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Looking at this year's grow season, Manitoba Agriculture Applied Research Specialist with WADO, Scott Chalmers says something to certainly be watching out for is the herbicide resistant weeds that are starting to really take hold, like Kochia here in the southwest corner of the province.
Chalmers says Kochia has become resistant to a variety of herbicides and if it starts cross-pollinating it could turn into a super weed. In the eastern region of Manitoba water hemp is a problem and we're not wanting that weed to come this way.
Please listen to more on the challenge of Kochia below with Scott Chalmers.
When it comes to economics, Chalmers suggests farmers tighten their belts when it comes to input costs. "They're quite high relative to the price of commodities these days, and that's changed from a couple of years ago when prices were relatively better than the input costs, but now that table has turned," he says.
If he was to cut back on anything he says it would be driven by environmental conditions. "So, if you didn't have to spray that fungicide because the conditions weren't there, I wouldn't do it for example. But every farm is different too," he adds.
On top of that interest rates have come down a little bit but Chalmers believed that really didn't change anything at the sales level of equipment dealers. "I think this is just because farmers are holding onto maybe some of their cash to reinvest into the farm on the input side and try to weather out the equipment for a better day," he explains. "But maybe we'll see margins are better, and maybe we'll see equipment start to get purchased again."
The changes taking place in the U.S. is cause for close attention as President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration date comes closer.
"Farmers are paying close attention to the political scene," shares Chalmers. "It really boils down to if some of the rhetoric is actually going to turn into something for real. But we really don't know until that happens. But I think it's best to think of options as farmers if that does come to fruition."
"For things like equipment parts, that could be one of those affected industries. It would be a good time to have some conversation with your sales guys and even rolling up to Ag Days here. I think inauguration is coming up at that time."
Scott Chalmers will be speaking at Manitoba Ag Days on Wednesday January 22 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon at the FCC Theatre:
TIME: 1:50 pm - 2:40 pm
What's Happening in Those Research Plots?
0.5 CEUs Professional Development
Applied Research Specialist, Manitoba's Diversification Centres