Trying to predict the course of commodity prices from one year to the next is a complex task. It requires a broad understanding of global monetary and geopolitical influences that can be confusing and contradictory. Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist with StoneX Group, gave attendees at the recent Ontario Agricultural Conference a robust overview of […] Read more
Increasing interest rates put pressure on national debt obligations
Shifts continue in global policies and politics, says commodities economist
Many physiological factors driving corn yield growth
Agronomics and genetics interact in many ways and depend on each other for corn yield success
Do genetics or agronomics have the greatest influence on corn? That question was posed by Dave Hooker, a researcher with the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus at the recent Ontario Agricultural Conference. Hooker spoke on day two (Jan. 5) at the two-day event, which featured three in-person venues — Ridgetown, Waterloo and Kemptville — plus […] Read more
Pushing soybean yields a constant refrain
Trends and research indicate maturity and season length are most important
As the cash price on soybeans holds just under $20 per bushel, growers want to know how to push yields higher. That was the message they wanted to hear as the Ontario Agricultural Conference began Jan.4. The event began with “Sizzlin’ Soybeans!” with Horst Bohner, soybean specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and […] Read more
The launch of a new series in soybeans
Corteva now offers its A-Series Enlist E3 soybean varieties to Ontario growers
The 2022 edition of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show marked a return to normal for many in the agri-food industry, in part because it was the first such showcase in three years. But it was also an opportunity for many seed companies to give customers a glimpse of their latest offerings. At the Pioneer building, farmers […] Read more
Recognizing a worthwhile gift
Rev. Ruth Butt receives a delayed Order of Ontario Agricultural College for her support for soil research
Among the many special events featured during Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show was a special award bestowed upon an incomparable individual. Reverend Ruth Butt, a United Church minister and former neighbour of the farm show site now known as Discovery Farm Woodstock, was presented with the Member of the Order of Ontario Agricultural College award Sept. […] Read more
Is the 100-bushel-per-acre mark in soybeans possible?
One researcher is working to answer that question
Fifteen to 20 years ago, the late Gary Ablett would tell growers, seed company representatives and researchers that the genetic potential for soybeans was 110 bushels per acre. At the time, the provincial average was roughly half that. “So what stops growers from reaching that level?” someone in the crowd might ask. “Their own hands,” […] Read more
Strip till a matter of helping the soil and lowering costs
Adoption rate is slow, but tools are available for growers to learn more
Twenty years ago, growers were less likely to adopt strip till on their farms, primarily because the practice lacked an immediate payback with higher yields. It didn’t help that early adopters had to develop their own systems if applying fertilizer while strip tilling. In theory, strip till should boost yields, based on “berming” the soil […] Read more
Advanced corn hybrid with an RNAi trait to launch in Canada in 2023
SmartStax Pro builds on existing SmartStax trait
Glacier FarmMedia – Resistance to corn rootworm is becoming a bigger concern as populations continue to develop resistance to existing Bt Cry proteins. Three of the four proteins targeting corn rootworm are related to known cross-resistance, so a population that becomes resistant to one protein will exhibit resistance to the others. The resulting recommendation to […] Read more
Pearce: Autonomous platform makes Eastern Canada debut
It’s been dubbed “the future of agriculture” and for the first time, farmers in Eastern Canada had the opportunity to see the Dot A-U1 Power Platform with in-field demonstrations at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. The precision ag system, designed by Dot Technology Corp., attracted considerable attention going through its paces during the annual ag showcase, […] Read more
Pearce: Multiple modes of action an emerging reality for fungicides
As growers face more challenges from weeds, diseases and insects, many researchers, agronomists, advisers and farmers have shifted thinking from “control” of pests to “managing” them. Some of this trend is attributable to single-mode-of-action products and a reliance on one or two chemistries or technologies — but the adaptability of weed, disease and insect species […] Read more
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