Bigger is sometimes better, but everything comes at a cost. Choosing bigger tractors and wider implements may mean a faster planting season, but can the farm shoulder the cost? The idea of finding the right size of machinery for your farm was tackled by John Molenhuis, business analysis and cost of production program lead, with... Read More
Category: Western Canada
This week the Canola Council of Canada released its long term objectives for 2025. The Canola Council of Canada was bold in its plans to set the clear objectives for the industry. Is 22 million acres at a yield of 52 bushels/acre producing 26 million tonnes crazy? Is it too lofty? Is it out of... Read More
By Rob Wallbridge, Songberry Farm, Bristol, Quebec Originally posted on his blog: The Fanning Mill This is a story of two talks, both of which are almost identical. It’s also the story of two people, both of whom are also the same person. What separates both are a couple of years, perspective gained, and perspective... Read More
By April 1st of 2014, four diseases that affect cattle will be moved from "reportable" to "immediately notifiable" under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The change is significant in a few ways, most notably that once a disease is no longer reportable, any financial assistance in managing the disease evaporates. The four diseases are: Chronic... Read More
"It's an atrocity to block the humanitarian gesture of improved nutrition," says Kevin Folta, scientist and associate professor at the University of Florida, referring to opposition towards Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). We saw incredible public interest in food in 2013, with polarizing discussions often centred around biotechnology. Many, including Folta, argue the current debates are... Read More
While many of us industry types were getting back into routine this week, the bad weather hangover in Ontario was still raging. Our own Shaun Haney got hung up in Las Vegas while trying to get to the Southwest Agricultural Conference (SWAC), and even Bern Tobin, our Ontario field editor missed the first day do... Read More
Most farmers know which crops are their best money makers. Naming your most productive field is likely pretty easy, too. But do you know how profitable each field or area of a field is? If you could create a profit map by field zone, would it change the way you farm? You likely would, and,... Read More
I spent much of my Christmas holiday in rural Alberta, where gossip of snow-induced roof collapse was becoming incredibly common. In most instances, more than just a roof was impacted, with reports of damaged machinery and livestock losses. So, for the first time in my life, I helped shovel snow from an altitude. (And for... Read More
It’s calving season. You waited – we've delivered! Our second podcast is up and available for download! This podcast features an interview with Travis Peardon, a livestock specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, about how last year's harsh winter is still affecting ranch management. The rest of the podcast is a blur of activity,... Read More
January 9, 2014 - The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) announced its new target for Canada's canola industry earlier today, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The CCC aims to increase the demand for canola, create a stable and open trade environment and sustainably and profitably increase production of canola to 26M tonnes by 2025. The CCC's new... Read More