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Pummelled by hail: The onslaught of erratic weather is real

If farmers think the weather was erratic this year, data says they’re right.

Earlier this summer, the Co-operator reported that farmers in the Rivers area were pummeled with near-apocalyptic hail. Weeks later, they’d been hit again. At the time, hail claims in Manitoba had already exceeded the total number of claims last year.

Why it matters: Weather is always a popular topic of conversation among farmers and this year, there’s been a lot to talk about.

Hail numbers have climbed since then.

The “white combine” visited fields again in the penultimate week of August. As of Aug. 28, the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation reported 1,830 hail claims, including 174 from the spate of storms just days before. Over the five years before 2023, claims averaged 1,280 a year.

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R3 Corn Growth Stage Explained: Why Late-Season Tissue Sampling Matters

Video: R3 Corn Growth Stage Explained: Why Late-Season Tissue Sampling Matters

Corn pollination may be behind us, but the work isn't over.

In this field update from the Nutrien Innovation Farm in Champaign, Illinois, agronomist Tim Sickman discusses why growers should stay engaged with field scouting during the R3 (milk) stage of corn development. While favorable weather, strong pollination, and early grain fill are encouraging signs, important questions about crop nutrition and yield potential still remain.

Tim explains: What the R3 corn growth stage looks like

Why successful pollination isn't the finish line

The importance of late-season field scouting

How tissue sampling can identify nutrient deficiencies

The role of sulfur, zinc, potassium, and other nutrients during grain fill

Using tissue analysis to improve future fertility management plans

As corn moves through grain fill, understanding nutrient availability and plant health can provide valuable insights for maximizing yield potential and planning for next season.