Lygus bug on flax.

Lygus bugs reach economic thresholds in canola fields

Manitoba Insect & Disease summary for July 27

Summary Insects: Lygus bugs around economic threshold levels have been noted in a few canola fields in eastern Manitoba. Banded sunflower moth adults have also been noted; late bud to early bloom stage is when sunflowers should be monitored for seed feeding insects like banded sunflower moth, Lygus bugs, and red sunflower seed weevils. Trace levels of soybean aphid have been found on soybeans near Fannystelle and Lac du Bonnet;

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 13

Conditions as of July 25, 2016

Severe weather systems containing strong winds, tornadoes, heavy rains and hail passed through several areas of Manitoba. Field and forage crops, as well shelterbelts and farm infrastructure, were impacted by the storms. Crop damage, including lodging and stalk breakage, ranges from light to severe. Assessments are continuing. The warmer temperatures benefitted all crops, particularly the


SunOpta pressured by shareholders after sluggish sales

Reuters – Canadian organic food company SunOpta Inc, already under pressure from U.S. hedge fund Tourbillon Capital Partners LP, is being prodded by a second activist shareholder to explore the sale of all or part of the company, according to sources familiar with the matter. Canadian hedge fund West Face Capital, which pushed SNC-Lavalin to sell

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 11

Conditions as of July 11, 2016

Areas of Manitoba saw thunderstorm activity resulting in heavy rainfall, strong winds and hail. Assessments of crop damage due to hail is continuing. Crop lodging also occurred, particularly in spring and winter cereal crops. Fungicide applications continue in many crop types to manage disease risk. Livestock producers continue to make slow progress with first cut


Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 10

Conditions as of July 4, 2016

The warmer and drier weather conditions were welcomed by Manitoba producers. All crop types, particularly the warm season crops including grain corn and soybeans, are benefiting from the warmer weather. The more favourable weather conditions are allowing some acres impacted by excess moisture to recover. However, continuing wet field conditions and symptoms of excess moisture

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 9

Conditions as of June 27, 2016

Severe weather systems containing strong winds, heavy rains and hail passed through several regions of Manitoba over the weekend. Damage to crops from hail and strong winds range from light to severe with assessments continuing over the next several days. The wet weather conditions continue to impact crops in many areas of the province as


Queen Victoria's statue at the Manitoba Legislature. As in North America, Britain's farmers are considered by many to be political and economic conservatives by birth and disposition.

Brexit: ‘Taking farmers for fools’

U.K. farmers find themselves torn between their innate conservatism and 
economic interests that may be best served by staying in the EU

With electronic ignition, fuel injection and more computing power than the space shuttle, today’s cars and trucks never backfire. Our politicians — with less horsepower and far less memory — often still do. The latest may be British Prime Minister David Cameron who, during his 2015 re-election campaign, promised British voters a referendum on whether

(Bruce Fritz photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

North American sunflowers looking good early

CNS Canada –– Sunflower crops in key growing regions of North America are in relatively good shape early in the season, according to reports. However, those good conditions have put some nearby pressure on values, with spot pricing expected to take some direction from the weather and acreage reports over the next few weeks. Sunflower


Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: No. 6

Conditions as of June 6, 2016

Seeding operations are wrapping up for the 2016 season in Manitoba with progress estimated at 99 per cent complete. Crop types remaining to be seeded include canola and cereal crops for greenfeed and silage. Many areas of Manitoba received precipitation, with the Manitoba Agriculture’s Ag-Weather Program showing accumulations ranging from 4 to 74 mm. Crop injury

(WeatherFarm.com/weather-maps)

Timing of rain ‘ideal’ for Prairie crops

CNS Canada — Well timed weekend rains across Western Canada have benefited germinating canola crops and soil conditions — but some areas could use more moisture, one weather and crop specialist says. “In terms of the timing of the rains, they’ve been pretty well ideal,” said Bruce Burnett of G3 Canada. Showers over the week