A man and woman use a tablet to analyze plants inside a sunny greenhouse

Alternative lending options for farm businesses

Previously often perceived as a last resort, alternative lending options can help farm operators navigate short-term challenges and get back to their long-term plan

Reading Time: 6 minutes Alternative lending has had a bit of a bad rap in the past. Alternative lending is a term for non-traditional methods or channels that finance businesses outside of the traditional finance system, such as banks. The past decade has seen an increase in the number of alternative financing options designed to meet each farm operation’s […] Read more

Gerry Friesen, author of The Recovering Farmer.

What to do when worry takes over

Getting control over your worries can be far easier said than done — but you can get a good start if you practice these tips

Reading Time: 4 minutes “I don’t tell my story because it’s unique. I tell it because it isn’t,” says former Manitoba hog farmer Gerry Friesen. A little over 20 years ago Friesen’s farm was in financial crisis after years of market volatility, tariffs and low prices. “At the time, my mind was working overtime, replaying worst case scenarios, questioning […] Read more


A blurred figure of a farmer carrying a blue bucket moves swiftly past a row of cows in a dairy barn

When motion doesn’t equal action

Farmers are busy. But does all the busy-ness mean that you’re getting things done?

Reading Time: 3 minutes After a busy day, have you ever looked back and thought, “What did I get done today? Did I check anything off my must-do list?” As author James Clear said so perfectly: “Being in motion (busy) does not equal action.” In the coaching world we call busy days “buffer days” since they act as a […] Read more

‘The more we are able to evaluate production practices and share that information, the better it is for all producers.’ – Roy Newman.

On-farm research helps producers evaluate best crop options

Being a “co-operator”with seed and crop protection companies or applied research organizations yields more than just a number of bushels

Reading Time: 6 minutes On-farm research trials help producers make better management decisions and in the greater scheme of things might help other farmers refine their agronomic decisions as well. Those are two of the main reasons Alberta producers Roy Newman of Okotoks and Devin Hartzler of Carstairs have been involved in some aspect of on-farm research trials for […] Read more


Tara Sawyer.

What is work worth?

Women’s work in the ag industry has long been under-recognized and undervalued. Has the industry finally advanced its collective thoughts and actions around this idea? Some experts say ‘yes’

Reading Time: 7 minutes For Tara Sawyer, the term “farm wife” has always been a point of pride. Sawyer, who farms with her husband, Matt, in Acme, Alta., always felt the term signifies partnership. “I have always taken great pride in calling myself a farm wife. I am a farm wife, and I’m a stay-at-home mom, and yes, I […] Read more

two farmers standing beside a canola field

The farmer’s playbook

Consider these plays to arrive, thrive and survive in 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes Walmart turns over its on-shelf inventory 9.4 times every calendar year. But farmers only get one kick at the can. In fact, it has been said that over a farmer’s career many will only hit a home run about seven times. That means the variance for errors is very small, and the planning component in […] Read more


Farm and barn in rural Alberta Canada

Farming in a high-cost environment

Reading Time: 4 minutes The cost to farm in Western Canada has doubled in the past fifteen years. What was $250/acre in annual costs to farm fifteen years ago (using accrual accounting) is now $500/acre in Western Canada. Cost increases are being seen across the farm income statement including on inputs, machinery and land. The more recent spike in […] Read more

scissor image imprinted on dice to visualize where to make cuts in finances

How farms can cut expenses

As we roll into the busy season, here’s a hard look at where to cut what’s inflating your expenses and eating into your profits

Reading Time: 7 minutes Input costs. Tariffs. Commodity prices. A lot of variables are moving quickly this season, and mostly not in the right direction. Monday’s short-term cash forecast scenarios are out of date by Friday, and long-term projections are anyone’s guess. What can Canadian farmers do in the short run to protect profits (and sanity) in this uncertain […] Read more


Geena Luckett

An experience to phone home about

Country Guide sat down with several 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers to learn about their experiences and plans for the future. In this first instalment, we speak with the Atlantic regional winner, Geena Luckett

Reading Time: 4 minutes Geena Luckett confesses she often feels she has imposter syndrome. At the age of 11 she transitioned from city girl to farm girl when her dad became a fruit and vegetable producer to supply his specialty grocery stores. Today, she is the co-owner and general manager of Luckett Vineyards in Wallbrook, N.S. Despite taking a […] Read more

cody_snyder-podcast-CGApril2025

All roads lead to the farm

Reading Time: 2 minutes Cody Snyder knew that he could always return to the farm, so he took advantage of the opportunity to work, travel and learn, “Because the farm is always there, it’ll never go anywhere,” he says. For a while he worked as a licensed mechanic and then decided to live in England for two years. He’s […] Read more