Precision agriculture has become a much more popular production management on many farms in Canada. One of the newer precision technologies in the marketplace is precision irrigation. The idea is very similar to other variable rate technologies which allow for the prescription applications of inputs. In this case its about applying water to your crop... Read More
Category: Tradeshows & Events
Since early October canola has been the story for many Western Canadian farmers. In the fall some farmers were talking about seeding their whole farm to canola in total disregard for rotations in the quest to maximize profit. Talk of 20-22 million acres of canola was very popular speculation. Turn the clock forward to... Read More
This week in Winnipeg the Canadian Grain Industry gathered to discuss the Canadian grain market. There is always an update from the Canadian Wheat Board and a full line of speakers over the two day event. I spoke with Kelvin Heppner from Golden West Radio about the conference and what were some of the highlights.... Read More
As the cattle industry contemplates the rebuilding of the cow herd, bull selection strategies will become incredibly important to ranchers profitability in the future. Once better known as an art, bull selection is a science now. Gone are the days when an old cowboy could walk out into a pen and say, "I like the... Read More
The way that feedyard owners handle cattle has a massive impact on gains and the overall health of the animal. Many of you have used the snake and tub concept originally designed by Temple Grandin (i think?) When I was at the NCBA convention I ran into a very cool booth that was giving live... Read More
There has been quite a bit of commentary in the media recently from certain farm groups like the NFU and R-Calf regarding the need to eliminate or more strictly regulate speculators in the market. Interest in commodities has greatly increased in recent years which has increased the volume of speculators trading in corn, beef and... Read More
With the global population expected to grow to 9 billion in a short period of time, the role of technology in feeding the world is debated at many conferences worldwide. Technology must play a role in the future of food or the battle versus hunger is going to be a very scary proposition. Food economics... Read More
With growing concern over the realities of a limited calf supply do to the aggressive culled cow rate in the past five years. Ranchers are optimistic in their economic future because of the barriers of re-entry and the inability for supply to increase in the near term. I discussed the cow calf supply issue with... Read More
It seems that a cowboy is judged by a couple different metrics. He's judged by the way he wears his cowboy hat, the brand of chew he carries, and the kind of boots he wears. I really have none of those since I don't wear a hat, don't chew and never wear boots. How would... Read More
For many farmers conservations agriculture is like old hat. Many of us would never consider going back to recreational tillage. In many areas of the world conservation agriculture is in it's infancy. In fact many Canadian farmers are just beginning to scratch the surface of no-till and other conservation methods. With increased focus on environmental... Read More