Hard White Focus Shifts To Bread

A shift in marketing emphasis has thrown a curve into Canada’s hard white wheat breeding program. While the initial plan was to produce wheats most suitable to Asian noodle markets, the focus has now changed to produce hard white wheat more suitable for the bread market. To farmers and consumers it may not seem like […] Read more

Little Copper Goes Long Way

Copper is important for proper plant growth, particularly in alfalfa, wheat and soybeans. But plants only need a small amount. You can prevent copper deficiencies for many years with a single application of two to five pounds per acre. Plants, especially cereals, need copper for proper formation and growth. Copper is an important part of […] Read more


What Fix For Beef Industry?

I recently posed the question to readers, “What is the fix for the Canadian beef industry?” and got some good feedback from several producers and industry observers. In short, there doesn’t appear to be any silver bullets that will soon return the industry to improved profitability, but following are thoughts readers had to the above […] Read more

Is A Beefed Up Tracking System Needed?

How important is livestock traceability to you? As a cow/calf producer, auction mart owner, or feedlot owner are you in favour of a mandatory tracking system for livestock at every step from the farm gate through to slaughter? Would you be willing to pay a few cents more per head for this traceability if it […] Read more


Toronto Trip Short But Sweet

DECEMBER 5, 2009 I have just returned from a 10 day trip to Ontario. I went down and back by VIA Rail and here is how it happened. In early summer, I received an invitation from my grandson, Jason, to come to his wedding, which would take place in Toronto in late November. Jason has […] Read more

Make A Little Noise

Two sayings come to mind as I write and envision the message for this column — “God helps those who help themselves” and “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Not wanting to jump on the band wagon of how poor cattle prices are, I want to make you all realize that you all have an […] Read more


Bringing Cows Home From The Hills

NOVEMBER 21 It was snowing hard last week when Dawayne Hamilton (who hauls cattle to the auctions in southern Idaho) came to pick up our weaned steer — the one that was sick the day we sold our calves last month. Lynn plowed our driveway, to make sure the truck and trailer could make it […] Read more

Colostrum Vital In First 6 Hours

I am sure most producers have read lots about colostrum management over the years. But, it never hurts to review the topic, and hopefully I can offer some practical tips to be used in the upcoming calving season. The overall benefit of a newborn calf receiving adequate quantity and quality of colostrum cannot be overstated. […] Read more


When You’ve Got Grain To Move, Right Now.

consistent demand and access to new markets and specialty opportunities to maximize your grain movement. And we have the advice to help you understand your market options. For all your farming needs, big or small, Viterra has what you need to succeed. See Viterra today or visit viterra.ca. ADVICE OPPORTUNITIES ACCESS

With a slowdown in the world economy and a drop in the price of steel, this is your chance to negotiate a better price on a new seeding system

It may not be a “buyers’ market” exactly, but any producers thinking about a new seeding system for 2010 will find a better selection and perhaps a few price breaks from machinery dealers this winter. The frenzy that gripped much of the North American machinery industry through part of 2008 and into early 2009 is […] Read more


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