The Growing Point

Our goal with this newsletter is simple; to provide Alberta farmers and agronomists with timely, relevant and valuable agronomic knowledge sourced from science-based research and projects funded by the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions. You will also find a few opinion articles addressing management perspectives and other agronomic pointers to help you make informed agronomic decisions.
This monthly newsletter will include written articles, audio interviews and videos. Additionally, impromptu information may be released to address timely agronomic problems in Alberta. We hope the agronomic information from these newsletters brings value to your farm. Have agronomy questions? Feel free to reach out by emailing me at the address below.

Cheers!

Jeremy Boychyn
Research Agronomy Extension Specialist

September 2022

A lack of late season rainfall accelerated harvest. In many areas of the province, wheat and barley crops are yielding average or above average with acceptable quality. However, those areas in the province that did not see much rain in June as seeing lower yields. A lack of subsoil moisture due to the 2021 drought is no doubt a contributing factor.

As we move through the end of harvest, residue management, perennial weed control, grain storage, and seed testing will be top of mind.

Seed testing

Last season posed many challenges to sourcing quality seed. This year is looking as though seed and grain quality will be much less of a concern. Nevertheless, it is highly suggested that farmers subm…

Assessing yield in gaps in wheat

The gap between actual wheat yield and potential wheat yield has remained relatively stable since 1960 in the top 10 wheat-producing countries. Understanding yield gaps between actual and potential yi…

Storage of warm grain

Much of the grain that has been harvested so far this season has been coming off the field at high temperatures. Farmers are recommended to manage the grain appropriately to mitigate impacts to grain …

Fall perennial weed control

A dry seeding season followed by ample rains at in-crop herbicide timing has led weed escapes. Likely within those escaped weeds will be perennials such as Canada thistle, foxtail barley, quackgrass a…

Residue Management

The regionally ample June rains provided conditions for high residue production. The Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley, Saskatchewan Wheat, and Manitoba Crop Alliance have developed and updated residue…