Dry cycles almost always mean more salinity issues for farmers.

Soybeans early signal of soil issues

Most affected spots frequently in high-traffic areas in fields

It was just over 10 years ago that Marla Riekman started getting the phone calls on a new soil issue. The provincial soil specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development suddenly started to hear from growers in the Red River Valley who were alarmed at the appearance of salinity in places they’d never seen it

Can a cool-season plant such as canola cope with a warmer summer and still be productive?

Can a cool-season crop survive climate change?

As temperatures rise, so does the pressure on the Prairies’ Cinderella crop, canola

Canola, like its northern European ancestors that were introduced here decades ago, is a cool-season plant. It’s not happy with really hot weather, especially from the time it bolts to the time it finishes flowering. With the Prairies getting warmer, farmers need to consider what higher summer temperatures might do to one of their most


Pollinators key to canola crops’ success

Pollinators key to canola crops’ success

Your busy little unpaid employees make it all possible

Canola producers often partner with beekeepers because the bees are an effective way to pollinate canola blossoms and increase the seed production. The bees collect the pollen as a protein-rich food and sip nectar to make honey, a handy way to store energy. Making pollen and nectar is a lot of work for the plant

“Unfortunately, for my state, and for much of the upper United States, the varieties that are available only have resistance from these two sources.” – Greg Tylka, Iowa State.

Soybean cyst nematode evading resistance genes

Scant sources for genetic resistance make the trend inevitable over time

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a serious soybean pest throughout the American Midwest and, as of 2021, it’s been confirmed in five Manitoba municipalities. There are two ways a farmer can deal with soybean cyst nematode, according to Iowa State University plant pathologist Greg Tylka. “The first thing is don’t grow soybeans — but my


Renewable diesel is going to be a game changer for Canada’s favourite oilseed. Here’s how.

Canada’s ‘Cinderella crop’ keeps on delivering for farmers

The crop that built a reputation for its high-quality food oil, is expected to see big demand close to home as a low-carbon, renewable fuel

Canada needs more canola. There’s the traditional food market for canola oil, but the renewable fuel market is catching fire — and that’s good for farmers and Canada’s economy, says Chris Vervaet, executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA). But more canola seed is needed to take full advantage of the new crushing

Using gene editing to create a more compact canola with more flowers was the goal of University of Calgary Professor Marcus Samuel and his research team.

Researchers use gene editing to create breakthrough canola variety

Shorter, highly branched canola plants with more pods show the power of the cutting-edge technology

Glacier FarmMedia – Researchers have used gene editing to bring to life a new shorter, highly branched variety of canola that has more pods and is easier to harvest. “Based on my conversations with some people in the agriculture industry — including primary producers — they would love to have a crop like this,” said


“The risk of waiting is that you’re going to have a gigantic problem instead of something small that’s manageable.” – Autumn Barnes.

Taking the path of least resistance opens door to clubroot ‘disaster’

Only use resistant cultivars, says canola council, and back it up with scouting and longer rotations

Glacier FarmMedia – Canola growers should keep one simple message in mind when choosing their varieties for next year’s growing season: Every acre needs to be clubroot resistant. “What we’re trying to do is really focus on using clubroot resistance as part of a proactive, integrated prevention or management plan for every canola acre,” said

“The long-term demand signal for canola is strong.” – Jim Everson.

Canola industry bullish on demand, nervous about emission targets

Greenhouse gas emission targets bring both potential boon and hardship to Canadian canola growers

Canadian farmers will need to grow a lot more canola to meet global demand, with emission reduction goals both a key driver and central concern, said agriculture leaders during the Canola Council of Canada’s (CCC) “Canola Week” conference on November 30. “The long-term demand signal for canola is strong,” said CCC president Jim Everson. Why


The pros and cons of non-GM soybeans

The pros and cons of non-GM soybeans

There’s the potential for higher returns, but growing them requires a bit more attention to detail

Growing premium-priced, food-grade, non-genetically modified (GM) soybeans is a fit for some Manitoba farmers — but it’s not for everyone. There are important factors to consider, says Dennis Lange, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development’s pulse crop specialist. Non-GM soybeans grown under contract can earn a $1.50 to $2 a bushel premium over regular GM soybeans destined for the crush market. In

Ceres grew its business in Manitoba last year when it bought Delmar Commodities, including Jordan Mills, a small soybean extrusion plant near Roland, Man.

Ceres Global Ag Corp. making its presence known on the oilseed processing stage

Manitoba will continue to be important in this grain company’s growth, says CEO Robert Day

Ceres Global Ag, a publicly traded, Minneapolis-based company, was flying mainly under the radar — until recently. But the newcomer grain company made headlines May 25, announcing plans to build a 1.1-million-tonne, US$350-million canola-crushing plant at Northgate, Sask. That move brought the firm into clearer focus for many market participants, and the picture that’s emerged