Wayne Black's Page

U of G Researcher Receives Funding to Develop More Sustainable Wheat

A University of Guelph researcher has received government funding to help Canadian farmers grow wheat using fertilizer more efficiently while strengthening soil health and the wheat microbiome.  

Will the Iran War Make Already High Food Prices Worse? | OPINION

Food prices in Canada have been rising at a faster rate than overall inflation for the past several years. In fact, food prices are 30 per cent higher than they were a decade ago.

Prairie Swine Centre celebrates 35 years of driving innovation

Over that time, the centre has evolved into one of Canada's premier swine research facilities, delivering practical, industry-focused research that strengthens the financial position of pork producers while advancing animal welfare and environmental sustainability across the Saskatchewan and Canadian pork industries. A foundation built on industry partnership The PSC story began in 1980 when the University of Saskatchewan (USask) built the facility for its swine research and teaching program. The original operation consisted of two 100-sow and one 50-sow farrow-to-wean units, a 240-head feeder barn, and a small office and service building. However, it was in 1991 that PSC transformed into the organization it is today. In 1987, USask and the Saskatchewan Hog Marketing Commission partnered to review the centre’s operations. An advisory board including industry representatives from across Western Canada identified two critical needs: increased emphasis on grower-finisher research, and

Investing in Canada: Why Gate Matters

Canada’s cereals sector has earned a global reputation for quality, consistency, and reliability. That reputation was built over generations by farmers, researchers, exporters, and value chain partners working together to deliver premium grains to international markets. But, as global competition intensifies, maintaining Canada’s leadership requires more than tradition; it requires strategic investment. That’s where the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) comes in. In our latest video, Gate Capital Campaign member David Hansen explains why Gate is essential to Canada’s future in global grain markets. Gate will provide the modern infrastructure and technical support that global customers expect, giving them the data, unbiased advice, and confidence they need to continue choosing Canadian cereals. Gate connects global buyers directly with Canadian expertise, showcasing the science, innovation, and collaboration behind our wheat and other cereals. By strengthening technical e

Making Every Pound Count: Nutrient Management in Corn

Fertility starts with the soil and the variables that make nutrients available to a growing crop. Know Your Soil Texture Clay – very fine, soils with >50% clay Silt – rock & mineral particles that are larger than clay and smaller than sand. Soils with >87% silt Sand – very coarse, soils with >70% sand Loam – a balanced mixture of clay, silt and sand (approximately 20-40-40) Soil texture determines a soil’s water holding capacity. Sand has low capacity to hold water and low water content at permanent wilting point (~10-15% v/v). Clay loam has a higher capacity to hold water, therefore has a higher water content at permanent wilting point (~15-20% v/v). Nutrient Balance Nutrient balance is vital to soil fertility and crop production. Nitrogen is most commonly the first and most limiting nutrient for non-legume crops, but without an adequate fertility blend with other nutrients, nitrogen use efficiency is not “maxed out” and suffers. A poorly fertilized corn crop uses just a little l