Better Farming publishes nine editions of its Prairies magazine each year. After publishing each edition, we share a feature article online. Each Better Farming Prairies magazine includes much more content – you won’t want to miss it. If you don’t receive the print edition of Better Farming Prairies, but you enjoy reading the articles below, be sure to subscribe to the magazine!
And with high fertilizer prices, this stinky stuff might keep more dollars in your pocket.
By Stacy Berry
As a farmer, you’ve likely looked at rising fertilizer prices and thought “this stinks.” You know what else stinks, but may be an economical option for your farm? Manure.
“Manure is better than fertilizer in a lot of ways,” explains Kelsey Klyzub, sales leader with Cargill, from Vermilion, Alta. “It’s high in phosphates, lots of potassium, sulfur, nitrogen. It’s a complete package in a lot of ways.”
‘High-pitched or grinding sounds are not a good thing.’
By Leslie Stewart
With harvest around the corner, it’s important to have your combine in peak condition. We spoke with Jim Franceschetti, product marketing manager for New Holland Parts & Service, to bring you some best practices that will keep you working smoothly in your combine all season long with minimal downtime.
Franceschetti urges Prairie operators to check on machinery as soon as possible.
Without Proper Management, This Disease Can Devastate Your Pulse Crops.
By Stacy Berry
According to Pulse Canada, 8.8 million acres of pulses were grown nationally in 2021. But there is a crop disease present – at low levels – in most of the soil across Canada as well. That disease is Aphanomyces root rot.
How can a pulse crop disease be found in soils, when many of those soils haven’t seen a pulse crop before?
Fertilizer management can reduce emissions & input costs.
By Emily Croft
Farmers across Canada are seeking clarity for what the fertilizer emission targets set by the government mean for their crops.
In December 2020 the federal government announced targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including the goal of reducing GHG emissions from fertilizer use by 30 per cent of 2020 levels by 2030.
Many farmers were concerned that these targets would threaten traditional fertilizer use and productivity on Canadian farms.
Spring soil sampling may prove to be especially beneficial.
By Paige Kennedy
As spring arrives here in Western Canada, producers are finally getting out in their fields. While seeding has started for many growers, one consideration now is spring soil sampling.
Do what you can to prepare for the inevitable.
By Colleen Halpenny
Prairie producers continue to look for strategies to prepare for the unpredictable weather patterns that can and will impact crop yields.
While many producers still deal with the ongoing effects of recent droughts (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada statistics indicated a 40 per cent drop in 2021 crop yields across the Prairies), we spoke with some industry experts on mitigating drought-related damage.
Sustainable? Yes. Attainable? Not to the masses. With a focus on carbon neutrality, digesters are the ideal fit, if the market allowed for increased access.
By Colleen Halpenny
Weather volatility and climate change are an increasing focal point when making decisions on-farm, as are the external pressures from boards, governments, and consumers for more sustainable operations.
Application Is Still Effective Despite Price Hikes – With Some Conditions.
By Stacy Berry
Phosphorus is “one of the three macronutrients required by plants in the greatest quantities (nitrogen and potassium are the other two),” explains Stacie Yaremko, manager of Agronomic Solutions with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Peace River, Alta.
The term macronutrient simply means that lots of it is needed. “You need phos in pounds per bushel, not grams,” further explains Kelsey Klyzub, sales leader with Cargill, based in Vermilion, Alta.
Why does a plant need phosphorus?
Hand-Carved Tables Bring Fond Memories of Mealtimes Past
By Ralph Winfield
As noted in an earlier article, the T. Eaton Company provided an extensive shopping experience, especially for rural people. Their catalogue provided many smaller items that were appreciated as birthday or Christmas presents. But more importantly, the company provided many larger items.
What it means for wheat in western Canada in 2023
By Emily Croft
In fall 2021 and early spring 2022, farmers in Western Canada began hearing reports of a potential shortage of glyphosate that would affect crop production and weed management during the growing season of 2022.
“Glyphosate is an important component of a strong integrated weed management program on the Prairies,” explains Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy extension manager at Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission.
