Glacier FarmMedia – Crop and other commodity markets are off their highs, but don’t expect the commodity bull market to go away soon or for its impacts to fade. Prices for food, fuel and other indispensable commodities are still high enough to tip numerous nations into financial trouble, economic hardship, hunger and political strife. A […] Read more
News
Opinion: Populist politics can have negative impact on debt crisis
Precision field logistics
Succeeding with autonomous machinery in row crops requires focus on getting inputs and equipment to the field at the moment it’s needed
Logistics carry the day, not tactics – or so goes the military adage. However true on the battlefield, the saying also has resonance in crop production. It holds true for autonomous field implements, just as it has for analog equipment, though tech developers don’t always get the message right away. Why it matters: Field robots […] Read more
Editorial: Feds won’t budge on climate goals
A new five-year agriculture policy framework was finalized during the federal-provincial agriculture ministers meeting last month in Saskatoon, and as expected, it includes a funding mechanism to help Canadian farmers deal with the effects of climate change. But many are questioning whether or not this new framework is sufficient for helping farmers for helping farmers […] Read more
Will tying eco-goals to risk management programs work?
Reduced participation and resource drain are real concerns, according to new report
The federal government recently confirmed that climate-focused environmental programming will be integrated into Canada’s farm Business Risk Management (BRM) programs. A research paper from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) questions whether the strategy will achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals. Why it matters: Business Risk Management programs must be improved if cross-compliance with environmental programming […] Read more
Dutch producers fight climate change plan
Farmers angry over government mandates to reduce fertilizer emissions
Dutch farmers angered by government plans that may require them to use less fertilizer and reduce livestock blocked supermarket distribution hubs in several cities in the Netherlands in early July. Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and KLM, the Dutch arm of Air France, advised travellers to use public transport, rather than cars, to reach the airport, because […] Read more
Producers flag growing disconnect with public
Creating connections between producers, consumers and government called key to writing workable regulations for farms
Glacier FarmMedia – For Jeff Gross, the sharp divide between city folk and farmer attitudes about sustainability are clear from the field edge. “I farm around Regina or really close to it,” he said. “Some of the people that pass on the road… like last night I was coming in with the sprayer and I […] Read more
Five ways to improve workplace communication
Choosing the right method, listening can improve business
Communication in the workplace is a crucial aspect of running a business. Developing effective communications is also one of the biggest challenges businesses and organizations face. Nancy Priest, learning strategist and owner of Glass of Learning, says communicating within a family business can be especially difficult. Relatives form new relationships as workplace peers and are […] Read more
Improved nitrogen testing may be around the corner
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of August 1
Ontario’s corn crop is past the halfway point at this time and is left to Mother Nature’s will to help mature the corn and give us a decent harvest. For the most part, that means we can look back at what 2022 brought us and how we can adjust and improve our field and nutrient […] Read more
Global farmers told they must do more with less
An OECD-FAO outlook sets new targets of a 28 per cent yield increase and six per cent emission reduction
Glacier FarmMedia – Global agricultural production systems must be transformed if the world is going to eliminate hunger by 2030, according to a new report. A 28 per cent increase in agricultural productivity is required to meet that objective, according to an agricultural outlook report released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) […] Read more
Demand remains high for Canadian soybeans
Markets for livestock feed, vegetable oil and human food consumption continue to surge, leaving sector in optimistic mood
Glacier FarmMedia – Despite wobbly production, Canadian soybeans continue to ride a wave of promising future demand. Markets for livestock feed, vegetable oil and human food continue to surge, Soy Canada’s annual meeting heard. Why it matters: Opportunities for Canadian soybeans are plentiful but export challenges remain. “We’re seeing incredibly strong demand for what we […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
