Don’t buy the story — buy the numbers

Becoming a successful public company is as daunting as becoming an NHL star

Market action early in the new year is vindicating much of what I have written over the years, as numerous new concept and speculative stocks decline. This is normal market behaviour but has been devastating to many market participants, especially speculators who thought they were investors. Let’s look at the process of new company formation […] Read more

It is a great thrill for this old fossil to see soil moisture being used as a major factor in agronomic decisions.

Les Henry: Opportunities to learn in wintertime

What I discovered at the 2021 Crop Intelligence Annual Summit

Winter is the time for catching up with reading not done in the busy farming season and going to agricultural shows and information meetings. For me, one of the highlights has been the Western Canadian Crop Production Show held in Saskatoon in early January. It was held this year, but I declined because of the […] Read more


James and Joseph where proud to wear hand-drawn horse tee-shirts made by great-grandmother Thomas in Idaho.

All the 2021 bales are now home

Eppich News: Some decent weather but then -40 C and a blizzard

There were a few nice days in the middle of January. On Jan. 13, Gregory and I were able to get the last of the slough bales hauled home. We saved the closest for last as they were in the field that is southeast of the home quarter. I drove the tractor around while Gregory […] Read more

The shelf is anchored by a steel frame I welded. The angles were correct and the welds were solid and reasonably attractive — depending on who you ask.

Toban Dyck: A mile wide and an inch thick

It’s not a negative trait but it’s not the same as expertise

I made a bedside shelf for Jamie. This event took place last year. I’m telling you about it — likely for the second time — because I was proud of it. It was a project that represented an attention to detail unprecedented for me. And it required patience. Also unprecedented. The conception of this project, […] Read more


Having crop inputs purchased or secured is especially important this year as the ag industry continues to face supply chain challenges.

‘Success is the residue of planning’

Q & A with an expert

Q: What tips can you offer to help me build my crop plan? A: Winston Churchill once said, “He who fails to plan is planning to fail.” This is as true today as when Churchill first said it, and agriculture is no exception. With the 2022 growing season fast approaching, now is the time to […] Read more

From a private business to the family corporation

What’s left after harvest depends on how the farm is organized and taxed

The idea of the family farm is just that — a concept. The reality is that tax rules, inheritance law, good business practice and the fundamental problem of making a living have changed the family farm from a private business to the family corporation. Organization and tax rules are now almost as important as farm […] Read more





Versatile tractor in the field

How to develop potassium fertilizer recommendations

When, where and how much potassium is needed for your crops

In previous Grainews issues, I have discussed how to develop nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendations. In this issue, I will focus on the development of potassium (K) fertilizer recommendations. Most crops take up potassium in relatively high amounts, often similar to nitrogen. About 25 to 30 per cent of Prairie soils are estimated […] Read more

Les Henry: A look at soil nitrate-nitrogen

Les Henry: A look at soil nitrate-nitrogen

Is there enough residual nitrate-nitrogen in the soil to feed 2022 crops?

The drought of 2021 and the poor crops as a result have left us wondering what residual nitrate-nitrogen might be present in the soil to feed the 2022 crops. Nitrate in the environment The first thing we must realize is nitrate in the environment is, for the most part, a function of human activity in […] Read more