Inputs - by Top Crop Manager

Top Crop Manager
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Canada's national source for leading agronomic research, crop production and technology trends.

  1. 2025-12-09

    Mapping out a $12 billion shift to diversify Canadian agri-food trade

    FCC released a report on September 22 of this year entitled The $12-billion trade shift: Canada’s opportunity to diversify food exports beyond the U.S, outlining a path to reduce Canadian food and beverage exports to the U.S. to 50 per cent of 2023 levels (76 per cent). The report suggests this is possible through strengthening inter-provincial trade, leveraging existing free trade agreements, and establishing new international trading partnerships. In this episode of Inputs, Kaitlin Berger, editor of Top Crop Manager West, speaks with Craig Klemmer, manager of thought leadership at FCC with 15 years of experience leading the Economics and Portfolio Risk Management teams. He shares how FCC calculated the $12-billion trade shift opportunity and what's needed to get there. He highlights practical examples of opportunities to increase diversification and reduce reliance on the U.S. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Sponsored by FCC.

    29 min

  2. 2025-10-22

    Capping off the season with post-harvest fieldwork

    The crop’s finally off the field, wrapping up another growing season. Instead of turning the page to next season, what else should happen in the field before winter hits? In this episode, Jake Munroe, soil management specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, discusses what farmers should prioritize once crops, specifically corn and soybeans, are harvested. Whether planning to plant a winter cover crop or not, Munroe talks about the importance of residue management, considerations for tillage, assessing soil health and more to maintain productive soil into next season and beyond.

    30 min

  3. 2025-10-08

    Reducing uncertainty: Producing on-farm green ammonia

    In addition to climate challenges, growers are facing instability around input costs and supply chain issues. Rethinking access to fertilizer could help take away some of that uncertainty and bring peace of mind. FuelPositive is bringing decentralized on-farm green ammonia technology to local farms, giving farmers control and allowing them to produce their own fertilizer. They have established the first demonstration project near the town of Sperling, Manitoba.  In this episode, editor Kaitlin Berger speakers with Ian Clifford, co-founder and CEO of FuelPositive, about this new technology. He shares why it's important, how it could help producers and provides a financial breakdown for the investment.  Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Sponsored by FuelPositive.

    50 min

  4. 2025-09-17

    Confident in camelina’s potential

    Camelina is an oilseed crop that originated in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia in similar climates to the prairie provinces in Western Canada. It’s well-adapted to the southern regions of Canada because it has good drought tolerance and it’s well-adapted to the northern regions of the country because it has good frost tolerance and a short growing season.  In this episode, Christina Eynck, research scientist and plant breeder at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, discusses the benefits and challenges of growing camelina. She speaks to the advances plant breeders have made in variety development for the crop. She discusses spring and winter biotypes - and how growers can know how to choose the best option for their farm.  Learn about the crop’s development, end-use products, biofuel potential and more. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    34 min

  5. 2025-08-13

    Back to basics: Cover crops in Ontario

    The terms ‘cover crop’ and ‘service crop’ are interchangeable. Regardless of the term you use, these crops do more than just cover the soil after the main crops come off the field.  In this episode of Inputs, we’re going back to the basics – what are cover crops and what’s their purpose in a crop rotation? Kim Schneider, assistant professor at the University of Guelph, discusses the typical cover crops grown in Ontario, the agroecological benefits they provide, her current research projects – including a project with the Living Labs Initiative – and considerations before planting a cover crop (hint: understand your “why”). Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Support for this episode provided by Proven Seed.

    26 min

  6. 2025-07-09

    Farm transition: Beyond the numbers

    When it comes to farm transition, don’t underestimate the soft skills. The farm’s legacy and each farm members’ personality influences business governance - and it’s important to explore both for effective transition planning and collaboration.  In this episode of Inputs, Sarah Stamp, founder of Sarah Stamp Farm Consulting, discusses the importance of understanding the various personalities involved in farm transition through personality tests. She also speaks to the benefit of preserving a farm’s history by writing it down, whether the farm is continuing to operate in the family or is being sold. All of her expertise is filtered through her own experience on her husband’s family farm in Enchant, Alta.  Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    44 min

  7. 2025-06-11

    Double trouble: Soybean cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome

    Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and sudden death syndrome (SDS) are a duo to be reckoned with. Continuing to spread across Ontario and wreak havoc on soybean yields, this double threat causes millions of dollars in losses each year in the province. In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Owen Wally, research scientist with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada at the Harrow Research and Development Centre, discusses how SDS and SCN start below the surface but lead to above-ground impacts to soybean yields and economic returns. Breeding research has come a long way to help manage these diseases and Wally provides some recommendations for keeping this duo in check. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    45 min

  8. 2025-05-15

    Tale of two weeds: Kochia and wild oat

    Kochia and wild oat are two weeds that are top of mind for growers across the Prairies. While kochia is a relatively newer concern, it’s a highly adaptable weed that’s moving further and further north. Wild oat has been a problem for a long time and resistance continues to evolve.  In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Charles Geddes, research scientist in weed ecology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alta., discusses the characteristics of kochia and wild oat and what conditions cause them to thrive. He also explains why they are difficult to manage and how resistance evolves with each. With recent research insights on both, Geddes speaks to management strategies such as effective crop rotation and narrow row spacing and higher seeding rates for kochia, as well as harvest weed seed control for wild oat. He says it’s also important to scout and test for herbicide resistance. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Support for this episode provided by Syngenta.

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Canada's national source for leading agronomic research, crop production and technology trends.

Information

  • Creator
    Top Crop Manager
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Top Crop Manager
  • Show Website
    Inputs - by Top Crop Manager