Farming 2011- Part 3

I have been trying to track the progress of some of the crops in the area over the last few weeks. In the area by my house there is a lot of canola, wheat, barley and oats grown. There is the odd field of peas and corn grown, but our weather is usually just not hot enough for the corn to get the yeilds that they can in some of the US states.

Over the last couple of weeks we have been getting a lot of rain. Last count at the farm was about 8" in the last 10 days with more to come in next few days.

Finally a day of sunshine

Because of all of the rain both before seeding and then during seeding many fields have areas that are flooded with water. These areas can be either low spots in the field, or areas that do not have good drainage. When this happens it effects the yeild (how much crop comes off the land) and it can also make things difficult when seeding having to go around these spots so you do not get stuck.

Field with a washed out section

Right now the crops in my area are coming in nicely. Most everything is seeded which is nice as there is still some land that has not been touched. It is getting really late for the farmers to do seeding, so most of the land that is not planted already will either be left until next year, or planted with a crop that they can make green feed bales with.

Canola crop that is coming in nicely

Barley field that is looking really good.

The next step for these farmers will be to spray for pests and weeds. I hope to get a few more pictures this week as the crops have already grown so much. Can't wait to show you the canola fields in bloom!

Farming 2011- Part 2

Although we have not planted our swath grazing yet, most farmers in our area have finished seeding or are just about done for the 2011 year. Soon the sprayers will be out, but until then it is fun to see the crops really start to grow.

This is what most fields look like after being seeded. They have been worked up from the year before, smoothed out with harrows, seeded and fertilized, and then packed down some to help keep the seeds in the ground to germinate.

Because of the mix of rain and warm weather we have been getting near Edmonton, the crops have had a great start this year. The fields are all turning green as the crops grow and start to get tall. In my area there is a lot of canola, wheat, barley, and oats planted.

I am going to try to follow the progress of some fields just outside the city and see how they change over the summer and fall.

Farming 2011

This weekend we were finally able to get back into the fields to do some field work. Last spring we tore up part of a pasture and seeded it to oats. We then swathed the oats before they were fully ripe, and left the swaths in the fields rather then removing the grain and making straw. This is called swath grazing and is a pretty common practice in Canada.

Dad breaking up a piece of land

The cows are then turned into the swaths when there is no more grass for them to eat. Last year the swaths lasted right until December 24th when we brought cows home for the winter. This allows us to do less tractor chores and feeding, and keeps the cows out of the main yard longer. With the cows being in the pasture, they get more exercise, and can fertilize the pasture rather then the corrals.

Fields that are ready for seed

We are hoping that in the next week we will be done the field work and will be able to get the crop seeded. We have been getting a good mix of rain and heat lately so that should make for some great growing conditions.

I hope to keep you all posted on the crop progress this year. Until then we will just keep making rounds with the tractor!