Research Manitoba funds cutting-edge Soybean Disease Project - BU and Assiniboine College
Brandon University is proud to announce that Dr. Bryan Cassone has been awarded the Research Manitoba Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant for his pioneering project on soybean disease diagnostics.
Dr. Cassone, alongside co-investigators Dr. Baljeet Singh from Assiniboine College and Dr. Chris LeMoine from BU, is developing an innovative molecular-based tool for the rapid and accurate detection of root and stem diseases in soybean crops.
Why what isn't farmed matters: The value of shelterbelts and wetlands
With many producers in Western Canada getting ready for spring seeding and focusing on their seeded acres, it can be easy to overlook those areas that aren’t farmed. Native areas such as shelterbelts, road allowances, and wetlands provide water and nutrient capture for your crop and are key homes for animals and insects that not only benefit agriculture, but the ecosystem as a whole. Dr. Shathi Akhter, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, talks about the importance of these areas not just from an environmental standpoint, but from an agriculture one as well.
Funding extended for Manitoba Farmers to tackle climate change
The Prairie Watershed On-Farm Climate Action Project (PWCP) is expanding, and it's good news for farmers in Manitoba. The project, which has been helping farmers reduce their environmental footprint since 2022, is getting a significant boost from the Canadian government.
Lynda Nicol, Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW), explains how phase one of the program has been a huge success.
Reintroducing legumes can give producers a boost in re-establishing stands
Producers looking to keep their stands well-maintained may want to look at other methods such as introducing legumes in order to keep those fit.
Range Management Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Lynnae Ylinja talks about some of the benefits those can have for crops.
Manitoba Beef Producers receive solid direction in favor of mandatory livestock inspection
Last week members of Manitoba Beef Producers voted in favor of implementing mandatory livestock inspection with a strong majority vote at their Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg.
Manitoba's neighbors to the west have had mandatory livestock inspection for quite a number of years, but our cattle producers were skeptical about receiving value for the investment. However, with healthy markets and the increase of cattle theft and fraud over the past few years, having this legislation in place makes sense.
Farmers advised to watch for flea beetles and emerging insect threats
As prairie farmers prepare for the upcoming growing season, entomologist John Gavloski with Manitoba Agriculture is urging them to keep a close eye on flea beetles, an insect that continues to pose challenges for canola growers.
“Flea beetles have been a chronic test for a long time, and I would say just bank on the fact that they're going to be there in high levels,”
He eXplained that ideal growing conditions could minimize the need for foliar spraying, but if cooler weather lingers and delays plant development, flea beetles could become a much bigger problem.
Alberta Ag Hall of Fame welcomes three new members
On Jan. 29, the 41st induction ceremony for the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame took place at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin.
In addition to the induction, a permanent exhibit at the museum was opened, which will showcase both new and former inductees, as well as the rich history of agriculture in Alberta.
'Grains of Saskatchewan': A new hands-on learning experience
Last month, Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) unveiled a brand-new ‘Grains of Saskatchewan’ interactive display. A new interactive display that will allow a more hands-on learning experience surrounding agriculture and crops grown in Saskatchewan. Sara Shymko, executive director with Agriculture in the Classroom, explains how hands-on learning can benefit when teaching about agriculture.
Canola producers encouraged to check for bin heating
Canola growers are encouraged to check their bins for heated seed during this cold weather.
Breanna Miller Friesen is an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. She says it is during cold spells, like what the Prairies have been experiencing when issues of bin heating start to pop up.
With tariffs looming, NFU calls for stronger domestic food production
National Farmers Union (NFU) president Jenn Pfenning says Canadian farmers need greater support for domestic food production as uncertainty over tariffs continues to disrupt trade.
"We in Canada have focused a lot of our efforts in agriculture around export markets. Successive governments have pushed Canadian farmers to scale up to meet export demand, largely outside our borders."
That focus, she says, has increased reliance on imported food, leaving the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.