Prairie provincial leaders have gotten the message. They’ve listened to farmers and their neighbours in rural areas and are putting more resources and new strategies in place to reduce theft and other crimes. At the same time, farmers have taken the initiative to prevent theft through increased vigilance and investments in cameras, lighting and more. […] Read more
More heft against theft
What’s new in enforcement and community initiatives? And what are the best ways to ensure you’re not a victim?
Tune in to your mental health
Wellness expert says now is the time to take a hard look at the state of your mental health
The awareness of stress and the importance of dealing with it effectively has never been higher in Canadian agriculture, with lots of dedicated resources now available to farmers. Many ag conferences are also now addressing the important issue of how to foster mental health among Canada’s farmers. An example of that is the “Optimizing Wellness […] Read more
New herbicides and fungicides for 2023
Products to control key broadleaf and grassy weeds plus a new fungicide seed treatment designation
Brand new herbicides from Gowan, Nufarm and more, plus a new fungicide seed treatment designation to control early season aphanomyces root rot in peas and lentils are heading your way in 2023. Please note, only brand new products released this year are included. Click here for a review of last year’s new offerings. BASF Voraxor […] Read more
Plant parasites
Some soil nematodes can harm your crops. Here are the ones to watch for
Some soil nematodes are beneficial, providing important soil health benefits for crops. However, there are some that can negatively affect pulses and other crops. According to Mario Tenuta, a University of Manitoba soil scientist, harmful soil nematodes can reduce yields by siphoning off the contents of roots and stems, robbing the plants of energy and […] Read more
Five tips for better year-end financial planning
What you can do to maximize profitability and financial sustainability in 2023
December is an excellent time to review your finances and to make sure you are setting up your farm business for the biggest profits possible in 2023. That means taking certain actions and avoiding others. For some farm business strategies, we checked in with Hollie Rudy, a territory manager with Nutrien Financial who also farms […] Read more
New biologicals on the market
A roundup of inoculants, biostimulants, pre-plant soil biofumigants and more coming your way
[UPDATED: Oct. 26, 2022] Several new biological products are on the market or shortly will be. New inoculants, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, biostimulants and pre-plant soil biofumigants, among others, are a few products headed your way. Companies offering new biologicals are claiming these products increase root mass development and structure, enhance root and plant growth, improve plant […] Read more
Take a ‘deliberate’ approach to water management
Backflood irrigation combined with tile drainage supported some of Joel Classen’s soybean yields through one of the driest summers on record
To prepare for future drought, Prairie farmers could consider using large ponds with controlled drainage structures and tile drainage for a “much more deliberate water management approach,” says David Lobb, a professor of soil science at the University of Manitoba. “It’s possible to hold water back and use it when we need it in a […] Read more
Tips to prevent grain theft on your farm
Grain theft can happen to you. These strategies will make it harder for thieves to steal from you
In December 2021, Les Wedderburn and his wife, Loree, who farm at Rivers, Man., were victims of grain theft. They are among many victims of this type of theft stretching back decades across the Prairies. In total, they lost about 1,600 bushels of canola — the harvest from 40 acres — from their farm, which […] Read more
How to protect your farm business against cyberthreats
Phishing emails aren’t the only thing to worry about. Cybersecurity means staying safe from ransomware hacks and other forms of cyberattacks
The concept of the connected farm has been gaining traction in recent years, with more producers opting for technologies that link their systems and equipment with on-farm networks and the cloud. These developments have brought more efficiency, productivity and profitability to many farm businesses, but it doesn’t come without risk. If not adequately protected, data […] Read more
Weed issues to watch in 2022
How different factors, such as moisture, temperature, herbicide resistance and others, may affect weed populations this year
After a series of dry years on the Prairies — with 2021 being driest of all — the provincial weed outlook for 2022 is varied across Western Canada and field to field. From kochia invading new territory to a possible increase of overwintering weeds — such as later-emerging false cleavers, Canada thistle, shepherd’s purse and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
