How Warmer Winters Affect Producers

As the prairies experience a warmer than usual winter, our producers are seeing some positive effects. Farm production extension specialist Shawn Cabak outlines the changes a warmer winter associated with climate change provides.

 

"Some of the weather trends that we're seeing across the prairies are less snowfall, warmer winters, a little more precipitation, and summer temperatures staying similar. Now, when we look at increase in greenhouse gases such as CO2, that's a benefit to crop production. Crops require CO2 for growth. With some of the warmer temperatures we might see higher yielding crops grown, such as corn and soy beans."

 

Cabak notes it could lead to more farmland.

 

"We could see a northward push and expansion of suitable cropping area, improved water-use efficiency because of higher CO2. So, there are a lot of benefits to climate change. There are also some negatives. We could see more severe droughts; we could see poorer rainfall distribution; we might have more pests, because colder weather actually is beneficial for insect disease and weed control."

 

Video: White Mold in Winter Canola | Timing, Treatment & Taking Control | Pioneer Agronomy

White mold can be one of the most damaging diseases in winter canola, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be.

In this video, Pioneer field agronomist Greg Pfeffer breaks down what to watch for, when to act, and how to stay ahead of infection. From early spring green-up to the critical 25% flowering stage, learn why timing is everything and how a preventative mindset can protect your yield.

This video also discusses fungicide strategies, including why multiple modes of action like Group 3, 7, and 11 offer the strongest defense. If you’re growing canola or considering it, this is your practical guide to smarter disease control in the field.