Closeup of Canadian 100 dollar bill on top of US one hundred dollar bill

Wish not for a weak Canadian dollar

Investing for Fun and Profit: Weak currency is symptomatic of weak investing confidence in a country

There exists what I believe is a very common misconception that a weak currency is good for the economy. Statements by news media and politicians often parrot this theme because on a short-term basis, exports become cheaper for foreign buyers and imports more expensive for domestic purchasers, theoretically enhancing domestic production. However, what’s missing in […] Read more

Daniel, Lorin and Barry Doersken operate Gemstone Cattle Co., a diversified farm and ranching operation at Gem, Alta.

Quebec, Alberta producers named Outstanding Young Farmers

Meeting counterparts from across the country a great learning experience

An innovative market garden operation near Quebec City, and a progressive ranching operation in southeastern Alberta with a focus on direct meat sales to consumers, won the hearts and votes of judges in November as they were named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF). Simon Plante and Alison Blouin, owners of Polyculture Plante from Sainte-Petronille, just […] Read more


When a heifer calves, she’s hopefully worth at least as much as when she was a bred heifer — and probably retains that value for at least a couple of years.

Flipping cow depreciation on its head

Costs of Production: Open cows have a huge effect — especially when they are two-year-olds

I am keenly interested in cow depreciation and in fact have written about it in past Grainews columns. It is one of the largest direct expenses on a cow-calf operation — usually only behind feed — and it is worth touching on again in the wake of current record-high prices. First as a reminder, Figure […] Read more

The average of the big bank projections was for the S&P 500 to gain 1.9 per cent, but as of late November the S&P 500 was up 25.5 per cent.

Analysts’ target prices again miss the mark

Investing for Fun and Profit: I plan to continue to ignore those target prices when making decisions

Approximately a year ago a column titled “The value of target prices” studied analyst price targets on every TSX index stock with how the stock actually performed over the next year. Analyst target prices had been conveniently amalgamated in a Globe and Mail article. While I had never used target prices to make purchase or […] Read more


overloaded file folder

Practical strategies to stay financially organized on your farm

Seeds of Encouragement: Managing the farm’s day-to-day is one thing; keeping its books up to date is quite another

Elaine writes: It’s a new year and time for a fresh start in getting your important farm details in order. Alyssa Brown, CPA, from Olds, Alta., is part of our coaching team. She grew up on the farm and now advises farmers how to make life better. Here’s her encouragement to you at the start […] Read more

rocky mountains alberta

Selenium sits on thinnest line between health and hazard

Agronomy Management: Removing selenium from water is costly and difficult at best

There are increasing concerns about the potential effects of a proposed coal mine development in southern Alberta and the impacts selenium could have on the environment in southern Alberta and into Saskatchewan. The proposed Grassy Mountain Coal project would be an open-pit mine built on a former coal-mining area about seven km north of Blairmore […] Read more


A majority of ag-based companies in a recent survey reported experiencing at least one attempt at a ransomware attack.

How to prepare for and deal with a loss of farm data

Gathering the farm team together can help develop a backup plan

Many of today’s farming operations rely on data more than most other small businesses. But what happens if a farm’s data is suddenly lost or compromised? How would that affect operations? Losing field data maps and other files, not to mention business and employee records, could become a big problem. In today’s global environment there […] Read more

oats

Cutting N on oats can pay off, if it’s drier

Potential gain in net revenue must be weighed against opportunity cost

Glacier FarmMedia — It’s possible to make more money from oats by reducing fertilizer rates, according to research done at four sites in Saskatchewan. But like most things in farming, a lot depends on the weather. Less nitrogen equalled more profits in trials done in 2023 because it was a dry growing season. “When you […] Read more


50

Editor’s Rant: Cinquante!

I can’t help it. I’ve watched enough French-language beer commercials that anytime I see the number 50 out in the wild, my first thought is to exclaim “Cinquante!” in an outside voice. My second thought is to not do that, because that would just make the birthday or anniversary party weird. With that earworm now […] Read more

As farmers we need to be able to manage our emotional states. For some, connecting with nature out in our fields and pastures is our path toward greater emotional clarity.

Find paths out of distress, depression, disconnection

What keeps you centred and grounded? Observe and pay attention at those times

Patricia Morgan is a dynamic force for change and my good friend. She’s authored a new award-winning book, Return to Center: Simple Strategies to Navigate Distress, Depression and Disconnection. As farm families brace for or embrace the winter season, I thought we all should be reminded of good practical tools to be emotionally strong and […] Read more