Columns & Production Tips

The Kevin McGrath home near Fielding, Sask., was built by his parents Martin and Katie in 1916.

Catalogue houses: Eatons and others

Looking for information about a catalogue house in your area? Les Henry may be able to help

By Les Henry December 24, 2015

I have a longstanding interest in catalogue houses. In fact, I’ve written a book with the same title as this column (see below for details). My interest in mail order houses comes honestly. Seven sisters and I were raised in a large 2-½ storey square house much like many of the catalogue houses of that […] Read more

Wheat & Chaff

Give the gift of safety for Christmas

By Canadian Agricultural Safety Association December 18, 2015

Each Christmas season, there is a new, must-have gift. Chatty Cathy dolls, Cabbage Patch Kids and Tickle Me Elmo dolls were all at one point toys that caused parents to panic, children to hope and retailers to sweat. This year, instead of lining up for the latest fancy toy why not give the gift of […] Read more

Cereals, Columns

Canada’s ever-changing grain scene

Understanding Market Bulls and Bears: Keep your eye on the changes underway in Canada’s grain and ag retail industries

By Brian Wittal December 16, 2015

There are a lot of changes underway that will have significant impacts on the future of our grain buying and ag retail business. This is my second column on the Canadian grain scene. Viterra/Glencore We know the history behind Viterra/Glencore’s evolution from the days of the Prairie Pools to today’s corporate entity known as Viterra. […] Read more

One of the challenges of putting up corn silage is to harvest when it is not too dry or too wet. Although water can be added to the ration to increase moisture content.

Dairy Cattle, The Dairy Corner

Test corn silage moisture for better milk production

The Dairy Corner: Dairy producers should test every time a new bag, bunk or silo is opened

By Peter Vitti December 3, 2015

There are three stages to the corn harvest in Manitoba. The first starts in September when the corn crop matures and whole plant moisture dries to about 35 per cent dry matter — it’s one of the best time to take off corn silage. The second occurs weeks later when the grain corn dries to […] Read more

Getting ready to disc the 80-acre section that the previous renter ripped with spikes, which only scratched the surface and made it rough (and located a few rocks).

Columns, Crops

New farmer breaks new ground. What a wild ride

The first step in the process was a pretty rough ride

By Toban Dyck December 3, 2015

Riding an angry bull is probably worse. It has to be. But, they don’t have to stay on for 120 acres. I did. I held on with both hands, and around corners would bounce out of my seat. It was the roughest tractor ride of my life. The tab that allows the driver to fill […] Read more

Columns, FarmLife

Is there still a farm wife out there?

Lee Hart treads into dangerous territory, daring to take on the issue of the term “farm wife”

By Lee Hart December 2, 2015

Since religion and politics are always safe subjects, I thought I would really kick over the can of worms and talk about gender equality on the farm. I am not even sure where this topic is going, I just know the term “farm wife” raised a few hackles at a recent Canadian Farm Writers Federation […] Read more

Columns, Crops

Using base-cation saturation ratios

Fertilizer recommendations based on BCSRs do not beat traditional approaches

By Ross H. McKenzie December 1, 2015

In my last column, I discussed soil pH and its effect on plant nutrients and fertilizers. In this article, more about basic, or alkaline, soils and how some agronomists are using base saturation to make fertilizer recommendations. Remember that soils with a pH of 6.6 to 7.4 are in the neutral range, pH 7.5 to […] Read more

Cereals, Columns

The new G3’s cross-Canada future

Understanding Market Bulls and Bears: Brian Wittal sees the new CWB as a strong competitor in the Canadian grain industry

By Brian Wittal November 30, 2015

In 2012 the CWB’s monopoly powers were stripped away. Over the next couple of years the new entity purchased or entered into joint ventures with producer-owned grain handling facilities and built a number of new concrete facilities across the Prairies to try to remain a relevant player in the grain handling and marketing business in […] Read more

Soybeans, Wheat & Chaff

Selecting soybeans for your area

Agronomy Tips... From the Field

By Richard Marsh November 30, 2015

To find out which soybean varieties will grow well on your farm, you first need to get an understanding of the available heat units for your zone. Look at Environment Canada data or climate data from your local weather provider to get the average accumulation of heat units for your area. Next, eliminate varieties that […] Read more

News, Wheat & Chaff

What causes a farm accident?

By Canadian Agricultural Safety Association November 30, 2015

Farming isn’t easy work. Farming isn’t for the faint of heart, the easily defeated or the undetermined. A successful farmer is an optimist and a realist at the same time. A farmer knows his land, his equipment, his livestock and his operation inside out. This determination and wisdom often translates into prosperous farms and thriving […] Read more

U.S. grains: Corn futures lower as farmers sell, soy choppy

U.S. livestock: Cattle regain losses, hogs rise

U.S. cattle ranchers criticize government for delayed reporting of human screwworm case

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