8 The Northern Horizon, May 9, 2014
Reaping More than You Sow: Three Keys to Protecting Your Farm and Maximizing Your Profits The business of modern farming goes around the clock, but the springtime is particularly busy. With this time of year comes a wide array of responsibilities, including everything from staffing and planting to planning distribution. And while you may not be able to entirely predict things like the weather or crop yield, you can plan
for the unexpected and make the most out of your bottom line. Here’s how: Ensure you are protected A recent Western Financial Group study showed that only onequarter of Canadians who live on a farm say they have purchased farm insurance in the past year. Do you have the right coverage? “Given the
nature of farming, there are so many things to think about when it comes to insurance,” explains Jennifer Appleby, Branch Manager for Western Financial Group in Dawson Creek. “Is your property covered against inclement or extreme weather? Do you have an adequate amount of protection on all of the farm implements? Are
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• Improves crop quality and yields. • Improves natural resistance to pests and drought. • Suppresses soil borne pathogens reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fungicides. • Minimizes the impact of pH extremes. • Improves water management within soil.
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• Makes NPK more available to plants. • Increases yield and quality. • Earlier maturing crop. • Foliar spray application. • Mixes with all herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides for one pass application.
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your farm buildings protected? These are very important questions and the best way to answer them is by consulting your broker.” Look after your employees You do your best to create a safe work environment; however, farming comes with its own unique dangers, not just for you but for the people in your employ. Your employees – both full-time and seasonal – are one of the keys to your business’s success, so it’s vital to make sure they have all of the necessary coverage in case they are hurt on the farm. Again, start by speaking to a professional directly. Make the most out of tax provisions Though this year’s
Dawson Creek, BC 250-782-4449
FOSTER’S SEED & FEED Beaverlodge, AB 780-354-2107
LYNDON POPOVITCH Fairview, AB 780-835-0114
Stan Mracek Cell: 250-782-0220 Email: info@agrow Website. www.agrow-guard.com
most difficult work is still ahead of you, there is something you can do now – or consider for next year – that will be hugely beneficial: how you approach your
We Buy & Sell ALL grades of: Canola ★ Oats Barley ★ Wheat Tel: 250-782-4449 Toll Free: 1-866-782-4449 Fax: (250) 782-4429
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Dealer Network AGRO SOURCE
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Jennifer Appleby, an industry veteran with almost 30 years of experience, is available for interviews to discuss insurance matters
taxes. The Canadian Revenue Agency has many policies in place that can help farmers. Interestingly, even if you’re not a full-time farmer, you may still qualify for certain tax breaks, provided you engage in things like racehorse maintenance, beekeeping, or even raising fish. Do your due diligence and see if you qualify for any additional breaks. Whatever you farm, you work hard all year long, looking after details great and small. Part of that should entail ensuring that you safeguard yourself, your property, and your employees against the unexpected and you do all you can to make the most of your revenue. That starts with knowing where you stand.
Seed Production Contracts Available
BUYING AND PAYING COMPETITIVE PRICES FOR ALL FORAGE AND TURF SPECIES
Production Manager Business: 1-780-765-3069 Direct: 1-204-229-3397 Email: Kerry.Dusik@brettyoung.ca
Dwight Goddard
General Manager, Rycroft Facility Business: 1-780-765-3069 Direct: 1-780-765-3079 Email: Dwight.Goddard@brettyoung.ca
Box #100, Rycroft, AB T0H 3A0 Fax:1 (780) 765-3960 • Toll Free:1 (800) 661-1289 • www.brettyoung.ca
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Ask about our canola, BioBoost, forage, corn and turf products.
Kerry Dusik