Sustainable agriculture Archives - Page 16 of 37

Martin Entz (centre) leads group on Glenlea tour. photos: meghan mast

Manure improves organic forage-grain crop production

‘Experimental lakes of agriculture’ find organic crops can produce on par with conventional crops

By Meghan Mast August 6, 2014

Organic crop producers can match the productivity of their conventional farming neighbours with a little help from some four-legged friends. Composted beef and dairy manure restores important nutrients that can be mined from the soil under organic management systems, Martin Entz, an agronomy professor with the University of Manitoba’s Glenlea research station told participants in

Livestock

Conservation and livestock can be a good mix

While intensive livestock production can cause waste and nutrients to pile up,  mixed farms are better able to recycle nutrients

By Shannon VanRaes August 6, 2014

When Ian Grossart harvests alfalfa on his farm in southwestern Manitoba, he knows where most of the nutrients he’s just removed are going to end up — back on his land. “With the cattle we compost all of our own manure, so that becomes a big part of our fertility program,” he said. “And because

Opinion

Editorial: Who is confused? How consumers view agriculture

By Laura Rance-Unger August 4, 2014

The final report to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada from a series of consumer focus groups it commissioned last year is enlightening, but not because of what it tells us about how domestic customers view this country’s agriculture sector. Rather it speaks volumes about the people asking the questions. The final report “Modern agriculture and agricultural

John Heard (centre) of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development says the 2014 Crop Diagnostic School, which was sold out this year, keeps evolving to agronomists’ needs. photo: allan dawson

Crops, Oilseeds

2014 Crop Diagnostic School sold out

The diagnostic school continues to evolve to meet the needs of Manitoba agronomists 

By Allan Dawson July 28, 2014

The 2014 Crop Diagnostic School was sold out this year, proof that after almost 20 years the school has something new to teach. “We’re flattered by the interest,” John Heard, the school’s ringmaster and soil fertility specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD), said in an interview July 17. “It has been a

Four farmers discussed nutrient management during the 4R Nutrient Field Day at Kelburn Farm July 3. Curtis McRae (l to r), Ed Peters, Frank Prince and Jonathan Hodson. photo: allan dawson

Crops, Hogs

Farmer panel discusses 4R nutrient stewardship

There could a fifth ‘R’ in sustainable nutrient management — the right economics

By Allan Dawson July 16, 2014

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program aimed at promoting nutrient management on Canadian farms is short an R. The four “Rs” are using the right source of fertilizer, applied at the right time, at the right rate and in the right place. The fifth “R” is the right economics. “Economics determine the rate of change,” Virden

Crops

Conservation not a hippie delusion

Small-scale farmers can implement conservation agriculture and improve soil health  in developing areas, often by using a mix of science and local knowledge

By Shannon VanRaes July 16, 2014

The damaging effects of tillage on soils is well documented on Europe and North American soils. So why is that approach still being exported to developing nations, proponents of conservation agriculture asked the recent World Conference on Conservation Agriculture. “We’re taking that paradigm to developing countries, so one has to ask, what is actually going

Opinion

Looking below the surface

By John Morriss July 7, 2014

Some of the world’s top soil scientists and conservation agriculture exponents convened for the sixth World Congress on Conservation Agriculture in Winnipeg last week. The message from speakers was on one hand sobering, if not frightening — massive soil erosion continues around the world, and in both developed and undeveloped countries. The good news is

Howard Buffett is interviewed by Charlene Finck during the sixth World Congress on Conservation Agriculture held in Winnipeg. Photo: Shannon VanRaes

News

Biotech has role in conservation

No need to be technology averse when it comes to conservation agriculture and improving soil health

By Shannon VanRaes July 4, 2014

Biotechnology can be used to improve soil health but that’s not necessarily happening the way it is being used today, the keynote speaker at the World Congress on Conservation Agriculture said. David Montgomery, author of Dirt, The Erosion of Civilizations and a professor of geomorphology at the University of Washington told the conference biotechnology does

From upper left: Steve Groff, Jodi DeJong-Hughes, David Montgomery, Amir Kassam.

News

Conservation agriculture gaining ground

But breaking through  tradition is difficult

By Shannon VanRaes July 4, 2014

It’s common to rebel against your parents, except it seems, when deciding how best to farm. “Never underestimate tradition,” Jodi DeJong-Hughes told those gathered in Winnipeg for the sixth World Congress on Conservation Agriculture last week. The Minnesota-based extension educator and tillage specialist said there is one thing she hears more often than not when

Cereals, Crops

U of M project puts DIY back into plant breeding

DIY has done wonders in the metal shop. Why not try it in the fields, too?

By Daniel Winters May 27, 2014

What do you do if you can’t find or can’t afford a piece of farm equipment for a particular job on your farm? For many, the answer is DIY, short for do-it-yourself. Necessity is the mother of invention, and often inspiration, a welder, chop saw, and a trip to the scrap pile is enough to

Daily Network News

Lending policy still focused on primary producers: FCC

Brazil to reap record soy crop in 2025/2026, increase exports

Argentina’s “mega” wheat crop to hit record level, exchange says

Tag Archives Sustainable agriculture