Better Farming - November 2016

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6 FarmNews First > Better Farming November 2016
Cover photos: Kyle Rodriguez
German Shepherd: esp2k/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
Indiana, one of my family’s dogs, was perhaps
similar to the pets found in many farm house-
holds. She wasn’t a purebred; rather, she was a
German shepherd cross. And while she was
certainly a family pet, she was also expected to
contribute to the household.
She served as a guard dog for our home and
barnyard, although, truth be told, Indy per-
formed this role with varying levels of success.
She certainly barked to announce the arrival of
any unfamiliar vehicles or equipment. And,
given her breed, she may have looked a bit
intimidating to some visitors. But for those individuals brave enough to get out of
their vehicles, Indy’s chosen method of attack was a ferocious lick or two.
Indy was better suited to protecting the family from the uninvited animals that
made it onto the property. Many a time we would go outside to find out why she
was barking and would discover that she’d ‘treed’ yet another critter – a racoon, a
squirrel, and even the neighbour’s cat.
Sadly, Indy passed earlier this fall.
It seems fitting that while I’ve been trying to process her death (loss never gets
any easier on the farm, despite the periodic exposure), I’ve read JimAlgie’s
feature article on farm dogs. It explores the roles dogs play in farm operations and
households and outlines some tips to help ensure their safety. I hope you enjoy
Algie’s article – and the rest of the magazine. Maybe his article will also allow you
to reflect on the dogs (and cats) who are, or have been, part of your family. BF
ANDREA M. GAL
Corn Heat Unit accumulation ceases once the first
killing frost occurs at -2 C, or when the average
daily temperature for three consecutive days falls
below 12.8 C. This year, Windsor fell into the latter
camp. In total, Windsor had a huge CHU accumu-
lation of 4,000 - well above the normal accumula-
tion of 3,612. Mount Forest had a frost on Oct. 10,
ending the growing season at a CHU of 3,231 -
which is 203 CHU ahead of its 30 year average.
Overall, the province received ample heat to mature
the crops.
In locations where rainfall was timely, soybean yields were exceptional,
falling in the 50- to 60-bushel per acre range. The fall weather supported a
rapid soybean harvest.
In terms of the corn crop, Essex County farmers reported some excellent
early yields at 240 bushels per acre. Other growers reported yields in the 175-
to 200-bushel range. Warmer weather assisted in drying the corn to levels less
than 21 per cent moisture. Typically, corn moisture levels would be above 28
per cent in the midfall. The lower moisture offers farmers an opportunity to
save $40.00 or more per acre on drying costs. BF
Dale Cowan is a senior agronomist with AGRIS Wanstead Cooperatives. Data
from WIN and the Ag Grower Daily Dashboard Program.
FARMWEATHER REPORT
Seasonal CHU accumulation and yields
BEHIND THE LINES
Reflecting on one of my farm dogs
Stacey Newman/iStock/Getty Images
Plus photo
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The business of Ontario agriculture
Correction: Herrle’s Country Farm Market is an on-farm market and a
member of the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association. Incorrect informa-
tion appeared on page 23 of the September 2016 edition of Better Farming.