

Research focuses on drought tolerant alfalfa
Yellow flowers could help scientists breed new varieties that cope with dry conditions
Exotic alfalfa varieties that produce white, blue, cream and yellow flowers are being looked at by plant breeders to improve the crop's drought tolerance.

Manitoba crops advancing nicely despite below normal moisture
About 50 to 70 per cent of normal precipitation
Crops in Manitoba continue to develop at a good pace despite a lack of rainfall in some parts of the province, reported Manitoba Agriculture on July 2.

Why post-drought pasture management matters for beef farmers
Knowing how perennial plants function can help producers make better decisions
Pasture management is always important, but it is especially important following a drought. During these challenging periods, pastures may suffer and degrade, resulting in the loss of valuable forage, soil erosion and diminished fertility. Drought effects linger, affecting land and plant life productivity even after the rains return. Effective management strategies are essential to support […] Read more

Saskatchewan crops firmly normal in development
Good majority of moisture levels rated adequate
Crops in Saskatchewan continued to be largely normal in their development, the provincial agriculture department said in its latest weekly crop report.

Benefits to farmers of testing forage seed
The benefits of testing forage seed can be long-lasting
When establishing a new forage stand that will ideally be productive for five or 10 years, producers want to set themselves up for a good outcome. Using high-quality perennial or annual forage seed that is certified — or tested for purity, germination and viability — is a good place to start. “There is a certain […] Read more

Canola, Cereals, Corn, Crops, Forages, Hay, Pasture, Peas, Pulses, Soybeans, Spring Wheat, Winter Wheat
Manitoba crops in good shape: Report
Rainfall amounts vary widely
Crops in Manitoba continued to come along nicely, the provincial agriculture department reported for the week ended June 24.

Drought preparation is better than reaction
News Roundup from the June 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Glacier FarmMedia – When it comes to drought, imagining the worst may be the best way to start planning for it. Wayne Knight, executive director for Holistic Management International, is originally from South Africa, a country known for drought and dry conditions. Because of his background, he’s learned to always be prepared for drought. “I […] Read more

Evaluating forage performance in different environments
Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen
About 20 years ago, Doug Wray drove in from Irricana, Alta., for an informal meeting at the Alberta Beef Producers’ office, where I worked at the time. He asked why the beef industry didn’t fund more forage breeding. Back then, the usual beef industry response to forage breeding proposals was “Let the government and forage […] Read more

Manitoba crops 99 per cent planted
Five points ahead of average
Seeding operations across Manitoba largely wrapped up during the week ended June 10, with 99 per cent of intended acres in the ground, according to the latest provincial crop report. That was up four points from the previous week and compares with the five-year average of 94 per cent done.

Reintroducing fire to Saskatchewan pastures
Prescribed burns can be effective at revitalizing native grasslands when done right
Pastures evolve over time. Woody plants and shrubs, which cattle can’t eat, may encroach on natural grasses. Invasive species, such as Kentucky bluegrass, may also move in, cutting into native grass productivity. One way of managing this is through fire. At the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference, Eric Lamb and Renny Grilz presented recent research regarding […] Read more