Looking for a different way to control wild oats

Wild oats are Canada’s biggest weed problem — and researchers at the Field Crop Development Centre hope winter wheat can become a big part of the solution.Alternative methods for controlling wild oats are becoming increasingly important, said Neil Harker, an Alberta Agriculture weed scientist who is leading the research in this area.“A lot of our[...]

Know your plants: Understanding how grasses grow is key to maximizing pasture production

Grazing expert says producers need to gauge “range readiness” and carefully monitor the amount of defoliation

Good pastures start with a good understanding of how plants grow.
Attendees at the recent Original Grazing School for Women were given some key pointers by Edward Bork, who is director of the Rangeland Research Institute at the University of Alberta and also operates a grain and beef operation with his family near Chipman.
Grasses can be[...]


Researcher tests new way to grow plants and fish at home


Got a hankering to go farming in your basement? Odd as that sounds, it may actually be possible thanks to aquaponics — a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics — and new-generation LED lighting. The potential has Nick Savidov excited. “Integrated farming is becoming a reality,” said the senior research scientist with Alberta Agriculture at Edmonton’s[...]

Audits Are Key To Credible Animal-Welfare Program

If you want to prove you’re treating animals humanely, then set clear and measurable standards, avoid fuzzy language in audits, and let independent observers from the outside world see what you’re doing.That was the advice that renowned animal behavioural scientist Temple Grandin delivered to the recent Animal Welfare Forum held at the University of Alberta.The[...]


Agri-Trade: New tolerances in canola pipeline

Increased herbicide tolerance, sclerotinia tolerance and improved systems for hybrids are among the many canola innovations this year, said Phil Thomas, a senior agri-coach with Agri-Trend, a Canadian consulting company which tracks trends and helps producers. About $37 million were spent on the development of new canola varieties this year, said Thomas. Forty field trials[...]