Farmers know that soils and crops exhibit variability. From Alberta’s first soil surveys in the 1920s to today’s vegetation and soil electrical conductivity maps, the mapping of these variations has influenced how farmers manage the multitudinous factors that affect crop yield.

Sustainability is a broad term. It is subjective, and can have different connotations based on the subject it is used to describe. In its very simplest form, it is defined as the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. This concept can be applied to virtually any aspect of the cropping industry, from economics to generational transition. Most importantly, it can be applied to agronomic practices. Most agronomic decisions made by farmers are made in an effort to be sustainable—to maintain crop production at a high level.

It’s often said that weather and government policy are the two biggest influences on grain prices. Weather obviously drives the supply side of the equation. And, as with most industries, government policy permeates all aspects of agriculture. Often, this shows up in subtle ways, like when crop insurance levels, transportation policy or biofuel mandates affect decision-making and prices. More dramatic market impacts are felt when, for example, a foreign government suddenly closes its door on Canadian grain.

While developing higher-yielding varieties is always a central objective, improving other agronomic and quality characteristics in cereal crops can be an equal and sometimes greater challenge. This according to western Canadian wheat and barley breeders who’ve worked within the wheat and barley clusters of the Growing Forward 2 ag development program.

As Canadian trade negotiations continue with potential global partners, opportunity for economic growth in agriculture is greater than ever. The prospect of modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and fully implementing agreements with large, rapidly expanding populations in the Trans-Pacific, the European Union (EU) and China holds massive opportunity.

For all farms, maintaining an effective nutrient management plan is highly recommended. To optimize yields, soils should be regularly sampled to determine nutrient levels and determine appropriate fertilization strategies.

From the time farmers first broke Prairie soil, harvest-time field meals became a tradition.

In collecting excess user fees from farmers, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) accumulated a sizable surplus since 2013/14. The almost $100 million is now the subject of an industry- wide consultation on its potential uses. The CGC is expected to announce plans to review the proposals and suggestions it has received. As the federal grain- handling regulator doesn’t have the authority to make this spending decision, ideas will be submitted to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the federal departments of justice, finance and agriculture, and Agri-Food Canada. The CGC also foresees soliciting further input before a decision is made.

Wheat prices have experienced quite a ride between spring and fall. There was a sharp rally in late June and early July as markets focused on the dry conditions in the northern plains of the U.S. and the southern prairies. Some concerns over the European crop, dryness in Australia and potential imperfections in other regions added further support, together with some strength in corn and soybean markets.

This issue of GrainsWest arrives at harvest time. In my experience growing up on a mixed farm in north-central Alberta, it was practically a sin to spill grain. But if you were on Twitter this last year, it was amazing to see farmers from around the world own up to such messy mistakes—have a look by searching for the hashtags #harvest16 and #oops!