Glyphosate resistance spreads in southwestern Ontario Thursday, April 19, 2012 by DAVE PINK The widening range of two glyphosate-resistant weed species in southwestern Ontario should be a signal to the province’s farmers to adopt a more diverse herbicide application strategy, says one of the two University of Guelph weed scientists who conducted recent field surveys. Glyphosate is a widely-used, broad spectrum herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. It is the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicides. Initial surveys of weed resistance were conducted in 2008 by Peter Sikkema and Francois Tardif of the university’s department of plant agriculture and graduate student Joe Vink. They were followed up in 2010 and again this year. The results are unmistakeable. “In 2008 we had one field in Essex County that was resistant to giant ragweed. Now we have 48 in Essex, Kent and Lambton,” said Sikkema. “In 2008, we found no fields with resistance to Canada fleabane. Now we have 10 in Essex, Kent and Lambton. “We now have more species that are resistant over a wider area.” Asked if the number of glyphosate resistant varieties would grow and continue to spread, Sikkema responded: “If I were a betting man, I’d say probably. But I can’t say that with any form of certainty.” He cautioned farmers to reassess their weed-control strategies, on a field-by-field basis. “The single-most important word is diversity — diverse crops and diverse weed-control tactics.” Rotate crops, plant aggressive strains of seeds, and don’t be reliant on any single variety of herbicide, he advised. “What it comes down to is just good agronomic practices,” said Sikkema. “Do everything you can to make that crop more competitive and you’ll help yourself out in the long run. “And it’s imperative that you use other forms of weed management. Every field is different, and every weed management strategy has to be adjusted for each field.” He concedes, however, these new tactics are “going to affect farm profitability.” The study was partially funded by Monsanto Canada, the Grain Farmers of Ontario, and the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. BF New organization elects board Ministers meeting to focus on national ag policy
BASF introduces Surtain herbicide for field corn growers Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Field corn growers in eastern Canada have a new crop protection product available to them. After about 10 years of research and trials, BASF has introduced Surtain, a residual herbicide for corn that combines PPO inhibitor saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) in a premix... Read this article online
We Didn’t Start the Fire! Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Corn Monday, September 16, 2024 Assistant Professor of Corn Production at Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Daniel Quinn, PhD. recently provided fascinating insights into the impacts of fire on major corn producing areas, many of which have been impacted by smoke from wildfires. Quinn was the keynote... Read this article online
New home for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has announced it has moved into its new office building in Ingersoll. Located at 274620 27th Line in Ingersoll, the new office will serve as the hub for CFFO’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and support Ontario’s Christian farmers.... Read this article online
Canadian Ag Youth Council Welcomes new Members Saturday, September 14, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the latest members to join the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). This update introduces nine fresh members alongside thirteen returning youths, marking a significant step towards involving young voices in agricultural... Read this article online
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online