Better Farming - October 2016

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4 Farm News First > Better Farming October 2016
While I spend my weekdays in the Better
Farming office, I’m also very much
involved in my family farm operation. I work on
the farm in the evenings and weekends – wheth-
er it be assisting with fieldwork and barn chores
or managing the business record-keeping with
my sister. Our farm, as are many others in the
province, is truly a family operation. Everyone
contributes, regardless of age or gender.
Despite the increasing visibility of youth
and women in ag through such organizations
as the Junior Farmers and the Ag Women’s
Network , I am periodically shocked and saddened by the approach of some
industry representatives to members of farm operations who do not fit the
typical profiles.
Just this spring, for example, I received two rather jarring comments while in
an industry meeting with my father. One of the businessmen (who has worked
with our family for years) said that the most stress I must face is deciding “where
my boyfriend should take me for supper.” The other stopped the conversation to
ask if I had any questions, as the discussion was “complex.”Walking away from
the meeting, I wondered: were these comments based on my gender? My relative
youth? The fact that I’ve chosen to work both on- and off-farm?
Writer Jeff Culp, in our main feature, explores the challenges and opportu-
nities for the next generation of farmers. Contributing editor Mary Baxter
highlights the experiences of Kate Procter, a Huron County farmer, in our Up
Close department. As our industry continues to grow and develop, I hope that
everyone will become more welcoming and receptive to the diverse faces of
agriculture. BF
ANDREA M. GAL
EDITORIAL & LAYOUT
PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Paul Nolan (519) 763-9660, ext 202
MANAGING EDITOR
Andrea M. Gal (519) 763-9660, ext 201
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Mary Baxter (519) 858-0774
CONTRIBUTORS
Moe Agostino
Jim Algie
Troy Bridgeman
Mona Conway
Campbell Cork
Dale Cowan
Jeff Culp
Norman Dunn
CONTRIBUTORS
Susan Mann Jim Algie
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Barbara Sushycki (519) 763-9660
RESEARCH & DATA COORDINATOR
Jan Kertesz
SALES & MARKETING
SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE
Glenn Ruegg (519) 415-3276
DIRECTORY, SPECIAL SECTIONS
Jeff McKee (519) 848-1112
ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR
Jennifer Stewart (519) 763-9660, ext 256
OFFICE ADDRESS
Better Farming |
52 Royal Rd., Guelph, Ontario N1H 1G3
(519) 763-9660
1-888-248-4893
Luke Edwards
Abhinesh Gopal
Jaap Kroondijk
Pat Lynch
Kyle Rodriguez
Barry Wilson
Ralph Winfield
So often in life, timing is everything. This was clear
with the rainfall this year. In many locations, the
rainfall during August made up for the shortfall in
the summer months and closed the gap on the
30-year norms. Between May 1 and publication time,
for example, Peterborough received approximately
211 mm of rain, in contrast to its 30-year average of
347 mm, while Exeter received approximately 412
mm, in contrast to its 365-mm average.
The rain came too late to offer much benefit to
developing corn yields; it did, however, arrive in time for soybeans. August
rain makes beans. We are seeing increased pod retention and larger soybeans
filling the pods. This will add to the yield potential and we may see some
excellent soybean yields.
The renewed soil moisture levels will help with the planting of the winter
wheat crop. Overall, we can agree the timing of rains was not ideal this
growing season. But, the rain will help to recharge wells and depleted subsoil
moisture. BF
Dale Cowan is a senior agronomist with AGRIS Wanstead Cooperatives. Data
fromWIN and the Ag Grower Daily Dashboard Program.
FARM WEATHER REPORT
August rain makes up for summer shortfall
BEHIND THE LINES
The diverse faces of agriculture
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