The headline of an article released by FCC near the end of September was a little worrying: “What does a new high in farm debt mean for the ag sector?” Between 2016 and 2017, total Canadian farm debt increased by 6.6 per cent to more than $100 billion. In Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the increase […] Read more
Farm debt in Western Canada
Our debt levels are increasing, but our debt-to-equity ratios are holding steady
A tractor book for Christmas?
The gift-giving season will soon be upon us, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Scott Garvey is giving away two copies of Lee Klancher’s latest book, Tractor: The Heartland Innovation, Ground-Breaking Machines, Midnight Schemes, Secret Garages, and Farmyard Geniuses That Mechanized Agriculture. This new hardcover book includes stories of the inventors and entrepreneurs who […] Read more
Our last minute grain storage solution
Mid-way through this year’s harvest, we set up two 9,600-bushel temporary grain bins
Midway through this year’s harvest, we began to realize that we were likely going to run out of storage space before the terminal called in the canola we had under contract. There wasn’t time to buy a “real” bin and move it in. Since we don’t have a grain bagger, we talked to the neighbours […] Read more
No silver bullet for international disease
Scientists from around the globe met in Edmonton to discuss the latest on clubroot
The world’s top canola researchers and agronomists met in Edmonton in early August to talk about their work on the pathogen that’s lowering canola yields throughout Alberta and spreading to the rest of the Prairies. While researchers at the International Clubroot Workshop discussed the scientific research underway, farmer delegates were disappointed to hear there is […] Read more
BASF closes deal with Bayer
ICYMI: Canola research focused on Western Canada will continue
On August 1, BASF finalized its acquisition of several Bayer assets including the Invigor canola line, Ignite herbicide, seed treatment products, Bayer’s digital farming software (xarvio) and seed research and development, including hybrid wheat. The Canadian piece of this global transaction also includes 400 Bayer employees, research facilities at Saskatoon, Pike Lake, Lethbridge and Regina and 12 other research sites. Jonathan […] Read more
Editor’s Column: Be careful with clubroot
We expect to be off to an early racing start with our 2018 harvest, but you’ll have to wait for the next issue of Grainews to see photos and read about our early results. For now, a quick report on my summer vacation. Clubroot workshop In early August, I went to Edmonton for the 2018 […] Read more
Editor’s Column: Cashing in on the cash advance
On August 23, when you heard the Alberta Wheat Commission is going to start offering cash advances through its new program, FarmCash, you probably looked up from the swath you were combining, thought, “that’s nice. More cash advances.” then turned to check your yield monitor. When it rains, take time to consider this news. It […] Read more
Editor’s Column: The internet and stubble height
I was hopeful. The media had been alerted that the Honourable Ralph Goodale would be in Regina to make an announcement about rural internet on June 8. As I’ve mentioned, my own personal rural internet problem has been solved, for now, since a new private company put up more towers in our area. But I […] Read more
Have you seen this bug?
The invasive cereal leaf beetle is heading our way. Look for damage in your wheat crop
There’s a new pest headed our way. James Tansey, provincial pest management specialist with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture gave the audience the bad news at SaskWheat’s semi-annual meeting at the Farm Progress Show on June 20. The cereal leaf beetle is an invasive pest, common in the U.S. It has been spotted on the Prairies […] Read more
Editor’s Column: The view from our farm
Because of our print schedule, I’ve had to put together this issue of Grainews before we get into the field. That’s why I’m running this aerial photo of our farm from last year rather than photos of spring seeding action. We have been in the field, but as of May 1, but only to make […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
