Ag News

A successful canola crop needs a lot of nitrogen, which is why nitrogen earns A-list buzz. That same successful crop also depends on a strong supporting cast – phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients.

University of Saskatchewan researchers recently updated the nutrient uptake and removal guidelines for 14 annual crops grown in Western Canada. The researchers, in doing their surveys, discovered considerable variability in uptake and removal due in part to differences in weather and management, which is why they say these numbers are guidelines only, not prescriptions. 

We should see some improvement in the weather as we get into the second half of Spring.

Drew Lerner, the senior agri-meteorologist with World Weather Inc says in the meantime we're going to continue to deal with the same below-normal precipitation bias that's been with us all winter long.

CN Rail has gotten through the cold snap that caused problems for them near the end of January and is seeing positive results in February.

Vice President of Grain David Przednoweck says that the difference can be seen in how much they were able to ship.

The prairies are staying dry over the winter as the federal government's newest drought maps are showing the lack of moisture is sticking around.

The map, released monthly, details moisture levels across the country and classifies them between D0, abnormally dry, and D4, exceptional drought.

Trevor Hadwen, an agri-climate specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, says the assessment isn't changing much month-to-month.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities is asking the province for an update on the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project.

The project seeks to expand irrigation options for farmers in Saskatchewan by way of canals off of Lake Diefenbaker.

SARM President Ray Orb says they're hoping to get an update as to the progress the province has made.

Oats had their service charge increased for the first time in nearly two decades for Manitobans this week.

The Manitoba Oat Growers Association made that decision during their AGM this week, as part of the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg.

Executive Director Shawna Mathieson talked about some of the items that were brought up at the meeting.

Nominations are open for the 2024 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame

The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame honours individuals who have advanced Alberta’s agriculture industries, food industries and rural life. Albertans are encouraged to nominate an agricultural leader in their community.

Every two years, up to three individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership while making a provincewide impact on their industries are inducted.

Farmers can now apply for the Federal Government's 2024 Cash Advance program.

The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan program that offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and low-interest cash advances.

The Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) -  one of the organizations that administers the program - began taking applications on Monday.

The early application process means qualified producers should have access to the money beginning April 1st.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay released a statement Tuesday in recognition of Canadian Agriculture Day.

Today and every day, Canada's hard-working farmers put fresh, nutritious food on our tables, and consistently deliver the very best agricultural products, all while caring for our planet.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City recently released its fourth-quarter report showing Canadian grain volumes are down 15 percent on a year-over-year basis. driven by the weak harvest.

The Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bulk, Elizabeth Hucker, says their Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer John Brooks noted that a key factor in the drop is the weak harvest in 2023-2024.

She notes that was especially true for the CPKC draw area in Southern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan.