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Local farmers protest Dutch plan to cut fertilizer use

CASSELMAN — Eastern Ontario farmers rolled tractors and pickup trucks in a day-long show of solidarity with Dutch farmers who have for weeks protested onerous impending fertilizer restrictions and herd cuts in the Netherlands.

The local July 23 effort drew machines festooned with upside down Canadian and Dutch flags — symbol of the Netherlands’ agricultural resistance — to Ottawa, Russell, Casselman and Vaughn Mills.

In the Nation’s Capital, a reported 200 people rallied in front of the Dutch embassy before marching to Parliament Hill.

In Casselman, upwards of 50 vehicles and tractors gathered at a gas station outside of town before forming a convoy that travelled east along Route 700 toward St. Isidore.

The Dutch government triggered mass protests by farmers after the June release of a plan to cut nitrogen fertilizer emissions 50% by 2030. The plan would also require some livestock farmers to reduce their herd size by that much or more.

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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta