Farmers looking at quick melt as unseasonable warmth spreads across prairies

Apr 11, 2023

With many areas looking at above-20-degree temperatures, farmers will see any remaining snowpack leave soon.

That's the consensus among weather forecasting services, which are forecasting a strong westerly flow across the prairies.

Alberta has been the odd province out as it's had less snow to keep things cold compared to Saskatchewan or Manitoba, but that's set to equal out soon.

The combined melting will be good for farmers, so long as more moisture isn't coming down, says Weatherlogics CEO Scott Kehler.

"I think with the way things are playing out now It's pretty good for farmers. They've got a decent snowpack so that will help get them some spring moisture. Then assuming that we don't get any significant rain events in April or May, it'll probably be fairly normal seeding dates in general, so looks like a better start to the year as opposed to last year, which was delayed in many areas."

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.