Myths, yarns and ridiculous claims

Myths, yarns and ridiculous claims

Many long-standing popular myths about agriculture have been disclaimed by science

After 60 years of work and observations in Canadian, British and U.S. agriculture, most of it on the Canadian prairies, I still cannot believe how many farmers and scientists believe in plain falsehoods. Here are a few of those unsubstantiated myths. Manure causes lodging FALSE: If you apply 10 to 20 or more tons of […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Prices steady ahead of seeding

MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices have firmed up ahead of seeding, and producers are quick to make room in feed bins ahead of seeding. “New-crop price is significantly lower than old-crop, so at some point they’re going to converge,” said Allen Pirness, senior trader with Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. Statistics Canada’s crop intentions report, […] Read more




Chaff decks attached to the back of the combine direct weeds into confined rows, which will either compost in the pile or compete for water and nutrients with other weeds in the spring. 


Australian chaff decks show promise

From Down Under: a chemical-free tool to help manage post-harvest weeds

A new weed management tool that’s taking Australia by storm could be a good fit for Canadian farmers as well. Chaff lining, or the practice of concentrating the weed seed-bearing chaff material in confined rows behind the harvester, has helped Australian farmers to better control weeds. While it’s too early to tell if the system […] Read more





The Rimmer family moved from Britain to Canada in 2009. They enjoy spending time together as a family.

Meet your farming neighbours: David and Sharon Rimmer

After relocating from Britain, the Rimmers have found a new family home in Manitoba

Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more […] Read more

Barley. (Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Barley acreage buoyed despite current prices

MarketsFarm — International demand for Canadian feed barley has been strong thanks to a 2018 growing season drought in Australia that limited exportable supplies. China purchased nearly 950,000 tonnes of Canadian barley in the first seven months of the 2018-19 year, significantly above the five-year average. However, feed markets in general are quite sluggish ahead […] Read more