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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.

BASF Digital Farming and Richardson Pioneer have announced the first commercial agreement for xarvio FIELD MANAGER between the two parties. Through this agreement, Richardson will bring the FIELD MANAGER platform to its whole network, including the four provinces in Western Canada. The FIELD MANAGER platform has four main components – field monitoring, seeding, nutrient management and crop protection. The nutrient management portion of the platform, for example, lets users create field-zone specific application maps for N, P & K. And users can document and create VRA maps for organic fertilizer and custom fertilizer. This agreement allows Richardson agronomists to offer farmers more precise recommendations. Those recommendations from xarvio FIELD MANAGER are based on local conditions and 15 years of biomass imagery and satellite data. Continuous monitoring, field trials and work from BASF agronomists help support the platform’s decisions. In canola trials in 2022/23, for example, the platform “consistently predicted economically significant field-specific Sclerotinia disease incidence,” a BASF statement says. “Spraying for Sclerotinia at the optimal time can help to effectively protect yield and improve ROI, particularly in higher-yiel

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.

Manitoba's pork producers are calling on the federal government to replace its policy of taxing farmers to stimulate decreased fossil fuel use with one where incentives are offered to stimulate the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices and technologies.An article distributed through Manitoba newspapers and posted to Manitoba Pork's website looks at the economic challenges faced by farmers as they work to reduce their carbon footprint. Cam Dahl, the General Manager of Manitoba Pork, suggests the federal carbon tax has been ineffective in reducing fossil fuel use and has actually made it harder for farmers to afford to adopt new innovations. Quote-Cam Dahl-Manitoba Pork: The objective of the carbon tax is to encourage people to use less fossil fuels but that's not really possible if you're heating a barn.It's not a discretionary cost.It's not something you can choose to do less of so really what this means is that has just been another added cost to the bottom line and again, it's been difficult for a couple of years and farmers can't afford to have additional costs added to their balance sheet and that's really what has happened. At the same time, we're competing in international markets and our prices are set in international markets and our competitors don't face this cost.We have a government policy that isn't accomplishing its goals because it's not reducing the use of fossil fuels and at the same time it's making Canadian farmers, Canadian hog producers less competitive internationally.It's a double shot and there are better ways of moving to more environmentally sustainable practices and the carbon tax is not the right way for agriculture. Dahl suggests we should be looking at ways of incentivizing the adoption of new environmentally sustainable practices and reducing the associated risks for farmers.He says that would encourage the adoption of practices that are more environmentally sustainable while reducing farmers' costs, not increasing them. The full article can be accessed at manitobapork.com.

A researcher with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine is encouraging pork producers to consider the positive health and economic effects of exposing their pigs to opportunities for play. Research conducted through the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare Research Program shows grower finisher pigs exposed to play will display less aggression, recover quicker when exposed to disease and demonstrate higher average daily gain, than those not exposed to play.Karolina Steinerova, a PhD student with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says this work has multiple implications. Quote-Karolina Steinerova-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: We know that pigs play when they are young, between two to six weeks of age and they perform excitable movement during locomotive play, they play together so that's social play, they also like to play with objects.They also like to play with objects.That's all happening during early development and we know it has benefits for their development. It enhances social skills, cognition, and also motor skills but we really wanted to know whether this can be carried over to later stages of the production and how it influences the pig later in life.This project is targeting producers.We would really like them to embrace the value of positive welfare through promotion of play and also try to understand that it can be beneficial to promote positive welfare on farm. We also want to incorporate this into animal care assessment programs and add it to Pork Quality Assurance.This work can also open doors for international markets demanding higher welfare or also create opportunities for niche markets.So really now we want to make play promotion more applicable for producers, for example, through enrichment routines or management tasks with consideration for pig preferences, which is the preference for novelty and also create positive associations with the pig and the stakeholder. Full details of this research can be accessed at swinewelfare.com. For more visit Farmscape.Ca.

The Director of Swine Health with Manitoba Pork says lessons learned from the province's 2021-2022 Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea outbreak are helping pork producers prepare for the next potential outbreak.The latest major PED outbreak in Manitoba, which began in October 2021 and peaked in January 2022 resulting in 129 farms infected, was declared over in late 2023. Jenelle Hamblin, the Director of Swine Health with Manitoba Pork, says the 2021-22 outbreak differed markedly from previous outbreaks, primary in terms of the time of year that it occurred. Quote-Jenelle Hamblin-Manitoba Pork: The response did primarily occur in the winter months.In 2017 and 2019 we were in the thick of things between April and October.This 2021-22 outbreak was October through till March.This really was the main point of time when the outbreak was flaring up.We never fought PED in the winter before and it was an especially cold and blizzardy winter through October of 21 through March of 2022. It was a nasty winter that year and that really made practicing biosecurity and performing effective cleaning and disinfection very difficult.We also saw in 2021-22, farms were taking a longer period of time to reach that transitional status, the status of where any animals on the farm that are PED positive have been removed or deemed no longer a risk for PED. We attributed this to a number of factors, including delays in transporting animals due to these blizzard conditions.We weren't actually able to remove PED pigs off of farms because of delays in transport with snowstorms and safety.This was certainly something we had never managed before and learned a lot from. Hamblin says pork producers and industry stakeholders across the board are on high alert coming into the spring of 2024 and are working hard on preparations for the potential of new cases of PED this spring. For more visit Farmscape.Ca.

The Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Center is advising pork producers to step up their focus on biosecurity in the face of porcine circovirus.In February the Swine Health Information Center and American Association of Swine Veterinarians hosted webinar that looked at emerging trends related porcine circovirus, a multisystemic inflammatory viral infection of pigs that is considered to be among the top three disease challenges encountered by veterinarians in the field. Dr. Lisa Becton, the Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Center, explains there are four main genotypes of porcine circovirus and this webinar was intended to address questions about these pathogens and how the diagnosis and treatment of the four genotypes differ. Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Center: PCV diagnosis and interpretation of results isn't quite as easy as some of the other diseases that we face.It's very important to understand the clinical picture that is being seen and the reason for samples being submitted and then compare that to what are the diagnostic results because it really is important to guide what questions are you asking, what are the clinical signs of concern and also are you testing at the right age or stage of growth to be able to answer those questions? The other impact is looking at is how do coinfections with things like PRRS or Influenza or Mycoplasma, how do they also impact the clinical presentation of PCV.Taking all of those pieces of information together is really important to try to understand what's happening on the herd and where can someone intervene to help improve herd health? Dr. Becton notes, because circovirus is very hardy and can be transmitted in multiple ways, producers need to maintain their focus on biosecurity. The porcine circovirus webinar can be accessed through the swinehealth.org web site under podcasts and webinars and there is a direct link in the Swine Health Information Center March eNewsletter.

Braxten Breed Farms.com Intern Whether it’s storing fertilizer, seed, or whatever it may be, farmers may often accumulate pallets that are no longer required – taking up valuable space inside the barn or workshop. So instead of improperly breaking them down or maybe even giving them away, have you ever thought about recycling the pallets and using the materials for future projects on the farm? The pallet buster can help farmers tackle these ugly, space-consuming, and unsafe pallets. Global Industrial Deluxe Pallet Buster and Skid Breaker is a lightweight tool that can help farmers break down pallets quickly, safely, and easily. The unique steel constructed dual pronged forks gives a farmer the ability to pull out nails with ease, while keeping the boards of the pallet undamaged. Creating materials for a farmer that can be incorporated in future projects on farm. It can also be used when salvaging old barns, with one satisfied farmer saying, “Took an entire side off a medium sized barn in about an hour without destroying the tongue and groove. Started at the bottom and worked my way up.” The Pallet Buster weighs less than 15lbs (7 kilos) and is made of durable construction steel with a 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) handle, measuring 45 inches (1.15 metres) in length. It also comes with a one-year warranty. For more information, watch this Pallet Buster and Skid Breaker video.

Alberta Pork’s 2024 semi-annual meetings took place in Grande Prairie, Red Deer, Drumheller and Lethbridge from Mar. 11 to 14, welcoming more than 250 producers, industry and government partners. Alberta Pork’s board of directors and staff would like to thank those who took the time to make the meetings a success. Stan Vanessen, Chair & Darcy Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Alberta Pork shared the stage with Stephen Heckbert, Executive Director, Canadian Pork Council (CPC), covering topics from drought concerns for producers and Alberta Pork’s business plan goals, to work being done at the national level to advocate for producers’ priorities. View the presentation slides for Stan, Darcy and Stephen. Following presentations, those in attendance were asked for their feedback on Alberta Pork’s weekly report and economics dashboard, water usage, barn insurance and AgriStability. Responses collected will help inform how Alberta Pork serves producers’ needs going forward. If you haven’t already responded, and even if you didn’t attend a meeting, Alberta Pork encourages you to complete our survey. Completed surveys can be emailed to communications@albertapork.com (a reply to this email) or faxed to 780-479-5128. Find below a summary of discussions: Alberta is expected to experience significant drought conditions this summer, which could affect feed availability and price, along with water availability. The risk of wildfires is also heightened. Producers are urged to mind their feed levels and keep bins topped up as much as possible. Consider that prices could rise in the coming months. Producers are urged to consider how much water they may need this year, being careful to conserve as much as possible. Producers are urged to keep their properties free of items that could catch fire easily. Mowing grass and pruning trees regularly can help. Ensuring you have a fire extinguisher in each of your farm vehicles is recommended. Emergency response planning in advance of a crisis is important. AgSafe Alberta can help producers develop their plans. Alberta Pork and the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) have formed a committee to review AgriStability and other business risk management (BRM) programs. The Alberta Pork Producers’ Commission Regulation now requires processors to provide Alberta Pork with settlement data for all Alberta pigs. The next step is to begin collecting, aggregating and reporting on this information. Alberta Pork is working with Commodity Professionals Inc. and 33 producers in southern Alberta to pilot a new cost of production measurement software. Alberta Pork continues to work with industry partners and government on prevention and preparedness plans for a potential African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, including the complete eradication of wild boar and supports for producers. Alberta Pork is working with the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and other provincial pork producer organizations on political advocacy initiatives. The next mission to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, with Alberta Pork representatives and others, will take place in April. PigSAFE | PigCARE is now officially implemented across Canada. All of Alberta’s 278 commercial producers are trained on the programs, with 98% fully certified. Electronic swine manifest (e-manifest) training continues for producers shipping to Olymel in Red Deer and Maple Leaf in Lethbridge. Alberta Pork, Sask Pork, Manitoba Pork Council and On

By Farms.com The agricultural community is abuzz as the USDA rolls out a new rule that tightens the criteria for using the "Product of USA" and "Made in the USA" labels on meat, poultry, and egg products. Starting January 1, 2026, these labels will be exclusive to products from animals exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and processed within the United States. This regulation is part of the USDA's efforts to ensure transparency and prevent misleading labeling practices regarding food origins. The rule, however, has not been well received by neighboring countries. Canadian and Mexican livestock producers view it as a potential threat to their access to the lucrative U.S. market. They argue that it risks the longstanding trade relationships and the seamless integration of the North American agricultural supply chain. Like the challenges posed by the previously enacted mCOOL law, which led to a WTO dispute and retaliatory tariffs, this rule is feared to introduce new barriers to trade. Critics argue that the USDA's decision overlooks the complexities and mutual benefits of the North American agricultural market. They suggest that alternative labeling strategies could accommodate consumer preferences for original information without disrupting trade. This development has triggered a wave of disappointment among Canadian and Mexican officials, who plan to address their concerns in upcoming international agricultural discussions. The rule's implications for North American trade dynamics, market segmentation, and the broader agricultural economy are significant, with various stakeholders calling for dialogue and reconsideration of the rule's impact. As the implementation date approaches, the conversation around the "Product of USA" labeling rule continues, highlighting the delicate balance between consumer information, trade relations, and the global competitiveness of North American agriculture.

By: Farms.com The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and its member Rural Municipalities (RMs) have offered their thoughts on this year’s provincial budget, pointing out both strengths and areas needing improvement. Ray Orb, the president of SARM, expressed a positive view of the budget, noting it addresses many priorities for rural Saskatchewan, particularly in agriculture. The budget’s record investment in agriculture, including funding for the Business Risk Management program, additional weather stations, and the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project, was specifically applauded. This project, a significant focus for SARM, promises enhanced crop diversity and profitability through irrigation, receiving a promising investment of $20 million. However, concerns were raised about the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) funding. Despite a slight increase, the rising costs of maintaining rural infrastructure suggest a need for greater support. SARM is calling for additional funding to ensure the effective maintenance of rural roads and bridges, essential for economic activity in these communities. He emphasized the necessity of ongoing government collaboration to tackle challenges in agricultural sustainability, health care, rural policing, and infrastructure investments. As Saskatchewan’s largest rural municipality association, SARM remains dedicated to advocating for the needs and prosperity of rural communities, aiming to work together with the government to address these critical areas.

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.

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.

Corteva Agriscience has launched a new herbicide for wheat and barley growers in the black and grey soil zones from Manitoba to British Columbia. Extinguish XL, which is available for the 2024 season, combines two systemic auxin-type herbicides (Group 4) and an ALS enzyme inhibitor-type herbicide (Group 2) in a pre-mix formulation. “This is a high performing, broad spectrum broadleaf herbicide,” Jason Smith, portfolio marketing manager for cereal herbicides with Corteva Agriscience, told Farms.com. “It’s a nice marriage between high performance and ease of use that farmers are looking for when making decisions around herbicide.” Extinguish XL provides control of weeds like flixweed (up to 8 leaf & 8 cm in height), Canada fleabane (up to 15 cm in height) and velvetleaf (up to the 5-leaf stage). It can also suppress weeds like white cockle and perennial sow-thistle. The herbicide can be tank mixed with products like Axial, Everest 3.0 and Tandem. The recommended application rate is 337ml/ac. One jug will cover about 20 acres and one case will provide coverage on about 40 acres. And its wide application window provides farmers with flexibility when using this post-emerge product. “We’d be looking at the two-leaf stage just before the fl

By Farms.com Alberta's journey towards renewable energy has been under scrutiny over the past few months. The Alberta Utilities Commission recently released a report highlighting the minimal impact of renewable energy development on agriculture and the environment. The findings come at a crucial time, shortly after the government lifted a moratorium on new renewable energy projects, signaling a brighter future for the province's green energy sector. The report, requested by the United Conservative government, addresses public concerns about the agricultural land loss and environmental repercussions tied to the rise of solar and wind energy projects. It reassuringly estimates that even if renewable projects were to occupy some of Alberta's prime land, the loss would constitute less than one per cent by 2041. Further easing worries, the commission points out that renewable projects present "well-understood and relatively contained reclamation risks" compared to other industrial developments. These projects are unlikely to significantly affect groundwater or cause off-site contamination, positioning renewables as a safer alternative for Alberta's landscapes. The analysis extends beyond environmental concerns, touching on the effect of renewables on "pristine viewscapes" and the financial implications of reclamation. It suggests that the current regulatory framework is equipped to manage these challenges, although recommendations for clearer reclamation timing and financial assurances were made. Critics of the government's restrictive stance on renewable development find vindication in the report's conclusions. It dismantles previously voiced concerns, advocating for a nuanced, case-by-case approach to managing renewable energy projects. This perspective encourages leveraging Alberta's natural resources—wind and sunlight—especially in regions where these elements are most abundant, without blanket restrictions that could stifle innovation and investment. As Alberta moves forward, the report underscores the importance of balancing renewable energy growth with agricultural preservation and environmental stewardship. It represents a step towards reconciling economic development with ecological responsibility, ensuring that Alberta remains at the forefront of sustainable energy practices in Canada.

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.

B.C.’s government is providing more support to help farmers manage drought conditions. On March 18, Premier David Eby announced an additional $80 million in funding through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program. The program, originally launched with a $20 million investment in 2023, provides incentives for the ag sector to invest in water infrastructure for adaptation. Since the program started, it has helped support 108 projects ranging from water storage to water supply systems for irrigation and livestock. The latest Canadian Drought Monitor shows most of B.C. experiencing some level of drought. “Climate change – and drought in particular – makes it tough to secure water for animals, crops and feed, and it makes food more expensive for everyone,” Premier Eby said in a statement. “Our government heard the call for help from farmers. This money will help build water storage and buy the equipment farmers tell us they need to keep providing the food we all depend on.” In addition to the $80 million for the water infrastructure support, another $3 million will be used to host regional workshops to provide education and best practices in drought-affected communities.