Editor’s Column: Is this a farmer mental health movement?

In 2019, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food released the results of its study looking at the issue of mental health in the agriculture sector. The report, “Mental Health: A Priority for Our Farmers,” included 10 recommendations to better prevent the onset of mental health problems in Canadian farmers and better support those who […] Read more

What works for you as an individual will be different from other patients, and effective practitioners will work with you to find the best approach for you.

How to choose the right health care professional

Fit to Farm: How well they can communicate, educate and relate to you is really important

When it comes to choosing who we bring onto our health care and wellness team (I am a firm believer that a team approach is best), it’s important to keep in mind what types of services and tools we may best benefit from and the type of person we feel most comfortable with. If we […] Read more


Due to a shortfall in income every year, Herb and Margie will need to withdraw money from their RRIFs.

A simple retirement plan

A couple’s farmland is set up for generational transfer

In north-central Manitoba, a couple we’ll call Herb, 66, and Margie, 64, are planning retirement in just a few months. They have 320 acres they own personally. They have owned the land for almost 30 years. It will qualify for the farmland capital gains exemption. When sold, therefore, the property will not bear capital gains […] Read more

Veterinarian Dr. Cope who was just at the Thomas ranch this fall doing ultrasound preg checking has died after serving  his clients for some 44 years. Although in failing health he remained active until the end.

Community mourns the loss of a longtime veterinarian

Rancher’s Diary: Dr. Cope served his clients for 44 years, working right up until he died

December 26 Last week I added a short pole to the little bulls’ feeder to divide the space where one of the upright bars is missing, so they can’t climb into it. I went to the dentist late that afternoon to have a broken tooth prepped for a crown and the dentist put a temporary […] Read more


If the emotional factors in your farm dynamic are keeping you stuck, now is the time to grab the bull by the horns and say, “Enough!”

Froese: Too much farm drama?

Here are some tools to help you get better at fixing farm fights

As this is Heart Month (February is a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health), I hope this finds you living a wholehearted life on your farm, not living with a broken heart. The deep emotions we carry as “stoic or stubborn” farmers need to come to the surface and let healing […] Read more

Recessions usually don’t occur until a few years after the interest rate tightening cycle begins.

Stock market and economic outlook

Why aren’t we listening to Warren Buffett?

Warren Buffett is one of the best investors the world has ever seen. One of his most famous quotes is, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful,” which aligns with the direction of my thoughts for the coming year. By the time you read this, some of the predictions may […] Read more


Tune in to your mental health

Tune in to your mental health

Wellness expert says now is the time to take a hard look at the state of your mental health

The awareness of stress and the importance of dealing with it effectively has never been higher in Canadian agriculture, with lots of dedicated resources now available to farmers. Many ag conferences are also now addressing the important issue of how to foster mental health among Canada’s farmers. An example of that is the “Optimizing Wellness […] Read more

Regulate your nervous system

Regulate your nervous system

Fit to Farm: Turns out “shaking it off” can really help if you’re feeling stressed out

Nervous system regulation is becoming a common term nowadays when discussing emotional and physical well-being. To best understand what nervous system regulation means, we first need a basic understanding of how our nervous system works. The nervous system as a whole is essentially our biological operating system. It controls our biological functions, movements, sensations and […] Read more


It can be an interesting journey to graciously let go of control and mentor the next manager of your farm business.

Froese: Reduce friction on the farm

Seeds of Encouragement: Transitioning to the next generation may be difficult at times. Here are some tips to help farm founders and their successors with the process

Recently, I participated in an AgvisorPro webinar looking at the risk factors in farm transition. Dean Klippenstine, a partner and agriculture business advisor with the accounting firm MNP in Regina, Sask., was another one of the speakers, and something he said really hit me: “I’d rather have really good management than lots of old money […] Read more

Dr. Digvir Jayas. (University of Manitoba photo)

Acclaimed Manitoba stored grain researcher now Alberta bound

Digvir Jayas named president at University of Lethbridge

A leading Canadian researcher and expert in safe storage of grain is headed westbound and up to the head office at another Prairie university. Dr. Digvir Jayas, currently on sabbatical as professor and vice-president (research and international) at the University of Manitoba, will become president and vice-chancellor at the University of Lethbridge effective July 1 […] Read more