High River, Alta - April, 9, 2025 -  Signs of spring - A farmer harrows a field behind a crocus in full bloom with a honey bee on it..  Mike Sturk photo.

AI app promises Prairie farmers better insect scouting

IPPM Now app uses Prairie expertise, including from Manitoba, to help farmers identify and mange for beneficial and pest insects in their fields

A new app, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven and developed on the Prairies, is expected to help farmers identify and manage pest and beneficial insects.



New Holland has created a diesel-electric autonomous tractor that has been tested in orchards and vineyards. Photo: John Greig

Autonomous machinery still struggles in the field

Manitoba research highlights how a field’s shifting terrain complicates autonomous equipment operation

Changing field terrain is a challenge for autonomous equipment. The University of Manitoba is looking at these farm-specific obstacles to adopting autonomy.


Speaking at the 2025 Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance conference, Plantae’s Trevor Kloeck said exaggerated claims have eroded credibility and now the sector needs a reset. Photo: Don Norman

Time to be honest about hemp, experts say

Sector aims to move past early “hemp evangelism,” told the crop’s future lies in honest agronomy, not exaggerated claims

Years of hype have given way to a more realistic view of hemp. Farmers and processors say the crop's future depends on solid agronomy, honesty.



Corn is harvested in southeastern Manitoba. Photo: Geralyn Wichers

Manitoba corn research looks for home-based weed control

Growers currently rely on U.S. or Ontario recommendations, but a U of M study is hunting for better advice with local conditions in mind

University of Manitoba researchers want corn growers to have Manitoba-based weed control advice, not U.S. or Ontario-based recommendations.




A hemp plant grows on a research crop plot at the Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization near Melita. Photo: Alexis Stockford

Canadian hemp stable, but stuck on growth

Canada’s hemp industry hopes better hybrid varieties and yields, clearer regulations and new markets might help their crop break past its current ceiling and into stronger growth

Canada’s hemp industry hopes hybrid varieties, better yields, clearer regulations and new markets can help the crop break past its ceiling and get Canadian farmers planting more hemp acres.