The Ference’s focus is to “work smarter and do more with less,” believing that diversity in many agriculture sectors is important to allow for success and part of their succession planning.

Outstanding Young Farmers awards go to Alberta and Ontario

Diversified farming operations receive national recognition

Two completely different, but well-managed mixed farming operations in Alberta and Ontario were named as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) in early December at the OYF national awards competition in Winnipeg, Man. After winning regional nominations in their home provinces, Craig and Jinel Ference of Double F Farms near Kirriemuir, Alta., and brothers, Jordan and […] Read more

SeedNet varieties sold from the farm

In 2010, a group of 14 progressive, southern Alberta seed growers got together, looking for ways to promote seed production. Today, those original seed growers (well, 13 of them) are shareholders in SeedNet, a company that licenses new varieties for sale to commercial farmers. “Now,” says Elizabeth Tokariuk, SeedNet’s general manager, “we have a network […] Read more


Adult farmer feeding dairy cows.

Taking care of your health through the ages

Simple lifestyle changes can help ensure you age well, and safely

It is no secret that Canadian farmers are getting older. The 2016 Census shows the average age of farmers in Canada is 55, up from 52 in just 10 years. It is also no secret that as people age, we experience changes that can reduce our physical and mental capabilities. Signs of aging include: 1. […] Read more

Charles Baron is a co-founder of Farmers Business Network (FBN).

From Silicon Valley to Yorkton, Sask.

Farmers Business Network is a new grower network that connects farmers digitally

A company that began as a Silicon Valley start-up is hoping to change the way farmers do business by leveraging technology and farmer networks. When people think about data, they often think about how to get a better prescription or make something narrowly useful on the farm, says Charles Baron, co-found of Farmers Business Network […] Read more


aerial view of farmland

Farmland values and rising interest rates

As interest rates rise, farmers are wondering, ‘it this still a good time to buy land?’


On most farms land is the largest farm asset, which means it can also account for the largest portion of farm debt — especially for farmers just starting out, taking over from the previous generation or expanding the business. What can farmers do, in the face of more potential interest rate hikes, to make sure […] Read more

As interest rates edge upwards, it’s probably a good idea to know how much flexibility you have to purchase major assets, should the opportunity arise.

Is it too expensive to borrow money?

When the neighbour’s land is for sale, are interest rates too high to say 'yes?'

The best time to figure out whether or not you can afford to borrow more money probably isn’t when you get a tip off that the neighbour wants to sell some land at a really tempting price. But inevitably, it’s when faced with those kinds of situations that producers take stock of where they are […] Read more


For the most part, recent strong net income will take the sting out of interest rate hikes.

Rising interest rates, rising risk?

Farm Management: What do today’s rising interest rates mean for your farm’s balance sheet

There are a number of ways that rising interest rates affect farm balance sheets. They can negatively affect cash flow, can create a need to adjust short-term and long-term liabilities and affect the value of farmland that in turn can impact the farm’s asset values. “Higher interest rates will impact operations differently based on how […] Read more

Farmers Handshake

Dealing with conflict and relationships on the farm

Seven strategies to address conflict

From infancy to old age, we form relationships. As we grow older and evolve from one relationship to another our values, beliefs, perceptions, goals, and ideas may evolve and change as well. As these changes occur, interpersonal conflict will happen. Conflict is part of life. In all relationships, we experience conflict. Conflict is not always […] Read more


Jill Ebbett and Robert Anderson, OYF Atlantic Canada regional finalists, produce quality seed potatoes.

Canada’s OYF: Atlantic nominees

Robert Anderson and Jill Ebbett rely on technology to produce quality seed potatoes

Since taking over the fifth-generation New Brunswick family farm from his parents in 2000, Robert Anderson and his wife, Jill Ebbett, have focused on technological advancements to help them improve the quality of seed potatoes and other crops, increase productivity and improve soil health. These investments have helped them gain recognition as innovators in their […] Read more

Brooks and Jen White OYF Manitoba regional finalists – it all starts with looking after the soil.

Canada’s OYF: Manitoba nominees

Manitoba’s Brooks and Jen White focus on regenerating farm and business

Brooks and Jen White, Manitoba’s 2018 Outstanding Young Farmers, have set some specific goals for their grain and bison farm near Lyleton in southwest Manitoba, which all revolve around their vision statement of “regenerative” agriculture. Since taking over the fifth-generation farm in 2012, Brooks and his wife Jen have grown the farm’s bison herd to […] Read more


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