Off-target movement of herbicides carries a risk to your own crops, your neighbour’s crop and your insurance premiums. Particularly with the arrival of Group 4 and Group 9 herbicide technologies, there may be a perception that weed management has become simpler. But resistant weed biotypes are confounding that notion and are challenging growers and their […] Read more
Staying on-target: How seed tech and weed type factor into spraying
Herbicide resistance and seed technologies making spray decisions complex
Getting specific on soil health
Growers discussing their soil fertility needs are finding more layers to the subject
There’s a need for standardization of approaches to improving soil health, as farmers are hit with many different opinions and recommendations. It could be everything from acidity to nutrient solubility to microbial activity as the complexity of dealing with improving soil health is significant. Wayne Black has been making the case that producers are being […] Read more
Search is on for a response to tar spot
University of Illinois researchers study exotic sources of resistance
Crop diseases often carry a disturbing mix of known and unknown factors. Take tar spot in corn, as an example. It’s known to have arrived in Ontario in 2018 and has continued to spread across the province, from a few fields in five counties in 2020 to a wider distribution in 19 counties by the […] Read more
Confusion remains about soil health
Producers get mixed messages on what they should do to improve
Soil health is a catch-phrase that has dominated the agri-food landscape for at least five years, but what does it mean? The term has been adopted, re-imagined and co-opted by countless individuals, organizations and groups, to support everything from organics to cover crops, reduced till or no till, carbon sequestration, sustainability and regenerative agriculture. Adding […] Read more
Farm safety alliance focuses on next generation
Organization delivers health and safety messaging built on peer-based sharing
Delivery of health and safety education aimed at the next generation in agriculture began in 2017 and now gets input from around the world. The Ag Health and Safety Alliance is a non-profit organization with team members from the U.S., Canada and Australia and has a program model adapted for Denmark, Sweden, Romania and Nigeria. […] Read more
Rush on planting can increase safety risks
A successful planting season should include attention to safety, say experts
Although Agricultural Safety Week was observed March 12-18, now is the time for heightened awareness and planning. Agriculture is one of the most dangerous professions, yet larger farming operations and increased pressure to get crops planted can translate to anxiety and tension, and can distract producers from the hazards they face. “It’s ‘go time’, so […] Read more
Research into weed interference uncovers new crop growth ideas
Long-held standards are being challenged
Clarence Swanton has spent the past 25 years establishing and re-establishing standards for weed management. First, he studied the critical weed-free period, the time frame in which weed control affects yield. In the late 1990s, there was preliminary research on the effect of light quality on weeds and neighbouring plants. Each discovery came with updates […] Read more
New precision crop monitoring technology offers great potential
SWAT Cam is the latest in summarizing crop performance
The latest technology to provide enhanced imaging and monitoring of field conditions was previewed April 3 with a webinar launch among dozens of agronomists, certified crop advisors, growers and other interested viewers. Hosted by Deb Campbell of Agronomy Advantage, the presentation unveiled the SWAT Cam system and outlined its use and access to a software […] Read more
The latest treatment for white mould in soybeans
Ready for 2023, a new fungicide promotes plant health and protects yield
A crop protection company is launching a new treatment for white mould and sclerotinia. Corteva Agriscience last month announced the launch of Viatude, a new fungicide that targets white mould in soybeans for Eastern Canada and sclerotinia in canola in Western Canada. White mould in Ontario has caused significant yield losses in the past 10 […] Read more
Biologicals look to solve pressing agronomic issues
Greater investment continues toward finding biological solutions
Glacier FarmMedia – When it comes to technology, potential often outweighs practical, at least until an opportunity is created for the latter. At the Ontario Agriculture Conference earlier this year, a presentation on the promise of biologicals acknowledged their potential but called for continued verification. Although there are many products on the horizon, further research […] Read more
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