Oats is a small acreage crop, so many companies aren’t interested in providing significant funding for research,” says Shawna Mathieson, executive director of the Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA). “Most Canadian oat projects receive funding through our organization or through provincial and federal government funding that we apply for.” (POGA receives funding from the Alberta, […] Read more
The story of oat breeding and research
Breeders and researchers are expanding our knowledge of oat varieties and agronomy
Manitoba OYFs: Mark and Cori Pawluk
Access to a rail line gives the Pawluks extra flexibility on their Manitoba grain farm
When Mark Pawluk joined his parents back on the farm in 1999, after completing his degree in agribusiness at the University of Manitoba, he was open to new opportunities and challenges. Pursing those opportunities and developing a successful value-added farm business contributed to he and his wife Cori being named Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers for […] Read more
Saskatchewan OYFs: Ebony and Jeff Prosko
This Rose Valley farm family diversified their business with an ag retail outlet
When Ebony and Jeff Prosko learned their banker had nominated them for regional honors as Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers, they were speechless. “When the guy that lends you money thinks you’re doing a good job that makes us feel that we are on the right path,” says Ebony. Ebony and Jeff are grain producers east […] Read more
Alberta regional OYF finalists: Cherylynn and Patrick Bos
As their goat milk and cheese business grew, this Alberta farm needed employees
After riding the lumps and bumps of the goat-milk industry over the past few years, Patrick and Cherylynn Bos have made significant changes to their farm operation leading to more stability, farm expansion and recognition as Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2015. Eight years ago the Boses added a milk processing plant to their farm […] Read more
Cover crop increases feed and profits
Producing more pasture as well as a winter feed supply
One of the biggest questions Manitoba cattle producer Dan Shwaluk had about cover crops was, “where’s the money in it?” After two years of planting cover crops on his farm he’s seen exactly where the money is — in his pocket. He’s getting more than 10 tonnes of silage feed per acre off his cover […] Read more
Choosing the right beef industry app
Keep records, monitor pastures, even evaluate poop — these are all new smartphone options
There are a bewildering number of apps available today for everything from games to personal fitness, and the livestock industry is not being left behind. But how does a producer decide which app will be the most useful to his or her operation? Kathy Larson, beef economist with the Western Beef Development Centre (WBDC) near […] Read more
Grants available to help with traceability programs
Traceability technology helps to track animals or food products from farm to consumer
Traceability is a high priority for the livestock industry in Canada, and federal and provincial governments have been working in collaboration with the industry to develop a National Agriculture and Food Traceability System, primarily focusing on livestock and poultry. Traceability, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s website is the ability to follow an item or […] Read more
New Western Canada Cow-Calf Survey shows trends and opportunities
Plus, highlights of the Western Canada Cow-calf Survey
Results from the 2014 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (WCCCS) show some interesting industry trends and changes in management practices since the last survey was conducted 16 years ago in Alberta. The 2014 WCCCS was rolled out to producers from British Columbia to Manitoba from November 2014 to February 2015 and asked 58 questions — some new and […] Read more
Highlights of the Western Canada Cow-Calf Survey
Here are some of the key averages that showed up in the 2014 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (WCCCS). The survey provides an opportunity for producers to see how their production practices compare with industry averages. 2013 Breeding season Average ratio cows to bulls — 24:1 (Heifers to bulls 17.5:1). Average breeding season length — 91 […] Read more
Desiccants for dry down and your canola crop
Desiccants are more economical, but there are still limited applications for canola
Late spring frosts and extremely dry conditions in various parts of the Prairies mean a lot of farmers will face uneven maturity at harvest time — especially with canola crops that had to be reseeded in parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The question is, what can they use pre-harvest to dry down their crops and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
