For many farm families, building a farm business that the next generation can take over is a top priority. There's great pride and value placed in keeping a farm "in the family." While it's important to have a viable business worth passing on, a successful farm transition also requires individuals in the younger generation who... Read More
Category: Eastern Canada
The ability to collect machine data wirelessly from farms across Canada is starting to yield practical information that can help farmers become more efficient — evidence that takes colour out of the equation to answer questions like "what's the optimal engine speed of my model XYZ combine during harvest?" or "should I use a fuel... Read More
Are we finally seeing signs of expansion in the Canadian beef herd? If you dig deep enough into Canadian cattle inventory report published by Statistics Canada last week, you might just be inclined to answer yes. The twice-a-year report showed total cattle and calf numbers across the country on January 1 were up just 0.3... Read More
The European Union has voted to expand the scope of the Canada-EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement. That means processed products that are certified organic and contain imported agreements will no longer require double certification. It also means EU and Canadian organic wines will be considered equivalent. “Allowing goods to flow more easily between Canada and Europe... Read More
There's a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Trans-Pacific Partnership, with President Obama running tight on time and the frontrunners in the race to replace him — Trump, Clinton, Sanders, Cruz — voicing their opposition to the proposed trade deal. Both the U.S. and Japan, due to the size of their economies, must be part... Read More
As drones have gained mainstream popularity over the last year or two, they've become easier to fly, cheaper and safer than ever before, making them more practical and obtainable for use in agriculture. "The technology is so refined, a lot of producers now are starting to see the benefits," says UAV specialist and pilot Chad... Read More
What did you do on your most recent vacation? Ski? Go south? Binge-watch Netflix? Not Dr. Paula Menzies. She spent her vacation writing the final chapters of a book…on udder health for dairy goats. It wasn’t especially relaxing. And it won’t end up being a best seller on Amazon or Chapters. But the book, released... Read More
Grains started the month of March fairly hot, trying to rebound from its end of February, with more liquidity being added to the market and more bulls coming to the table on weather concerns. Nonetheless, given the size of the short position that managed money is holding on the futures board, there are some fundamentals... Read More
North American farmers got their first look at the new Massey Ferguson 5700SL Series mid-range tractors at the National Farm Machinery Show last month in Louisville, Kentucky. The 5700SL tractors include three models, ranging from 110 to 130 HP, with the 5713SL model claiming the 2016 Tractor of the Year award in the utility category... Read More
Jim Bottomley has managed marketing programs for breakfast cereal companies like Quaker Oats, launched new pet foods, and is now involved in consulting. He has provided advice to Future 500s, non-profit organizations, and — through his Alberta Beef Industry Conference presentation — the beef industry. Bottomley described to the crowd what he calls "better benefits"... Read More