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.

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

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


Jean-Claude Poissant, shown here at the opening of Maison ACFA in St-Hyacinthe, is the Liberals’ new parliamentary secretary for agriculture. (ACFAreseaux.qc.ca)

Que. dairyman named parliamentary ag secretary

Canada’s agriculture minister will get a Quebec dairyman and grain farmer turned rookie Liberal MP as his new parliamentary secretary. Jean-Claude Poissant, who won the re-formed Montreal-area riding of La Prairie for the Liberals on Oct. 19 by a spread of almost 5,900 votes over Bloc Quebecois contender Christian Picard, was named Wednesday as parliamentary […] Read more



(Government of Alberta via Flickr)

Alta. to tweak farm worker bill for ‘clarity’

With consultations only just out of the gate and the legislation awaiting second reading, the Alberta government already plans to amend Bill 6, its farm and ranch worker protection bill, for “greater clarity.” While not mentioning recent vocal protests over the bill, provincial Labour Minister Lori Sigurdson announced Tuesday the bill will be amended to “make clear what […] Read more

(Assembly.ab.ca)

Alta. farm bill applies to paid workers only, minister says

UPDATED, Nov. 28, 2015 — New legislation applying Alberta’s rules on workplace standards and workers’ compensation to farm workers is meant for farms’ paid employees — not for family members or neighbours helping out on family farms. The province’s labour minister has said as much after stormy early going in the government’s consultations on Bill […] Read more


Those awkward conversations about food production

Those awkward conversations about food production

Talking to urban consumers about food can be more uncomfortable than political debate

By the time you read this, the 2015 federal election will be history. Maybe you will have even re-friended any politically-obnoxious people you dropped on Facebook in the weeks leading up to the big vote. Maybe. As I write this, before the election, I’m filled with the smug satisfaction of a citizen who already cast […] Read more