The John Deere 535 baler that burned at the Eppich farm.

Counting one’s blessings after our baler burns

Eppich News: A baler fire is a reminder to be prepared and understand what to do in an emergency

On Sept. 5, our John Deere 535 baler went up in smoke. It is a big hit for our small operation, but we have much to be thankful for. As farmers we do dangerous things every day. Every day we are just going to go swath the wheat, or we are just going to combine, […] Read more



Every farmer’s mechanical skill set, particularly at busy times of the year, should include knowing when he or she needs to call in the professional.

Repairing farm equipment safely

Ag Safety: Maintenance and repair requirements are laid out with the machine operator's safety in mind

Maintenance and repairs are routine tasks on farms. Equipment breaks down, and machinery requires regular upkeep; it’s just a regular part of farming. Proper knowledge, information and tools are crucial for carrying out maintenance and repairs effectively and safely. Bill C-244, an amendment to the federal Copyright Act, allows Canadians access to vehicle, machinery and […] Read more

For each long harvest day ahead, your language and behaviour set the tone.

How to clean up your conflict filter

Seeds of Encouragement: Shift out of an avoidance mindset and face conflicts for what they are

When the dust of harvest rolls and clogs up the efficiency of your combine filters, you don’t keep going — you stop and clean or replace the filter. If you spread your fingers open across your face, you are creating body language for the conflict filter clogging up the communication for your farm team. It’s […] Read more


To be clear, practices such as the ones outlined in this space are not meant to replace appropriate rest and recovery.

To avoid fatigue, breathe

Fit to Farm: Deliberate breath can help influence energy levels, focus and level of alertness

As a new season approaches, so too do long hours of driving for many farmers. One problem that presents when we deal with prolonged periods of driving, whether in the field or on the highway, is fatigue. The agriculture industries are rife with long hours at various tasks and fatigue is common, posing a dangerous […] Read more

This workbench mockup demonstrates the wig-wag flashing effect. It uses a five-pin relay: the middle lights are connected in one circuit through the 87 pin on the relay, and the outside two are tied into the 87a pin to create the alternating flash.

How to add warning lights

Putting lights on older implements adds to on-road visibility

I can recall an incident driving back to the farm late one fall evening. There was something on the road ahead. I couldn’t quite make it out. On getting closer it was clear I was coming up fast on a tractor and round baler travelling in the same direction. The baler obscured the rear tractor […] Read more


Using a life-sized mannequin and actual grain, CASA shows how a person amounts to just a few bushels relative to the weight of the grain flowing around them.

Successful grain rescue shows value of training, awareness

Program demonstrates ‘reality and severity’ of grain entrapment

Grain entrapments don’t often have happy endings. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case for a grain entrapment on Feb. 9 in east-central Alberta. Chris Krushel, fire chief for the Edgerton Emergency Services Department, says a man had entered a grain bin to clean it when he became caught in the grain. Thankfully, another person was present […] Read more

Farm trucks may be required to report for safety inspections when encountering roadside commercial vehicle inspections by authorities.

How to ace a roadside heavy truck inspection

Daily pre-trip inspections, knowledge and a good attitude are key

Every farmer has dealt with the frustration of a machine breakdown during peak seasons that stops field work in its tracks. But how much more frustrating would it be to have the farm truck put out of service on the roadside for an unrepaired defect that won’t pass a random spot check by police? Every […] Read more


cow and calf

How to manage two similar livestock pharmaceuticals

Animal Health: Subtle differences can give one medication an advantage over another

This article provides some clarity for when new products or combinations of products come onto the market. These days all antimicrobials, NSAIDs and a few other products are prescription products and most come under the VCPR (veterinary-client-patient relationship). The two products in this case have already been on the market for years, but now, with no […] Read more

carpal tunnel exercises

How to treat carpal tunnel at home

Fit to Farm: Symptoms begin when connective tissue compresses tendons and nerves in an already-busy area

Carpal tunnel is a condition that can affect anyone, anytime, though it’s especially common in those who work with their hands and do manual labour. The carpal tunnel is an anatomical term for the path the tendons in the forearm and wrist take underneath a bridge of connective tissue in the wrist moving into the […] Read more