Soil testing window closing with winter temperatures

Apr 13, 2018

With extended winter conditions across the prairies, the window for spring soil testing may become even shorter.

Soil testing is recommended to determine what nutrient levels are in the ground for the crop.

Most farmers do their soil tests in the fall, but some take samples again to double-check those results before seeding.

Allie Noble, an Agricultural Extension Spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, says those doing spring soil tests should get out right when the ground has started to thaw out.

"For spring seeded fields it's best to do your testing just once the soil has thawed," she said. "It's not entirely based on how warm the soils are."

Noble says even though there may not be a lot of time to get a soil test done this spring, it’s still something to consider.

"Because it was a dry year last year there is potential that there was some nutrients that were not used or lost," she said. "A spring soil test should be helpful to determine what was left behind from last year's crop and the only way to know for sure is doing a soil test."

Source : Discoverestevan

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.