In this and in future issues of the Western Producer, staff journalist Brian Cross will examine the point where public policy meets the farm. Saskatchewan Agriculture has revamped a popular program that helps producers dig wells, install underground waterlines and excavate dugouts in pastures and farmyards. The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) is […] Read more
Production
Funds available to improve water systems
Busting the MIG myth; pretty is not perfect – The Buzz Box
The latest low-cost metal inert gas (MIG) wire feed welders are a popular purchase these days. They make beautiful welds and instantly turn anyone into an expert, so the story goes. But the story is false. The problem isn’t the machine. Manufacturers make fantastic little welders for less than $1,000. Even the 110-volt units have […] Read more
New Products
Windrower AutoSteer; AutoCommand tractor; InVigor hybrid canola Windrower AutoSteer MacDon has introduced GPS AutoSteer for its M and 9000 series SP windrowers. The units give MacDon windrower owners high-accuracy machine control for greater productivity in fog, dust, heat and darkness. It can be used with WAAS, OmniSTAR (DGPS) or RTK signals at speeds up to […] Read more
As above, so below: building community in soil and agriculture – Organic Matters
Our soil is constantly changing, just as our rural communities change. How we maintain and build resources in these communities depends on how we define and manage them. Community is a place or space where citizens or life forms prevail. Think of your community as a community of like-minded individuals working together for shared goals […] Read more
Plastic bushings absorb ag abuse
The trend toward self-lubricating plastic bushings in farm equipment comes as a welcome relief to farmers who have had to grease all those zerks. Ignore the task and bushing failure is the inevitable result. For the companies that build the equipment, the advantages of plastic bushings are even greater. Plastic is maintenance free and lubrication […] Read more
Plan your crop around frost dates
Monitoring the period of frost-free days in your growing area is critical when making spring planting decisions. The frost-free periods listed here indicate the average number of days between the last frost in spring and the first frost each fall. Use the table below to determine the average number of frost-free days in your area, […] Read more
Finding the best GPS for your farm – Understanding technology
The global positioning system we depend on for our farms is owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and paid for by American taxpayers. Of the many satellites that orbit the earth in six different orbits, at least 24 function at one time. The arrangement of the constellation of satellites ensures that no […] Read more
Aussie seeder packs punch
Farmers who want to seed the maximum acres per hour might consider a twin drill rig from Australia. It seeds 80 acres per hour and, depending on seeding rates and fertilizer strategy, runs 18 hours without refilling. Aerial photographs and You-tube images circulating on the internet demonstrate the capacity of the super-sized twin drills at […] Read more
Story errors corrected
Several errors in a story that ran on page 29 of the April 23 edition of The Western Producer require correction. Incorrect information was provided to us by a source in the story headlined “Location, location, location,” which dealt with seed and fertilizer placement research conducted by corporate agronomist Garry Meier on behalf of Bourgault. […] Read more
Aussies dominate GM wheat research
Grain groups in Canada, the United States and Australia are pushing for the simultaneous introduction of genetically modified wheat but research is only happening in one of those countries right now. Australian regulators have approved field trials for five GM wheat projects, one of which has been terminated. Another three projects are awaiting approval. A […] Read more
