decision making; and, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson joins the show to chat all things agronomy,... Read More
Winter wheat’s value in providing critical habitat for ducks and other wildlife will be highlighted on store shelves with a new food and drink label designed to help consumers identify environmentally friendly products. The “Habitat-Friendly Winter Wheat Ecolabel Program” was launched last week as a partnership between Cereals Canada, Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Winter Cereals... Read More
Protecting your corn crop from disease throughout the growing season can be a challenge. On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plant pathologist Albert Tenuta and University of Guelph associate professor Dave Hooker team up to offer tips on how to select a fungicide and stage the... Read More
Welcome to this Friday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: Fawn Jackson, director of policy and international affairs at the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, and her time at COP26; An issues panel with Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner, where they’ll talk about: The resignation of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen; Plant-based profitability;... Read More
Wood-Bohm and Associates offer strategic consulting services to industry and government in the areas of science based innovations. Dr. Susan Wood-Bohm, recently named Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) fellow, joined Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio to talk about the projects involving greenhouse gas emissions she will be doing at CAPI. “We live in an era... Read More
Fendt’s new 500 Vario Gen3 Series tractors will now come with the updated FendtOne cab. The new tractor line-up is available in four models, with engine horsepower ranging from 124 to 163 (107-137 PTO). Daniel Smith, senior strategic marketing manager, says the tractor’s ideally suited for multiple chores around the yard, with a powerful platform and nimble... Read More
Welcome to this edition of RealAg Radio! On this Thursday’s Farmer Rapid Fire, brought to you by AGI SureTrack, you’ll hear from: Jason Boersma of Ridgetown, Ont.; Alicia Cowieson joins the show for an AGI SureTrack product spotlight; Aubrey Yule of Killarney, Man.; Jim Hale of Lancer, Sask.; and, Scott Keller of Camrose, Alta. Thoughts... Read More
To plane away nuisance or unwanted stumps, Danuser Machine Company’s new stump auger product might just come in handy. Kara Oosterhuis caught up with Glenn Danuser about the easy-to-use product at Farm Progress Show back in August. The new stump auger works on the premise that if you have a hydraulic auger drive, you can... Read More
Foodbanks are reporting more use across Canada, and any recent trip to the grocery store proves that lately the same amount of money buys less food. But what’s causing that price hike? Al Mussell, research lead at Agri-Food Economic Systems, says that there are several things coming together right now that are increasing the cost... Read More
Whether or not you’re farming healthy soils depends on many things, says Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs soil specialist Anne Verhallen. When asked what makes a healthy soil, Verhallen says that growers need to think first about the qualities of their soil, including properties such as soil texture — are you farming... Read More
Welcome to this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio, brought you by MNP. On today’s show you’ll hear: Dr. Susan Wood-Bohm, one of the new distinguished fellows at Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute fellow, on to talk sustainable practices; Bob Tosh joins the show for an MNP farm succession spotlight; A previously aired, but important conversation with... Read More
The numbers are rolling in — from fantastic corn yields, to unbelievable rain amounts in some areas of Ontario. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson asks for feedback on a few things, including what some of your favourite Wheat Pete sayings are, if you prefer rain in inches or millimetres (or either,... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: A conversation between Kelvin Heppner and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. She’ll talk about what her top priorities are after being re-appointed as minister; Tim Criddle of SeedMaster joins us for a spotlight interview; Ward Toma, general manager of Alberta Canola,... Read More
Understanding how multi-generation farms approach big-picture topics can help farm management teams (i.e. family members) better navigate difficult conversations on the future of the farm. In this second part of a discussion with Justin Funk, managing partner of AgriStudies, podcast host Shaun Haney explores how differences in how generations set goals, measure progress, use technology, and... Read More
The drought many producers faced this past growing season is continuing to wreak havoc in many different directions. But, what happened with crops that are better suited for hot and dry conditions? Durum wheat is one of those crops. Canadian production of durum wheat lies solely in the southern parts of the prairies and is... Read More
How does corn crop emergence after planting play into ear and cob development, and eventually yield? Earlier in the growing season, Sara Meidlinger, market development agronomist at PRIDE Seeds, set up some flag tests that measured emergence in 1/1000th of an acre, in seven hybrid variety strips. In this Corn School episode, Meidlinger goes over the results... Read More
It’s time for a fun — ok, they are all fun, but even more fun than usual — episode of The Agronomists. It’s time for a free-for-all, featuring questions from you, the audience! Tonight’s episode is fuelled by host Lyndsey Smith, and guests Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, and Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research... Read More
On this first of the month Agronomic Monday, you’ll hear: Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist at Alberta Wheat and Barley, chatting about a few issues in the west; Sean McKnight joins the show for a BASF PODcast spotlight; and, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, chats issues in the east. Thoughts on something we talked about... Read More
Throughout corn harvest, much attention is paid to test weight as the crop works through the combine, into the bin, and off to market. But does test weight really matter? On this episode of The Sharp Edge, Maizex Seeds agronomist Greg Stewart explains why he believes growers would be better rewarded if they focused on... Read More
Biology is a wonderful thing. Given enough time and the right ingredients, soil biological processes can do some pretty amazing things, including breakdown of herbicides, cycling and releasing nitrogen, and even disposing of pathogens. The key is time: biology and biological processes can replace plenty of crop inputs given enough time. Especially for our northern... Read More
Addressing the shortage of workers in agriculture, “everything related to the climate transition,” and preparing for an upcoming meeting with her provincial and territorial counterparts — those are the first three priorities Marie-Claude Bibeau mentions when asked about her to-do list as she returns as Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Following a third consecutive... Read More
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Canola PODcast, sponsored by InVigor® hybrid canola from BASF. This podcast series features a number of different guests and experts discussing what tools InVigor hybrid canola and BASF can offer growers to have a successful season. In this episode, host Shaun Haney tackles the top steps to seasonal success... Read More
For all the talk of other government departments having influence on the agriculture industry, it’s important to remember that several challenges within the purview of Agriculture and Agri-Food can have a significant impact on other industries, too. There are also issues that may be thought of as an agriculture problem, but really have a significant... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko,of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. You’ll also hear an issues panel featuring host Shaun Haney, as well as Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture.. They’ll talk about: The next federal cabinet; COP26; Container logistics; and, Lobbying Thoughts on something... Read More
As November approaches quickly, many are asking where cattle producers are at with fall run, and what the market is looking like this year. Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange explains in our latest Beef Market Update that in order to understand where the market is with cows coming to town, we need to... Read More
Statistics Canada (StatsCan) has released its gross domestic product (GDP) by industry numbers for August 2021, and it is no surprise that a lack of precipitation caused a significant drop in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector. The category dropped 5.7 per cent, following a 5.5 per cent decrease in July. StatsCan says the record-setting heat... Read More
Splitting nitrogen in a corn crop can increase profitability and benefit the environment, but to be successful on both counts growers need to keep a sharp eye on the weather. That’s the conclusion drawn by University of Guelph researchers Tasmia Kabir, Aaron Delaporte, Joshua Nasielski, and Alfons Weersink after looking at 19 years of weather data... Read More
It’s Thursday, so you know what that means — it’s time for a Farmer Rapid Fire! On today’s RealAg Radio, you’ll hear from: Steve Twynstra of Ailsa Craig, Ont.; Jennifer Doelman of Douglas, Ont.; Simon Ellis of Wawanesa, Man.; Corey Loessin of Radisson, Sask.; and, Kevin Serfas of Turin, Alta. Thoughts on something we talked... Read More
The Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association (SSGA) is warning farmers that seed supply will be tight in 2022. But is the supply issue all related to the drought of 2021? “Primarily, we’re looking at drought to be our main concern for the potential for seed supply issues,” says Mike Shewchuk, president of SSGA, however he says... Read More
Our coverage of Farm Progress Show at Decatur, Illinois continues with a look at New Holland’s BigBaler 340 High Density. Jordan Milewski, senior brand marketing manager at New Holland says the new packer model product has a three-foot by four-foot chamber size, with a newer rotor design. As a non-cutting product he says it is... Read More
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled a 39-person cabinet for the next parliament. There are some new faces, but plenty of familiar ones as well, including Marie-Claude Bibeau, who returns as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), says she’s pleased with the news of Minister Bibeau’s... Read More
There is very limited ability for producers to control canola oil content though management practices, largely because the final oil content is highly dependent on environmental conditions. Drought can affect a canola crop at any given stage during its growth, but it’s heat that’s the real culprit for a decrease in oil content this year.... Read More
On this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and her reaction to the new cabinet announced yesterday; Greg Northey, vice president of corporate affairs at Pulse Canada, talks about shipping container shortages, and the Container Crunch website and campaign; Mike Shewchuk, president of the Saskatchewan... Read More
As we work through the final week of October, many Ontario farmers are feeling the stress of a very wet weather cycle impeding soybean and early corn harvest. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson knows it can be tough to be patient right now, so be sure to reach out to those around you and check in to... Read More
Fendt’s Vario 300 Gen4 Series tractors are a compact, powerful, built-to-order piece of machinery. “Brand new to North America, excited, excited, excited to bring this tractor here,” said David Soliday, senior marketing manager of tractors at AGCO, at the 2021 Farm Progress Show at Decatur, Illinois. There are four different models on offer from Fendt,... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, guest hosted by Lyndsey Smith. You’ll hear from: Pekka Pesonen of Copa-Cogeca, representing European farmers and agri-cooperatives. He talks with Kelvin Heppner about the E.U.’s Farm to Fork Strategy; A clip from last night’s episode of The Agronomists, featuring Laura Van Eerd and Scott Gillespie; Danny Ottenbreit... Read More
Pulse Canada and other organizations have launched a new website as part of a campaign to bring attention to the global shipping container issue and its affect on Canada, including the agriculture industry. The new website, called Container Crunch, focuses on the impact that shipping container shortages are having on Canada’s shipping industry, consumers, and... Read More
It’s time for the season finale of Ontario Diagnostic Days! The annual Ontario field crop diagnostic days held at Ridgetown, Elora, and Winchester are again virtual in 2021. On this live broadcast, University of Guelph professors Dave Hooker and Francois Tardif join host Shaun Haney to talk three hot topics that are sure to grab growers’... Read More
Using cover crops in a grain rotation can help achieve several goals: decreased soil erosion, decreased loss of nutrients off the field, increased weed suppression, and more. The research suggests that incorporating cover crops in to a grain farm increases crop yield, too. To discover how the tool can be used — yes, even in... Read More
Welcome to this Agronomic Monday edition of RealAg Radio. On today’s show you’ll hear: Karl Hoppe, beef cattle nutritionist and extension specialist at North Dakota State University, talks about weed seeds and how they can travel with feed; Doug Moisey of Pioneer Seeds Canada talks herbicide carryover, flea beetles, cutworms, soil testing, and more; Peter... Read More
Despite major concerns from farmers, the European Union’s proposed Farm to Fork strategy received a show of support from members of the European Parliament last week. The policy, which the European Commission says is aimed at making the EU’s food systems “fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly,” would introduce significant restrictions to the amount of pesticides, fertilizers,... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, the issues panel features Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner of RealAgriculture, and Meagan Murdoch of Hill and Knowlton Strategies. The trio talk about: Food inflation; The E.U.’s Farm to Fork and resulting policies; The next agriculture minister; and Australian cookies Thoughts on something we talked about on the... Read More
It’s hard to avoid news about inflation from major news outlets these days, and caught up in it all is the rising cost of food. Kevin Grier of Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting has published a grocery trade report for September that includes food inflation numbers. He joined Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio recently,... Read More
Natural gas prices have increased in Europe, and China is facing its own issues with coal, leading to energy shortages on both continents. Understanding the likelihood of skyrocketing energy prices in Canada takes some understanding of the factors at work, and to shed light on the situation, Brendan Cooke, policy analyst at Canada West Foundation,... Read More
Widespread drought across the Prairies (and Northern Great Plains) has pushed many livestock producers to source resources for the upcoming winter from elsewhere. But as feed resources move across the country, both in Canada and the U.S., extension specialists warn that noxious weeds might be on the move too, and that livestock producers should be... Read More
On this Farm Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, our host Shaun Haney chats with farmers from across Canada to see what they’re up to. Today’s show features: A Honeybee product spotlight with Jamie Pegg; Martin Van Zandwyk of Drayton, Ont.; Jeff Elder of Wawanesa, Man.; Daryl Fransoo of Glaslyn, Sask.; Kent Erickson of Irma,... Read More
This Fit Farmer topic can be likened to when a parent tells their child to eat their vegetables, or how a person knows they should floss their teeth, but never do it. On this episode of the Fit Farmer podcast, hosts Shaun Haney and Gary Chambers talk about stretching and the associated benefits, and why... Read More
Today’s show is LIVE, brought to you by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s Public Trust Summit! On the show you’ll hear: Paighton Smyth and John Jamieson give us the highlights of CCFI’s latest research results; Isaac LeClair and Severine Lavoie talk about the communication of that data to close gaps with consumers; and, Ellen... 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 does one tackle farming, and having a full-time job off of the farm? What are some things you can do to keep yourself organized? Why are the relationships of those around you crucial... Read More
To butcher a phrase, not all wheat that turns yellow is lost. Reports of yellow wheat in areas of Ontario has many farmers asking what they can do about it, and the answer — very little — is one of the few downers in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. But don’t worry! It’s not... Read More
If grain moving is on the task list, there have been some updates to GSI’s VersaLoop Conveyor line-up, showcased at Farm Progress Show recently at Decatur, Illinois. “The first that you see right here behind me, is the drive-over hopper,” says Greg Trame, director of global product development for GSI. “This allows us to turn... Read More
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio! On today’s show you’ll hear: Brendan Cooke, policy analyst at Canada West Foundation, on the global energy crisis; A Canadian Western Bank product spotlight with Georgina Knitel; Ryan Brook, associate professor and wildlife biologist with the Canadian Wild Pig Project at the University of Saskatchewan talks wild... Read More
Clubroot has been confirmed in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and can cause yield losses between 30 and 100 per cent. Sanitation, crop rotation, using resistant cultivars, and managing susceptible weeds are all useful strategies in the clubroot toolbox to mitigate infection, but what other strategies are there, and how effective are they for controlling clubroot... Read More
When different generations work together in the farm business, conflict can arise over responsibility, ownership, succession, and day-to-day operations of the farm. Justin Funk, managing partner of AgriStudies, has done extensive research on what makes intergenerational farms unique in how they operate. In this Mind Your Farm Business podcast, Funk shares how differences in doing... Read More
From simply leaving a check strip to replicated trials, field-level data collection and analysis can be overwhelming. For this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Jenn Sabourin of Manitoba-based Antara Agronomy, and Aaron Breimer of Deveron, based near Chatham, Ontario. The three talk about field trial set up, data collection, and... Read More
It’s Monday! Which means an agronomic Monday here on RealAg Radio. You’ll hear from: Warren Ward of the Canola Council of Canada, talking about the value of soil testing and residual fertilizer; Jeff Schoenau of the University of Saskatchewan, talking about anhydrous ammonia applications in dry conditions; and, Peter Johnson chats wet conditions in the... Read More
Earlier this year, when C & M Seeds hosted its 30th anniversary wheat industry day, the company asked RealAgriculture to do something pretty cool. C & M asked RealAgriculture to share what the last several decades of the wheat industry in Ontario has looked like, and how it has evolved to where it is today.... Read More
Wild pigs pose ecological and agricultural problems across Canada and into the United States. Every year, this rapidly reproducing, non-native species expands its territory, most recently being discovered in Alberta’s Elk Island National Park. Originally brought into the country to help diversification efforts in agriculture in the late 80s and early 90s, the invasive species, cross-bred... Read More
On this Friday edition of RealAg Radio, we’ve got a Beef Market Update with Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange. We’ve also got an issues panel for you, featuring RealAgriculture’s Lyndsey Smith and Kelvin Heppner. They’ll be talking about: Nut production, alternative beverages, and greenwashing; Global shipping constraints; The upcoming cabinet announcement and what it... Read More
There’s a lot happening in the cattle markets as we hit mid-October (?!) already. Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange says the markets south of the border have held mostly steady, at around $124 for live cattle in the south, and $124-$125 in the north, while noting the cutout drop-off we are still seeing.... Read More
If you’ve had to go fill your fuel tank recently you’ve likely noticed a significant cost run-up. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says on average the price of gas is higher than it has ever been, at an average of $1.45/L across the country. There are numerous reasons for this, but... Read More
Massey Ferguson recently showcased a redesign of their 5S tractor. Available in three models ranging from 115 to 145 HP, the redesigned 5S series tractor delivers value and capabilities for hay and livestock producers. Derek Reusser, technical marketing manager at AGCO, says the new steep-nosed design offers operators great visibility. “For loader work for example,... Read More
Soybean harvest is well underway, and farmers are pushing to get soybeans out of fields in order to get their next crops in the ground. That push could depend a lot on variety maturity dates and planting dates and in this Soybean School episode, Bernard Tobin joins Horst Bohner, OMAFRA soybean specialist, to discuss how... Read More
Tar spot is taking a bite out of yields in some Ontario corn fields but there is hope that growers will have effective tools to manage the leaf disease. Characterized by tar-like speckling on the upper surface of corn leaves, the fungal pathogen has been delivering yield hits ranging from 20 to 60 bushels per... Read More
Welcome to this Thursday, Farmer Rapid Fire edition of RealAg Radio, brought to you by Pioneer Seeds Canada. On today’s show you’ll hear from: Shawn Schill of Arthur, Ont.; A grain corn product spotlight with our show sponsor, Pioneer Seeds and area agronomist, Mike Weir; Ron Krahn of Brandon, Man.; and, Danny Ottenbreit of Grayson,... Read More
What’s potentially on the desk for the next agriculture minister? What should be in the new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s mandate letter? Host Kelvin Heppner is joined by Tyler McCann, managing director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, for this episode of RealAg Politics. McCann recently wrote his own mandate letter of what he... Read More
Goooood day. In this episode of the Wheat Pete’s Word, your host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson gives updates on all things ag related in Ontario, and beyond. Also in this week’s episode, Johnson has advice for scouting for fall armyworm in winter canola, when to harvest beans, corn stability, and much more. Listen on! Have... Read More
Welcome to this Wednesday edition of RealAg Radio, guest hosted by Kara Oosterhuis. On today’s show you’ll hear from: Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, on record average highs for gas prices; Jordon Underhill of Canadian Dairy XPO, talking about their upcoming show plans for 2022; Lara de Moissac of RealAgriculture, on... Read More
With granular fertilizer prices where they’re at and with uncertainty about supply in ’22, anhydrous ammonia is an attractive option to get nitrogen into the field this fall. But what’s the best way to minimize losses? Jeff Schoenau, professor of soil fertility, and strategic research chair at the University of Saskatchewan, says that once ammonia... Read More
Soil sampling and having a fertility plan in place might be even more important after a drought year. There’s a good chance that the fertilizer applied in the spring wasn’t used up by crops. Where yields were lower than anticipated, it’s a good idea to get into the field, and see what’s left in terms... Read More
On today’s edition of RealAg Radio, you’ll hear: Ted Mallett, director of forecasting at the Conference Board of Canada, on the economy, inflationary pressures, and supply chain concerns; Andria Karstens joins us for a Climate FieldView product spotlight; Peter Johnson has the latest news on what’s happening in Ontario ag; and, The top ag news... Read More
The Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX) is planning to return to Stratford, Ontario, for a live dairy industry showcase on April 6 and 7, 2022. CDX has not run its traditional tradeshow since 2019 — the event was cancelled in 2020 and a virtual program was presented in 2021. “Things will look different,” says CDX founder and... Read More
The advent of a global pandemic certainly added volume to the narrative that local equals resilient when it comes to economies, especially food-related economic systems. But Jayson Lusk, food and agricultural economist at Purdue University, says that evidence suggests otherwise, and that a vibrant trade economy actually adds resiliency to local economies. To demonstrate his point,... Read More
Stacked traits are quite common in corn and increasingly more common in soybean as well, but the concept is still quite new for the balance of Western Canada’s crop mix. Managing with stacked traits adds significant flexibility, says Bayer Crop Science trait and trait launch manager, Andrew Chisholm, and making the most of that added... Read More