Featured Blog Posts – February 2017 Archive (2)

Winter Wheat Harvest Nears Two-Thirds Complete; Spring Wheat Condition Rebounds

Almost two-thirds of the 2025 American winter wheat crop is now in the bin, while the condition of the spring wheat rebounded from the previous week’s drop. According to Monday’s USDA crop progress report, the national winter wheat harvest advanced 10 points to reach 63% complete as of Sunday. That’s near the five-year average of 64% but still 7 points behind last year. Meanwhile, the spring wheat crop was rated 54% good to excellent as of Sunday, up 4 points on the week and more than recovering all the previous week’s 3-point decline. However, the condition of the crop continues to lag well behind 77% good to excellent last year. In the top winter wheat production state of Kansas, the harvest gained 11 points to 93% complete as of Sunday, 3 points behind last year but 5 points ahead of the state average. The Oklahoma harvest is close to wrapping up, also advancing 11 points from a week earlier to 94% done, behind both last year and the average. The harvest in the Soft Red state

Biogas pitched to turn farm waste into renewable energy

McGill University researcher Anjaly Paul says that converting farm waste into biogas and organic fertilizer through anaerobic digestion could provide farmers with additional income and support Canada’s net-zero emissions goals. Photo: Acilo/IStock/Getty Images Canadian farms could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating renewable energy by converting agricultural waste into biogas, a McGill University doctoral student said. Anaerobic digestion could transform livestock manure and crop residues that would otherwise decompose in landfills into valuable resources, said Anjaly Paul. What if we could use these leftovers to power a greenhouse, fuel a tractor, or even replace synthetic fertilizers with organic ones?” Canada’s agriculture sector is being pushed by both consumers and policy makers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Much of that conversation has centred around farm efficiency, from 4R fertilizer management and precision agriculture to new products, su

Wotherspoon launching tour, calls for action on drought

The NDP’s Deputy Agriculture critic Trent Wotherspoon is set to hit the road to meet producers and leaders in areas of the province ravaged by drought conditions. Wotherspoon will be going to five rural municipalities including the Rural Municipality of Big Stick, which declared a local emergency last month, as well as Waverley, Maple Creek, Enterprise and Fox Valley.  He plans to meet producers and local leaders and hear from them about how farm and ranch operations are being hit. “Really, what we're seeing in this province right now, in parts of this province, you know, if you look at the southwest, is utter devastation caused by drought,” said Wotherspoon.  “Drought conditions are deep. Feed is non-existent. Water is scarce. And the pressure on farm and ranch families is building by the day.” Wotherspoon particularly noted that in the southwest, the drought “has been protracted, a severe drought going on nine years. This is a very serious situation. These aren't just tough year

Fresh, local, and in season: it’s Ontario fruit’s time to shine

With summer in full swing, so too is the sweet season of Ontario fruits — fresh from the orchard, grove, bush, field or vineyard.

BC vote regarding apple commission extended to July 21

A historic vote is underway for BC’s apple growers on whether they wish to see an apple marketing commission. BC agriculture minister Lana Popham has given thumbs-up on the proposal. If the vote passes with a majority, then next steps would lie with her ministry in terms of establishing legislation under BC’s Natural Products Marketing Act.