Ever since no-till prod uction methods started gaining popularity, growers have been stretching seed row spacing because of the advantages offered by wider widths. Today, farmers are seeding at nearly double the old seven-inch standard compared to a couple of decades ago. But are they risking reduced yields due to a low level of seedbed […] Read more
Wide Rows Maintain Yield, Decrease Costs
Old Massey Stands The Test Of Time
When former grain grower Norm Biggar of Oakville, Ont., bought his 1135 Massey-Ferguson tractor new in 1975 he had other tractors on the farm, but most of them have been replaced several times over the years. The 1135, however, is still there, even though he is no longer actively farming. “When we first got it, […] Read more
How To Cut With Oxyacetylene, Part 3
In this instalment of Shop Class we’re continuing to draw on technical expertise from a variety of sources. They include Cal Shaw, a welding instructor who teaches at SIAST’s Palliser Campus, published text books and other training material. In this segment we’ll provide some basic tips on how to safely set up an oxyacetylene system […] Read more
How To Cut With Oxyacetylene, Part 2
If you don’t already have an oxyacetylene system in your farm shop, here is a look at what you need to know before the spending money to buy one. In this segment we’re drawing on technical expertise from a variety of sources. They include Cal Shaw, a welding instructor who teaches at SIAST’s Palliser campus, […] Read more
How To Convert A Slurry Tank To A Storage Building
One of the problems with discontinuing a large-scale hog operation is what to do with the remaining facilities. After a fire destroyed the barn on the Netley Hutterite Colony, about 25 miles north of Winnipeg, Man., the members decided to discontinue hog production. That left the farm with a very large, 123-foot diameter liquid slurry […] Read more
Paint That Project
After spending hours in the shop cutting and welding, you’ve finished another project. But it really isn’t finished unit it has a little colour on it. The bland, grey appearance of unpainted metal eventually turns to a rusty brown without it. And things that look shiny and new somehow seem to work better. So here […] Read more
Coulda, woulda, shoulda
It seems there is a lot of good news concerning agricultural commodity prices these days. According to an article on Bloomberg.com, world stocks of grains are declining, and corn stocks are at their lowest point since 1974. The chances of any grain stock growing significantly after this summer season are remote, it adds. That should […] Read more
Adding bling
As companies vie for attention from visitors at farm machinery shows, every year there seems to be a little more bling. That notion first dawned on me when I walked through New Holland’s display at the 2009 Agritechnica event in Hannover, Germany. Due entirely to good luck, rather than good management, I happened to be […] Read more
Older Tractor Provides Economical Horsepower
For many farmers, keeping at least some older equipment in the farm fleet isn’t just an option, it’s necessity. But few are using a classic machine so sought after it can literally stop traffic when doing fieldwork. Monty Niebergall of Neudorf, Sask., has an ultra-rare John Deere WA-14 tractor that does exactly that. “Some guys […] Read more
Is Your Heavy Truck Roadworthy?
When farm trucks go to work, they’re usually carrying pretty heavy loads, often over less-than-ideal roads. Because of this they need to be in good condition, but it’s easy to overlook maintenance on trucks that sit idle for long periods. Some farm trucks also enjoy an exemption from the same mandatory periodic inspections commercial truckers […] Read more