The government-backed Advance Payments Program, commonly called the cash advance, is a tool used by farmers to even-out cash flow and help take the pressure off marketing decisions. It has expanded over the past few decades from a small program offered by the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) for wheat, barley, and durum, to a program… Read More
Through life you’ll have ups and downs. In my eyes, one thing is for certain — if you have a pet (a dog, preferably), the good days will always out-number the bad. Those “bad days” can be something as simple as not getting what you wanted to accomplish complete, or might be much more complex, like family… Read More
As we move in to a new year and new farm season, there are all kinds of things that need to be assessed, reassessed, and evaluated. If setting business goals for the year ahead is on your to-do list, you may want to consider joining a formal peer group. If the idea of sharing farm… Read More
All workplaces require give and take. Communication skills are often needed and seldom taught. A simple thing like the golden rule — treat others as you would have them treat you — can work wonders, but what about the platinum rule? That is, would treating others the way they want to be treated have even… Read More
The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) used to be a big player in the field of offering government-backed cash advances. The changes to the CWB’s structure and its transition to a private company created an administrative vacuum which 30 or so other groups that currently offer the cash advance have been working to fill. Recently, another… Read More
Many people think illicit drugs are “big city” problems, and that rural areas are somehow more wholesome and immune to issues with addiction and hard drugs. A recent study, however, spells out the very opposite — for a number of reasons, those who live in Canada’s rural areas and cities under 100,000 are actually at… Read More
As the year winds down and many begin to look to the New Year, our Fit Farmer expert, Gary Chambers along with RealAg Radio host, Shaun Haney, decided it’s time to discuss their top 10 gift ideas for those who are looking to get and stay healthy. Although most throw fitness habits out the window… Read More
Rest and refocus are key to going forward with your fitness plan now that harvest is over. With work slowing down a bit, it’s easy to get out of a fitness routine, but not to worry because with a little effort and planning, you’ll be back in the saddle in no time. Fit Farmer co-host… Read More
Like Bachman Turner Overdrive says, you’re “Taking care of business and working overtime,” — but do you take time to care for you? In this episode of Mind Your Farm Business, Chip Eichelberger, renowned motivational speaker, explains the importance of taking care of yourself in order to succeed in your business. Reflecting back on an event where he spoke… Read More
When it comes to making more money with crop marketing, there’s no magical formula —it requires attention, some learning, still more effort, and discipline. That said, there are some ways to make the process easier and more streamlined, which could, in turn, make you a little more profit. John Snell, senior vice president at INTL… Read More
Ontario grain farmers dealing with high DON (vomitoxin) levels in their corn crop can now apply for funding to cover DON testing. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) has announced a new intake for cost-share opportunities to support DON testing under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). The initiative will support producers whose corn crop or corn products… Read More
It’s nice to receive recognition from your peers. It is particularly nice when your peers are also your friends and the recognition occurs in a place of special emotional significance. All these things came together for Elaine Froese during last week’s Agriculture Excellence Conference held at Winnipeg, Man. It was in the ballroom of the… Read More
The national Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) awards gala was held at Winnipeg, Man., this past weekend, and farmers from Alberta and Ontario took home the top prize. Fourth-generation farmers, Craig and Jinel Ference, who operate Double F Farms at Kirriemuir, Alta., and brothers Jordan and Alex McKay, who operate Willow Tree Farms at Port Perry,… Read More
There was a time when there were many opportunities to hone your skills as a community leader. School districts had boards, grain companies had advisory groups, and there were various committees that supported community activities. Today, there are not nearly the opportunities that were once there to learn leadership skills. Add to that the fact… Read More
Many changes come as a result of crisis of one sort or another. Sometimes the threat is obvious, like an across-the-industry drop in revenue, and sometimes it can be more subtle and fly under the radar. Farm Management Canada came into being in 1992 in response to a financial crisis that was facing the agriculture… Read More