seeding at sunset

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report: Issue 3

Conditions as of May 18, 2015

Weekly Provincial Summary Provincially, seeding progress in Manitoba is estimated at 72 per cent complete. By region, seeding is 70 per cent complete in the Southwest Region, 70 per cent complete in the Northwest Region, 70 to 85 per cent complete in the Central Region, 75 per cent complete in the Eastern Region and 55 to 65

agriculture minister Gerry Ritz

Streamlined crop registration system approved

Gerry Ritz says quality control inherent in the current system will continue

Proposed changes to Canada’s crop variety registration system could take effect before year’s end or early in 2016 via order-in-council, federal officials say. The reforms will streamline the process and ensure red tape doesn’t delay or prevent farmers from getting new and improved varieties, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz told the Canadian Global Crops Symposium here


wheat grains

NDSU warns Elgin wheat sales could be in violation of breeders rights

Some U.S. seedsmen may be approaching Canadians to sell them certified Elgin-ND seed

FP Genetics is the only legal source for Elgin-ND pedigreed seed in Canada and this spring all its seed is going to Western Canadian seed growers to produce certified seed for commercial production in 2016. Those who try to get seed from American suppliers are breaking plant breeders’ rights laws and face heavy penalties, warns

frost damage on a soybean seedling

Look to more than calendar for best time to plant soybeans

Soybeans don’t like cold and they are very susceptible to spring frost

Now is the time to plant soybeans in Manitoba according to the calendar, but date is just one of four factors to consider, says Terry Buss, a farm production advisor with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) based in Beausejour. The others are soil temperature, the weather forecast for 24 hours before and after


winter wheat roots

Hurry up and wait on your winter wheat crop

Get the nitrogen on now, but give the crop some time before deciding whether to keep or terminate it

Here’s some timely advice for winter wheat growers: hurry up and wait. First hurry up and apply the nitrogen the crop needs. Then wait before deciding to leave or rip the crop up because of winterkill. “As the weather gets warmer, winter wheat needs time to properly recover,” Paul Thoroughgood, regional agrologist for the Western

crop seeding

Tips for planter and air seeder maintenance

Seeder boots need good soles too — check for wear and replace if more than half an inch is burned off the bottom

Producers in Manitoba are doing a good job making sure their equipment is in field-ready condition, according to Les Bobyk, a territory customer support manager for John Deere based in Regina, Sask. But everyone benefits from paying close attention to detail when it comes to planter and air seeder maintenance. During a presentation at North


soybean plant

Bringing soybeans in from the cold

A Brandon research scientist is studying the effects of cool temperatures during the Manitoba growing season

A Brandon research scientist is studying how cold temperatures during the growing season can put a chill on soybean production. Ramona Mohr, who works at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Brandon Research Centre, says it starts with a “chilling effect” at planting. Mohr presented preliminary results from her studies at North Star Genetics’ annual soybean

soybean plant stand calculator

Tips and tools for a successful soybean season

Tips on seeding, soil levels, weed control, seed treatments and the 
latest sector tools to help you achieve top yields this season

Manitoba soybean acreage has more than doubled in the last 10 years, and this year even more farmers are expected to give the crop a try. Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) pulse specialist Dennis Lange offered some tips at the Dauphin Agriculture Society’s Farm Outlook 2015 conference. Lange reviewed the importance of selecting


Adam Gurr

VIDEO: Agritruth’s scientific approach to agriculture

Manitoba farmer shares on-farm research with farmers and agronomists

Adam Gurr and his farming partners are saving and making money through their own on-farm research, which they’re also sharing through their company Agritruth. Gurr tells Manitoba Co-operator reporter Allan Dawson about their work and the importance of conducting trials scientifically. Watch for Allan Dawson’s companion article in the upcoming April 8, 2015 issue of the

plant seedling

A GMO by any other name would smell sweeter

The terminology used to describe modern plant breeding gives it a bad name

Google reveals a plethora of ideas for “How to choose a name.” It has suggestions for your baby, your dog, your business, your blog and more. Have you ever wondered what the discussion would be around food and agriculture if plant scientists sought similar advice when naming genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? They’re immersed in science,