I hope by the time you have this issue of Grainews in your hands, harvest has wrapped up successfully and you are enjoying the fruits of your labours from the past season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for inviting Grainews into your homes season after season, year after year. Steering […] Read more
Editor’s Column: Leaving things in good hands
Meet your Soil Champions
At Ag in Motion 2023, the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC) announced a new initiative — a committee of “Soil Champions.” These soil champions are tasked with conveying a soil health message beyond the farm to the broader agricultural industry, food processors, consumers and the government. Their message: the importance of soil conservation. They […] Read more
Editor’s Column: A look at fall forecasts: weather, wheat and canola
Harvest is under way across the Prairies. At this time of year, I like to read the provincial crop reports to follow how harvest is progressing. Of the major crops, according to the reports I’m currently reading (it’s Sept. 5), harvest of winter wheat and fall rye is almost a wrap across the Prairies, followed […] Read more
Editor’s Column: Jim goes to Ag in Motion, plus win a Grainews cap!
Ag in Motion held in Langham, Sask., is one of the year’s highlights for many farmers. The outdoor farm show, which was held July 18-20, had record-setting attendance this year, with 31,166 guests over three days! There was also a record 580 exhibitors. Canadian and international guests enjoyed ride and drives, crop plots with the […] Read more
Editor’s column: Why not sing the praises of Canadian pulse production?
Many of you already include pulses in your crop rotations, so you’re well versed on the benefits to your operation of planting lentils, dry peas, dry beans, chickpeas and faba beans. I have found Pulse Canada and the three Prairie provincial pulse grower associations are packed with useful agronomic information about successfully growing pulses. In […] Read more
Editor’s Column: The most expensive crop ever put in the ground, again
If you’re a little worried about the upfront cost of putting in this year’s crop, Farm Credit Canada’s 2023 economic outlook might put your mind at rest. While this year’s costs of production are poised to match or exceed last year’s record as the most expensive crop ever, FCC’s outlook indicates it may also be […] Read more
Editor’s Column: Important safety report released and lambda-cy update
In the March 7 issue of Grainews, Lee Hart wrote two in-depth features on what 2023 looks like without lambda-cyhalothrin products, which provide cost-effective and efficient means of controlling common crop insect pests. Starting this April, Health Canada and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) have introduced restrictions on the use of insecticides containing the […] Read more
Editor’s Column: Inspiration is more than a feeling
I’m sure it’s no surprise to any of you that I’m an inspired person. Meaning, I’m constantly inspired by other people and the different environments I inhabit. I think being open to inspiration is such an important part of living, whether that’s during your daily work or life, creative or spiritual endeavours, or for mental […] Read more
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
Editor’s Column: Stop mental health stigma
I started this column with different intentions. I wanted to revisit some topics and tools to promote mental health and well-being. However, as I was reading about mental health in general, I got stuck on this thought: how do you have a conversation about mental health when there is still such stigma attached to the […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
