Columns & Production Tips

Editor’s Column: All eyes on Argentina

By Kari Belanger February 12, 2021

As I write this column on Jan. 25, the world still doesn’t know if Argentina will get the precipitation it needs for average corn and soybean crop yields or if it will continue to be dry, and the country headed for below-average crop yields. I’ll come back to that in a moment. Let’s take a […] Read more

In dairy operations twin calves usually mean some extra management is required.

Cattleman’s Corner, Dairy Cattle, The Dairy Corner

An approach to managing twin dairy calves

A multiple birth isn’t necessarily a cause for celebration

By Peter Vitti February 11, 2021

I used to think that when a dairy cow gave birth to a set of twins, it was a time to celebrate. However, when I talk dairy producers, most frown at the thought. That’s because twin calvings are not only hard on the freshening cow, but can also lead to many of her post-partum problems. […] Read more

Columns, Crops

The forgotten plant and animal mineral micronutrients

Ten nutrient minerals essential for plants and animal nutrition

By Ieuan Evans February 10, 2021

How many times have you read about plants needing 16 nutrients for growth? The usual carbon, oxygen and hydrogen as well as the macrominerals nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium (N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg, respectively). This is followed by micronutrients such as boron, copper, chloride, manganese, iron, molybdenum and zinc (B, […] Read more

With about two feet of snow already in December, this Degelman blade will come in handy to keep trails open to feed cows.

Cattleman’s Corner, Columns

Tractor arrival gets new year off to good start

Eppich News: Several Quarter Horses went to good homes in 2020

By Heather Eppich February 8, 2021

A few of our Eppich Quarter Horse weanlings went to their new homes at the end of November and beginning of December. It is sad to see them go, as we get quite attached sometimes, but it is good to see them go to homes where they will be enjoyed. On Dec. 3 Gregory and […] Read more

Snow on March 28, 2013, at my Dundurn farm. My asparagus patch is between the quonset and the trees. Snow was four to six feet deep.

Columns, Crops

Les Henry: A snow job

Snow as a water source for crops

By Les Henry February 8, 2021

When we made the first-ever Soil Moisture Map in 1978, it was early days in the quest to get rid of as much summerfallow as possible. Those with Henry’s Handbook can check out page 109 to see that first map. The legend has stayed much the same. The objective of the map was to let […] Read more

Columns

“He who lives by the crystal ball will eat shattered glass”

Neither seer skill nor mathematical acuity are very important for market success

By Herman VanGenderen February 5, 2021

The quip in my column title was authored by Ray Dalio, a highly successful hedge fund manager, founder of Bridgewater Associates and successful author. I am writing near the end of a tumultuous year for a publication date early in what will hopefully become a year when life and the markets return to some level […] Read more

Crops, Wheat & Chaff

Crop protection and rebate programs

Q & A with an expert

By Twyla Jones February 5, 2021

Q: Should supplier rebates play a role in making crop protection decisions? A: The decision about which products growers choose for their farming operations is dependent on many factors. These factors should include product efficacy, rotational and environmental considerations and price. As an agrologist, growers often ask me, “What is the best product?” My answer, […] Read more

Rather than a loop system, South West Terminal in Saskatchewan installed three parallel tracks for the siding at its elevator. Each is 8,500 feet long.

Columns, Hart Attacks

Smaller cars, more capacity to help move grain

Who knew they even made a three-mile-long train?

By Lee Hart February 4, 2021

Everyone is impressed this year with improved grain handling efficiency across Western Canada and that is a good thing. In some recent years with bottlenecks and mysterious delays in grain movement, it was almost like the rail companies were surprised Western Canada had grain and other commodities that needed to be moved to export position. […] Read more

The verdict? Business management practices can play a significant role in producing healthy farms and farmers.

News, Wheat & Chaff

Study shows positive connection between farm business planning and mental health

By Canadian Agricultural Safety Association February 4, 2021

“This is the way it’s always been done.” “There’s not enough time.” “We’re doing fine without one.” We all know there are endless excuses for not having a farm business plan. But a recent research study has found that farm business management isn’t just good for business — it’s also good for mental health. Healthy […] Read more

This temperature from January 2019 is more the norm than what we've been experiencing on the Prairies so far in 2020-2021.

Editor's column, Wheat & Chaff

Editor’s Column: Below-normal temperatures forecast for spring

By Kari Belanger February 2, 2021

Rain in southern Manitoba in January? Many days of above-zero temperatures in Winnipeg from December to the third week of January? What is going on here? I have never experienced such warm temperatures at this time of year. The screengrab of my phone above — taken January 2019 — is more what I’m used to. […] Read more

GFM Network News

B.C. ostriches culled, CFIA confirms

U.S. livestock: Cattle, hogs end week on high note

U.S. grains: Soybeans bounce as Chinese demand assessed, wheat drops