Farmtario – A four-year, multi-location study aims to find organic soybean varieties suited for Ontario and Manitoba. The study, funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), will help find varieties better to grow under organic conditions. “There is still strong demand,” said Rob Wallbridge, organic specialist with Thompsons Limited. Wallbridge was joined by a number […]
By Gord Gilmour Glacier FarmMedia Staff Manitoba Agriculture has released its latest organic crops cost-of-production figures and once again the production system is stacking up well against conventional agriculture. Higher production costs are typically met by higher prices, which more than offset the production lag organic growers can experience, Roy Arnott, a farm management specialist […]
Cornell University – Apple orchards surrounded by agricultural lands are visited by a less diverse collection of bee species than orchards surrounded by natural habitats, according to a new Cornell University-led study, published in the journal Science. In turn, apple production suffers when fewer, more closely-related species of bees pollinate an orchard. Production improves in orchards […]
Ty and Janice Shelton have made significant improvements to their potato yields by properly managing their soil By Jeremy Simes Glacier FarmMedia staff The Shelton family has managed to turn their once sandy soils into something rich and fertile, a testament to their ongoing commitment to improve the land. The proof can be seen in […]
OrganicBiz staff The ‘USDA Organic’ label has become been a point of tension as organic food prices rise. But what does it mean? In the U.S., USDA certified organic foods must be produced under federal guidelines for soil quality, animal rearing and pesticide use. Produce is organic if it’s grown in soil that uses no prohibited substances, such as pesticides, for three years […]
New research considers pesticide-cleansing properties of rice plants America Society of Agronomy – Rice is a staple food crop of 20 percent of the world’s population. It’s also grown on every continent except Antarctica. While it’s an important part of our diets, new research shows that rice plants can be used in a different way, […]
By Dr. Brenda Frick Courtesy of the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative Do you have questions? We can help. Organic farmers, those transitioning to organic production, and those who are just curious: a resource is available to answer questions and to help you explore options. Pivot and Grow’s ‘Ask an Expert’ phone line (1-800-245-8341) offers farmers […]
Researchers identify three mechanical control practices for organic farming, but none of them work well on their own By William DeKay Glacier FarmMedia staff Organic crop researchers are now focused on developing a larger, more diverse tool kit to control weeds. “The research has kind of evolved to the point where we’ve looked at things […]
By Laura Rance Editorial director, Glacier FarmMedia It’s a dirty business, teaching farmers about soil — enough to drive Jay Fuhrer to eating cheese balls. As the “soil health specialist” prepared his show-and-tell before a Saskatoon audience recently, he joked the only reason he buys cheese balls at his local grocer’s is because they come […]
Thomson Reuters Foundation – Forget all those loud calls to eat less meat and more plants for better health and a stronger planet – new research shows the world is not producing nearly enough fruit and vegetables to feed everyone. Canadian researchers compared global agricultural production with the sort of diet backed by nutritionists – […]
