Since growing replacement heifers don’t generate any income until they enter the lactation barn, it’s important to set up a well-balanced feeding program that matches their nutrient requirements.
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Supply a proper feeding program for replacement heifers
It takes proper management and feed investment to raise calves to the milking age
Market expert urges cautious approach for forward grain selling
That caution is well advised going into this growing season given the state of subsoil moisture across the Prairies. That’s the word from Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm, which provides expert analysis on the markets and crops grown in Western Canada. As MarketFarm’s director of markets and weather information, Burnett specializes in assessing weather conditions and […] Read more
‘Why’ as the deep, burning mantra to keep going
It’s not meant to be crazy, it’s meant to build resilience to overcome the “hard”
To perform constantly and optimally in any passion — whether farming, running, or anything else — takes a deep understanding of the “why.” On the farm we often hear family, land and legacy as deep, value-based guides for “why” some choose life on a farm. For me, soil health and making an environmental contribution to […] Read more
Options for a widow to retire and keep the farm in the family
The farm continues, Mom’s retirement is secure and assets provided for non-farming kids
Martha, as we’ll call her, is a 51-year-old widow. She owns 3,100 acres in southeastern Manitoba. Her daughter, who we’ll call Alice, is 30. Alice wants to continue the family farm, although her siblings, a brother and a sister, want to continue with their town jobs. Planning this generational transfer is complex. Martha’s personally held […] Read more
How to manage and schedule irrigation, Part 2
Maintain proper moisture levels during the growing season for optimum crop yield
Initially, at the start of a growing season, an irrigation manager wants to ensure adequate water is available for crop germination. Sometimes, light, frequent water applications are needed to ensure excellent, uniform germination, emergence, stand establishment and early crop growth. This is possible with low pressure pivot irrigation systems, which apply rates as low as […] Read more
Why would a farmer be interested in stocks?
The goal is to make money and grow your asset base
Over the past five years, I hope to have convinced some to gather a nest egg in stocks, whether in a TFSA, RRSP or a taxable account. I am curious if you have started because of what I have written and how many are following the Titanium-Strength Portfolio (TSP). Please send a short email to […] Read more
How to ask for better compensation on the farm
Talking about money can be less stressful when you start with a “reality check” of what you need
Young farm families have many expectations to manage as they work on farms as employees, raise small children and juggle time to generate off-farm revenue. Asking for higher compensation can be difficult, and arguments arise when what you think you need is perceived by your employer, the farm parents, as a want. Talking about money […] Read more
Tech solution helps enhance safety on the farm
Plenty of farmers have stories about things going awry while working alone. Machinery broke down in a field. A ladder fell and left them stranded up high. But when those situations become emergencies, getting help in a timely manner is imperative to avoid a devastating outcome. According to the latest Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting data, […] Read more
The importance of pre-seed herbicide application
Q & A with an expert
Q: Should I skip the pre-seed herbicide application? A: As the long winter on the Prairies comes to an end, growers are starting to prepare for the 2023 growing season. With weather delays, many growers may be eager to get seeding and skip the pre-seed herbicide application. However, utilizing a pre-seed burnoff is a great […] Read more
Les Henry: New wrinkles when fertilizing grass crops for hay and pasture
One quarter section of fertilized grass could give the same yield as five quarters of “cut what is there”
There are many old grass stands that are mainly brome grass and serve as hayfields with occasional grazing. Many hayfields have never seen a kernel of fertilizer. Perhaps this piece will start folks thinking and will lead to a change in practice. There are many old reports that deal with the topic. The two main […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
