In this farm couple's case, there are two alternative strategies to cut taxes.

A couple looks for a low-tax route to turn their farm into retirement income

With no kids who want to take on the farm, a low-tax exit strategy is needed

A couple we’ll call Chuck, 68, and Liz, 66, farm 1,000 acres in south-central Manitoba. Their all-grain operation is profitable, but they want out. Their children, two middle-aged daughters, are not interested in farming. That leaves the sale of the farm as the best and only way for the couple to quit the business and […] Read more

Toban Dyck: The bar between “lunacy” and “worth exploring” has lowered considerably

In the wake of COVID-19, few things remain sacred. In this case, it’s tillage

The changes we’ve all been forced to endure have called my spring plans into question. The disruption that has been thrust upon us, leaving us to choose between adapting to an ever-changing political and social landscape, enduring it, stubbornly opposing it and everything in-between has seeped into my farming plans. I’m looking at this spring […] Read more


Building soil health for future generations is the main goal on Tim Nerbas’ farm in Waseca, Sask. Nerbas took the first steps toward improving soil health on NRG Farms more than 20 years ago when he made the decision to eliminate tillage entirely. Some of the farmland had not been tilled for more than 30 years. From there, he focused on crop variety and diversity and constant cover, which he sees as crucial to soil health.

Soil health management on Harvest Moon and NRG farms

Alberta and Saskatchewan producers discuss soil care

Since an unexpected disaster in 2017, in many respects, Alberta farmer Andy Kirschenman has had to start over. In October of that year, a massive fire ripped through Harvest Moon Farm. The Kirschenmans lost their house, a shed, a combine, quite a bit of equipment and most of the trees in the shelterbelt. But the […] Read more

There is a great diversity of soil microorganisms. Their needs should be considered when starting a new soil management plan. Having a strong soil microbial community will improve physical and chemical constraints.

Take a closer look at your soil assessment

Make sure these important soil health indicators are evaluated

Soil is a complex mixture of organic matter, minerals and countless organisms both alive and dead. To understand whether or not soil is healthy, all of its interconnected properties — physical, chemical and biological — must be evaluated. Through their interconnectivity, these three properties play a crucial role in soil health and affect key parameters […] Read more


Crops such as alfalfa hay (seen here), corn stover or small grain cereal straw contain huge amounts of potassium.

The role and availability of potassium in crops and soils

This key macronutrient is often misunderstood and misrepresented

Potassium is a key macronutrient in all plant and animal nutrition. Its role and availability in crops and soils is frequently misunderstood and misrepresented. In plant tissues, potassium (K) is second only to nitrogen (N) in amount found in plants. It may make up one to three per cent by weight of crop plants, from […] Read more

Many of today’s family farms are growing — in both acres and family members.

How joint ventures may help you achieve your business goals

This farm operating structure could work for farmers looking to lower costs, retiring corporate landowners or extended family farms

Mike Babcock, the new coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team, has options about how to structure his team to win. The system or style the team plays is a function of the resources at the coaches’ and managers’ disposal. Financial resources along with the evaluation of personnel lead to the right […] Read more


File photo of cranes at the Port of Montreal. (Jean-Paul_Lejeune/iStock/Getty Images)

Montreal longshoremen to strike on weekends

Exporters again call for feds to step in

Exporters of Canadian crops and other goods have amped up calls for federal intervention after longshore workers at the Port of Montreal declared a “partial” strike affecting weekend and overtime work. The Syndicat des debardeurs du port de Montreal (SCFP/CUPE Local 375) said Saturday they had filed 72 hours’ strike notice, to take effect Tuesday […] Read more

Provincial weed specialist Clark Brenzil says Saskatchewan may be coming out of a dry cycle in 2021, which means that C3 weeds, such as wild mustard (shown here) and wild oat could do better this year.

How will you prep your fields this spring for best weed control?

What you need to know heading into Plant 2021

Farmers need to be on their toes to keep weeds in check and prevent crop injury this spring due to environmental conditions last year and those developing now. To help make the job easier for you, Grainews reached out to weed specialists in each province for their recommendations this spring season. Alberta In Alberta, Agriculture […] Read more



(CNW Group/Sugarleaf photo)

Canopy Growth to buy rival Supreme Cannabis

Deal comes as pot demand lights up

Reuters — Canopy Growth Corp. said Thursday it will buy rival Supreme Cannabis for $323.3 million, as the world’s biggest cannabis producer bolsters its portfolio to tap surging demand. Shares of Canopy, up 15 per cent this year, fell around 4.6 per cent to $36 after it announced the cash-and-stock deal for Supreme, which owns […] Read more