Category: Western Canada

Consumers are farmers' customers...eventually. But in between the farmer and the consumer is an entire supply chain, from processor, to transporter, to wholesaler and retailer, each taking their pound of flesh. Yet, if consumers demand certain items, production systems or products, it's largely farmers, not the entire supply chain, that must adapt and shoulder much... Read More

The evolution of farm machinery has occurred incredibly fast, with the first engine-powered tractors showing up in the mid 1800s. Driven by steam engines, these tractors were loud and, compared to today's standards, far from comfortable. In the late 19th century, the first gasoline-powered tractor was built, no doubt impressing the farming community. Today, machinery... Read More

Bees, pollinators and honey-makers alike, are enjoying some much deserved attention right now. There was a time not too long ago when many consumers had no inkling of the importance of pollinators in our food supply. Unfortunately, much of the added attention stems from recent bee deaths, the mysterious colony collapse disorder (CCD) and controversy... Read More

Favourable weather continues to hover like a dark cloud over the grain markets as they continue to trek lower, just as meat prices are going the opposite direction. While most prices are relatively unchanged week-over-week, soybean prices did find a bit of a bounce on very strong U.S. export sales (as they say, the cure... Read More

We all have them or have seen them — the areas where crop productivity falls near null, and foxtail barley encroachment begins. Areas affected by high salinity are often referred to as alkali sloughs, and are considered for remediation. Years of no- or minimum-till farming across the prairies has certainly helped the situation, says Kelly... Read More

It's freight. It's margin. It's a tally of any number of other costs and variables but when it's all said and done, basis is really nothing more than an incentive to either sell your grain or a reason to sit on it a while longer. While farmers would love to pick apart and object to... Read More

There's certainly no need to begrudge ranchers and feeders making money on cattle right now. After all, cattle markets rise and fall in waves, and it's nice to be at the top now and again. Lower average cost of production coupled with strong demand and a tight supply have all aligned to create a profitable... Read More