Reading Time: 2 minutes We’ve all heard it. There’s that proverb that says farmers make their worst decisions in good times. Well, after the last decade, it’s pretty clear that it just isn’t true. When we think about innovation in farming, it’s no surprise that we all rush to point at farm machinery, smart phones, new genetics, and new […] Read more
Editor’s Note: In control, and ready to take on 2021
Hanson Acres: Making more room at the Christmas table
With or without COVID-19, the big thing is to maintain the connection!
Reading Time: 4 minutes For the 2020 Christmas dinner there were seven places around Jeff and Elaine Hanson’s table. The two of them, their two kids, Jeff’s parents, Dale and Donna, and Elaine’s laptop. “I think we’re spending more time with extended family this year than ever,” Donna said. Before and during Christmas dinner the Hansons had caught up, […] Read more
Editor’s Note: Into 2021 with a change of plan
Reading Time: 2 minutes In the century-plus that Country Guide has been publishing, there have been few times with as much change in the air for Canada’s farms as there is heading into this January. If this were any other industry, it would be the stuff of headlines. It isn’t just that change is afoot on Canada’s farms, it’s […] Read more
Hanson Acres: The air turns blue, in more ways than one
It was supposed to be so simple. Pick up the kids. Take them to school. Go for a coffee…
Reading Time: 4 minutes “Once this pandemic is over,” Donna had told her husband Dale while she filled a travel mug with coffee, “I’m going to start a safari business.” “Huh?” Dale said through a mouth full of toast and peanut butter. “This past week I’ve seen nine moose, 12 deer, four antelope and two raccoons from the road.” […] Read more
Hanson Acres: A long hot summer suddenly comes to a sticky sweet end
It all just goes to show that on the farm, if it isn’t one thing, it’s always another
Reading Time: 5 minutes Near the end of harvest, Jeff could barely remember a day that hadn’t been hot. Too hot. The excitement of a nice sunny day had worn off weeks earlier. At least there was a breeze today. “Can we have a bonfire tonight, Dad?” 10-year-old Connor asked from the passenger seat as Jeff turned into the […] Read more
Hanson Acres: Counting the years… or better make it ‘days’
Of all the Hansons’ harvests, here’s one Connor will never forget
Reading Time: 5 minutes “You know,” 10-year-old Connor told his dad, “if I was running the grain cart instead of Grandpa, you’d have an extra person to help get the combine out of the slough.” Jeff tried not to laugh. “One more year, buddy. You’re still a little young.” Yesterday, Jeff had spent at least 20 minutes explaining the […] Read more
Editor’s Note: Where are the big ideas?
Reading Time: 2 minutes One of the reasons why agriculture has mainly adapted so quickly to COVID-19 is that farmers are used to dealing with black swans. But it isn’t the only reason. Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t want to underestimate the real pain that some sectors have faced. Whether that’s the logistical nightmare of beef processing or the […] Read more
Hanson Acres: On the run in our COVID-19 summer
Maybe there was always going to be a day when the lockdown just seemed too tough to handle
Reading Time: 5 minutes “Are you sure we’re not going camping?” seven-year-old Jenny asked her mom for the third time. “Maybe you’re just not telling me because it’s going to be a surprise?” Elaine stopped chopping carrots and bent down to give her daughter a hug. “I wish that was what we’re doing, but it’s just not going to […] Read more
Hanson Acres: Feeling lucky to be on the farm
The new normal isn’t so easy, and there’s uncertainty ahead, but we’re together now
Reading Time: 4 minutes Jeff and Dale Hanson had spent Easter Sunday out in the yard, changing the openers on the air drill. Jeff’s nine-year-old son Connor was more help than they’d expected, until they sent him to the shop for more tools. “Run over and get the 9/16 wrench,” his grandfather asked. Connor got as far as the […] Read more
Hanson Acres: “What if I don’t have any choice?”
There’s more crop to get in the ground, and a big decision to make
Reading Time: 4 minutes Dale’s phone started ringing just as his toast popped out of the toaster. He managed to pick up the call after the third ring. It was his sister, Margaret. Since their father’s death, Margaret and Dale tried to keep in touch, talking on the phone at least once a month. Dale got up early, so […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
