VIDEO: The pros and cons of vertical tillage

Conclusion? More research needed to know if it's the right choice for producers

Wet springs have some farmers thinking about more tillage, including vertical tillage. Marla Rieckman, a Landscape Stewardship Specialist, with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRD) spoke with Manitoba Co-operator reporter Allan Dawson about vertical tillage at the 2014 Crop Diagnostic School at the University of Manitoba’s Carman facility on July 17. Watch a UAV

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

2014 Crop Diagnostic School sold out

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


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


UAV demonstration at the 2014 Crop Diagnostic School.

VIDEO: Drone flies up, up and away

2014 Crop Diagnostic School demonstrated flying a UAV

Rejean Picard, a farm production advisor with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, demonstrated an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the Crop Diagnostic School at the University of Manitoba’s Carman facility July 17, 2014. UAV’s hold a lot of potential for scouting crops. The video begins with Picard explaining how to power up the UAV.

VIDEO: 2014 Crop Diagnostic School

Technology playing a key role in crop scouting, providing value and efficiency in field management

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Allan Dawson interviews John Heard of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development about the 2014 Crop Diagnostic School organized by Manitoba Agriculture and the University of Manitoba at the university’s Carman facility. Video by Allan Dawson


American dog tick.

Manitoba arthropod populations expanding

Although rare in Manitoba, bovine anaplasmosis can be spread by wood ticks

They only have eight tiny legs, but ticks are on the move in Manitoba and across the Prairies. “They’re moving north for sure,” said entomologist Kateryn Rochon, noting the arthropods travel with their hosts, including deer, birds, rabbits and other animals. The University of Manitoba professor is tracking the movement of the American dog tick

Research tech inspecting a plant

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?

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


Mature man wearing glasses.

Winter wheat backlog threatens fall demand

Jake Davidson fears last fall’s unprecedented early demand might not be repeated 
if a large volume of winter wheat is carried over

For the second year in a row, winter wheat is projected to be one of the most profitable crops in Manitoba. But it won’t be as attractive this fall if last year’s crop doesn’t move soon, says Jake Davidson, executive manager of Winter Cereals Manitoba. “My biggest concern is with the slow movement this year,”

Magnifying glass looking at contract.

Farmer frustration mounts over delivery contracts

Producers urged to seek compensation if delivery period extended beyond 90 days

The national body for canola producers says it will press major grain buyers to address grower concerns with marketing contracts. “If grain companies are hearing it from (producers) as well as the association, hopefully they can start to make a change in this area that really frustrates farmers,” said Cheryl Mayer, director of policy development


Woman presenting at a podium with microphone.

Struvite from manure safer in canola seed row

Manitoba Soil Science Society serves up a heaping helping of new research

There’s a whole lot of stinky goodness in hog manure, and researchers at the University of Manitoba have been working hard to make it more convenient for grain farmers to use. Experimental extraction of struvite, or magnesium ammonium phosphate — the same greyish-white crystallized minerals that kidney stones are made of — has shown promise as

Teachers see a much different dynamic in their classroom compared to 25 years ago, says Alison Delf-Timmerman, Treherne-based home economics teacher in the Prairie Spirit School Division and board member of Manitoba Association of Home Economists (MAHE).

Province promises long-overdue update of home economics curriculum

Curricula used to teach classes such as family studies and foods and nutrition in 
Manitoba schools has remained unchanged since the late 1980s

Manitoba home economists are applauding a provincial plan to give the home economics curriculum a long-overdue update. The current one is 25 years old, said Alison Delf-Timmerman, a board member of the Manitoba Association of Home Economists, which has been asking the province to freshen up the curriculum. “It definitely needs updating,” she said.“We’re very