Can robots effectively milk cows on large U.S. dairy farms? That’s a question Plymouth, Indiana farmer Brian Houin is determined to answer at his family-owned Homestead Dairy operation. Canadian farmers have had tremendous success using robot milkers in smaller dairy operations, but Houin is putting the milking machines to the test on a whole new level. In… Read more »
Category: Farm Management
Dairy School: 20-kilowatt biodigester powers Ontario dairy
Anaerobic digesters have popped up on farms across Ontario in recent years, but there are none quite like the digester Rob McKinlay has installed at Harcolm Farms at Beachville, Ontario. What makes it unique is its size – at 20 kilowatts, it’s 10- to 20-times smaller than the other 42 digesters currently operating on Ontario… Read more »
Mind Your Farm Business — Ep 34: The sweat equity trap
Capital assets don’t buy groceries. If this statement makes you scratch your head a little, you’re likely the older generation on the farm. If you read it and think, “Don’t I know it” you might be the in-coming generation, and very likely frustrated by the lack of clarity on how the farm’s equity and income… Read more »
Ag Ex Conference bridges the generational gap on farm transition
It’s rare that farmers get as excited about business management professional development opportunities as they do about the latest equipment reveal or new crop variety. But Farm Management Canada is working to change that with its fifth annual Agricultural Excellence Conference. Slated this year for November 26th to 28th, at Winnipeg, Man., executive director Heather Watson… Read more »
BMO launches young farmer loan program for the under 35 crowd
Citing a strong industry, but a shrinking demographic, BMO Bank of Montreal has introduced its new loan program for Canadian farmers 35 years or younger. The BMO Young Farmer program offers is aimed at helping both the person who’s already in the industry and for those who are choosing to get into agriculture, with loans of up… Read more »
Rural broadband access is vital to rural Canada
Our lives and businesses all depend on not just decent cell service, but also useful Internet speeds. It’s not just our homes and farms that need real Internet — the businesses and services farmers and ranchers depend on require high-speed Internet to stay competitive and relevant, too. Those who live and work in rural areas… Read more »
Have old pesticides? Safely dispose of them this year with CleanFarms
Cleaning up around your farm probably isn’t top of mind at the moment, but as it gets closer to October you may find yourself with some time to clean up the shop or quonset. Free of charge to farmers, CleanFarms is about to start its triennial obsolete pesticides and livestock medication disposal program in various regions… Read more »
Mental health first aid funding announced for rural communities
Starting today, if you live in a rural community and want to take a mental health first-aid course, there will be funding provided. The Do More Agriculture foundation (DMAF) along with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) will be giving rural community members the opportunity to apply for funding if you’re interested in organizing mental health first… Read more »
Empathy, listening skills key elements of farmers’ mental health program
A new mental health program for farmers called In The Know is being piloted this month in Ontario. Three versions of the program — developed over the past year at the University of Guelph with PhD candidate Briana Hagen and the guidance of a 30-member advisory committee consisting of farmers, veterinarians, mental health experts and… Read more »
Read the fine print of equipment purchase contracts: lawyer
Although not a common practice for most farmers, a lawyer is urging more farmers to consider consulting their legal advisor prior to purchasing pricey farm equipment. This advice comes after one Saskatchewan farm lost their legal battle and appeal against an ag dealership. In this specific case, James and Merrylyne Coward claimed the dealership they bought… Read more »
Watch for the dangers of heat stress during harvest
Harvest is underway across Canada and the heat is as variable as the crops this year. In parts of Ontario, the third week of August was the coolest (21.2 degrees) since June, according to The Weather Network. Further east, New Brunswick has been hit with high temps. along with a mix of storms, which have… Read more »
Manitoba farmers take home TESA environmental award at CBIC
Circle H Farms took home the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) from the Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) in London, Ont. last week. Located near Brandon, Man., Brian and Sonja Harper were recognized for their work transforming their farm since acquiring the property in 1990. “What set the Harpers apart in their focus… Read more »
The consequences of postponed succession planning
Talking with your family about farm succession needs to happen sooner rather than later, emphasizes Darrell Wade, president and founder of FarmLife Financial. Wade’s key message at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in London, Ont., was to start the succession conversation early. As he explains in the video below, his family didn’t, and when a… Read more »
Massive milestone for sustainable beef pilot program: Cargill
In the third quarter alone, more than one million pounds of beef was produced through the Canadian Beef Sustainability Acceleration (CBSA) pilot, with huge demand for more. Cargill announced this week its third quarter results from the pilot project initiated in fall of 2017. At just over 1 million pounds of beef from certified sustainable sources, the… Read more »
Fit Farmer, Ep 5: Beat the heat!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful…ly hot, but it’s still important to stick to your goals and keep getting a sweat on, when you’re already getting your sweat on just standing still. But working out in the heat requires a little more effort to stay safe and to stay on track. There are benefits to… Read more »