Bayer is driving ahead with an array of investments designed to reckon with coming environmental, economic, and social issues in crop production. Already spending approximately two billion Euros each year on agricultural science initiatives, the company is further emphasizing its investments in expectation of massive growth in several key areas – plant breeding, biotechnology, chemistry, […] Read more
Genetic precision and new modes of action a focus for Bayer
Company aims to solve crop production, sustainability problems on farms
Plan aims to add value to food-grade soybeans
$27.3 million investment designed to capture larger share of global plant protein market
Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and several collaborators have committed to developing domestic processing for made-in-Canada food grade soybeans varieties. Plans for a Canadian soybean processing facility, and an accompanying soybean variety development initiative, were announced in a March 18 media presentation. PIC is contributing $7.3 million to the project, with an additional $20 million being […] Read more
Processing veg growers align with marketing act changes
OPVG updates governance, continues research investments
The subjects of policy and structural change dominated the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers (OPVG) first virtual annual general meeting. The March 30 session began with a general message of support from provincial agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman, in which he highlighted the provincial government’s plan to prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for farm and food sector workers. Why […] Read more
Finding the tools to build soil
Intensifying wheat production can help make the soil-building crop more profitable
Wheat and cover crops may not be the most profitable of cash cows, but the indirect benefits to grain growers’ bottom lines are significant. Keeping winter wheat in the rotation, that is, has been shown to consistently boost both corn and soybean yields in Ontario. Those numbers go even higher when red clover is also […] Read more
Cash flow and cover crops
Adaptation and experience reduce upfront costs and improve returns
Cover crops are environmentally beneficial but to determine if they pay for themselves, growers need to provide detailed data on costs and revenue. Aaron Breimer, general manager for Deveron’s Chatham-based Veritas Farm Management, says his experience with cover crops highlights the need to repeatedly verify a practice before concluding whether it’s profitable or not. Why […] Read more
What’s new in planter technology
Manufacturers look to better precision, compaction reduction – and speed
In the hunt for higher yields, equipment manufacturers are combining more digital tech with in-field iron to alleviate a variety of planting challenges – from compaction to uneven planting depth. Addressing localized compaction For Shawn Livingston, Eastern Canada regional manager for Precision Planting Inc., the impact of localized compaction on crop root development has been […] Read more
How viable is mechanical pollination?
Pollen collection, not just distribution, is a major hurdle for those trying to help insects
An Israeli start-up company has developed a mechanical pollination system that it says will help ensure the continued production of nutritious food. There is concern about the decline of pollinators and its effects on food production. Pollinators play a critical role in moving pollen from male to female parts of the plant that result in […] Read more
Electric vehicle surge to unplug ethanol demand
There will likely be a decline in fuel demand, but byproducts and demand for other alcohols could keep ethanol going
After shouldering some unusual market hits in recent years, the ethanol industry now faces new and more fundamental demand uncertainties as electric vehicles grow in popularity and capacity. Some argue the sector will find new outlets for the plant-based fuels while others worry it will crumble beneath the collective weight of social, economic and environmental […] Read more
What to do with corn stalks
No one-size-fits-all approach to residue management
There’s no secret sauce when it comes to managing corn stalk residue, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. The approach one takes is determined by weighing factors such as what the following crop will be and what equipment is available. Why it matters: Residue management has become increasingly important as ever-improving corn […] Read more
Investment aims to boost soybean processing
$27.3 million committed to capture larger share of global plant protein market.
Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and several collaborators have committed to developing domestic processing for made-in-Canada food-grade soybeans varieties. Plans for a Canadian soybean processing facility, and an accompanying soybean variety development initiative, were announced in a March 18 media presentation. PIC is contributing $7.3 million to the project, with an additional $20 million being committed […] Read more
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