Crop Talk (79)

Jitendra Paliwal, Vice President of Research and Innovation, University of Winnipeg

Jitendra Paliwal is vice president of research and innovation at the University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) and an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba (U of M). Paliwal earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering in India, followed by a master’s and PhD in biosystems engineering at the U of M. He lives in Winnipeg with his wife. Their two children are following a similar path to their father: one is studying engineering, while the other is studying geology at the U of M. Where did you work before UWinnipeg? I arrived at the U of M as a graduate student and never left (until last year). I was there for nearly 30 years, including my time as a student, then a professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and eventually associate dean (academic and graduate programs) in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. It has been a rewarding journey, and I’ve met many wonderful people along the way. Tell us a bit about your research over the years. My resear

Twelve Ontario Agri-Businesses Receive Funding Support

Bioenterprise Canada has announced the successful recipients of the second call for proposals under the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) Commercialization Stream.

AgriStability: Separating fact and fiction

It’s time to dispel some common myths about AgriStability. Fiction: Crop insurance is the only risk management tool that’s needed. Fact: While crop insurance provides protection against specific perils, AgriStability provides comprehensive protection when events have a direct and significant impact to the farm’s margin. AgriStability helps producers manage financial losses, including those caused by tariffs. It factors in any impact to margins, whether from reduced income and inventory value or increased input costs. Fiction: The application process is too complicated and time-consuming. Fact: It’s easy to apply to be part of AgriStability. All you need to do to enrol in AgriStability is complete an Application for Fee Notice form. Once enrolled, you will receive an enrolment/fee notice. Simply pay the fee and you are in the program. Fiction: AgriStability is complex and requires a lot of paperwork. Fact: AgriStability is a nuanced program that requires participants to submit ce

Weekend Rainfall Provides Good Boost for Some Manitoba Crops

Crops in some parts of Manitoba received a significant boost from weekend rainfall, while others are still lacking moisture. The weekly provincial crop report on Tuesday showed this past week’s accumulations ranged from less than 1 mm in the Lake Francis area of the Interlake Region to more than 65 mm in the Sprague Lake area of the Eastern Region. Although crops are still generally looking good, the report noted some fields in the Interlake Region are “beginning to show signs of stress due to the warm and dry conditions.” Even with recent rainfall, the report said the Eastern, Interlake and large parts of the Northwest regions still have accumulations under 60% of normal, the report said. While accumulations in the Southwest and parts of the Central regions are closer to normal, only a few locations have accumulated more than 90% of the 30-year average since May 1, it added. Spring wheat crops across the province are rated 90% good to excellent, with the earliest seeded fields

Canola Seed Caught in the Crossfire: What Farmers Need to Know About a New Tariff Headache

If you rely on canola seed sourced from the U.S., you might be paying more this year—and not because of the seed itself.