Reading Time: 2 minutes It just doesn’t really feel like work,” Olivia Riddoch says about working on the family’s 4,000-acre cash crop farm in Sarnia, Ont. Riddoch oversees crop protection at Fairwind Farms. “I manage the weeds — or at least I try to. It’s the job that everyone sees. They drive by, you have a bad field and […] Read more
When Plan B Turns Into Plan A
Closing the on-farm generation gap
Generations have always squabbled about issues and viewpoints, but the generational communication gap can be filled with curiosity and empathy
Reading Time: 4 minutes The clash between generations over outlooks, opinions, values and beliefs dates to ancient times. In fact, this disparity of perspective has a name: the generation gap. Each generation is shaped by the predominant forces at play during their formative years. Acknowledging these influences can improve communication among the generations, says River Falls, Wisconsin leadership development […] Read more
Alberta farmers map out sustainability of their farm’s future
Country Guide sat down with several 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) to learn about their experiences and plans for the future. For this second article in the series, we spoke with Alberta OYF regional winners and Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers national winners, Daniel, Lorin and Barry Doerksen.
Reading Time: 5 minutes Four generations of Doerksens have managed their mixed farm and ranch operation in Gem, Alta. Today, they are proudly raising the fifth generation while carving out a successful pasture-to-table business model and enhancing the sustainability of their land, herd and future. Together with their parents, families and employees, the Doerksen brothers — Daniel, Lorin and […] Read more
From field to ear: Addressing hearing loss on Canadian farms
Summer Series: Work related hearing loss is common on farms due to the many noisy machines and tools required to run the business. Luckily, there is plenty you can do to preserve your hearing for years to come.
Reading Time: 3 minutes Farmers spend countless hours tending to their properties and animals, which, for all its benefits, can have a serious drawback: adult farmers are more likely to have hearing loss problems than non-farming adults. Years of noise due to heavy machinery, equipment and animals could lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), causing permanent hearing damage. Noise-induced […] Read more
How to manage your mental health
Farming is more than just a job; it’s a way of life. But it’s a lifestyle that can bring high levels of stress, long hours and uncertainty. What can you do to manage the stress when the pressure builds?
Reading Time: 5 minutes Unpredictable weather and markets. Long days spent alone in the combine and tractor. The pressure of running a family farm. The stress can build until it’s too loud to ignore. “For many farmers, these stressors are simply part of the job,” says Che Burnett, registered social worker at Counselling Alberta. “But when stress goes unchecked […] Read more
Alternative financing options to cash flow your farm business
These days farmers have a lot more options when seeking alternative lending arrangements for farm business projects
Reading Time: 7 minutes As land values and input costs continue to rise, alternative lending is becoming more common. Farmers are looking for more creative and flexible options to finance their business expansion, transition or diversification projects. Country Guide explored some of the options available with the proviso that there is no one-size-fits-all-solution, just as there is no one-size, […] Read more
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
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
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
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
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
