GrainsWest Spring 2021

grainswest.com GW: Is the direction of pest management changing? BM: There have been a lot of re-eval- uations of some of our crop protection products lately. We’re still waiting to hear about some of those, like neonicotinoids. These are used across virtually 100 per cent of our canola acres on the Prairies. If we were to lose those, what’s the next step for producers? What is the next mech- anism we can try to give them? That’s weighing heavily on a lot of people’s minds and has led to these pushes and re-evalua- tions of management tactics. There’s also a push from the general society, wanting to know where their food comes from and all the management tactics that go into growing their food. Whether we agree with it or not, it is a huge, huge is- sue that keeps coming up again and again. We need to take it into consideration when developing pest management. GW: What pests are expected to make trouble for farmers in 2021? BM: We had such a good growing year in 2020 and there weren’t really any insect surprises, but those good growing years, with a good mix of dry and wet weather, can bring on an increase in midge popu- lations, specifically wheat midge. That’s definitely one to watch for in 2021. In addition, there’s a grasshopper spe- cies in the areas north of Edmonton and into the Peace region that Scott Meers and Dan Johnson at the University of Leth- bridge have been working on for a number of years that seems to have a two-year cy- cle where we see higher populations every second year. In 2020, their population was kind of low, so we should expect to see some more of those. GW: Do you have any advice for farmers struggling with insect pests? BM: Scout, scout, scout, scout. That’s number 1. Number two is to know what you’re dealing with. Being able to identify what you see is key—the types of insects, of bites on the crop and where they are located. The key thing, really, is scouting and staying on the lookout for anything that is damaging your crop. Given the current COVID-19 situation, please call ahead to collection sites for instructions on delivering empties. In 2021, recycle every jug Our recycling program makes it easier for Canadian farmers to be responsible stewards of their land for present and future generations. By taking empty containers (jugs, drums and totes) to nearby collection sites, farmers proudly contribute to a sustainable community and environment. When recycling jugs, every one counts. Ask ag-retailers for a collection bag, fill it with rinsed, empty jugs and return to a collection site. Scan to learn more! info@cleanfarms.ca @cleanfarms Find a collection location near you at cleanfarms.ca