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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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White Mold in Winter Canola | Timing, Treatment & Taking Control | Pioneer Agronomy

Video: White Mold in Winter Canola | Timing, Treatment & Taking Control | Pioneer Agronomy

White mold can be one of the most damaging diseases in winter canola, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be.

In this video, Pioneer field agronomist Greg Pfeffer breaks down what to watch for, when to act, and how to stay ahead of infection. From early spring green-up to the critical 25% flowering stage, learn why timing is everything and how a preventative mindset can protect your yield.

This video also discusses fungicide strategies, including why multiple modes of action like Group 3, 7, and 11 offer the strongest defense. If you’re growing canola or considering it, this is your practical guide to smarter disease control in the field.