Stewart Skinner's Page

PCDMN Soil Moisture Maps: Risk of stem rot sclerotial germination, July 2, 2025

June and early July are important months in terms of field crop disease development.  For diseases such as sclerotinia stem rot of canola and ergot of small grain cereals, suitable pathogen development must occur to produce spores before host infection can take place.  The pathogens associated with both diseases overwinter as resting bodies known as sclerotia, which are compact masses of hyphae (Figure 1).  Germination of stem rot sclerotia to produce the golf-tee shaped apothecia, aka carpogenic germination, requires suitable moisture conditions and moderate temperatures: Typically, sclerotial germination takes up to three weeks with the occurrence of temperatures that range from 10 to 20oC and suitable moisture conditions Soil moisture levels at or close to field capacity at the soil surface are needed for germination of sclerotia, although some germination can occur when levels are somewhat less that field capacity Field capacity varies depending on soil texture but is generally ar

Beef Producers Have a Game Plan to Keep Canada FMD-Free

Canada’s last outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) occurred in Saskatchewan in 1952, and, since then our herds have remained free of FMD. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Canada is designated as FMD-free without vaccination. This designation is awarded to countries that do not have the FMD virus circulating among cloven-hoofed animals without regular preventative vaccines. The 1952 outbreak was traced to a single sausage brought over by a farm worker from Germany. This seemingly harmless act of bringing a foreign food product on a flight had devastating effects on the Canadian economy, costing approximately $2 million in expenses and lost revenue at that time. If an outbreak were to occur in Canada today, it is estimated that the economic impact could soar to over $80 million.  You Are Here! Prevent and Prepare Canada is currently able to prevent Foot and Mouth Disease from crossing our borders and to prepare for any suspected FMD c

Working together to promote 4R practices to farmers

Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains have developed a 4R memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines how Agriculture and Irrigation, the agriculture industry and farmers can work together to bolster data collection and communication to increase 4R practice adoption levels. The MOU, a three-year agreement, was signed by Agriculture and Irrigation, Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada. The objectives of the MOU are to improve production and environmental stewardship through greater awareness of 4R practices and principles. It also aims to establish mechanisms to pursue common objectives and priorities related to soil health/quality and nutrient management, and to support the Alberta government's commitments to the crop industry’s sustainable growth. “I’m so happy to announce the government’s MOU with Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains, set to increase awareness of 4R principles and practices. The bottom line is that this approach helps producers m

Grill Season is Here and It’s Never Been Fresher

“Grilling naturally brings out the vibrant flavours of fresh, seasonal ingredients,” says Garry Scott, Vice President of Marketing at Napoleon. “It’s one of the best ways to enjoy everything this time of year has to offer – bold flavours, fresh air and good company.”

Why safety can’t take a summer break: how farmers are stepping up with local training, awareness projects

By Vanessa Renaud, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture