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Alberta crop season in review

Description

This annual report presents a review of the crop season and an analysis of crop production statistics for the year in review. In addition, a precipitation map for the crop season is attached for reference. More ≫

Description

This annual report presents a review of the crop season and an analysis of crop production statistics for the year in review. In addition, a precipitation map for the crop season is attached for reference.

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Removing forages from the rotation in a direct seeding system

Description

Using herbicides and direct seeding equipment can be an effective way to remove forages from a rotation. Each producer needs to design his or her own program for removing forages, considering the... More ≫

Description

Using herbicides and direct seeding equipment can be an effective way to remove forages from a rotation. Each producer needs to design his or her own program for removing forages, considering the type of forage to be removed and the crop that will be seeded.

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Using 1,000 kernel weight for calculating seeding rates and harvest losses

Description

The 1,000 kernel (1,000 K) weight is a measure of seed size. It is the weight in grams of 1,000 seeds. Seed size and the 1,000 K weight can vary from one crop to another, between varieties of the... More ≫

Description

The 1,000 kernel (1,000 K) weight is a measure of seed size. It is the weight in grams of 1,000 seeds. Seed size and the 1,000 K weight can vary from one crop to another, between varieties of the same crop and even from year to year or from field to field of the same variety. Because of this variation in seed size, the number of seeds and, consequently, the number of plants in a pound or a bushel of seed is also highly variable. By using the 1,000 K weight, a producer can account for seed size variations when calculating seeding rates, calibrating seed drills and estimating shattering and combine losses.

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Overview of certified seed and farmer saved seed

Description

This study provides information and some economic analysis for Alberta’s wheat producers regarding the considerations for the type of seed they chose to plant. The information focuses on a cost... More ≫

Description

This study provides information and some economic analysis for Alberta’s wheat producers regarding the considerations for the type of seed they chose to plant. The information focuses on a cost comparison between saving seed for planting versus purchasing certified seed. A direct cost comparison between saved seed and certified seed for a 13-year period of 2003/04-2015/16 is included.

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Faba bean seeding management in Alberta

Description

Faba bean production in Alberta has been increasing due to new marketing opportunities, the availability of new varieties and the need for new pulse crops in rotations. Recent small plot research... More ≫

Description

Faba bean production in Alberta has been increasing due to new marketing opportunities, the availability of new varieties and the need for new pulse crops in rotations. Recent small plot research trials, conducted in south and central Alberta, have reported faba bean yields up to 10,575 kg ha-1 (157 bu acre-1). Although small plot yields are often higher than what producers can achieve on a field scale, it is a good indication that faba beans can be a high yielding, profitable crop. Seeding faba beans early as possible and at the correct seeding rate are critical steps in producing high yields that mature in Alberta’s relatively short growing season.

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Custom rates survey summary

Description

Since 1975 Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development has annually surveyed custom rates and rental rates to provide information to farmers and custom operators. This publication presents a... More ≫

Description

Since 1975 Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development has annually surveyed custom rates and rental rates to provide information to farmers and custom operators. This publication presents a summary of custom work and rental rates. These rates are only intended as a guide. The specific objective of this survey summary is to organize and report custom rates for certain custom operations on the farm. No effort is made to evaluate the fairness of reported rates. The goal is to report what is being charged, not what should be charged. Farmers may find custom rates useful as a guide for machinery management, budgeting and financial planning for credit needs. Also, custom rates can be used as a guide in negotiating settlements for work performed for neighbors or others. Lenders, educators, government institutions and others doing budgeting or planning analysis may also find custom rates helpful in their work. Custom operators can use these guides to compare their own rate with the market...

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Controlling field pea diseases in direct seeding systems

Description

Of all the crops seeded on the prairies, field peas are often said to be the most easily adapted to direct seeding. For this reason, a large percentage of the pea acreage is direct seeded. Whether... More ≫

Description

Of all the crops seeded on the prairies, field peas are often said to be the most easily adapted to direct seeding. For this reason, a large percentage of the pea acreage is direct seeded. Whether in a direct or conventional seeding system, the field pea crop requires close observation for disease throughout the growing season. Several economically important diseases can affect field peas.

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Making the move to direct seeding

Description

Direct seeding offers several benefits over conventional tillage, including improved yield potential and time savings for field operations. However, the change to direct seeding is a change to a... More ≫

Description

Direct seeding offers several benefits over conventional tillage, including improved yield potential and time savings for field operations. However, the change to direct seeding is a change to a different cropping system. It requires a new approach to crop residue, weed and fertility management. It may also require crop rotation changes to prevent specific pest problems that were kept in check by tillage. If you plan to seed directly into standing stubble, here are a few things to keep in mind.

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Estimating the value of crop residues

Description

Crop residues - straw plus chaff - are the byproducts of harvesting annual grain crops. Retaining crop residues on a field improves or maintains soil quality and moisture. The economic value of... More ≫

Description

Crop residues - straw plus chaff - are the byproducts of harvesting annual grain crops. Retaining crop residues on a field improves or maintains soil quality and moisture. The economic value of retaining or removing crop residues from the field depends on the following: present level of soil organic matter; field's soil erosion risk; nutrient levels in the residues and soil; soil's moisture content; value of using the residues for other purposes such as bedding, coarse feed or industrial uses such as fibreboard; effects of any problems caused by poorly spread or heavy residues (such as the need for extra field operations)

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Crop rotations in direct seeding

Description

Crop rotations are a vital part of direct seeding systems. Rotations maximize the benefits of moisture conservation and reduce the impacts of diseases, weeds and insect pests.

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