Following several large protests and opposition from the farm community, the Alberta government on Tuesday announced amendments to "clarify" Bill 6 — The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act. The proposed changes would: make clear Workers' Compensation Board coverage would be required only for paid employees, with an option for farmers to extend... Read More
Category: Farm Management
Last week, the Alberta government announced the introduction of Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranchers Workers Act. Farmers have engaged in a hefty amount of debate on the new legislation. As the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour states in the interview below, “this is a complex bill.” Read: Farm Safety... Read More
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is hoping the arrival of new federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay will mark a change in the impact farmers have on public policy. MacAulay’s been on the job for less than a month, but so far Ron Bonnett likes what he sees. The CFA president received a call from the... Read More
A pork-producing family from Ontario and a dairy goat-farming family from Alberta have been named Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers for 2015. Mike and Amy Cronin of Bluevale, ON and Patrick and Cherylynn Bos of Ponoka, AB were recognized at the OYF national event in Edmonton this weekend. “Every year, our organization recognizes and welcomes more... Read More
The Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (GLASI) has new application rules, deadlines and funding levels to better help farmers take advantage of the program. GLASI is targeted to farmers in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds, and Lake Huron’s southeast shores watershed, to help implement Better Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce phosphorus loading... Read More
The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act was introduced today to the Alberta Legislature. “Everyone deserves a safe, fair and healthy workplace. With this bill, workplace legislation will now extend to farms and ranches," said Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, Lori Sigurdson. "The rules we implement must respect the unique qualities... Read More
Farm management software startup Farm At Hand is merging with grain marketing firm FarmLink Marketing Solutions. Launched in 2012, the free Farm At Hand app helps producers maintain field records while tracking equipment, grain inventory and sales. The app and Farm At Hand brand will be maintained and available for free to any user, says... Read More
Grain markets can be complex, but there are times when simple economics are all that’s needed to describe a situation. If supply grows faster than demand, then prices drop. “World demand for grains — corn, soybeans and wheat — is up less than 1 percent, while global production is up a little over 2 percent,... Read More
In case anybody needs reminding, agriculture is a cyclical business. It's important to pad the balance sheet during good years to ensure a farm or business remains healthy during tougher times, as parts of the ag industry are experiencing right now. In this "Mind Your Farm Business" episode, we focus on using a balance sheet... Read More
Every year in the US, feed left in the bunk costs dairy producers $2 billion. That’s about eight percent of all the feed placed in front of dairy cows, says J. W. Schroeder. The North Dakota State Extension Dairy Specialist told a packed presentation room last month at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin,... Read More