A newly-funded faculty chair at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) will be focused on growing food crops more efficiently while maintaining soil health. Recruitment of the Martin and Denise Pick Family Chair in Sustainable Cropping Systems is underway and the position will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Pick […] Read more
Tag Archives cover crops — page 4
New professorship to lead teaching and research in sustainable cropping
The Ontario Agricultural College chairholder will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Pick family
Farmers at the forefront of reducing GHG emissions
Sequestering carbon the best way to reduce emissions, according to new report
Adjustments to agriculture practices can play a significant role in attaining Canada’s lower carbon emissions commitment, according to a recently released report from Value Change Management International (VCMI). The report, entitled Low Carbon Food Production, suggests commercial benefits and opportunities are possible if businesses are willing to adapt to and profit from environmental initiatives. “Because […] Read more
Managing cover crops ahead of the 2023 corn crop
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of September 7
If you’re like many Ontario farmers, you are not only watching as your crops head toward the finish line, but also keeping an eye on the progress of the cover crops you seeded after cereal harvest. With recent rainfall in many parts of the province, cover crop growth is taking off. Cover crops provide benefits […] Read more
German seed company buys Prairie forage seed firm
DSV to take up full control of Northstar Seed
A Prairie company producing and selling forage, turf and grass seed for international and domestic markets is set to be an early foothold for a German seed firm in North America. DSV (Deutsche Saatveredelung) announced last week it has reached a deal in early April to buy up all shares of Northstar Seed, which is […] Read more
No-till organic soybean trials fall short on yield
Researcher says there’s still promise given the potential for time-saving on tillage
Organic growers in Ontario interested in trying no-till soybeans might want to call the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). After a three-year, multi-site assessment of the practice that allowed field trial hosts to use one of two specially designed “roller-crimpers” purchased by OSCIA, those implements are now available for growers to try. Those […] Read more
‘Stacking’ of row-crop tillage shows promise
Three modes of action monitored in organic crop study
Using the same terminology employed by agrochemical manufacturers promoting the “stacking” of herbicide-resistant traits in seed, an organic-sector specialist from the University of Maine sees promise in multiple modes of mechanical weed control. Eric Gallandt spoke on integrated weed management at the Guelph Organic Conference. He is one of the co-originators, along with Iowa State […] Read more
Farming for the climate
U.S. growers embrace cover crops while eyeing low-carbon future
Illinois farmer Jack McCormick planted 350 acres of barley and radishes last fall as part of an off-season crop that he does not intend to harvest. Instead, the crops will be killed with a herbicide before McCormick plants soybeans in the same soil. The barley and radishes will not be used for food, but Bayer […] Read more
Ontario cover crop survey garners most respondents ever
Survey pinpoints potential solutions to encourage cover crop adoption
The recently released 2020 Ontario Cover Crop Feedback report has delivered insight into the benefits of cover cropping and the barriers that limit adoption. The main benefits identified include better soil health, increased soil organic matter and reduced erosion, while the challenges include lack of equipment, costs and a short growing season. The report stems […] Read more
Long-term Ontario studies show value of cover crops
Boosting organic matter in soils proved to boost profit margins and reduce yield variation year to year
A series of long-term studies in southern Ontario are showing the value of cover crops and boosting soil organic matter. When combining data across experiments and research stations, University of Guelph soil scientist Laura Van Eerd said researchers consistently saw higher corn and soybean yields correlate to higher soil organic matter. Van Eerd spoke during […] Read more
U.S. farm co-op CHS to pay members to enrol in Bayer carbon farming program
Reuters – Agricultural seeds and chemicals supplier Bayer AG is expanding its carbon farming program to members of U.S. farm cooperative CHS Inc, boosting incentives for members to participate in the program, the companies said on Wednesday. The agreement will make it easier for CHS’s 75,000 farmer-members to enrol in Bayer’s Carbon Program, an early […] Read more
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