Alberta farmers have wrapped up 94 percent of their major crop harvest. Producers in the south are still waiting on sugar beets and some specialty acres, while others had to pause due to rainy conditions and tough canola. It was a good year for potato farmers in the province. Terence Hochstein, executive director of Potato […] Read more
Stories by Freelance writer
Farmers think about next generation
Seidlitz family knows it will be important to put plans down in writing if next generation wants to carry on the operation
BETHUNE, Sask. — The Seidlitz family seems to reach back more than one generation for land transfers. Henry Seidlitz bought his farmland from his grandmother and Henry’s son, Bill, bought his farmland from his grandfather. “I am not sure what will happen for the next generation. It has worked well up to now. I don’t […] Read more
Transition starts by deciding who wants to farm
A good place to start when beginning a farm succession plan is to determine what every family member intends to do in the future
THORHILD, Alta. — Six years ago Harry and Barb DeWindt ordered their three daughters and families to a mandatory meeting at the farm with no hints about the topic. “We are all sitting around the table. One said, ‘are you dying?’ No, I just want to ask you one question all at the same time. […] Read more
Producers asked for input on weather impact
Farmers urged to contribute to Ag Canada’s Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey to provide a more detailed picture
As harvest comes to a close, Agriculture Canada is encouraging farmers to contribute to their Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey. The survey is available on the federal government’s website, where farmers can join a mailing list. The information is expected to be mapped and published on the government’s Drought Watch website. When monitoring weather systems, precipitation […] Read more
Much-needed rain falls as harvest nears the end
Most crops have gone into the bin across the Prairies, although work continues on late-stage crops such as corn and flax
Ron Krahn, a Manitoba canola farmer, beat the rain last week as he finished up his last few acres and called harvest 2023 officially over. He described the season as better than expected with yields tied for best ever on his farm near Rivers, Man. “We had some substantial hail this year on about half […] Read more
Pumpkin field provides orange entertainment
Whether it’s picking out the perfect pumpkin or carving a jack-o’-lantern, there’s plenty to do at this British Columbia farm
For 34 years, Clarence and Judy Glaicar have delighted thousands of visitors a year to their Pumpkin Patch near Armstrong, B.C., including school bus loads of kids and vans full of seniors. The Glaicars raise about 15 acres of pumpkins and squash, plus decorative corn and gourds. Visitors can carve a jack-o’-lanterns and purchase pumpkins […] Read more
Individualism found harmful to crop productivity
Better understanding how plants compete with each other under high-density cropping conditions may help boost yields
Plants in a field are thought of as all the same throughout their sprouting, growing and maturing stages. But in a field where plants grow in high density and vie for light, an individual plant’s social behaviour can be competitive. According to researchers at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research in […] Read more
System measures grass from space
Two Irish technology companies use satellite imagery to help livestock producers track how well their grass is growing
Grassland farming has taken on a whole new dimension with a technology that accurately measures the height of grass from space. The innovation was developed in Ireland earlier this year by two technology companies, Origin Enterprises and Aspia Space. The goal was to find ways to increase farm productivity, operational efficiency and profitability. “At Origin […] Read more
ESG: love it or leave it?
Ag industry players argue environmental, social and governance reporting standards are coming and urge producers to be ready for them; others aren’t so sure
Canadian farmers might want to brush up on their report-writing skills. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting standards are going to affect the agriculture industry sooner than you might think, says Canada’s largest landowner. “No loans or mortgages will be available from the major lenders unless certain ESG standards and carbon footprint is identified,” said […] Read more
Harvest mostly done; some wait on maturity
Wide variety of yields and crop quality seen across the Prairies this season, reflecting differences in weather conditions
Variation in yield and quality of crops across the Prairies is the hallmark of this harvest season. Farmers in southern and eastern Alberta seeded in the dust, said Jesse Cole, manager of insurance products and product innovation with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation. Yield loss started in the spring for some. “Even areas that got some […] Read more
