Everyone wants in on the local food craze. Some believe formalizing its place in society through local food legislation or institutionalizing it would open doors for farmers who now feel left out. That thought prompted a University of Guelph research team to look into local food for hospitals and long-term care facilities. On the surface,... Read More
Category: Western Canada
Soil salinity is one of those issues that creeps up — quite literally. The accumulation of salts in the growing zone typically happens slowly over time, causing small yield losses that may go unnoticed until salinity is quite severe. The tell-tale wavy growth in a field or, worse, bare batches or salt-loving weeds moving in... Read More
If you envision GPS-guided cows when you hear "precision dairy," you might be a grain farmer. If, instead, you envision a way to measure and monitor several aspects of dairy production no matter what time it is or where you are, you're much closer to reality.From heat detection, to mastitis management, and even lameness monitoring,... Read More
The loss of the CWB monopoly was felt more as a ripple than a tsunami in the daily marketing lives of most western Canadian farmers. What many have come to realize, however, is that the role of the CWB extended far beyond the selling of wheat and barley on behalf of farmers. Like it or... Read More
Editor's note: This letter was sent to the federal ag minister and several producer groups earlier this month. We are writing to request your support for the creation of a new producer-driven national farm organization that would work to solidify marketing systems for grains, oilseeds, pulses and special crops. While it is widely agreed that... Read More
Let's just call 2013 the year of the soybean in Western Canada and be done with it, OK? It would seem each of the Prairie Provinces has fallen in love with the crop and, if the spring weather permits, there will be a large increase in acres this year. But should there be? There are... Read More
Canada is no longer an Atlantic nation, it is a Pacific nation, and we're all better off if we keep that in mind when it comes to trade, policy and politics. That's according to John Ibbitson, Globe & Mail Ottawa bureau chief, and guest speaker at last week's Canola Council of Canada convention held at... Read More
Farmers do an amazing job of keeping current on the latest agronomy findings, and many are keen to work on new and improved practices each year. But not everyone loves biology — some prefer the business side of farming and enjoy the time spent analyzing markets and setting up a hedging strategy. Each crop type... Read More
It is among the most infamous of alcohols and depending on your "interactions" with it, the mere mention of the name can turn your stomach and make you crawl under your bed in shame. For others who can exercise a bit more restraint, it's a more unique experience closer to scotch than it is to... Read More
Acidosis, a severe drop in pH in a cow's rumen due to a change in feed, isn't just an issue in feedlots. Cattle being moved from low quality to very lush pastures are also at risk, for example. Not managing for acidosis can lead to cattle that reduce their feed intake and are slow to... Read More