Manitoba canola growers aren’t facing the full mischievousness of clubroot — yet. The soil-borne disease is a major issue for farmers in other locales, where it limits cropping options, stunts plants and hampers yield. Provincial specialists say they hope it remains a mild problem here, and scouting and diligent crop rotation will be the key
Careful management key to keeping clubroot level low in province
Experts call for soil testing, scouting and diligent rotations to keep clubroot at low levels
Canola issues, close up and hands on
CanoLAB participants were given an overview of how different crops are best integrated into canola rotations
This year’s canoLAB put a sharp focus on canola rotations and expanded the scope slightly, beyond a single crop. “This year we are not only looking at canola but crops that would be in rotation with canola, so it is intended to be a holistic or systems approach to farming,” said Angela Brackenreed, agronomy specialist
Benefiting from a solar watering system
Installing a solar watering system has increased carrying capacity, weight gain and improved herd health
Cattle producers battling foot rot issues may want to consider employing a solar watering system. “By using these solar watering systems we have been able to fence off our sloughs and dugouts and that has dramatically improved our animal health. We haven’t seen foot rot on our farm for at least nine years. It is
Examining the impact of transportation on cattle
A research study looking at the effects of transportation on cattle says to be cautious of high speeds on uneven roads and prolonged stationary times as this may result in increased bruising
Cattle are being moved every day but what are the true implications and how can negative impacts be minimized? “Even though transportation is only a small part of a cow’s life, it can have lasting impact on them. Transportation can affect animal welfare, production, social and even trade,” said Carolynn Kehler, project co-ordinator with the
Coming soon to a hog barn near you
A new high-protein canola meal could reduce hog feed costs
Dow AgroSciences used the Canola Council of Canada convention in San Diego to launch a new high-protein feed option for hogs made from canola meal. ProPound is designed to be a cost-effective replacement to soybean meal in hog and poultry feed. “ProPound represents a step change in the quality of canola meal,” said Dave Hickling,
ACC students propose new learning program
In an annual competition, business students propose a certificate program for essential hands-on farm training
A plan to provide more agricultural training in western Manitoba has won first prize in a competition among second-year agribusiness students at Assiniboine Community College. Charlee McLaughlin-Ventnor of Shoal Lake along with Donovan Hickson from Forrest and Laura Sytnyk of Rivers developed a fictional company called the Agricultural Training Farm of Manitoba — an extended
Tired pasture? The solution is in the soil
To create a healthy pasture, grazing expert says to start with ground cover, plant a diverse mix and avoid disturbing the soil
To get more pasture growth above ground, start by looking below the surface, says Michael Thiele, grazing club co-ordinator for the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA). “Nutrient levels in the soils across Canada have been greatly depleted since conventional agriculture began and the same nutrient depletion can be seen in the foods we are
Hit the grass fast and hard, and then move them out
Brian Harper says high stock density grazing has allowed him to double his pasture’s carrying capacity
Move the cattle through small paddocks fast, and then give the grass a good rest. That’s the theory behind a high stock density grazing system, and Brian Harper says it’s paid off. “High stock density is a management system where you have a high number of cattle in a small area for a short time.
Getting into the mobile mindset
If you’re not sure what your smartphone can do, a 14-year-old can help
Tech expert Peter Gredig recommends re-examining the power of your mobile device, as it may be one of the most valuable tools you own. “For the money, that $500 phone that you carry in your pocket probably has the highest rate of return of anything you have on the farm,” said Gredig, a partner in
Social media — use it, but have a plan
Communication specialist provides advice on how to create a social media presence
Being a part of the online community is no longer a choice if you want to be relevant in today’s business world, says Karen Burton, marketing and communication co-ordinator with the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. “It is not a matter of if you should be on social media, you have to be on social media.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
