“Wind is the barometer for deciding whether it’s a good spray day, and whether that’s right or wrong, it is the deciding factor.” – Tom Wolfe.

Making the most of spray days

Spraying expert Tom Wolfe shares tips for spraying in tough conditions

With another taxing spray season upon Manitoba farmers, the Co-operator is digging into its archives to present you with some previously-published information on navigating these challenges. Waiting for the ideal spray day is about as productive as chasing unicorns, says spray application specialist Tom Wolfe. That’s why learning to deal with less-than-ideal conditions is essential.



A patch of stinkweed flourishes in a field in the RM of Cartier in Manitoba on May 21, 2025.

VIDEO: What’s that weed seedling?

Identifying weeds while they’re still small and easier to control can save the farmer from big weed problems later in the season

Identifying weeds while they’re still small and easier to control can save the farmer from big weed problems later in the season

Wheat shows fusarium head blight symptoms.

Fungicide, glyphosate don’t hurt your hard red wheat quality

In terms of grain quality, this University of Manitoba-led research finds weather and variety matter most

The idea that weather and wheat variety do more to impact grain quality isn’t necessarily surprising, but new research offers up the good news that fungicides and glyphosate aren’t making the farmer’s crop worse.





Keep it Clean flags new 2025 farm chemical risks

Keep it Clean flags new 2025 farm chemical risks

New crop marketing warnings noted for use of cereal and lentil insecticide

Keep it Clean’s 2025 list, meant to warn farmers about marketing hurdles tied to specific agri-chemical use, has updated its guidance on cereal and lentil pesticides



A new generation of herbicide tolerant soybeans is coming soon, according to Bayer.

New Bayer genetics to open up soybean herbicide tolerance

Vyconic trait set offers tolerance to five herbicides and will be integrated with the company’s soybean varieties in coming years

Bayer’s Vyconic soybeans offer tolerance to five herbicides, a first for Canadian crop growers. This new advancement could help farmers combat resistant weeds and manage fields.

Chemical costs are down — but for how long?

Chemical costs are down — but for how long?

Agricultural chemical prices are down, but rising raw material costs and market volatility from, among other things, tariffs and a potential trade war, could bring on a rise

Agricultural chemical prices are down, but rising raw material costs and market volatility from, among other things, tariffs and a potential trade war, could raise them again.