Inputs - by Top Crop Manager

Another busy season and harvest are under your belt, with the next growing season soon to be in sight. During the slower times between growing seasons, planning and maintenance may be top of mind – but have you thought to check in on your mental wellness too?In this episode of Inputs, Jill Filmer, editor of Top Crop Manager East, chats with Kylie Stokes, the program coordinator at AgriCare NL on farmer mental health strategies. AgriCare NL is a mental health and farm safety program at the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture in partnership with the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.As a professionally trained psychotherapist, Stokes reflects on the unique pressures that farmers face – as experienced with the extreme drought conditions and trade uncertainties of 2025. She describes practical coping mechanisms to manage chronic stress and burnout from everyday life on the farm amidst the added pressures of extreme weather and market uncertainty to build resilience in the face of unpredictable times.If you are looking for professional support, please refer to these resources:National Farmer Crisis Line: 1-866-327-6701AgTalkNever miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

FCC released a report on September 22 of this year entitled The $12-billion trade shift: Canada's opportunity to diversify food exports beyond the U.S, outlining a path to reduce Canadian food and beverage exports to the U.S. to 50 per cent of 2023 levels (76 per cent). The report suggests this is possible through strengthening inter-provincial trade, leveraging existing free trade agreements, and establishing new international trading partnerships.In this episode of Inputs, Kaitlin Berger, editor of Top Crop Manager West, speaks with Craig Klemmer, manager of thought leadership at FCC with 15 years of experience leading the Economics and Portfolio Risk Management teams. He shares how FCC calculated the $12-billion trade shift opportunity and what's needed to get there. He highlights practical examples of opportunities to increase diversification and reduce reliance on the U.S.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Sponsored by FCC.

The crop's finally off the field, wrapping up another growing season. Instead of turning the page to next season, what else should happen in the field before winter hits?In this episode, Jake Munroe, soil management specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, discusses what farmers should prioritize once crops, specifically corn and soybeans, are harvested. Whether planning to plant a winter cover crop or not, Munroe talks about the importance of residue management, considerations for tillage, assessing soil health and more to maintain productive soil into next season and beyond.

In addition to climate challenges, growers are facing instability around input costs and supply chain issues. Rethinking access to fertilizer could help take away some of that uncertainty and bring peace of mind.FuelPositive is bringing decentralized on-farm green ammonia technology to local farms, giving farmers control and allowing them to produce their own fertilizer. They have established the first demonstration project near the town of Sperling, Manitoba. In this episode, editor Kaitlin Berger speakers with Ian Clifford, co-founder and CEO of FuelPositive, about this new technology. He shares why it's important, how it could help producers and provides a financial breakdown for the investment. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Sponsored by FuelPositive.

Camelina is an oilseed crop that originated in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia in similar climates to the prairie provinces in Western Canada. It's well-adapted to the southern regions of Canada because it has good drought tolerance and it's well-adapted to the northern regions of the country because it has good frost tolerance and a short growing season. In this episode, Christina Eynck, research scientist and plant breeder at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, discusses the benefits and challenges of growing camelina. She speaks to the advances plant breeders have made in variety development for the crop. She discusses spring and winter biotypes - and how growers can know how to choose the best option for their farm. Learn about the crop's development, end-use products, biofuel potential and more.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

The terms ‘cover crop' and ‘service crop' are interchangeable. Regardless of the term you use, these crops do more than just cover the soil after the main crops come off the field. In this episode of Inputs, we're going back to the basics – what are cover crops and what's their purpose in a crop rotation? Kim Schneider, assistant professor at the University of Guelph, discusses the typical cover crops grown in Ontario, the agroecological benefits they provide, her current research projects – including a project with the Living Labs Initiative – and considerations before planting a cover crop (hint: understand your “why”).Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by Proven Seed.

When it comes to farm transition, don't underestimate the soft skills. The farm's legacy and each farm members' personality influences business governance - and it's important to explore both for effective transition planning and collaboration. In this episode of Inputs, Sarah Stamp, founder of Sarah Stamp Farm Consulting, discusses the importance of understanding the various personalities involved in farm transition through personality tests. She also speaks to the benefit of preserving a farm's history by writing it down, whether the farm is continuing to operate in the family or is being sold. All of her expertise is filtered through her own experience on her husband's family farm in Enchant, Alta. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and sudden death syndrome (SDS) are a duo to be reckoned with. Continuing to spread across Ontario and wreak havoc on soybean yields, this double threat causes millions of dollars in losses each year in the province.In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Owen Wally, research scientist with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada at the Harrow Research and Development Centre, discusses how SDS and SCN start below the surface but lead to above-ground impacts to soybean yields and economic returns. Breeding research has come a long way to help manage these diseases and Wally provides some recommendations for keeping this duo in check.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Kochia and wild oat are two weeds that are top of mind for growers across the Prairies. While kochia is a relatively newer concern, it's a highly adaptable weed that's moving further and further north. Wild oat has been a problem for a long time and resistance continues to evolve. In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Charles Geddes, research scientist in weed ecology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alta., discusses the characteristics of kochia and wild oat and what conditions cause them to thrive. He also explains why they are difficult to manage and how resistance evolves with each. With recent research insights on both, Geddes speaks to management strategies such as effective crop rotation and narrow row spacing and higher seeding rates for kochia, as well as harvest weed seed control for wild oat. He says it's also important to scout and test for herbicide resistance.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by Syngenta.

No one's a fan of Aphanomyces root rot - and for good reason. In a wet year, this disease can cause significant damage in field pea and lentil crops across the Prairies. In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Michelle Hubbard, research scientist in pulse pathology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Swift Current, Sask., shares insight from some of the latest research on Aphanomyces root rot. She speaks to management strategies available now, including longer crop rotations, soil testing and field selection, and how research could expand the management options available in the future. She leaves listeners with the hopeful message that there is a lot of work going into this troublesome disease; progress is being made.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nitrogen use efficiency is an index of how well a plant is putting its nitrogen to use for higher yields. Knowing how to improve management practices surrounding nitrogen is a win for your crop and the environment. In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Kate Congreves, associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Jarislowsky research chair, discussed her latest research projects related to nitrogen, including nitrogen use efficiency in spring wheat varieties and overwinter and spring thaw nitrous oxide emissions in the Northern Prairies. She also speaks to the importance of soil sampling, the value of enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) and the potential for green ammonia. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Soybean weed management in soybean is field-specific, and programs must be adjusted based on what's happening in each individual field. But, decades of research and trials across Ontario have shown promise in controlling different weed species and protecting soybean yields. In this episode of Inputs, Peter Sikkema, professor in weed management for field crops at University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, and Allison Hayward, field development representative for FMC Canada, explore research findings in soybean weed management, and discuss strategies for growers to minimize weed competition in soybean. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by FMC Canada.

With a high protein content, lupins offer an alternative to soybeans and have grown in popularity in Europe. Researchers continue to investigate their potential across the Canadian Prairies.In this episode of Inputs, Robyne Davidson, pulse and special crops research scientist at Lakeland College in Alberta, shares her latest research focus surrounding lupins, the main challenges with growing them and her ideals for lupin production moving forward.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

This marks the 100th episode of Inputs. To celebrate this milestone, we invited a special guest to join us and share his insight on a topic that's on everyone's mind lately: AI in agriculture. As in every other industry, AI is taking off rapidly - and agriculture is no exception. Darrell Petras, CEO of the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) explains the specific ways AI is being used in agriculture right now, the challenges it might help solve in the future and the potential benefit to a farmer's bottom line. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Much has been made of cover crops and their benefits over the past several years, and for good reason. While no cover crop is a quick fix or solution to all a field's problems, when treated like specialist tools and used with defined goals in mind, they can do many things, including busting up compacted soils, boosting soil organic matter, keeping weeds down – and suppressing diseases like Fusarium root and crown rot in soybean and barley, according to a recently published study based on research at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research centre in Charlottetown. In this episode of Inputs, Eastern editor Alex Barnard discusses the study with two of the researchers: AAFC research scientist Adam Foster and Harini Aiyer, now a graduate student at the University of British Columbia. Foster and Aiyer contextualize the research, discuss the results, and share some quick advice for growers.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesAiyer's M.Sc. thesis, based on the research conducted at AAFC-Charlottetown with Foster (leads to a pdf download)

Winter cereals see all four seasons in Ontario, which means a wide variety of environmental conditions can affect their growth and yield. What can growers expect after a cooler fall for planting in parts of the province and an unusually warm winter? Do typical considerations like nitrogen and sulphur application timings and pest management strategies changed in a year like this one?In this episode of Inputs, Joanna Follings, cereals specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), gives an overview of fall 2023 planting conditions for winter cereals, including what effects the warmer than average winter might have, an update on spring cereals planting, and some tips for nutrient applications and pest and disease management.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesField Crop News for in-season updates agronomic informationWheat Ag Pest Monitor for stripe rust tracking and moreSupport for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

In March, during the first installment of our two-part series on managing drought, we chatted about what growers need to be doing right now to ensure their soil and crops have the best opportunity to thrive this coming summer.In this episode of Inputs, we expand on this topic, tapping into some of the measures farmers need to take over the course of the growing season to maintain healthy soil and crops. Dustin Farr is an instructor in the ag management program at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, and he shares some of his insights into improving soil health and water retention, as well as how farmers can conserve a healthy growing environment during dry conditions.

After a winter with below-average snowfall levels, farmers in Alberta and across the Prairies need to plan now for what could be a dry growing season. In this episode of Inputs, we are joined by agronomist extension specialist Ruoxi Xia, who works with Alberta Grains. Xia shares her insights and some tips on how growers can prepare for potential drought conditions, including what measures should be taken right now, which crops are more susceptible to dry conditions, what resources are available to farmers and much more.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

With more and more digital agricultural tools on the farm – whether guiding or driving the tractor, tracking finances or prices, or optimizing conditions in a barn – cybersecurity management should be on your radar, no matter the size of your operation. Just like you would manage any new pest, you should add cybersecurity to your toolbox.Janos Botschner, lead investigator of cyber security capacity in Canadian agriculture with the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance (CSKA), wants to ensure Canada's farmers are informed and prepared for cyber threats. In this episode of Inputs, he discusses the current risk situation, the bad actors at play, and some approaches to cyber preparedness and resilience (as well as resources available) that farmers should keep in mind. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

The start of the 2024 growing season is coming fast – do you have a plan for spring nutrient management?In this episode of Inputs, Chris Brown, field crop sustainability specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), discusses considerations for successful spring manure application, as well as best management practices and an alternate nutrient source coming from urban areas.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesAgriSuiteOrganic Amendment Decision Support ToolSupport for this episode provided by Smart Nutrition MAP + MST.

Peter Sikkema has been researching the importance of weed management on soybean crops for more than three decades now. A professor of weed management for field crops at the University of Guelph, much of Sikkema's work has been conducted in Ontario, but there are key takeaways from his research for soybean growers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.During this episode of Inputs, Sikkema, along with FMC Canada's technical sales manager for the Eastern Prairies region, Rachel Evans, talk about several issues facing soybean growers when it comes implementing a quality weed management strategy. Sikkema and Evans discuss the impact of weed interference, factors that influence yield loss due to weed interference, how farmers can minimize losses, as well as other findings from Sikkema's research and related work done in Manitoba.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Agriculture can be a contentious topic when speaking with the general public, as there is a lot of misinformation or confusion about the industry out there. But educating the public, whether on social media, at the coffee shop, or on a broader scale can be difficult when the industry is so diverse and resources aren't always easily accessible. Enter The Real Dirt on Farming, a magazine on agriculture in Canada that addresses many of the hot button issues and puts faces to the people who feed the country.Kelly Daynard, executive director of Farm and Food Care Ontario (the organization that puts out The Real Dirt on Farming), talks about the latest edition, the purpose of the project, and some of the stories she's heard from farmers who've been working to share the importance of agriculture with those around them.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesFarm and Food Care OntarioOn Twitter/X: @FarmFoodCareONThe Real Dirt on Farming, 6th EditionSupport for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

Dec. 5 marks the annual World Soil Day, which for 2023 will celebrate the theme of “soil and water: a source of life.” To recognize the importance of soil health to the farming community and the environment as a whole, Dr. Benjamin Ellert, research scientist and biogeochemistry and the agroecosystem science team lead with AAFC – Lethbridge, will join Inputs podcast host Dylan Sjolie to discuss several soil health topics and how that relates to the environment.During the podcast, Ellert will touch upon such issues as soil health as it relates to carbon, the impact carbon content in soil has on the environment and how soil can retain carbon from the atmosphere. Ellert will discuss how long-term agrological relief sites are adding value to the understanding of the influence of cropping practices on carbon sequestration and levels of carbon in soil. He will also address the effect drought conditions had in Southern Alberta, how that impacted soil health and how today's technology helps mitigate some of the impact of dry conditions. Finally, Ellert will talk about a children's book he wrote with AAFC soil technician Katelyn Lutes titled Soil Biodiversity: What's Most Important, and the importance of engaging today's youth in soil health.To reach Dr. Ben Ellert, email benjamin.ellert@AGR.GC.CA.

Drones are a hot topic in the agriculture world right now, with spraying, mapping and seeding all at the top of a long list of tasks that would be incredibly beneficial to farmers. As the technology continues to improve, people like Bob Hoffos, a GPS/GIS instructor for the land and water resources program at Werklund School of Agriculture and Technology at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, is leading the way when it comes to what drones can do for growers and agronomists.In this episode of Inputs, Hoffos talks about how drones can make a farmer's life easier, what type of sensors and cameras are used, where current regulations stand when it comes to drone usage and what he expects to see with the technology in the coming years.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by 20/20 Seed Labs Inc.

With all of the technology implemented in modern agriculture, automation and robotics is likely the next logical leap – but it can feel like an exceptionally large one for many. Between the economic, technological, and reliability considerations, there's the added difficulty of knowing which machine might work best for your operation, and whether it can do what it's supposed to. In Ontario, the AgRobotics Working Group has been hard at work for a few years to make things clearer and more approachable.In this episode of Inputs, Eastern editor Alex Barnard chats with Chuck Baresich, general manager of Haggerty Creek Ltd. president of Haggerty AgRobotics, in Bothwell, Ont., and member of the Ontario AgRobotics Working Group. Baresich discusses reframing how we think about return on investment (ROI) regarding robotics, the robots Haggerty trials and demonstrates, and the responses they've received from farmers, as well as some possible next steps for ag robotics adoption in Ontario.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by Nutrien ESN.

In mid-September, thousands of Ontario aggies descend on Woodstock, Ont., annually for Canada's Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) to see the latest (and biggest) equipment and machinery, innovations and technology. One of the elements that the pandemic put into perspective was the value of conversations held at events like this – whether at a booth, watching a demonstration, or in the beer tent, having a casual chat is a great way to learn what other people in agriculture are thinking, considering, or trying.In this episode of Inputs, Top Crop Manager East editor Alex Barnard spoke with:Peggy Brekveld, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture alumni, about how the conversations and concerns brought up at a show can influence future policy discussions;Ian Virtue, marketing and communications co-ordinator with the Ontario Soil Network and Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO), about his recent switch from the world of finance to agriculture, what motivated his decision, and what he's learned so far; andDean Anderson, strategic advisor, agriculture, with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, about tips on how to stay safe – and keep those around you safe – during the hectic harvest season. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

Busy harvesting and planning for next season, September is a hectic time for farmers in Western Canada. This past year proved to be a challenging one for growers in the Prairies – whether it was dealing with fluctuating weather patterns, trying to maintain soil health for next spring or keeping machinery clean and working efficiently, growers have a lot on their plate right now.In this episode of Inputs, Carmen Prang, an agronomy extension specialist with the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, talks about some best practices when it comes to harvesting wheat in Western Canada, as well as some tips on how set yourself up for success next spring.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

According to surveys conducted between 2015 and 2017, 48 to 99 per cent of lentil and pea fields in Saskatchewan had moderate to severe root rot; heavily infested fields in Saskatchewan and Alberta reported complete yield losses. There are few tools to combat root rots available – long crop rotations or lowering the pathogen load in a field through control options applied to other crops in rotation are the most common ones to combat Aphanomyces euteiches and Fusarium avenaceum – two soil-borne root rots found across the Prairies – respectively.In January, Sabine Banniza, a professor in the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources, received funding from Saskatchewan's Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Association for a four-year project to develop a multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) lentil population that aims to have resistance to A. euteiches and F. avenaceum.In this episode of Inputs, Banniza speaks with Top Crop Manager East editor Alex Barnard about the goals and intended methods of the MAGIC lentil project, lentil breeding and resistance genes in general, and the particular challenges created by A. euteiches and F. avenaceum.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

Keeping nitrogen where you want it is most beneficial for your crop, the environment and your wallet. Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, or EENFs, are meant to do exactly that. But the different functions and varieties available can make it daunting to know what's the right choice.Cheyne Ogilvie, an agrologist who recently completed her graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan, spoke with Inputs co-host Dylan Sjølie about EENFs and her research on them. In this episode, she discusses what EENFs are and how the different varieties function, 4R nutrient management, and her graduate research on whether EENFs could reduce nitrous oxide emissions – specifically, in irrigated spring wheat in central Saskatchewan.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesYou can find Cheyne on Twitter at @cheyne_ogilvieHer thesis can be found here.Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

They may be hard to see, but don't make the mistake of neglecting these tiny, green pests until it's too late! Aphids can cause damage to several crops, particularly when high numbers descend on your field, as can lygus bugs, which can wreak havoc even in lower quantities.In this episode of Inputs, John Gavloski, an entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, and Rachel Evans, technical sales manager for the eastern Prairies with FMC Canada, talk about how to control aphids and lygus bugs, as well as what growers can expect this coming season.

Corn can be susceptible to several different pests throughout the growing season, and for farmers, understanding which BT traits they are using in their fields is vital for a successful control management strategy.In this episode of Inputs, research scientist for field crop pest management at the University of Guelph's Ridgetown campus Jocelyn Smith discusses the various pests that can impact corn growers in Ontario and Eastern Canada, as well as what farmers can do to mitigate the threat and help advance ongoing research.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by FMC Canada.

Grasshoppers can make farmers a little jumpy this time of year, particularly when the weather is hot and dry. But, there are ways to manage these pests and keep their numbers under control. In this episode of Inputs, James Tansey, and entomologist with the Government of Saskatchewan, and Rachel Evans, technical sales manager for the eastern Prairies with FMC Canada, share their insights into what regions could see high numbers of grasshoppers this year, how to implement an ideal integrated pest management strategy and what growers can expect when using products that help mitigate these resilient insects. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Herbicide resistance is an industry-wide problem, which means everyone has a part to play in preventing or slowing the development of resistance. In this episode, Dale Ziprick, a product manager with Gowan Canada, discusses the benefits of herbicides old and new, slowing the development of glyphosate resistance in wild oat in Canada, and the importance of layering or rotating herbicides. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

The recent snowfall might have put a damper on planting fervour, but we're closing in on the right time to put crops in the ground for 2023. But taking a little time to prepare what you can while you can will save time and headaches down the line, and starting clean can help set you up for success.In this episode of Inputs, co-host Dylan Sjolie speaks with Ian Epp, an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada and active farmer, about preparing for the 2023 growing season. They discuss the lingering effects of the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons on the Prairies, what the new regulations for lambda-cyhalothrin mean for canola growers, and the early season pests and diseases producers should watch for.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notes:Contact Ian at eppi@canolacouncil.org or find your regional CCC agronomy specialistThe Canola EncyclopediaSign up for weekly Canola Watch emailsSupport for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.

It's officially spring, which means planting time is fast approaching. What should Ontario corn growers keep in mind as they prepare for the 2023 growing season?In this episode of Inputs, Ben Rosser, corn specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), recaps the 2022 corn season, shares some things to watch for in the coming season, and discusses a corn strip-till fertility trial going on at the University of Guelph.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notes:Visit gocorn.net for hybrid info, seasonal summaries, interactive tools and more.FieldCropNews.com posts helpful articles throughout the growing season.Support for this episode provided by Gowan.

Insect pests are a fact of life each season; the big question is which ones are going to pose a greater problem than others. While it's not possible to know everything before the growing season kicks off in earnest, there are factors already at play which can provide some indication of what to watch for.In this episode, Eastern editor Alex Barnard chats with Tracey Baute, field crop entomologist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, discuss top insect pests from 2022, pests to watch for in 2023, and what to know about the loss of products containing lambda-cyhalothrin.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesField Crop News: Field crop pest management in the absence of Matador, Silencer, Voliam Xpress and Endigo in 2023Podcast: Managing Bt-resistant corn rootwormSupport for this episode provided by Gowan.

Looking to spice up or lengthen your rotation? For the past five years, the Diverse Field Crops Cluster (DFCC) has been working to make the decision to include special crops in your operation easier.Led by Ag-West Bio and with funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) program and industry partners, the DFCC is supporting research and development of flax, camelina, canaryseed, sunflower, hemp, quinoa and mustard.In this episode of Inputs, Eastern editor Alex Barnard is joined by:Carol Ann Patterson, DFCC project manager;Rick Mitzel, DFCC's mustard crop sector member and executive director of SaskMustard;Carlene Sarvas, DFCC's camelina crop sector member and camelina production lead at Smart Earth Camelina; andJeff Kostuik, DFCC's hemp crop sector member and general manager of Verve Seeds.The five discuss the purpose of DFCC, three of the seven crops included in the cluster, and what the project has achieved so far.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesDiverse Field Crops Cluster websiteMustardSaskMustard websiteMustard production manualCory Jacob, Saskatchewan oilseed specialistCamelinaSmart Earth Camelina websiteHempCanadian Hemp Trade Alliance websiteHemp production eGuideSupport for this episode provided by Nutrien eKonomics and Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV), first identified in Canadian field pea breeding lines in 1974, is an economically damaging pathogen affecting pulse crops, including field pea, lentils and fababeans. Its symptoms on pulses include mosaicked leaves, delayed or uneven crop maturation, and various forms of seed and pod deformation. Dr. Sean Prager, entomologist and associate professor in the department of plant sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. Prager runs a lab that focuses (mainly) on insect ecology and management, and is involved with a project looking at pea aphids as a vector of infection for PSbMV.In this episode, Prager speaks with Inputs co-host Dylan Sjolie about what PSbMV is and how to recognize it in pulse crops, management options, and the recently funded PSbMV project with which he's involved. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesYou can reach Prager on Twitter at @USaskEnt or via email at sean.prager@usask.caLearn more about Prager's research at Prager LabMore information on project objectives can be found here: Saskatchewan Agriculture Development FundSupport for this episode provided by AGI.

The Living Laboratories initiative, introduced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 2018 and implemented in several provincially organized labs in the intervening years, has been reframing the relationship between research and innovation. A collaborative effort between producers, industry groups and researchers, Living Labs projects examine practices in the field and emphasize evolution over replicability.Tracey Ryan, applied research co-ordinator with the Ontario Soil and Crops Improvement Association (OSCIA) and co-lead of Living Lab-Ontario, discusses the six current projects taking place in Ontario, the learning curve involved in getting the moving pieces to work together, and the future of Living Lab-Ontario. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesOSCIA: Living Lab-OntarioInnovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO)Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO)Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Living Labs initiativeTop Crop Manager: An innovative approach to advancing innovationSupport for this episode provided by Nutrien Smart Nutrition and Farm Management Canada (FMC).

Insect pests are a fact of life in agriculture. Having an idea of what coming in the season ahead is just one of the benefits of tracking what's in your fields and knowing what's happening in the fields a town – or a province – over. Thanks to a group of entomologists and ag collaborators, the Prairies are being kept well-informed.In this episode of Inputs, co-host Dylan Sjolie speaks with Meghan Vankosky, an agricultural entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Saskatoon Research and Development Centre and co-chair of the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN). She discusses the PPMN – what it is, how it came to be, and what insects it mainly monitors – as well as insect trends observed on the Prairies in 2022 and what the population maps indicate is likely to happen in 2023.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesMeghan can be reached on Twitter (@vanbugsky) and by email at meghanvankosky@agr.gc.ca Prairie Pest Monitoring Network: https://prairiepest.ca/Saskatchewan producers can sign up to participate in pest surveys at saskatchewan.ca/pest-monitoring Support for this episode provided by FCC Next-Gen.

What information do canola growers need to improve their crop? The Manitoba Canola Growers Association set out to answer this question in 2022 through a survey and coordinating trials led by research manager Sonia Wilson.Wilson joins co-host Dylan Sjolie in this episode to share details about her goals and position within the association, and insights about the trials conducted in 2022. With three different trials in 12 site locations, the Manitoba Canola Growers Association compiled data, now available on their website, to help canola growers in the province make better decisions. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notes:Visit the Manitoba Canola Growers Association on Twitter @CanolaGrowersView more information and results from the Canola On-Farm Research ProgramReach Sonia via email

Farming is an innovative business, and managing resistance is one area where that shines especially bright. Many farmers who deal with resistance – whether herbicide-resistant weeds, insecticide-resistant insects, or fungicide-resistant diseases – have developed some method of coping that works for them – and might for others. But aside from the local coffee shop or deep-diving on Twitter, how do you share those tips and compare notes with other resistance-managing farmers?Jennifer Hubert, executive director of plant biotechnology with CropLife Canada and head of Manage Resistance Now, is looking for on-farm, resistance management success stories with the recently launched Pest Management Challenge. From rotating crops or chemistries to unique, complex strategies, all forms of resistance management great and small are welcome in the challenge.In this episode of Inputs, Hubert discusses Manage Resistance Now, the importance of maintaining the tools we currently have, and the goals of the challenge – one of which is to create a peer-to-peer information-sharing hub.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesManage Resistance NowThe Pest Management ChallengeEconomic gains from resistance management (factsheet)Support for this episode provided by Nutrien ESN and Farm Management Canada.

Plot2Farm looks to ask agronomic questions and conduct discussions about best management practices with the goal of helping farmers make better decisions. The project, led by the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions and co-ordinated by Jeremy Boychyn, agronomy research extension specialist, is a producer-driven program with the framework and support for producers to conduct their own research programs that can be easily implemented on farms throughout the province.In this episode, co-host Dylan Sjolie learns more about the program from Jeremy Boychyn, who also shares highlights from some of the trials conducted to date.Learn more about Plot2Farm here and follow Jeremy on Twitter @BoychynJeremyNever miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

It's the most wonderful time of the year – to look back on the previous season and start planning (or finish planting) for next year! Given some challenging conditions during fall 2021 and summer 2022, how did the winter and spring cereal crops fare?In this episode of Inputs, Sophie Krolikowski, acting cereals specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), discusses the 2022 season, starting with planting in fall 2021, how winter cereals planting has gone so far for the 2023 growing season, and some upcoming events and initiatives farmers can participate in.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesField Crop NewsOMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field CropsOntario Cereal Crops CommitteeResistant Wild Oat Action Committee (through the Canadian Weed Science Society)Great Lakes YEN (yield enhancement network)Ontario Agriculture Conference (formerly SWAC)Support for this episode provided by Gowan and Farm Credit Canada.

Palmer amaranth is a term that makes farmers and agronomists shudder a little each time it's mentioned. Native to the United States, it's an invasive weed that has been on the radar in Canada for several years due to its ability to develop herbicide resistance so quickly. As Kim Brown-Livingston states, it grows quickly and causes incredible economic damage, making it a super (concerning) weed. In this episode, Brown-Livingston, provincial weed specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and Rural Development, chats with co-host Dylan Sjolie about Palmer amaranth. With recent findings of the weed in Manitoba, Brown-Livingston shares details about Palmer amaranth, and what to do if it shows up in your field. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notes: International Herbicide-Resistant Weed DatabaseContact Kim Brown-Livingston via email or on Twitter @storytimewitkim

Soils at Guelph wants to get the science-backed, sustainable word out about soil health. Led by the ag research power trio of Kari Dunfield, Laura Van Eerd and Claudia Wagner-Riddle as co-executive directors, it serves as a multidisciplinary, collaborative knowledge hub for researchers and industry stakeholders to bring together their expertise and questions about soil.In this episode of Inputs, Heather White, knowledge mobilization and communications co-ordinator at Soils at Guelph, discusses what the initiative is, the collaborative nature of the work conducted through Soils at Guelph, and opportunities for grower involvement.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesSoils at Guelph is on the web and on Twitter @SoilsAtGuelphCooking with Covers: A three-part video mini-series on cover crops put together by White's predecessor;The Soil Your Undies program;Have a soil question? Want to get involved? Reach out to the Soils at Guelph team at soils@uoguelph.ca.Support for this episode provided by Nutrien eKonomics and Corteva.

Pulse crops have made waves in Western Canada in recent years, and for good reason – they're high in protein and pull their weight in a rotation by fixing nitrogen. Like any crop, there are agronomic challenges, but there's growing potential.In this episode, Robyne Davidson, pulse crop specialist and research scientist at Lakeland College in Lacombe, Alta., shares agronomic insights about how well pulse crops performed in the province this season, and gives updates on the research pipeline. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notes:Have questions about pulse crops? Reach out to Robyne via email or on Twitter @PulseChickAB

Grasshoppers, flea beetles, lygus bugs, grasshoppers, crickets – Tyler Wist has seen all of these and more in recent years. Wist, a research scientist and field crop entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Saskatoon, is the guest on this week's episode of Inputs, and unlike many, he's happy to see insects show up in field crops. In this conversation, he breaks down some of the research in his pipeline, his observations from the 2022 season, and chats about Field Heroes, the program that supports beneficial insects and pollinators. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notes: Find Tyler Wist on Twitter: @TylerWist1Check out the Field Heroes website or Twitter to learn more about beneficial insects Support for this episode provided by Smart Nutrition MAP + MST and Corteva.

Continuous corn has been possible the past couple decades thanks to Bt corn hybrids. But, as in many situations where there are limited options for control, the repeated use of Bt corn has allowed resistance to develop in corn rootworm populations. In a report published in late August, Tracey Baute, field crop entomologist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), stated that cases of corn rootworm resistance to Bt rootworm (Bt-RW) hybrids have cropped up in fields of continuous corn in new counties. Corn is used by many livestock farmers as feed due to its abundance and nutritional content. So, what can we do? In this episode of Inputs, Baute discusses how Bt corn hybrids have worked to manage corn rootworm so far, how resistance has developed and what it means for corn growers going forward.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notesOMAFRA's Field Crop News recently discussed strategies for dealing with resistant rootworm populations;Alternative forages to silage corn (compiled by OMAFRA forage and grazing specialist Christine O'Reilly;Baute references a massive windstorm in Iowa – this was the August 2020 Iowa derecho.Support for this episode provided by Dekalb and FCC AgExpert.

When you've worked so hard all year to achieve a beautiful canola crop, the last thing you need is a problem in the bin. Luckily, the Canola Council of Canada has five simple tips for keeping crops clean and ready for market. Harvest season is busy, but it's important to remember that the season doesn't end after the crop is in the bin. Ian Epp, an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada and active farmer, joins Stefanie Croley to review recommendations from Keep it Clean and share practical advice to help finish your season off on a great note. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Show notes: Visit KeepitClean.ca to review the 5 Simple Tips to keep your crop ready for market.

The Canola Council of Canada recently launched Canola 4R Advantage, a program designed to help growers initiate or advance nutrient stewardship and fertilizer efficiency on canola farms. Curtis Rempel, vice-president of crop production and innovation for the Canola Council of Canada, joins co-host Stefanie Croley to discuss the program and break down the benefits available to canola producers. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/inputs-by-top-crop-manager/id1494756804 (Apple Podcasts), https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vaW5wdXRzLWJ5LXRvcC1jcm9wLW1hLw?hl=en-CA (Google Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/0VU7HhyqQJPs3XEGMDLWhm (Spotify), or wherever you listen to podcasts. Show notes: https://www.canolacouncil.org/4r-advantage/ (Find out more about the Canola 4R Advantage program here).