Water use efficiency should be a priority and minor changes can achieve significant decreases, says AAFC researcher
Small changes can pay dividends in water use on dairy farms, financially and in preserving water quality and supply. Determining where to make those changes takes careful monitoring and investigation. That’s a message in research by Agriculture Canada researcher Andrew VanderZaag. He has studied water use on dairy farms in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec […] Read moreStories by Glacier FarmMedia
New pork research barn called a ‘game changer’
Biosecurity, efficiency and sector regulations motivated design of research barn to make the sector more sustainable
A new $20-million facility is expected to make Ontario a leader in cutting-edge swine research. “Our industry is poised to undergo significant transformations driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, sustainability goals, as well as global economic forces,” said John de Bruyn, Ontario Pork chair, at the centre’s grand opening. “The industry’s ability to […] Read more
Horses to horsepower
Inflated claims by early tractor manufacturers prompted the development of a standardized power measurement
I want to ask you a question. How much has the type of agricultural equipment available to you, determined how you farm? How much did the type of machinery available to your father or grandfather influence the way they farmed? Obviously, the kind of equipment available to farmers has changed a lot over the decades, […] Read more
Bigger bins change the storage game
In the 1970s, a standard bin was 14 feet in diameter, with a capacity of 1,350 bushels. If you were a high roller, you’d add an extra ring and stretch that another 300 bu. You could get a bin that was 19 feet in diameter, with a 2,700 bu. capacity but few farmers bought them […] Read more
Case IH breaks 700 horsepower mark with Steiger 715 Quadtrac
Steiger 715 Quadtrac becomes power leader of production tractors, while new undercarriage provides larger footprint
An August announcement from Case IH claimed it’s the “year of the tractor” for that brand, as it debuts seven new or redesigned models at the U.S. Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. There were several new Farmall models introduced, including the novel 75C Electric version. But the tractor most likely to steal the spotlight […] Read more
Early harvest? Consider growing winter cereals
The ideal time to seed winter cereals in the Prairies is between the end of August and the middle of September
An early start to harvest in some parts of the Prairies has advantages. It gives farmers more choice of fields to plant winter cereals and more time to do it. “Usually (time) that’s the biggest thing,” Alex Griffiths, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Manitoba agronomist said in an interview Aug. 25. “You’re busy harvesting and don’t want […] Read more
Well-being researchers look for producers
The University of Manitoba is running three studies on how beef and dairy production affect producers across Western Canada. Two studies focus on how beef and dairy producer well-being is affected by farm management and animal health. A third study will assess the impact on producer well-being as they install and adjust to robots on […] Read more
Profits up at agriculture equipment makers
Higher sales and profit margins boost the balance sheets of the makers of the major agricultural implement brands
As the height of the pandemic fades, COVID-induced problems for the big farm equipment brands are starting to ease. Their sales numbers have seen a post-pandemic jump. One small negative for manufacturers is the sales of utility and compact utility tractors. They have declined sharply from an artificial high, which was attributed to acreage owners […] Read more
Agco to introduce new round baler series
The 1 Series 4X6 and 5X6 balers, which are making their debut this summer, will wear the Massey Ferguson brand name
The U.S. Farm Progress show held at the end of August has become a key venue used by North American manufacturers to unveil new machines. This year will be no exception. In mid-August, Agco gave an early preview of one new product that will make its public debut at the show, the Massey Ferguson 1 […] Read more
Dairy code update requires cattle movement
Few tie stall barns remain on western Canadian dairy farms, but producers might have to make calf housing changes
Most dairy farmers in Western Canada will feel minimal effects from changes to the national Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle. However, farmers with tie stalls may need to make some changes. The main effects of the changes that come into effect April 1, 2024, are around tethering of cows […] Read more
