When it comes to sophisticated estate planning, having a legal will may not be enough for Ontarians. In the past five years, Jim Kibble of Ontario Estate Consulting Solutions Inc. has helped create more than 500 estate plans and is a strong advocate for the creation of two wills per person – one to cover […] Read more
Why two wills are better than one if you live in Ontario
Having two wills allows isolation of certain assets exempt from probate tax
National Farmers Mental Health Alliance seeks to support farmers, rural social support systems
New group offers ag-minded and farm-lived experience training to support farmer mental health in a more relatable approach
The newly formed National Farmers Mental Health Alliance (NFMHA) offers a way to help farmers get support that understands the unique lifestyle and circumstances of farming. “We’re combining real farm-lived experience with our professional practices and connections to develop agriculturally informed therapy training for on-the-ground social workers and therapists to serve farmers, their families and […] Read more
New tools aid farm fire prevention
Automated tracking and new fire extinguishing technology could reduce barn fires
New electrical fault detection and fire extinguishing technologies are giving farmers new options to prevent fires. Alarm systems and other technology designed to prevent or extinguish fires have had limited availability for on-farm use. Why it matters: Farms, especially barns, are becoming more valuable so fires have become more costly. Two new technologies recently introduced […] Read more
Regular barn inspection critical to electrical fire prevention
Any exposed electrical connection is an area with fire risk
All it takes is one spark — fire can happen anywhere and anytime on a farm. While the cause can be difficult to confirm, firefighters, inspectors and insurance companies agree, electrical issues top the list as one of the leading causes of fires on farms. “I’ve seen all kinds of electrical hazards and my rule […] Read more
Mechanical issues often cause of grain dryer fires
Preventive maintenance can help reduce risk of loss of grain — and equipment — due to fire
When it comes to reducing the risk of on-farm fires, maintenance and prevention are a farmer’s best defence. Dave McEachren, a Glencoe, Ont., grain farmer, who is also a volunteer firefighter and captain of the Southwest Middlesex Fire Department, confirms the leading causes of fire and calls to emergency services due to fires in grain […] Read more
How to reduce your fire risk when in the field
Three fire-safe tips for safe field operation
Bryan Long has seen the unfortunate results of too many farm equipment fires that could have been easily prevented. From too much dust combined with high engine or exhaust temperatures, to fuel or oil leaks around the exhaust and electrical shorts, he’s got a long list of common causes. But, as a licensed agricultural equipment […] Read more
Farmers, insurance providers can work together on fire prevention
Insurers are eager to reduce the risk of fire on farms and have tools to help
Farm businesses often rely on a team of advisers — lawyers, accountants, succession planners and marketers. Insurance providers can play a similar role, helping farmers to manage the fire risks. “Most insurance companies have loss prevention specialists on staff,” says Bruce Kelly, Farm & Food Care Ontario. “Loss prevention specialists will work with farmers and […] Read more
Keeping equipment warm, but not letting it burn
Poor electrical connections around block heaters are a leading cause of fires on farms
Faulty equipment stored or parked in barns or sheds remains a leading cause of farm fires. And the use of portable heaters, extension cords and block heaters in tractors significantly increases the risk. Even properly functioning block heaters can cause a fire if they are plugged into a cord with a poor connection. Poor connections […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
