Farmers Considering Alternate Fertilizer Options For 2020

Farmers who normally apply fertilizer in the fall are going to be forced into other options this spring due to the challenging conditions.

 

John Heard is a Soil Fertility Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development.

 

"For those that are dealing with rutted up fields, tillage is going to be done anyways. I expect that a number of farmers will use that as an opportunity to apply some broadcast and incorporated fertilizer," he commented. "There are numerous at-seeding options now too; side banding, mid-row banding. Developments in the last 10 to 15 years have enabled us with some of the enhanced efficiency products to improve some of the efficiency of broadcasting."

 

Heard says farmers and dealers will need to work together.

 

"Yes, it will be a very busy time. Logistically it will be a challenge. We've only been there several times before. Fertilizer dealers have survived this before and farmers will just have to work through them, communicate well with them so that they know what the plans are well in advance. We'll get through this but it will be a challenge."

 

Heard spoke about the issue Wednesday at the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG) production meeting held in Portage la Prairie.

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.