Better Farming Prairies

The grain elevators at the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre (CGED) in Nanton, Alta. are currently one of the top three vote getters in the Next Great Save contest. Voting in the contest, which the National Trust for Canada administers, started on April 18. In total, the contest awards $65,000 to communities to help with local landmark maintenance and preservation. The winner receives $50,000, second place gets $10,000 and the third-place prize is $5,000. As of April 25, the grain elevators are in third place with 9,162 votes. “We were the underdogs for a while and (on April 24) we moved up to third place and we’re really excited about that,” Leo Wieser, president of the CGED, told Farms.com. “But we can’t sit back now. We’re in this for the win, we need all the help we can get, and we encourage anyone to vote for us once a day, wherever they are in the world.” Ahead of the grain elevators is Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church in Aguathuna, Nfld., with 10,212 votes. Currently sitting in first place is the LaSalle Theatre in Kirkland Lake, Ont., with 10,644 votes.

Three grain elevators in Alberta are finalists to receive a grant to support their preservation. The buildings in Nanton at the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre, are among the candidates to receive a $50,000 grant from The Next Great Save Competition. The competition, administered by the National Trust for Canada, a national charity, awards a total of $65,000 to communities. In total, 12 sites across the country are up to receive financial support. The second-place winner will receive $10,000 and $5,000 will go to third place. Canadians are encouraged to vote for their favourite sites between April 18 and May 6. The National Trust for Canada and Ecclesiastical Insurance will announce the winners on May 7. Any winnings would be put towards multiple initiatives at the elevators. “With your help we will be able to begin restoration and paint our two former Alberta Wheat Pool beauties,” Nanton’s competition

A University of Alberta scientist will be sifting through vegetable genes to find out which ones can help increase canola yield. “We’ll be looking at the genes of cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale to identify which genes from these vegetables can increase seed yield in hybrid canola,” Plant Scientist Habibur Rahman told Farms.com. Those vegetables belong to a species of plant known as Brassica oleracea. Others in this group include Brussels sprouts, collard greens and Savoy cabbage. Rahman’s previous work proved that Brassica oleracea plants can improve canola hybrids because they carry genes for traits like early flowering and high oil content. This research is an expansion of his past findings. “Now that we know these plants can support canola, we’re going to pinpoint which genes are responsible for these benefits and use them to create better canola hybrids,” Rahman said. But farmers shouldn’t expect to have these hybrids available to them soon. He expects to test produce some of these hybrids in 2024-25 and field test them in 2025.

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay Are you looking for a new ag challenge that will change your life? Then maybe a is for you! Nuffield Canada is offering four to six $20,000 scholarships annually for mid-career individuals who are Canadian citizens between the ages of 25 and 50, with a passion for agriculture, and who are ready to challenge themselves in a self-directed program of international travel and study. Unlike academic scholarships, are for the personal and professional benefit of those already established in the industry. While adding value to Canadian agriculture, the scholars assume positions of greater influence in their fields. Scholars are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research a topic or issue of their choosing that is relevant to modern production. Each scholar then prepares a written report (approximately 10,000 words) of their research findings, conclusions, and recommendations and presents a summary to the Nuffield Board, with peers, sponsors, and industry leaders in attendance. “The greatest gift that Nuffield gave me was the opportunity to step outside my business and connect with some of the world’s most intelligent and passionate people in agriculture,” said Steve Larocque, Nuffield Canada Chair and a 2008 Scholar. “The Nuffield experience taught me to think differently and lift the ceiling on what I thought could be achieved. It changed the trajectory of my family and my business and made a positive impact on the way we treat our soils in Canada. I’m forever grateful for the experience and the lifelong community of incredible people I have the privilege of calling friends. The journey never ends in Nuffield,” he continued. Nuffield Canada is now accepting scholar applications, selected through a written and one-way video application process, from April 1 through June 30, 2024, for the 2025 scholar cohort. Scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production, including food, fibre, health care, biofuels, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries. Successful candidates can represent any aspect of the value chain, such as primary production, processing, governance, communications, safety, and others. Nuffield Canada values diversity and encourages applicants from all production philosophies, such as commercial, organic, cottage, medicinal, Indigenous, Kosher, Halal, and others. For scholar sponsors, Nuffield offers exposure to new products, services, technologies, and marketing approaches through knowledge brought home by scholars. They also gain relationships with the very best young farmers and entrepreneurs in Canada and throughout the world through the Nuffield International network. Sponsors become part of a pathway for leadership development within organizations, industry, and rural Canada as scholars go on to become highly sought-after as speakers, advisors, board members, and influencers. Sponsors are further embraced as part of the Nuffield network through communication sharing, hosting tours and speakers, helping to recognize leadership potential, and encour

New research led by the University of Alberta aims to enhance the yield and profitability of canola, a vital cash crop in Canada. By delving into the genetic makeup of broccoli and cabbage, scientists hope to broaden the genetic diversity of canola, thereby improving its resilience and productivity. Led by plant scientist Habibur Rahman, the research team is focusing on identifying key genes from a variety of Brassica oleracea species, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. These genes will be instrumental in breeding new lines of canola that can produce hybrid cultivars with higher seed yield, a crucial factor in the profitability of the crop. Canola is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, contributing approximately $29.9 billion annually and serving as a significant global export, with revenues totaling $14.4 billion each year. The majority of canola is cultivated in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, with hybrid cultivars dominating over 95% of the Canadian crop. By leveraging genes associated with traits like early flowering and high oil content found in Brassica oleracea species, researchers aim to fortify these traits in hybrid canola varieties. Given that the oil extracted from canola seeds is its most valuable product, increasing seed yield directly impacts oil production, making it a pivotal aspect of crop profitability. Rahman's past research has laid the groundwork for this endeavor, demonstrating the potential of Brassica oleracea genes in enhancing traits essential for successful canola cultivars. With support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant program, Rahman's team is poised to further explore the genetic underpinnings of seed yield in canola. Collaborating with Bayer Crop Science, Rahman and his team will develop and test hundreds of canola hybrids in field trials across the Prairie provinces. These trials will assess various traits, including seed yield, days to flowering, maturity, disease resistance, and oil content. Through genetic and statistical analyses, researchers aim to identify the specific genes or chromosome regions within Brassica oleracea that contribute to high seed yield in canola. The resulting canola lines are anticipated to exhibit fewer undesirable traits inherited from Brassica oleracea vegetables while yielding better hybrids with enhanced traits. This continuous breeding effort seeks to maintain the favorable genes in new canola lines to ensure higher yield and other positive characteristics. Once proven effective, the improved genetic material and insights gained from the research will support long-term efforts by Bayer Crop Science and other breeders to develop new commercial hybrids. Although developing superior hybrid canola cultivars is a time-intensive process, the genetic research being conducted is crucial for sustaining the profitability of this crop at the farm level. The University of Alberta's collaboration with Bayer Crop Science on this project is further bolstered by support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Alliance Advantage Grant, highlighting the significance of public-private partnerships in advancing agricultural innovation.

The Alberta Government, recognizing the potential of digital advancements in farming, has awarded a $1.2 million grant to the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy at the University of Calgary. This funding kick-starts the Alberta Digitalization Agriculture (ABDIAG) program, a nearly three-year initiative aiming to revolutionize Alberta's agricultural sector through cutting-edge technologies. Launching in October 2023 and running until June 2026, the ABDIAG program seeks to overcome barriers in adopting agricultural digital technologies. It focuses on leveraging robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart devices to increase efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in farming practices. The program also aims to develop policies that support data management and transparency within the agri-food sector. The Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, led by Minister RJ Sigurdson, announced the grant, highlighting its potential to make Alberta’s agriculture more competitive and innovative. "This program is a significant step toward enhancing the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture, benefiting both producers and the wider community," Sigurdson remarked. The ABDIAG program is not just about technological advancement but also about addressing key challenges such as technology awareness, return on investment, data literacy, structural capacities, and policy prioritization. It envisions a future where Alberta's agricultural production is not only more efficient and cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. Educational outreach, including academic publications, policy briefs, living labs, and webinars, is planned to disseminate findings and encourage the adoption of digital technologies among producers and policymakers. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of farming while increasing production, fostering a shift towards more informed and technologically equipped agricultural practices. As the program unfolds, the Simpson Centrewill play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research, policy-making, and real-world application.

One of Saskatchewan’s political parties wants to limit foreign farmland ownership. “The problem with foreign farmland ownership is it’s chewing up so much farmland that it drives the land prices right up,” Rose Buscholl, theleader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan, told Farms.com. “It becomes impossible for people to compete and for families to keep the farms in their families.” For context, Saskatchewan’s farmland values increased by almost 16 per cent from 2022, Farm Credit Canada’s Farmland Values Report says. Under current Saskatchewan law, people or entities deemed ineligible, which include non-Canadian citizens or non-permanent residents of Canada, may own 10 acres of land. Acquisitions of more than 10 acres require an exemption from the Farm Land Security Board. One of the Buscholl’s party’s proposals is to expand the definition of foreign farmland ownership to include people or entities who aren’t living or farming in Saskatchewan. A 2017 report from Saskatchewan and Manitoba researchers found that, in 2014, 37 identified investors owned a total of 837,019 acres.

By Farms.com Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a critical link affecting radon gas levels in rural homes, particularly those near drilled groundwater wells. This finding sheds light on why rural communities experience higher radon concentrations compared to urban settings. The study, a collaborative effort across multiple faculties, delves into the geophysical, architectural, and property-specific factors contributing to this phenomenon. Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, the lead investigator, highlights an intriguing aspect of rural water wells, stating, "It’s the water wells – not the water, but the wells themselves – that appear to be acting as unintended straws for radon gas deep in the ground." This insight points to the structural gaps around well pipes as a major conduit for radon gas, rather than the water content itself. Radon, a carcinogenic gas, poses significant health risks, especially as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in Canada. Adding to this, Dr. Cathy Ryan's observation that "unintended" or "fugitive" radon gas migration could be happening alongside water wells parallels concerns previously noted with methane around oil and gas wells. This comparison emphasizes the potential dangers lurking in rural living environments and the need for meticulous inspection and remediation efforts. To combat these risks, the study advocates for rigorous radon testing, particularly in rural areas with drilled groundwater wells. Averaging a 30% higher exposure in rural homes across Canada, this research underscores the urgency of addressing radon safety and includes contributions from the realms of medicine, science, and architecture. The importance of integrating environmental understanding into building design is also highlighted, offering crucial insights into creating safer living spaces. Josh Taron from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape points out, "In order to design safe and healthy buildings, it’s imperative to understand the environment in which they exist." Supported by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, this study not only advances our understanding of radon exposure risks but also fuels initiatives like the Evict Radon National Study, aimed at eradicating radon from Canadian homes and enhancing lung cancer screening inclusivity.

The Alberta government is providing farmers flexibility when it comes to truck licensing. As of April 1, and after the successful completion of a Class 1 test and other necessary components, eligible farmers and family members can apply for a farm-restricted Class 1 license and skip mandatory entry-level training (MELT). Drivers who wish to obtain air brake and other endorsements must complete those courses. Under this farm-restricted license, farmers and family members can operate a Class 1 vehicle with a “P” condition code, meaning they must comply with farm restrictions. Eligible family members include spouses, children, parents, aunts, uncles and nieces. Drivers can operate Class 1 vehicles, include tractor trailers, within the province of Alberta and for farming purposes. These purposes include deliveries of farm products, grains or farm produce to a farmer’s farm, or to a market. Materials and equipment intended for farm use can be transported as well. Alberta has more than 149,000 licensed Class 1 drivers, but only about 31 per cent drive trucks, government data says.

The Keep it Clean Product Advisory Webinar will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The webinar will provide an overview of why crop protection products registered in Canada may cause marketing concerns for export markets, and how the Canadian grain industry is working together to mitigate these risks. The webinar will also provide an overview of the 2024 Keep it Clean Product Advisory, covering the product and crop combinations that may cause market risks for cereals and pulses. The presentation will wrap up with a discussion covering the importance of best practices for pesticide application throughout the growing season. The following experts will be on hand to share more about the 2024 Product Advisory: Krista Zuzak, Director of Crop Protection and Production, Cereals Canada; Greg Bartley, Director of Crop Protection & Crop Quality, Pulse Canada;  Ian Epp, Agronomy Specialist, Canola Council of Canada.  Keep it Cleanrecommends to growers that you alwaysconsult with your grain buyers before applying any products on the Product Advisory to keep yourcrops market-ready and export-friendly throughout the growing season. Click here to learn more or to register for the event.

An Alberta attraction dedicated to farm equipment and rural life celebrates a milestone this year. The Canadian Tractor Museum in Westlock, Alta., turns 20 in 2024. “June 1 will be 20 years to the day the doors opened,” Steven Miller, a retired farmer and president of the museum’s board, told Farms.com. “It’s a testament to everyone in the community who saw a need for this all those years ago and have continued to support it since.” The doors to the 20,000-square-foot facility opened in 2004, but members of the community started laying the foundation for the museum in 1999. Local farmers and members of the Vintage Tractor Club attended a farm sale and didn’t like what they saw. “My neighbour was appalled that tractors were being shipped to the U.S. and elsewhere,” Brent Sterling, a retired farmer and original director on the museum’s board, told Farms.com. “He approached me about getting something going to have somewhere where we could display our equipment.” With the idea manifested, the work began to secure a site and get the necessary approvals and support to make it a reality. &

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has revoked the license of a Manitoba grain company. “As of March 25, 2024, Zeghers Seed Inc. o/a Zeghers Canada is no longer licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission,” a statement from the commission says. “The company’s grain dealer licence and primary elevator licence located at Holland, Manitoba, have been revoked.” Zeghers is now on the CGC’s website among the list of 25 companies that no longer have licenses in effect. Of that list, the majority are in Western Canada. Any farmers who did business with Zeghers before March 25 may be eligible for payment security under the CGC’s Safeguards for Grain Farmers Program and are encouraged to contact the CGC immediately. Under this program, licensed grain companies are required to provide payment security to the CGC to cover money owed to producers for grain deliveries. That security can come in the form of a bond, an irrevocable standby letter of credit or guarantee, or a payables insurance policy. Sections 95, 116 and 118 of the Canada Grain Act allow the CGC to revok

The Alberta SPCA will answer calls to Alberta Farm Animal Care’s (AFAC) ALERT Line. The phone number, 1-800-506-2273, is available for people who have questions or concerns about livestock and animal welfare. This change took effect on March 21 and is in response to AFAC’s closure. AFAC announced the closure on March 1 citing a lack of resources. AFAC reps are happy the ALERT Line will still be available to Albertans. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to sustain the ALERT Line though the support of the Alberta SPCA to ensure continuity for livestock and the people who care for them in the province,” AFAC Board Chair Merna Gisler said in a statement. And the SPCA is ready to offer support to those who contact them through the ALERT Line. “This is another great opportunity for the Alberta SPCA to connect with rural Albertans when they need us,” Doug Sawyer, chair of the Alberta SPCA board, said in a statement.

Canadian agriculture has received a significant boost from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with the recent announcement to increase the interest-free portion of the Advanced Payments Program (APP) to $250,000 says the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). The initiative is designed to support farmers by providing loans that help manage cash-flow challenges and cover increased production costs effectively. Historically, in response to the pandemic's economic impact, the government had elevated the interest-free loan amount to $250,000 in 2022, and then to $350,000 in 2023, aiming to assist farmers with the soaring expenses for essential inputs like fertilizer and fuel. There were plans to revert the interest-free portion back to $100,000 in 2024, which had raised concerns among the farming community. The CFA has been at the forefront, vocally advocating for the retention of the increased interest-free portion, citing the severe inflationary pressures that have burdened producers since the original $100,000 cap was instituted. CFA President, Keith Currie, expressed relief and approval of the announcement, highlighting the crucial timing and financial relief it provides to farmers, who must often invest in the next season's production without having received payment for the previous season. This move has been seen as a direct response to the advocacy and needs of the farming community, reflecting an understanding of the financial pressures faced in modern agriculture. The decision to maintain the interest-free loan amount at $250,000 is viewed as a step towards establishing a new baseline for future interest-free advances, with hopes that the program will continue to adapt to the evolving economic landscape faced by Canadian farmers. The enhancement of the APP reflects a commitment by the Canadian government to support the agriculture sector's sustainability and profitability. It acknowledges the essential role farmers play in the economy and the unique financial challenges they face, especially in an era of increasing costs and economic uncertainty. The farming community has welcomed this development, viewing it as a vital support mechanism for ensuring the continuity and success of Canadian agriculture. See related story: Grain Farmers of Ontario acknowledge the federal increase to the Advance Payments Program

Image by krystianwin from Pixabay The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) have thanked Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Lawrence MacAulay for increasing the interest-free limit of the for this year. The gives producers access to cash advances of up to $1 million based on the expected value of their crop or other agricultural product. Farmers receive the first $100,000 interest-free, and the AAFC can raise that limit if the season warrants it. This year, the limit of the interest-free portion has been raised to $250,000. Under the , cash advances are calculated based on up to 50 percent of the anticipated market value of eligible agricultural products that will be produced or are in storage. Advances are available on over 500 crop and livestock products across Canada. “Farmers face a lot of uncertainties and unpredictability. When the weather is bad or prices are low, Ontario’s family farms can be quickly impacted. We appreciate the government’s decision to increase this limit and the access to interest-free loans this will provide farmers,” said Jeff Harrison, Chair of the GFO. He continued: “Grain Farmers of Ontario has been advocating to increase the limit for some time, and it is good to see that hard work pay off. We look forward to working with the government on continued improvements to this and other risk programs and to any adjustments that might need to be made in the future.” In 2022, due to exceptional circumstances, the Government of Canada increased the interest-free portion of the from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years. As pressures compounded in 2023, the limit was further increased from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year. The GFO is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. For more information on the GFO, visit www.gfo.ca.

Just as only you know when you're thirsty, so too are plants the only ones that know when they require water. If only there was a way to communicate with a plant to find out when exactly that is. But wait! Say hello to , a precision agriculture technology—an easy-to-install water sensor—that provides accurate, real-time feedback on plant thirst, allowing farmers to make fast decisions to better benefit their crops. Developing a way to acquire data directly from plants, FloraPulse is now able to provide ag professionals such as woody crop owners and managers, nut and dry fruit growers, fresh fruit growers, commercial orchard/vineyard operators, government and university researchers, certified crop consultants, scientists, and more with accurate, automated measurements on plant water status. It said its technology works best—right now—for orchards and vineyards, with the company saying it is ideal for such crops as almonds, hazelnuts, wine grapes, apples, peaches, and berries. The system is comprised of patented hardware, software, and technical support for each user to directly manage water stress, reducing water and labor costs and risks while increasing yields, crop quality, and environmental health. FloraPulse provides growers and researchers with accurate and trusted automated measurements of water stress directly from trees and vines. The patented technology—used worldwide—provides science-based advice to optimize irrigation, increase profits, and valuable research data. The was developed via the research and collaboration of Cornell University’s emeritus professor of horticulture, Alan Lakso, Director of the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Abraham Strook, and mechanical engineering Ph.D. and technology developer, Michael Santiago. “FloraPulse is a game-changer for the entire agricultural industry,” said Lakso. “After years of research and development, our team created the first simple-to-use device that provides farmers and researchers with real-time data that helps growers and researchers achieve efficient water use in the face of variable climate conditions.” The company’s revolutionary real-time water sensing technology allows for more resilient plant health systems that enhance our agricultural system and farmers’ bottom lines. The team offers premium technical support and assistance. For more information, visit www.florapulse.com.

By Ryan Ridley Managing Editor, Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest The first issue of 2024 is upon us for the Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest. The Spring 2024 issue will be released within a couple of weeks, and it is packed with new innovations from some of the biggest names in the industry. This year has not disappointed so far, and after speaking with dozens of companies at the 2024 National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS), I am convinced the best is yet to come. As previously reported by our very own Diego Flammini, Farms.com yielded more than 70 videos from the NFMS and will be releasing special edition Machinery Newsletters in the coming weeks—stay tuned for that. Precision agriculture and ag technology ran wild at the NFMS this year, so much so that the 2024 Spring Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest will have a special PAG Tech Clips section featuring our top 10 tech videos from the event. Our main articles will cover a few newly released products, including Case IH’s new AF11 combine and Precision Planting’s new CornerStone planting system. Cannot forget about Kinze’s brand-new 5670 pivot fold planter as well as real-time spot spraying tech from Trimble-owned Bilberry. Oh, and Massey Ferguson has retrofit baler tech, SimplEbale, that brings large-square bale technology to small-square balers. We are sure you have heard of John Deere partnering with SpaceX, but we provide a unique angle on that as well. Our team cannot wait for you to get your hands on...get your keyboards/mouses on…the Spring 2024 Precision Ag Digital Digest. Refer to this link in a week or so and the new issue will be there! In the meantime, flip through our Winter 2023/2024 issue, it has lots of good stuff.

By: Farms.com In 2023, Canada's lentil landscape underwent significant changes, impacting both domestic and international markets. As a key source of plant-based protein, lentils are an essential part of diets worldwide, especially in vegetarian and vegan diets. Last year, Canadian farmers harvested nearly 1.7 million tonnes of lentils, a decrease from the previous year's 2.3 million tonnes. This downturn was part of a trend since the peak production year of 2016, which saw a record 3.2 million tonnes. Factors such as Western Canada's dry conditions contributed to the reduced yield. Despite the drop in production, Canadian lentil exports experienced growth. In 2023, nearly 2.0 million tonnes of lentils were shipped abroad, generating close to $2.3 billion in revenue, an increase from 2022. India remained the largest market for Canadian lentils, absorbing over a third of the exports. The financial aspect of lentil farming also saw a positive shift. Cash receipts from lentil sales reached nearly $1.7 billion in 2023, with farm gate prices peaking at $989.29 per tonne in December. This financial uptick reflects the growing value of lentils in the global market. Looking forward, Canada's lentil farmers are gearing up for an increase in production. With an anticipated 3.7 million acres set to be planted in 2024, the industry is poised for a rebound. Saskatchewan, the heartland of Canada's lentil production, is expected to see a 2.6% increase in seeded area, reinforcing its role as a major player in meeting both national and global demand for lentils. As we await further updates from Statistics Canada, the lentil industry remains a key component of Canada's agricultural sector, reflecting the challenges and opportunities within the global food system.

Gary These remembers seeing the flames from the 2023 wildfire season from his ranch near Peace River. “You could look across our yard and see them,” he told Farms.com. “Luckily the fires didn’t jump the river in our area, but it was too close for comfort.” These’s herd was in the middle of calving when the fires got close. He had plans in place to move his cattle to a hundred-acre plot of land where they would’ve been safe if evacuations were necessary. But he admits it would’ve been a difficult undertaking. “There would’ve been almost no way to evacuate the cattle and I don’t think there would’ve been enough trucks in the area to do that anyway,” he said. “And it’s not like you could chase them there. Our oldest calf at the time was three weeks old.” Oct. 31, 2023, marked the end of that year’s wildfire season in Alberta. A total of 1,092 wildfires burned about 2.2 million hectares (5.43 million acres), data from the provincial government said. For context, Wales and Belize are about 4 million acres each in size.

Two regional winners in Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers program are confirmed. The winners from Manitoba are Marcus and Paige Dueck from Four Oak Farms in Kleefeld. The program recognizes the accomplishments of farmers between the ages of 18 and 39. “It was a little nerve wracking leading up to the names being called,” Paige told Farms.com. “We’re obviously very excited that we were chosen.” The Duecks milk 49 registered Brown Swiss cows three times per day using the only tie stall robot in Western Canada – a Robomax unit they had installed in 2020. In addition, they operate 785 acres where they raise crops, participate in agronomic yield trials and raise hay for customers in local and U.S. markets. Once Marcus and Paige knew of their nomination, they needed to make a presentation highlighting their farm’s successes. This reflection provided them with the realization that innovation is an integral part of their farm.