Photo: Thinkstock

Dry weather not a problem for malt barley crop, so far

CNS Canada – The prairie malting barley crop is faring reasonable well in the hot, dry weather, but crop watchers will have a better idea of protein content in a couple weeks. “We’ve yet to see what this crop is. I think we’re a little early yet. Indications are that it could be a little […] Read more

At 1.834 million acres, U.S. edible bean acreage is down slightly from 2.092 million in 2017.

North Dakota bean acreage down, as crops get off to good start

Hotter-than-normal temperatures have created concern in leading U.S. edible bean-producing state

The dry edible bean crop in North Dakota is shaping up well, according to Tom Kennelly, president of Northarvest Bean Growers Association. “But there are spots that got adequate moisture and there are still spots that are waiting on timely rains,” he said, from his farm near Grafton, N.D. North Dakota is by far the […] Read more





Corn planting has only just started in Ontario due to recent cool and wet weather. Some have started, however, including this farmer between Parkhill and Grand Bend.

Patience, vigilance urged this planting season

Planting into fit soils at the right depth almost always means it pays to wait to plant

[UPDATED: May 16, 2018] Recent spells of dry wind and sunshine mean corn planting has started in southwestern Ontario. In Eastern Ontario, however, producers are being encouraged to sit tight for less soggy conditions. But despite differences in moisture and temperature, agronomists say farmers from both areas can take some similar — if not often […] Read more

Moisture received during Ontario's growing season in 2017 showed normal to above normal precipitation in western parts of the province while south-central areas were very wet.  Graphic: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Spring forecast sees early planting in Ontario

Ontario farmers may benefit from a warmer spring in 2018 – if the weather is dry enough, says a WeatherFarm-DTN The Progressive Farmer spring forecast. Why it matters: Planting early usually means higher yields and sets the tone for the growing season. Jim Block, chief meteorological officer with DTN, says a weak La Nina is […] Read more



Last five years were hottest on record

Morocco/Reuters – The past five years were the hottest on record with mounting evidence that heat waves, floods and rising sea levels are stoked by man-made climate change, the United Nations weather agency said on Tuesday. Some freak weather events would have happened naturally but the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said greenhouse gas emissions had […] Read more

A canola field in northwestern Saskatchewan on Oct. 5, 2016 after the area was blanketed by wet snow.  (Lisa Guenther photo)

Warm spell raises hopes as Canadian farmers race to finish harvest

Winnipeg/Reuters – Unusually warm temperatures in Western Canada are raising farmers’ hopes of a strong finish to a growing season of highs and lows, easing investors’ worries about the late harvest. Summer-like weather in Saskatchewan and Alberta, the two biggest wheat and canola-growing provinces in Canada — a top global exporter of both crops — […] Read more