In the middle of the Ian N. Morrison research farm near Carman, an unlikely scene is unfolding as farmers and agronomists crowd around what looks like an old jam jar. “Careful, we don’t want this to break,” Mario Tenuta stresses, with a bit of a chuckle. But what’s inside the tightly sealed jar is no
Soybean cyst nematode co-evolved with crop
They are tiny world travellers and Manitoba’s Red River Valley could be the next stop on the soybean cyst nematode’s global tour
Higher seeding rate needed for organic soybeans
Transitioning to organic soybeans is possible with strategic planning
It’s a simple question, one that Martin Entz hopes producers will seriously consider. “Why not grow organic soybeans?” he asked producers gathered at the Ian N. Morrison research farm near Carman late last month for the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers’ annual SMART Day. “Something farmers are always looking for is on-farm diversification, so we’ve
Black earth doesn’t equate to warmer soil temperatures
Spaces went fast for this year’s Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers SMART Day
Wagons were filled to capacity and then some at the Ian N. Morrison research farm near Carman late last month, as the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers held its annual SMART Day for soybean producers and agronomists. “Programs like this are hugely beneficial, especially for guys like myself, who are just realizing that I know
Less nitrogen equals less volunteer canola
Tighter row spacing may put the squeeze on late-emerging or slow-growing weeds, but not so for volunteer canola
Looking to reduce volunteer canola in your soybeans? Hold off on that extra nitrogen, or better yet, find a field that’s been depleted. Standing amid research plots at the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm near Carman, University of Manitoba PhD student Charles Geddes explained some of the work being done to combat volunteer canola during
Ritz optimistic for TPP
Canada says it has put offers on the TPP table, while the U.S. continues to disagree
Canada’s agriculture minister says Canada won’t negotiate in public when it comes to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the proposed wide-ranging free trade agreement among a group of Pacific Rim countries. Responding to questions at an unrelated event in Winnipeg last week, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz said Canada has put forward strong proposals regarding
Cash a barrier for hedging hogs
Pork producers have received federal funding to find ways of making the futures market less risky
The Canadian Pork Council is exploring the possibility of using forward pricing programs as a risk management tool, but are concerned not all producers will have enough on-hand cash needed for hedging. “With hedging, you need to have cash for the calls and so on, security money,” explained council chairman and Manitoba producer Rick Bergmann.
Bison demand is growing. Producer numbers? Not so much
Surprisingly agile, bison require the right equipment and tough fencing to be handled safely
Turn down Road 88 North in Manitoba’s Interlake and you can still see the “Gunton Bull Test Station” sign. But don’t expect to see any cattle. “I’m kinda glad they left the old sign up,” said Len Epp. “It’s nice to have the history, even if it’s all bison now.” The co-owner of the Rockwood
Canada will not negotiate TPP in public: Ritz
Canada also paying attention to U.S. subsidy programs
Canada’s agriculture minister says Canada won’t negotiate in public when it comes to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the proposed wide-ranging free trade agreement among a group of Pacific Rim countries. Responding to questions at an unrelated event in Winnipeg last week, Agriculture and Agri-food Minister Gerry Ritz said Canada has put forward strong proposals
Look to crop insurance first: Ritz
While many crops across Western Canada are withering under intensifying drought, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says ad hoc programs are not the answer should producers require assistance. However, tax deferral will be available for affected ranchers. “We don’t need ad hoc (assistance), we’ve got a very comprehensive system of business risk management,” said Gerry Ritz, speaking
Wild or farmed? Lingonberries seek place in Manitoba agriculture
Tiny, tart and full of goodness, Manitoba’s wild lingonberries are even healthier than those grown in other areas
Today they belong to the category often labelled as “superfoods,” but Dave Buck has always known that lingonberries were good tasting and nutritious. “I grew up in the bush,” he said. “And I can remember when I was young, my parents would pick the berries, they’d juice them. We’d have juice at Christmas and then
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