Better Pork

Manitoba Agriculture reports the rain that has slowed spring seeding will give this year's crops a good start. Manitoba Agriculture released its weekly crop report Tuesday.Dennis Lange, a pulse and soybean specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and editor of the provincial crop report, reports planting is now approximately four percent complete across the province, behind the five-year average of nine percent but, with the warmer weather forecast for later this week, he expects those numbers to rise. Quote-Dennis Lange-Manitoba Agriculture: Across Agro-Manitoba they've received variable amounts of precipitation over the last five days.Amounts range anywhere from four millimetres all the way up to 37 millimetres and most of those regions, whether it's in central, eastern, interlake or northwest.Northwest was some of the drier regions that we did see some rainfall in, in the Pas area but areas like Ethelbert actually got upwards of 35 millimeters so the rainfall was pretty much widespread across the province this past week or so. That will do well to replenish some of the dugouts, the ponds for the livestock folk and also it'll make things pop out of the ground once we get warm weather and get more seeding done.We were on the drier side going into spring and now, with this rainfall, that will help out dramatically with how the crop is going to perform early anyway.A lot of areas are considered to be wet or in some cases very wet but we're getting close to field capacity in a lot of areas. I think we're OK.There's not a lot of standing water in various fields around the central region.In other areas some of those lower depressions might have standing water but, for the most part, I think this is going to be a good rain for Manitoba producers being able to get that crop off to a really good start. Now we just need some warmer weather to go along with that to get things to grow. Lange says planting of field peas is most advanced at this point at 11 percent complete across the province and on the cereal side spring wheat is about nine percent complete and some of the early seeded fields are already starting to emerge.

A multi-institutional team of scientists has identified a gene that breading companies can select for as an indicator of disease resilience in pigs. Researchers with Iowa State University, the Universities of Saskatchewan and Alberta and CDPQ, with funding from PigGen Canada, Genome Alberta, Genome Prairie and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are measuring the levels of stress hormones in the hair of pigs to evaluate the effect of stress on disease resilience. Dr. Jack Dekkers, a distinguished professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, says researchers have found that cortisol in hair has a heritability of about 25 percent. Quote-Dr. Jack Dekkers-Iowa State University: If you look at growth rate in pigs, heritability is a little bit higher at about 35 percent so 25 percent is a pretty good heritability and that means that there are measures that breeding companies can select for.We have also looked at some associations of cortisol levels in hair measured on the young healthy animals and their subsequent disease resilience and there are correlations we find there so there is an indication that cortisol levels in hair can be a predictor of whether an animal is more or less disease resilient. Interestingly for cortisol levels in hair, we find that it is affected by many genes that control growth rate.Same for cortisol levels but there is one gene that has a substantial effect.We call that a major gene.It explains about 40 percent of the genetic variation, the genetic differences.That's a gene called a glucocorticoid receptor which is known to be associated with cortisol release and production.That gives us a single gene that the breeding companies may be able to select for. Dr. Dekkers notes animals that are less resistant to disease require more veterinary treatments increasing the danger of pathogens developing resistance to antibiotics.

Manitoba's pork producers are calling for the creation of a provincially appointed task group to develop solutions to the algae problem in Lake Winnipeg. An article posted to the Manitoba Pork website and being circulated through Manitoba newspapers discusses the influence of modern agriculture on the environment and the contributions of agriculture being made to environmental sustainability through advancements in technology. Cam Dahl, the General Manager of Manitoba Pork, says farmers are prepared to participate in a broad effort to develop solutions to the challenges facing Lake Winnipeg and suggests, as a first step, we need to bring together expertise from all parts of the Lake Winnipeg basin to form a Lake Winnipeg Task Group. Quote-Cam Dahl-Manitoba Pork: There's no doubt there are challenges with Lake Winnipeg and the water shed is huge stretching out almost to Rockies and south into the U.S. into the Red River basin.I think, what we've seen in the past is individual segments in the water system of Lake Winnipeg tend to point fingers at each other and try to lay the blame for nutrient loading in lake Winnipeg somewhere else. The time really has come to bring together all of the interests around the table and have that open discussion looking for solutions instead of just pointing fingers.That includes the municipalities, including the City of Winnipeg. As most would know, there has been significant raw sewage put into the Red River and ultimately Lake Winnipeg, but other municipalities as well.We need to bring together the first nations around the lake and other resource users.We need to bring together the crop producers and livestock producers like pork and beef and other to really look at comprehensive ways of addressing those concerns of nutrient loading on Lake Winnipeg and not just trying to shift the blame somewhere else. Dahl notes the modernization of agriculture is making the application of manure more precise allowing farmers to maximize the benefits of this natural fertilizer while helping to minimize nutrient leaching into waterways, including Lake Winnipeg.

A veterinary pathologist with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine suggests biosecurity procedures in place on Canadian swine farms to protect against the introduction of foreign animal disease will help protect against other infections, including Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza. In March USDA reported Influenza A type H5N1 virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, was detected in milk and in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas and, since then, detections have been confirmed in dairy herds in other states, in baby goats and one dairy farm worker has tested positive for the virus. Dr. Susan Detmer, an associate professor with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says introduction of the infection has been attributed to migrating wild birds returning to North America. Quote-Dr. Susan Detmer-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: The dairy cattle are recovering and, as far as humans that are in contact with the infected cattle, right now they're looking at those humans and testing for antibodies and we'll have a lot of information in the next six months about the humans that have been in contact with dairy cattle.So far there have not been reports of people becoming severely sick from being in contact with dairy cattle. With pig production, we have pretty strong biosecurity.We've been dealing with PED for the last several years and a lot of what we're doing to keep PED out has upped their biosecurity game and that is going to keep other pathogens out as well. What they need to be concerned about is making sure they don't lose that good biosecurity, that they don't slip up, that they're constantly making sure that they're doing everything they can to protect what they have on their farm.Their vigilance has not dropped in the last few years because we're also still concerned about ASF or African Swine fever. Dr. Detmer stresses it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not make Avian Influenza easier to get into our human population.

Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern Multi-tools often lack quality, but they can be handy inside of a farmer’s pocket all day or in the glove compartment of their truck waiting for its next use. LoggerHead Tools refers to the multi-tool category as “Innovative Life Gear” with a fully sized, fully functionable, compact, convenient, innovative universal design. The ImmiX 10X™ is a steel-laminate constructed multi-tool that blends functionality of up to 34 full-sized tools. It is ready to take on any daily task or emergency on the farm that involves the use of nuts, bolts, or screws. What exactly does the ImmiX™ feature: 14 metric and standard wrench sizes 1/4”-9/16” sizes 7mm-14mm 10 of the most popular screwdriver heads (types/sizes) Slotted, Phillips, Torx, Robertson, and Allen 2 knife blades Serrated and Standard Handles lock Forms a powerful, ergonomic, magnetic bit driver Torque enhancing “pistol grip” Allows the farmer to comfortably and confidently apply the right amount of pressure to complete the work The ImmiX also features a series of LoggerHead Tools awarding-winning Bionic Wrench™ Technology creating versatility, productivity, and convenience. For farmers looking for the perfect multi-tool, LoggerHead Tools Immi 10X might just do the trick.

Mother’s Day is this weekend (Amazon can probably deliver your package on time if you order now!), and Farms.com is speaking with ag moms to get their thoughts on parenthood and share memories they have with their own mothers. This Q&A features Julie McIntosh (JM), an egg and sheep producer from near St. Mary’s, Ont. She and her husband, Mike Ready, have two daughters – Ellie, who is turning five in June, and three-year-old Lena. “Ellie has the best little laugh and an eagle eye, she doesn’t miss a thing,” McIntosh told Farms.com. “Lena is miss independent and likes to do things her own way. She has a swing that she loves and could spend hours in it.” Farms.com: Where were you when you found out you were pregnant for the first time? How did it make you feel? JM: It was an answer to a dream. We always hoped to be parents and wanted to raise kids on our farm. Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time. JM: It’s an

Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) headquarters will remain in Western Canada. “To be absolutely clear, FCC is not moving its head office from Regina,” a statement from FCC says. “While FCC is a national organization with a national mandate, we value being a part of Regina and share a passion for this community.” FCC employs about 1,000 people in Regina. The Crown corporation issued the statement last week after Nadine Wilson, the MLA for Saskatchewan Rivers and leader of the Saskatchewan United Party, brought up this possibility during question period on May 2. “Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Farm Credit Canada is planning to close its head office in Regina and move it to Quebec,” she said. “This would be (a) disastrous result for Saskatchewan. Can the Premier confirm or deny this move?” Her party also put out a press release citing “high-level sources” that FCC’s head office would move east, local media reported. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer responded in the legislature, saying the government had no information on a possible move and therefore had no comment on the matter.

Two organizations dedicated to supporting the mental health of those in the Canadian ag industry received financial support recently. The announcements, one between AGCO and the Do More Ag Foundation, and the other with the federal government supporting the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, came during Mental Health Week. This year that week is celebrated between May 6 and 12. On May 8, the AGCO Agriculture Foundation announced a $150,000 commitment for three years in partnership with the Do More Agriculture Foundation. "By growing the farmer mental health initiative to the U.S. and Canada, we hope to further address the growing mental health crisis among farmers and provide them with the assurance that help is available,” Roger Batkin, chair of the AGCO Agriculture Foundation, said in a statement. The support will lead to QR codes farmers can use to access local mental health resources in Canada and the U.S. Presenting mental health workshops and training, as well as AGCO becoming the presenting sponsor for the #TalkItOut video series, are part of the agreement. AGCO’s support “aligns perfectly with our mission, enabling us to expand our reach and provide critical resources to even more farmers in need of mental health support,” Megz Reynolds, executive director of Do More Ag, said i

Image by Lucent_Designs_dinoson20 from Pixabay The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested over $4.4 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to 1,771 families, farms, and businesses in Wellington County, Ontario. In July 2021, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a historic agreement that will bring high-speed internet access to more than 280,000 Ontario households across the province through a joint investment totaling more than $1.2 billion. Providing better and faster internet service is key to allowing precision ag technologies to work optimally for those in the ag sector. “Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to continue growing from strength to strength in our increasingly digital world,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, the federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Wellington County that can now connect to essential services and enjoy the additional opportunities that come with high-speed internet.” The federal and provincial governments have partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to provide residents in the communities of Brucedale, Centre Inn, Everton, Oustic, Simpson Corners, Shands, Spier, Belwood, Eramosa, Orton, and Maple Leaf Acres with access to broadband infrastructure that will enable high-speed internet service. “Ontario continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, the Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “By installing new broadband infrastructure in Wellington County, we’re building Ontario and strengthening rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, allowing families to connect with online services, and making it easier for businesses to reach potential customers.” This announcement marks the completion of one more project under SWIFT and builds on the Ontario government’s plan to get the right infrastructure in the right places, ensuring people can live, work, and farm where they want. The contracts to expand broadband services in Wellington County were awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. “We’re pleased to see the significant impact of our collective efforts in bringing reliable high-speed internet to Wellington County. This investment not only enhances connectivity but also promises to enrich the social and economic landscape of rural communities, enabling residents and businesses to thrive in today's digital age. We would like to thank the governments of Canada and Ontario for their ongoing support as we continue to work together to bring greater connectivity to Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, Board Chair, of SWIFT. More than $25

The Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre (CGED) in Nanton, Alta. will come away with prize money in the Next Great Save contest. After a three-week voting period which started on April 18, the community landmark placed third in the competition with more than 32,000 votes, earning a $5,000 prize. “Of course we wanted to get first place, but the awareness that this contest raised about the centre and about the elevators is great too,” Leo Wieser, president of the CGED, told Farms.com. The contest, administered by the National Trust for Canada, awards a total of $65,000 to communities to support local landmark maintenance and preservation. Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church in Aguathuna, N.L., placed first overall with about 60,000 votes and will receive $50,000. Kirkland Lake, Ont.’s LaSalle Theatre and its roughly 50,000 votes placed second and earned $10,000. At the CGED, the prize money will be used to support work being done by the University of Calgary. The university’s digital archival library has scanned three of the centre’s five buildings to create 3D virtual models of the buildings. “From those scans, we can do 2D plans, which allows our a

Leading up to Mother’s Day this Sunday (at least get a card!), Farms.com is connecting with as many ag moms as possible for a Q&A about topics like the challenging parts about parenthood and the feeling of first holding a newborn. Josie Pashulka (JP), and her husband Ken, along with their three sons, Taylor (22), Riley (23) and Tyson (25), run Rusylvia Cattle Co., a cattle and grain operation in Derwent, Alta. “Tyson is a welder and has his own company,” she told Farms.com. “He’s got a tough exterior but is very charming and has the biggest heart once you get to know him. Riley is very quiet and loves everything about the cattle industry. From the animals to the people to the business side of things. He can see a cow a mile away and tell you what kind of cow it is and its pedigree. And Taylor is a carpenter with his own business. He loves to please everybody and is super helpful.” Farms.com: Where were you when you found out you were pregnant for the first time? How did it make you feel? JP: We were excited and definitely a little bit scared. But that fear makes you feel like you can conquer anything. Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time. JP: There’s nothing like holding your new baby. It’s a rush of love that you never knew

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - Pork markets are showing signs of improvement, said Maple Leaf Foods Inc. chief executive Curtis Frank, helping the company achieve a profit in its first quarter compared with a year ago even as sales edged lower. "Pork markets, while still compressed, now appears to be starting to show the sequential improvement that we expected in time," Frank said on a call with analysts Thursday. He said in the earnings release that the company expects that momentum to continue building. The company says its profit amounted to $51.6 million or 42 cents per share for the quarter ended March 31 compared with a loss of $57.7 million or 48 cents per share a year earlier. It said net earnings were positively affected by lower feed costs, operating efficiencies and other factors. Gross profit for the first quarter increased to $226.3 million with a gross margin of 19.6 per cent, compared with $76.4 million and a gross margin of 6.5 per cent a year ago. The improvement was driven by easing pork market headwinds and other factors, the company said. Sales totalled $1.15 billion, down from $1.17 billion in the same quarter last year. The small decline in sales was mostly because of "sourcing decisions to reduce outside purchases in poultry and pork, impacting sales in the short term while setting us up to deliver on our plans moving forward," said Frank in the release. "It's important to note that this modest decline is not reflective of the underlying health and performance of our business," he said on the call. The company saw sales growth return to its prepared meats business during what's traditionally a seasonally weaker quarter, said Frank. The company says sales in its prepared foods operating unit fell 0.4 per cent compared with a year ago, with prepared meat sales up 2.9 per cent offset by a 5.7 per cent drop in plant protein and a 7.1 per cent decline in poultry sales compared with last year.

Massey Ferguson’s VE F16 planter is not messing around when it comes to technology. This model has many advanced features designed to improve planting accuracy and efficiency, making it a standout choice for modern farmers. At the core of the VE F16's technology is retrofitting capabilities thanks to AGCO-owned, Precision Planting. For starters, its DeltaForce system provides hydraulic downforce control. DeltaForce allows for precise seed depth adjustment on each row independently. Such precision ensures optimal soil contact, which is crucial for consistent germination and growth across varying field conditions. Additionally, the planter is equipped with the vSet 2 and vDrive systems. The vSet system is known for its reliability and the ability to drive the edge of the meter rather than the center. This design reduces torque and enhances seed placement accuracy. The vSet meter boasts over 99 percent singulation accuracy in corn and soybeans. For those looking to integrate liquid fertilizers into their planting operations, the VE F16 comes ready with a 500-gallon tank mounted on the tongue which is plumbed to each row. The planter also offers options for ground drive or centrifugal pumps, adding to its versatility. Adaptability extends to its closing systems, equipped with WaveVision seed tubes and customizable closing wheel options. You can tailor the planter to your specific soil and crop needs. Additionally, the planter can be purchased with or without a tailboard, providing flexibility for future upgrades, such as adding the AirForce system. Massey Ferguson VE F16 is designed not just to meet but exceed the demands of the modern farmer. To learn more about Massey’s VE F16 planter and its technology, watch the below video.

At a time when Canadians are struggling with the price of food, passing Bill C-234 would help bring those costs down, the Conservative ag critic said. During question period on April 29, John Barlow asked the Liberals if they’d pass Bill C-234 in its original form to support families with food affordability. Steven MacKinnon, the government House leader, responded by saying the bill is in the hands of the Conservative House leader. Barlow again asked if the government would proceed with Bill C-234’s passage. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland responded highlighting some budget measures and saying Conservatives only know cuts. Lianne Rood, the Conservative MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, also asked the Liberals about Bill C-234 and passing it to support farm families and reduce food bank usage. Freeland replied with budget highlights. No questions related to ag occurred on April 30 as the Conservative caucus left the House of Commons in solidarity with Leader Pierre Poilievre. This happened after Speaker Greg Fergus kicked Poilievre out of the House for using unparliamentary language.

As Mother’s Day approaches this Sunday (there’s still time to get a gift!), Farms.com is connecting with multiple ag moms for a Q&A about motherhood, its hardest parts, and pieces of advice for new moms. The first Ontario ag mom to participate is Angela Cammaert (AC). Along with her husband Dave, they’re growing crops and raising cattle and their two children, a young teenage son, and a pre-teen daughter, in Elgin County. “My son is extremely outgoing and very curious about mechanics,” she told Farms.com. “And he loves sports and athletics. My daughter is more creative, enjoys crafts and is more reserved.” Farms.com: Where were you when you found out you were pregnant for the first time? How did it make you feel? AC: We were around the farm, and we were so excited that we were adding another branch to the family tree. Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time. AC: I don’t even know how to put that into words. It’s an experience you don’t forget.

The Whole Sounder Trapping Incentive Program ended March 31, 2024 bringing the modified bounty component of the program to a close (the Ear Bounty Program ended March 31, 2023). For farmers experiencing wild boar damage to their fields, wild boar are included in the AFSC Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. “The Alberta Invasive Species Council Squeal on Pigs! campaign continues to be extremely successful,” says Hannah McKenzie, wild boar specialist with the Alberta government. “We are receiving an increasing number of public reports of wild boar and escaped domestic pigs, showing that awareness of the issue is on the rise and people are taking action.” The Alberta Pork trapping team is currently managing 9 traps spread across Woodlands, Lac Ste Anne, Strathcona and Two Hills counties. Since 2018, Alberta Pork and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation have removed 66 sounders (groups of wild boar) for a total of 410 wild boar, with almost 75% coming from Woodlands county. All captured wild boar are humanely euthanized and sent to an Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation lab for necropsy. Samples are collected from each animal and shared with a research team at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) led by Dr. Mathieu Pruvot. This team, supported by Results Driven Agriculture Research, is studying the distribution and ecology of wild boar and their potential to spread infectious diseases to livestock. In addition to testing wild boar for diseases, the UCVM team has also partnered with Alberta Pork on a program for pork producers and pig owners to monitor their farms for wild boar. Participants receive a kit that includes a trail camera, 2 memory cards, a cable lock and batteries, to monitor their property for one year and report any interactions with wild boar. “When this project is complete, participants will be able to keep the equipment in recognition of their contributions to monitoring efforts. We hope to expand this program to include other livestock producers and hunters. “Looking ahead, we are focused on increasing our monitoring and trapping efforts in collaboration with Alberta Pork and municipalities, with support from the African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This summer we will begin systematically deploying remote cameras. Images from these cameras will help us better understand the distribution of wild boar across the province and their population trend in areas where we are actively trapping. We are also expanding trapping efforts with additional equipment and more boots on the ground,” says McKenzie.

Kioti Tractor is bringing another tractor series to the market, the RX40 Series. These new models are designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s farmers, offering both power and precision in a versatile package. Farms.com chatted with Joel Hicks, product line manager with Kioti, about its new series. We also have some footage of a prototype tractor, the RX7340 model, below. The RX7340 boasts 73 engine horsepower and approximately 63 PTO horsepower. Hicks explained that the horsepower offering makes it an ideal choice for various farming tasks such as hay operations and general utility work. The RX Series features brand-new styling, including a redesigned front-end and a new loader. One of the significant upgrades in the RX40 series is the transition from a six-pillar cab to a more spacious and taller five-pillar cab, which improves overall visibility. It also adds an optional instructor seat. The layout of controls within the cab is thoughtfully arranged to ensure ergonomic ease for the operator, featuring a new electronic 3-point hitch that simplifies attachments and adjustments. Lighting has also been improved with the introduction of LED headlights. The RX Series includes a newly designed self-leveling loader that significantly aids in load stability and management. Hicks noted that you can add an optional soft ride kit that minimizes shock and vibration when transporting heavy loads like round bales. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining stability and comfort during transport across fields. Additional enhancements include a convenient Power Shuttle lever, easily accessible joystick controls with integrated third-function buttons, and adjustable electronic controls for the 3-point hitch. These features collectively contribute to a smoother, more comfortable operating experience, added Hicks. By integrating modern technology and thoughtful design, Kioti Tractor continues to bring reliable, efficient, and comfortable equipment that stands up to the demands of modern farming. Jump in the cab for a complete overview

The breathtaking views of Guanajuato, Mexico, weren’t easy to leave behind, but Ma Merced Yebra knew her children deserved better than what she could provide them there. Although her husband went to the U.S. often to find work, he never saved enough to help his family back in Mexico. One day she decided to take a chance on a new life in the U.S., leaving behind her roots and venturing into the unknown with her four young children. “We didn’t have a lot growing up,” says Alma Valdez, her youngest daughter. “We were very poor. We lived in a house made of cardboard and metal sheets. We struggled a lot. My mother’s decision to leave her home in Guanajuato to come to the U.S. changed my life completely.” This journey led them to DeKalb, Ill. At the age of 8, Valdez turned all her focus to learning English — fast. Unfortunately, very few teachers knew Spanish at the time, so it made it difficult for her to learn. “I guess that’s where I started learning to not give up, to always try to see the best in people and to learn from everyone,” she adds. With time, she picked up English and found herself translating for her family. Her mom took a job at a pig farm. When Valdez turned 18, she started working at the farm with her mother as a part-time power washer a few days each week. Not long after that, she began translating educational materials from English into Spanish to help other employees. Valdez says that’s how she learned how to castrate, how to care for sows, how to heat check and more. She kept saying yes to new opportunities. She worked her way up the ranks and found herself in a manager role, taking care of the barn and the crew. Valdez moved to Minnesota to gain even more experience. A couple years later, a local veterinarian approached her to apply for a job back in DeKalb at Johnson Farms. Her inspiring journey moving up from power washing farrowing rooms to managing a sow farm makes Valdez a barn hero in the eyes of everyone who works with her, says Cole Johnson, co-owner of Johnson Farms. “She has a unique ability to earn credibility with people,” he adds. “When it comes to leading a crew in the barn, she’s been where they are. She will never ask anyone to do something she has not already done or is willing to jump in and try alongside them.” THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT SPOTS When Valdez went to work for Johnson Farms a few years ago, she admits it was a little overwhelming at first. “There was a lot of work to be done,” Valdez explains. “But that’s also what made it exciting.” She says learning how to use new technologies at the farm such as e-tagging and electronic sow feeding made her job even more interesting. She was also eager to help get the farm more organized and build a more cohesive team. “I think the frustrating part was not being able to be in all the places that I wanted to be in the short amount of time that I had throughout the day. As soon as I’d fix something in one spot, another area needed my attention,” Valdez adds. The never-ending to-do list is one of the many reasons Valdez initially worked for three weeks straight before taking a day off. “People see she doesn’t take many days off, even though I urge her to do so,” Johnson says. “You can’t come in and just be a dictator, especially when you’re asking people to make a lot of changes. Alma’s understanding that you need t

With Mother’s Day this Sunday (don’t forget!), Farms.com is connecting with ag moms for a Q&A about motherhood, the first moments of holding a newborn and more. The first mom in Western Canada to participate is Sheila Hillmer (SH). Along with her husband Martin and their two sons, Keeley (27) and Braeden (25), the family raises cattle and grains in Del Bonita, Alta. “Keeley is easy going, more outgoing, more social and likes to have a lot of fun,” Hillmer said about her eldest son. “Braeden is much more introverted, has a dry sense of humour and is the quiet thinker of the group. Farms.com: Describe where you were when you found out you were pregnant for the first time. How did it make you feel? SH: We had been trying and it happened very quickly. We were at home and I basically felt like I was pregnant. I did a quick (home) test and then went to the doctor. In addition to being excited, I was terrified because I’d never really been around kids before. Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time. SH: They took Keeley away and put him in an incubator. When they finally brought him to me, I was excited to have a boy, excited to be a mom and equally as terrified because I had no experience with what I was doing.

Image via CASA CASA (Canadian Agricultural Safety Association), per its moniker, is committed to finding new ways to promote farm safety, and has done so by organizing its inaugural Kids FarmSafe Week. The event takes place May 13-19, 2024. Throughout the week, CASA will delve into daily themes like youth mental health, machinery safety, kids' health, preventing falls, farm animal safety, and drowning prevention. Special thanks to BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions for sponsoring this initiative. Join CASA’s insightful webinars on engaging young ones in farm safety learning. Visit www.kidsfarmsafe.ca for webinar details, to explore resources, articles, and graphics.