Committed to Sustainable Growth
With strategy and passion, Troy Monea and his family are building a lasting legacy in agriculture
THE NEW GENERATION OF HANDLING
Introducing the new 2045CR Conveyor and the TL1346 Auger from Meridian. The 2045CR is more than a ‘Canola Capable’ machine. It features an upgraded drive roller, a 12,000BPH capacity, and with only five rollers, it has fewer moving parts than the competition.
The revolutionary TL1346 is our largest Truck Load Auger, and features the new Meridian Hydraulic Drive. Equipped with a 74HP diesel, suspended flighting with hanger bearings, and a hydraulic drive, this is our fastest, quietest, and safest auger yet.
LEAVE THE TRACTOR IN THE SHED.
SELF-PROPELLED. SELF-CONTAINED. HYDRAULIC DRIVE.
Free up equipment and space on your yard with Convey-All’s SPSO Conveyors. These high-capacity, heavy duty conveyors are user friendly and high performance. Combine our Bin Fill Conveyors with a Convey-All Transfer Conveyor or Swing Out for ultimate efficiency. This harvest, count on Convey-All Conveyors for your handling needs.
ANGELA LOVELL
A Farmer’s Viewpoint
a Parts Person by Kevin
Hursh
Market Analysis Maximizing Returns by Scott Shiels
Paul Kuntz
Lisa Kopochinski
Spraying 101 Time to Put the Sprayer Away by Tom Wolf
Tech Virtual Fencing Comes to Canadian Ranches by Jaclyn De Candio
Succession When a Farmer Dies, Who Gets What? by Nerissa McNaughton
Jaclyn De Candio
KEVIN HURSH
TOM WOLF
SCOTT SHIELS
PAUL KUNTZ
The 400 Series Invest in performance.
INNOVATIVE FARMING HAS ITS REWARDS
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We’re rewarding FCC customers like you, who are using smart, sustainable practices on the farm. Think of it like a bonus for a job well done. Your wallet will thank you, and so will the next generation of farmers.
Learn all the details at fcc.ca/SustainabilityPrograms
Scott Shiels
Tom Wolf
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Kevin Hursh, P.Ag.
Kevin Hursh is one of the country’s leading agricultural commentators. He is an agrologist, journalist and farmer. Kevin and his wife Marlene run Hursh Consulting & Communications based in Saskatoon. They also own and operate a farm near Cabri in southwest Saskatchewan growing a wide variety of crops. Kevin writes regular columns for farm publications and can often be heard on Saskatchewan radio stations. In 2021, Kevin received a Distinguished Agrologist Award from the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. In 2023, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame.
X: @KevinHursh1
Hug a Parts Person
Here’s a shout-out and a big thank you to all the parts people who help keep farm equipment running during the busy seasons.
Service techs and mechanics are the front-line heroes, making service calls, answering phones and replying to text messages. There are not enough hours in the day for these people during busy times. Some are absolute magicians.
Meanwhile, the skills of the people at the parts counter often go unrecognized.
Even using your wildest imagination, it’s still often shocking to see the price tag on parts, particularly specialized parts. The people helping us out aren’t the ones setting the atrocious prices we have to pay, although they are on the front line for complaints and snide remarks.
The GPS motor and/or terrain compensation box on our secondary combine gave up the ghost. When we tracked down a replacement, it cost $4,800. Talking to the parts person over the phone, I exclaimed it was more than the old combine. Sorry about that brief outburst.
Parts people work in a world of different models, the need for serial numbers for part upgrades midyear, and schematics that aren’t always that easy to read as they try to decipher just what it is you need. When they don’t have the part at the dealership, they need to track down where and how they can get it.
In the harvest season, we had an abnormally high number of repairs. It often seemed like we were doing more repairing than combining. The list of parts included 80-gauge roller chain that the local co-op didn’t carry, various bearings and pillow blocks, specialized knife guards, combine shoe arms and bolts, various belts and hydraulic hoses.
Sometimes when you call the parts store, the lines are all busy. Other times, you catch a parts person as they are hoping to escape for the day. Most stores have drop boxes, so you can pay for the part and they’ll leave it for after-hours pickup.
Even using your wildest imagination, it’s still often shocking to see the price tag on parts, particularly specialized parts. The people helping us out aren’t the ones setting the atrocious prices we have to pay, although they are on the front line for complaints and snide remarks.
After working for many years at a parts counter, some become highly proficient, even remembering the numbers for common parts. Most will go the extra mile to get you up and running again.
A bearing in an idler pulley on the serpentine fan belt decided to fail on our main combine. It wrecked the belt
and rendered the combine inoperable. The combine has a Cat engine and parts for this particular engine haven’t been readily available.
The computer showed the needed serpentine belt was at a dealership 2.5 hours from the farm. That’s a lot of wasted time driving, but what else can you do? As far as the idler pulley with various components and two bearings, the computer showed only a couple in captivity and they were both in the U.S.
When I got to the dealership, which I’d never been to before, the belt was there as promised and the parts person had started making phone calls to find out where an idler pulley might be located. After a few dead ends, he remembered the previous owner of the dealership had kept many assorted replacement parts. Sure enough, at a shop across the highway, the fully assembled idler pulley was found in its original box.
“Don’t really know what to charge you,” said the shop owner. “How about $125?”
What a deal! And since he wasn’t set up to take credit cards, he just wrote a name and address on a scrap of paper so we could mail him a cheque. I couldn’t have been happier as I headed back to the farm to get the combine operational again.
Scott Shiels
Maximizing Returns
With harvest now behind us, and a better-than-expected crop in the bin, it is now time to start the fun job of marketing the crop that wasn’t pre-booked somewhere earlier. With political strife (I’m not going into that again) around the globe, it’s going to be a difficult year to ensure we are putting black ink on the bottom line with many crops. I have a few suggestions that can hopefully help maximize your returns, not only in this crop year, but every year ahead.
By Angela Lovell
Scott Shiels grew up in Killarney, Man. and has been in the grain industry for 30 years. He has worked with Grain Millers Canada for 10 years and manages procurement for both conventional and organic oats for their Canadian operation.
Scott is an elected board member for Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan and sits on several other committees on both the organic and conventional sides of the oat industry. Scott and his wife Jenn live on an acreage near Yorkton, Sask. Find out more at www. grainmillers.com.
The first thing – and this is imperative – is to get good-sized accurate samples of everything you have in the bin. As a grain buyer for over 30 years, I cannot even come close to counting the times I have had to speak to a producer regarding the load delivered, and how it – in no way, shape or form – looks anything like the sample they brought in earlier. Now, I’m not suggesting any kind of wilful wrongdoing, at least in most cases, but grabbing a quick sample from the door of a 10,000-bushel bin isn’t going to cut it most of the time. Being that we are past harvest (the easiest time to get a good accurate sample of each bin is when you are filling it), you will need to physically turn your bins to sample them, or at the very least take a full load out and sample that, then return it to the bin. This is also a very good practice after harvest is complete, just to ensure that your grain is still in as good of condition as when you put it in there.
The next step is contacting potential buyers and then getting samples to them in a timely fashion. One of the issues that we have already experienced this year in some crops is that buyer demand is strong, but the volume of that demand is limited. Crops like oats, flax and other smaller acreage specialty crops tend to see certain delivery windows (fall for instance) fill in very short order. Millers, crushers and other end users will go to market early and fill up as quickly as they can to ensure that their operations do not run out of product, and these are usually your premium-priced markets. On the other hand, the line elevators that buy many different crops tend to have a bid on a few at all times, but generally these bids are not as lucrative as the prices available earlier from the end users.
Whether you have contracts in place with the buyers you submit samples to or not, it is very important to get samples into a few hands to make sure that you know the quality of the product in your bins. Oftentimes, buyers will go to the list of previously submitted samples when they need to buy something, and the only producers that will even hear of the bid will be the ones already on that list. I know that when we are looking for oats or flax, the first growers we talk to are the ones that have brought in samples and made the effort to make that connection with us. In many cases, these connections spark the beginning of very good working relationships into the future. Until next time…
Paul Kuntz
Paul Kuntz is the owner of Wheatland Financial. He offers financial consulting and debt broker services. Paul is also an advisor with Global Ag Risk Solutions. He can be reached through wheatlandfinancial.ca.
How to Get Cash Without Selling Your Grain
When commodity prices dip, we tend to want to stop selling grain. The bills do not stop coming though and we always need cash to operate.
I am not a grain market expert. These strategies that I am going to talk about are ways to not sell your grain today in hopes that tomorrow will bring a better price. History has shown us that this does not always happen. But if you are wanting to hold on to your grain, I will go over a few tips.
The first thing I want to discuss is forward selling your grain. For many of you, this is common practice, but for some of you, this is seen as a big risk. There is risk involved in forward selling grain that you have not grown yet, but there is risk in doing nothing as well. Let’s say between loan payments, land rent and harvest expenses you need $500,000 from September 1 to December 1. If it is March 1, you know you have already committed to spending $500,000 six months from now. You have made contracts to spend that money. We never seem to think of that as a risk, but you have made a contract to spend money. You need to offset that contract to spend money with a contract to earn money.
I know there is a risk of crop failure and contract buyout fees, but you need to be realistic. Look at your historical production records. If you lock in 10 bushels/acre of canola, when was the last time (if ever) you grew less than 10 bushels/acre of canola? Yes, there is a risk, but you need to make a calculated risk assessment.
Again, I am not saying that locking in your crop price in spring for a fall delivery is the right thing to do. But historically speaking, this would be the best way to sell crop off the combine and get a good price.
If you are not going to sell but you need cash, we are left with a few other options. The first is a cash advance. Through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, we have access to the Advance Payments Program. This program seems to have only two sides: those who love it and those who refuse to use it. I recommend that every producer who has access to it should use it. This program is one of the few ways the government supports us as farmers. This program allows producers to get up to $1,000,000 in an advance against grain. The first $250,000 is interest free. Then, as you sell grain, you repay it. The program is simple to use and you can get cash even before you seed a crop. Many of my clients use this program every year. They take a spring cash advance and then top it up with a stored grain advance once harvest is complete.
Making every drop count. Recovering. Recycling. Reusing.
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With 37 EcoCentres, nearly 100 drop-off points and over 30 registered collectors province-wide, we have one of the best recycling networks in the country, let's use it!
Other clients refuse to use the program because when you sell grain, you do not get all the money. I think this is an unreasonable excuse to not use the program. I also feel that we need to show the federal government that we are using this program so they do not take it away. I think government officials use this program as a barometer to measure the financial well-being of our industry. When our lobbyists are in Ottawa asking for more support, the government will look to the cash advance program. If we are not fully utilizing this program, it is easy for them to reply: “It does not appear your industry is using the programs you have; why would you need more support?” Please use this program.
If you have already used the cash advance program (or perhaps you are ineligible), then you need to look toward operating debt to pay the bills. All farms use some operating debt, so this is not new. What we are talking about here is additional operating debt that has a specific term limit like three to six months and it is over and above your line of credit. This can be a great way to generate cash while you wait for markets to rise.
In the past couple of years, interest rates have risen and one area that has been particularly hit is operating debt. We are seeing our agriculture retailers’ in-house credit running at close to 10 per cent. We need to be sure that this exercise is not costing more money than it is worth. If you need $500,000 for six months and the interest rate is going to be eight per cent, you need to be sure that this pays off. The cost of borrowing that money will be $20,000. If you had 37,000 bushels of canola to sell and the price was around $13.50/bushel, you could sell it and get the $500,000 you need. If you borrow the money for six months and you spend $20,000 in interest, that canola will have to sell for $14.05/ bushel just to break even.
If you look at wheat, there is more of an upside with this commodity. You would need to sell 77,000 bushels of wheat at $6.50/bushel to get $500,000. If you spent $20,000 in interest, the price of wheat only has to rise to around $6.77/ bushel to break even. Neither of these takes into account the risk of storing the grain.
The last strategy is selling the grain but using the futures market to buy it back to participate in future gains. Again, I need to stress I am not a grain market expert and I am not predicting that grain prices will get better. What I am explaining are strategies you can use if you think the market will improve. The first step is to find a commodity broker. You would think that living in a place like Western Canada where we grow billions of bushels of grain, finding a commodity broker would be easy. It is not. There are not a lot of them around. But you need to find one and interview them to make sure you trust them and that they will look out for you.
A lot of these strategies deal with using the options market. This is a less risky way to participate in the futures markets. You do not actually buy any grain; you buy a right to buy it (or sell it). You pay a price for the option up front and that is the limit to your financial exposure. If it turns out you were wrong, then all you have spent is what your option cost you. If you were right, then your options can be sold for a price more than what you paid for. The bad part about options is that you always leave a little money on the table. If you have an option to buy canola for $13.50/bushel and the price of canola is $14/bushel, you do not get $.50/bushel for your option. That is what it is worth, but someone has to bid on it and buy it so they might bid $.40/bushel. You also need a very active market to make options trading possible and some markets are just not that active.
The commodity that I believe is the best to protect with the futures market is HRSW. We sell our wheat in Western Canada off the Minneapolis exchange of spring wheat. If it goes up a penny, our price goes up a penny (actually it goes up more because it trades in USD). It is also a huge active market with many transactions every day. If you truly believe that the price of your wheat will be higher in the next six months, you can sell all of it today, get the cash to pay your bills, and then with the help of your broker, buy all of your wheat back with a futures contract. You can use the brokerage’s money to do most of the buying through what is called a margin account. This is a fancy name for a line of credit. You put up a little bit of money and they put up the rest. The risk in this strategy is that you now own all of that wheat again and if the price goes lower, you will have to pay that difference. If you buy all of your wheat back at
$6.50/bushel and eventually you sell it for $6.25/bushel, then you have to pay $.25/bushel. My argument against that risk is that you were willing to take that risk, anyway. If you have the ability to sell wheat today for $6.50/bushel but instead you wait until it is $6.25/bushel, you are no further ahead or behind.
There are other things that could go wrong that your broker will explain, but again I think it is a calculated risk. Every day, millions of bushels of grain are bought and sold on the markets without devastating consequences. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but rarely is there a wreck. No different from our own grain marketing activities.
I also think this is the best way to understand markets. If you buy 20,000 bushels of spring wheat on the Minneapolis exchange, I guarantee you will follow it and learn it. Once you have done it a few times, you will understand the process and see it as less risky.
If you grow oats, barley, peas, lentils, durum, chickpeas, flax, canary seed, mustard … there is no accurate way to buy back your grain. Your broker will show you some markets that you can take a position in that may replicate these commodities, but they will not follow them penny for penny.
As always, I recommend having a plan for money coming in. We are great at planning for money going out. We sign loan agreements with payments over five years; we sign rental agreements on land for five years; we buy fertilizer in July for a crop we are only growing 10 months from now. We need to think about money coming in as well.
STRONG TOGETHER.
Farm Buildings from the Planning Stage
Usability of the farm structure first consideration before construction
By Lisa Kopochinski
When it comes to constructing farm buildings, many components need to be taken into consideration. Designed for agricultural uses, farm buildings serve many purposes such as providing shelter for livestock, storage for equipment and supplies, and space for processing crops. These include barns, stables and silos that must be planned to meet the many specific needs of a farming operation.
Brian Perrier is the operations manager at Prairie Steel, a company located in Clavet, Saskatchewan that provides durable steel products to meet the demanding conditions of the Prairies.
“We don’t construct the buildings, we manufacture them, but considering the type of foundation you will require is important as this will determine what season you can start building in,” explains Perrier. “Our role is about understanding the size of the building, and the complexities required, such as whether you will need a crane or a mezzanine, and if a steel building is required based on your building’s specifications or your preferences. Steel buildings can work with larger spans, higher walls and larger door systems.”
Perrier says buildings that require a poured foundation are limited to a shorter building season than those built on screw piles with a gravel foundation.
“Non-insulated equipment storage sheds can be built much faster than insulated shops with interior liner cladding.”
While Prairie Steel does not construct buildings, the company did manufacture a steel building for Saskatchewan’s Ollerich Farms in 2021.
“It’s a very impressive building. It has two divisions. One is for equipment storage and measures 100x400x26-ft. It has a gravel floor, so the building is built on a screw pile and base tube foundation system with an open web truss steel framing system. The other division is a 60x60-ft. crop-sprayer hangar with a concrete floor. Also, both 400-ft. long sidewalls of the building are expansion ready for a 60-ft. lean-to down each side.”
Remuda Building in Rocky View County designs and constructs custom post frame buildings for farms, homes, acreages, equestrian and commercial projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Massey: An 80x200x22-ft. cold storage building near Eston, Saskatchewan built by Remuda Building. Photo courtesy of Remuda Building
Farm Smart
The best way to weather a storm is to build against it. Your farm’s equipment and livestock are your most valuable investments. Protecting them isn’t a luxury, it’s smart business.
A Remuda building helps you farm more efficiently, with:
Fewer breakdowns and costly repairs by storing machinery indoors.
Extended equipment life that saves you money year after year.
Healthier livestock and higher survival rates with calving barns that shield against the elements.
For farmers in Western Canada, we design and build strong, durable farm structures that deliver generations of value and peace of mind. Protect what matters, build with Remuda. Start farming smarter today. Scan to get your free building quote.
“Generally, we find that clients often outgrow their current building in five years, so it’s an important thing to think about from the start. It’s much more budget-friendly to build a larger structure now, rather than waiting and adding on to the building down the road.”
- Jon Schouten
“The initial stages of planning for a farm building revolve around establishing the constraints for the structure, including things like determining its size and placement of the building on the property,” explains Jon Schouten, sales manager at Remuda Building. “There are important considerations to make at the early stages that set the project up for success down the road.”
For instance, what are the buyer’s current needs, and will they change in the next five years?
“Generally, we find that clients often outgrow their current building in five years, so it’s an important thing to think about from the start. It’s much more budget-friendly to build a larger structure now, rather than waiting and adding on to the building down the road,” explains Schouten.
“To get starting point dimensions for cold storage buildings or machine sheds, consider what type and how many pieces of equipment you’re planning on storing inside. From there, the size can be increased to accommodate additional workspace or other needs.”
He adds that the building’s location has consequences for both functionality and durability. This makes it very important to consider the flow of the farmyard to complement operations and create efficiencies.
“Check to make sure the building site is near any utilities that are needed inside the building. It’s also important to consider the flow of water and drainage of the site. Building on low ground will cause issues with movement of the building and the concrete floor down the road if the ground is wet when it freezes.”
Dean Pawulski is the senior manager, custom buildings, at UFA Co-operative Limited, a Canadian-owned and member-
MacDermid: An 85x200x20-ft. cold storage building near Drumheller, Alberta built by Remuda Building. Photo courtesy of Remuda Building
operated business. UFA farm stores carry animal care products, crop solutions, custom buildings and building supplies, and petroleum products. The company serves Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Pawulski says that when it comes to the planning of a farm building, it is important to answer the five W questions.
“Who will be using the building; what the outbuilding will be used for primarily; when it will be used; where the best location is for the building; and why it is needed or wanted. Trust is also important. We recognize the importance in building long-term lasting relationships with our customer partners. This isn’t a one and done. We are here to support all the way through the project, including after-support.”
Key Components
When asked what key components need to be considered when it comes to constructing farm buildings, Pawulski says the five Ws will help direct much of the customization of the building.
“We want to make sure our customers have a building that will last. Some of the key components offered by UFA are design
four feet on centre to account for wind and snow, and we use a girder truss system that allows bifold doors to open at full building height. Each load-bearing laminated pole is placed on a minimum 10-inch thick concrete footpad and lastly, and maybe most importantly, we offer a five-year guarantee for many of our buildings.”
Pawulski adds that a project with a complex truss system or a building with a large cross section involves more engineering, planning and construction time.
“Safety is of utmost importance to UFA, and our construction partners ensure that the design and construction meet or exceed all building codes and government standards.”
Schouten adds that once the Remuda team has finalized the size and location of the building with the client, creating a structure that stands up to snow and wind loads is essential to provide lasting value.
“Remuda will adjust certain design factors, such as the spacing between posts and trusses and the thickness of posts among other things to ensure a strong building that lasts.”
“Whether the project is a three-wall bale barn or a large elaborate riding area, we treat each project with the same high level of detail.
We observe the highest standards from the initial design phase right through to and including the final inspection.” - Judy Cowan
before construction with the placement or inclusion of key components. Small adjustments can make a big difference, such as:
• Natural Light: In farm buildings, adding windows or polycarbonate panels to walls and equipment doors to light the building is a common feature.
• Equipment Door Size and Placement: It’s essential to make sure any equipment doors are large enough to fit machinery that is stored inside. Creating pull-through access for equipment with doors on multiple sides of the building is a popular feature in cold storage buildings, allowing customers to easily manoeuvre equipment in and out.
• Additional Storage: Workshops – including mezzanines – increase the amount of usable space within the building for additional storage or offices without having to expand the overall footprint of the building.
• Ventilation: Exhaust fans are very effective at clearing fumes and gases from idling vehicles, welding and even livestock in a calving barn, while also controlling the temperature inside the building.
“Shops and barns always take more time to plan and build than cold storage buildings,” says Schouten. “Most often, the designs of shops and barns are more intricate, including things like finished interiors, washrooms, office spaces or other features that are not found in cold storage buildings very often.”
When asked about a specific building Remuda has constructed for a client that stands out, he recalls an 80x200x22-ft. cold storage building in Eston, Sask.
Prairie Steel manufactured a steel building for Ollerich Farms in 2021. It has two divisions –one is for equipment storage and measures 100x400x26 feet. Photo courtesy of Prairie Steel
Featuring the latest seed offerings and trusted performers for 2026
CANOLA
CS4100 LL
LibertyLink® canola hybrid featuring PodProtect™ shatter tolerance for superior straight cut performance and high yield potential. Excellent disease resistance with multigenic blackleg and 1st and 2nd generation clubroot resistance
• Excellent straight cut and yield potential featuring our PodProtect™ trait
• 1st and 2nd generation clubroot resistance including resistance to pathotypes 3A, 3D and 3H
• R-E2,G blackleg resistance
• Mid-season hybrid suitable for all growing zones
CS4000 LL
High-yielding, LibertyLink® canola hybrid with clubroot and blackleg resistance and excellent harvestability
• Straight cut harvest option
• 1st generation clubroot resistance including resistance to pathotype 3H; R to blackleg
• Outstanding early-season vigour
• Mid-season hybrid suitable for all growing zones
CS4100
CS3300 TF
High-yielding, early-maturity TruFlex® canola hybrid featuring PodProtect™ for excellent pod shatter protection. Includes 1st generation clubroot resistance and multigenic blackleg resistance
• Excellent straight cut and yield potential featuring our PodProtect™ trait
• 1st generation clubroot resistance including resistance to pathotype 3H; R-A,E2 blackleg resistance
• Very good standability
• Early-season hybrid suitable for short-season growing zones or to add harvest timing flexibility in all zones
CS2600 CR-T
Early-season TruFlex® canola hybrid with enhanced clubroot resistance and excellent straight cut performance
• Straight cut harvest option
• 1st and 2nd generation clubroot resistance including resistance to pathotypes 3A, 3D and 3H
• Blackleg resistance R-C
• Early-season hybrid for short-season zones or for harvest flexibility
CR-T
CANTERRA SEEDS works with independent, local trial cooperators across Western Canada to give you unbiased performance data on our top-performing canola hybrids.
We test our current and up-and-coming canola hybrids in over 100 Independent Trials against leading competitors to ensure we have top-performing hybrids for your farm.
WHEAT
CS Baker
Canada Western Red Spring
High-yielding, short-stature wheat with excellent milling quality and upcoming inclusion in the Warburtons program
• High yield
• Short, strong straw (-5 cm)
• MR to stem rust, I to FHB
• Part of the Warburtons program starting 2026
CS Baker
CDC Envy
Hard Red Spring Wheat
CDC Envy is an exciting new CWRS that is early maturing, high yielding semi-dwarf with good standability
• Yields of 114% of the mean of check cultivars in the 20182020 Parkland Coop Trials
• Early maturity
• Semi-dwarf
• Good lodging resistance
• Excellent disease package
CS Breadwinner
Canada Western Red Spring
Broadly adapted, high-yield spring wheat with good disease resistance and protein improvements
• High yield potential
• Excellent disease resistance, MR to FHB
• Improved protein content
• Average height with good straw strength
CDC Evident
Durum Wheat
It will be [CDC] Evident that durum growers will choose this variety to grow as soon as possible. CDC Evident is the newest, highest-yielding CWAD currently registered and looks very strong in all durum growing areas
• High grain yield; yielding higher than all check cultivars in the Western Canadian Durum Coops 2021-2022
• Disease resistance; R to leaf, stem and stripe rust and common bunt
• Excellent end use suitability
Data compiled from 2024 MCVET, SKVPG, ABRVT programs
Data compiled from 2024 SKVPG and ABRVT trial program
CS Camden
White Milling Oat
Grower and miller approved with exceptional yields and improved quality
• Very high yields
• Shorter stature with very good lodging resistance
• High leaf biomass suitable for the forage and silage growers in addition to its excellent milling characteristics
CDC Endure
Oats
CDC Endure sets the benchmark for yield and quality in oats across Western Canada and is the variety that growers will choose for many years
• Top yielding oat variety across all of Western Canada outyielding AC Morgan and CS Camden in 2024 MCVET, SKVPG and ARVT trials
• Strong standability
• Earlier maturity than CS Camden
• High test weights
• Consistently high Beta-glucan content
BARLEY
AB Maximizer
2-Row Feed and Forage Barley
Early, high-yield forage barley with strong forage quality and improved lodging
• High grain and forage yield potential
• Rough awned
• Excellent forage quality
• Solid disease resistance package
AAC Lariat
2-Row Feed Barley
Short feed barley with high plumpness, disease resistance, and significant yield advantage over CDC Austenson
• Very high yield
• Plumper seed
• Short strong straw
• Excellent Standability
YELLOW PEAS
AAC Beyond
Yellow Pea
An early maturing, high yielding pea, with higher protein content suitable for all markets
• Very high yields
• High protein content
• Early maturity
CDC 5791
Yellow Pea
A promising new yellow pea with a unique combination of very high yield and protein content making it suitable for the plantbased protein market
• Very high yield potential
• High protein content
• Very low seed coat breakage
Seed
CDC Engage
Yellow Pea
The next yield engagement is here. CDC Engage boasts enhanced yields, improved protein content and reduced seed coat breakage over current checks
• Improved yield (104%) compared to the mean of yellow checks - AAC Lacombe and CDC Amarillo
• Greater seed protein concentration than the checks
• Low seed coat breakage percentage, less than checks
• Good lodging resistance, similar to checks
CDC 5845
Yellow Pea
CDC 5845 comes to Alliance Seed from the Limagrain/ Saskatchewan Pulse Growers collaboration. CDC 5845 will provide growers with a boost in yield over typical yellow pea checks along with improved protein content and an improved seed coat breakage
• High yield; increased yield at 104% of average of the checks
• Improved seed coat breakage compared to checks
• Protein 0.9% vs. the CDC Amarillo check
Data
Data compiled from 2024 MCVET, SKVPG, ABRVT
The season ahead begins long before the first seeds hit the ground. At Alliance Seed, we know your decision today shapes every step from planting to harvest. That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside you with varieties that deliver dependable performance, strong agronomics, and the disease resistance you count on.
This year, we’re excited to open a new chapter. While we’ve joined forces with CANTERRA SEEDS, Alliance Seed remains the same brand you know and trust— focused on serving Western Canadian farmers with seed built for your fields. What’s changing is the opportunity to bring you even more: more innovation, more support, and more ways to help unlock your farm’s full potential.
Here’s to another growing season filled with promise. Every seed starts a story.
“This cold storage project was built on a multigenerational farm whose fleet of equipment and implements was passed down from previous generations. This equipment is in good running order and still meets the demands of modern farming.”
He says many farmers have felt the increased costs of new equipment due to increased complexity, tariffs and other supply chain issues, causing the operators of multigenerational farms to elect to work with the equipment they have.
“By investing in this cold storage building, they protect existing equipment from deterioration and damage to extend its lifespan. Being able to keep the existing equipment running has meant that the farm can continue operating without needing to update equipment in the foreseeable future.”
When asked the same question, Judy Cowan, UFA’s building sales representative for central Alberta adds, “Our portfolio consists of farm, acreage, barndominiums, commercial and light industrial projects and aircraft hangars. We pride ourselves in understanding our customer base. Whether the project is a three-wall bale barn or a large elaborate riding area, we treat each project with the same high level of detail. We observe the highest standards from the initial design phase right through to and including the final inspection.”
COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
BY ANGELA LOVELL
The Monea family, left to right, Troy, Tantyn, Grayson, Holly and Nashton.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARCIE GOUDREAU PHOTOGRAPHY
The Monea family has grown their diversified agricultural enterprise west of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, by never losing sight of their long-term vision: “Working together to feed the world in a safe and sustainable manner.”
Today, Troy Monea successfully manages 32 quarters of grain and pastureland, has an Angus-Simmental influenced cow/calf herd, and runs G&T Custom Farming Ltd., which provides custom farming and trucking services in central Alberta. The secret to keeping it all running smoothly: clear insight, a solid team, planning for the future, and embracing innovation and technology.
Growing up on the farm, Monea’s big goal was to expand the operation while working with modern farm equipment. “All I wanted to do as a young child was farm,” he says. “And I got a lot of trust from my dad to do things from an early age.” He began driving a self-propelled bale wagon at 10 years old, helping build what would later become a multifaceted agricultural business.
Troy’s parents, Gerry and Chris Monea, purchased the family farm in 1974, after relocating from Calgary. They started with just three-quarters of grain land, some pastureland and a herd of purebred Limousin cattle.
Though initially small, the farm quickly grew roots in custom work when Gerry bought a self-propelled bale wagon. A young Troy began hauling hay and custom baling for neighbours, then expanded into silage, combining and trucking services.
G&T Custom Farming Ltd. was founded in 1993, and the family’s passion for agriculture inspired the company vision to “consistently exceed customer expectations through a team of highly motivated employees, and to provide services that are environmentally safe and economically sound.”
Today, the company has an extensive line of modern equipment, allowing it to provide cost-effective crop application services to farming businesses, with a focus on planting, fertilizer application, crop protection, forage harvesting (including grain and corn), harvesting and field preparation. The company also offers a full range of trucking services for the transportation of gravel, grain, oilseeds, fertilizer, hay, heavy equipment, rig mats and frac sand.
Expanding with strategy and timing
For many years, the farm’s land base remained relatively modest. But at just 18 years old, Monea took a bold step forward – purchasing his first quarter section and setting in motion a journey of expansion built on resilience and determination.
“This area is incredibly competitive when it comes to land acquisition,” Monea says. “Every sector of agriculture is actively expanding, and international buyers often see our land as affordable compared to prices back home. That perspective drives demand even higher. It’s a completely different mindset, and one that can make it increasingly difficult for local producers to compete.”
Despite the challenges, Monea sees the upside. “It’s exciting to see so many farmers optimistic about the future of agriculture,” he adds. “That kind of energy drives innovation and growth across the industry.”
By 2007, after Monea and his wife, Holly, started their family, the road to expansion still felt uncertain. Land was scarce and prices continued to climb. Monea even began exploring options in Saskatchewan, where farmland was more attainable. But just as he considered making the move, opportunity came knocking, and it was closer to home than he could have ever imagined.
“By chance, I drove past a piece of land just six miles from home – land we pass by every day – and saw a ‘For Sale’ sign,” he recalls. “It was a high six figures for all three quarters, which, at the time, seemed steep. But this purchase would double our farm’s size. I called the realtor immediately. Within two hours, she told me we had an accepted offer; we were first on the list, and there were seven backup offers, all higher. That deal changed
everything. It gave us the equity, the momentum and the confidence to grow. It was the turning point.”
Since that pivotal moment, the farm has continued to grow, a reflection of Monea’s strategic vision and steady commitment to sustainable growth. Even as the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, he remains grounded in the advice he received early on from the farmers he looked up to.
“I used to ask experienced farmers, ‘If you could go back and do one thing differently, what would it be?’ And almost all of them said the same thing: ‘I would have bought more land.’ When I asked why they didn’t, the answer was always either they didn’t have the money, or the land seemed too expensive at the time,” he says. “It’s no different today. Land that was $400,000 or $500,000 a quarter less than five years ago is now over a million. But bold moves made with intention are what create opportunities.”
Building a team and a system
Running multiple enterprises across thousands of acres requires more than just equipment; it takes people and systems. Monea employs 10 to 16 seasonal workers and maintains a core team of 10 year-round. His wife, Holly, manages the books and administration, while his sister-in-law, Amy, handles logistics and dispatch for the trucking division.
“Everybody we haul for loves dealing with Amy because
The company also offers a full range of trucking services for the transportation of gravel, grain, oilseeds, fertilizer, hay, heavy equipment, rig mats and frac sand.
“I used to ask experienced farmers, ‘If you could go back and do one thing differently, what would it be?’ And almost all of them said the same thing: ‘I would have bought more land.’” - Troy Monea
she’s organized and plans ahead,” says Monea. “And Holly’s detailed approach to the finances ensures we make sound decisions backed by data.”
Even their three sons, Tantyn (17), Nashton (15) and Grayson (13) are actively involved and share their father’s passion for farming and machinery. With succession already in mind, Monea says, “We needed to continue to grow the farm with sustainability and the next generation in mind.”
Technology at the core of decision-making
One of the biggest enablers of growth has been technology. From the shop to the office, innovation touches every aspect of the business.
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“All our equipment is trackable from my phone. I can monitor speeds, diagnose issues and access real-time billing data for custom work. Accuracy matters. We need to be confident in our data and in how we are managing the needs of our customers.
Technology and detailed recordkeeping allows us to be precise and transparent.”
- Troy Monea
“All our equipment is trackable from my phone. I can monitor speeds, diagnose issues and access real-time billing data for custom work,” he explains. “Accuracy matters. We need to be confident in our data and in how we are managing the needs of our customers. Technology and detailed recordkeeping allows us to be precise and transparent.”
On the crop side, data collection from GPS-enabled equipment and integrated farm management software supports everything from seeding to harvesting. When considering equipment upgrades, data drives the decision.
“That’s how we justified upgrading to the John Deere X9 combine,” he says. “After running a demo and feeding its productivity and fuel data into our system, it was an easy decision to upgrade. This decision allowed us to downsize from three combines to two and improved efficiency.”
With such a strong interest in equipment and technology, it’s not surprising that Monea sits on the industry advisory committee for Agri-Trade, one of North America’s premier farm equipment shows.
Smart marketing and risk mitigation
Monea does all the marketing and knows there’s no substitute for keeping a close eye on the markets and understanding the factors influencing them. He relies on market analysis, agronomy and intuition to choose crops. “You’ve got to understand your own farm’s cost of
The next Monea generation: Tantyn, Grayson and Nashton.
Holly Monea manages the books and administration, allowing Troy to focus on other business aspects.
TAKE THE CRANKING OUT OF YOUR TRAILER LANDING GEAR
• Quick. Easy Install • Use a 12V cordless drill to operate your landing gear
• Can be used for the heaviest of loads such as oversize equipment
• EZ Lift will lift as much as you can crank by hand
• Michel’s offers 2 different brackets to cover most trailers. Some trailers may require specialized brackets that Michel’s will custom-build
• Safely monitor loading of graintrailer from inside your cab
• Less trips up and down a potentially slippery ladder
• Automatic lifts and lowers when rolling tarp system
• High-quality wireless camera and monitors
EZ Opener
• Grain auger and conveyor kits, as well as cameras for all different applications
• EZ Opener • Operates using the 200 Series wireless remote
• Set chute limits when programming
• LED indicator flashes when chute is opening
• Chute position feedback • Can be mounted on either side of trailer
Michel’s Camera Arm
Michel’s Camera Arm
Bold moves made with intention have created opportunities for the Monea family, left to right, Grayson, Nashton, Troy, Holly and Tantyn.
“When I seed or spray my fields, I bill myself the same as I would a customer. That ensures the custom division is sustainable and can justify equipment upgrades and staff.”
- Troy Monea
production and market cycles,” he says. “In uncertain times, aligning inputs with global market forecasts can help minimize risk.”
Being diversified across cattle, grains, custom work and trucking allows Monea to weather the ups and downs of commodity markets more effectively.
“Understanding operational break-evens and forecasts allows the operation to pivot quickly to ensure long-term success,” he says. “You’ve got to plan long term; six to 24 months ahead, while being adaptive and willing to adjust the course of action based on current weather and market events. When something hits the news, the market has already moved, so to be successful you need to be looking for opportunities and not reacting to current events.”
Sustainable business practices
Monea also treats each business unit – farming, trucking and custom work – as its own stand-alone enterprise. “When I seed or spray my fields, I bill myself the same as I would a customer,” he says. “That ensures the custom division is sustainable and can justify equipment upgrades and staff.”
This disciplined approach ensures the business remains financially viable even in an era of high equipment costs.
A mindset for innovation
Diversification may not be right for everyone, and it must fit the individual and the farm, says Monea. Ultimately, he believes success in farming comes down to passion, mindset and adaptability. “If you’re passionate about something, you’ll go to the marketing courses, the succession planning sessions and find the best tools to get better at it,” he says. “Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about continuously learning and improving in the areas that matter most to your farm.”
Troy Monea ultimately believes success in farming comes down to passion, mindset and adaptability.
JANUARY 27 - 28, 2026
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Keynote addresses from Lisa Ashton, Chris Scheetz & Andrew Coyne. Valuable networking opportunities, including a dedicated lounge to connect with peers and industry leaders
Annual General Meetings of Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers, and Alberta Grains
Tom Wolf, PhD, P.Ag.
Tom Wolf grew up on a grain farm in southern Manitoba. He obtained his BSA and M.Sc. (Plant Science) at the University of Manitoba and his PhD (Agronomy) at Ohio State University. Tom was a research scientist with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada for 17 years before forming AgriMetrix, an agricultural research company that he now operates in Saskatoon. He specializes in spray drift, pesticide efficacy and sprayer tank cleanout, and conducts research and training on these topics throughout Canada. Tom sits on the board of the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association, is an active member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and is a member and past president of the Canadian Weed Science Society.
Time to Put the Sprayer Away
After another busy year, the time has come to park the sprayer for the winter. On most farms, the sprayer is the most-used piece of farm equipment, in operation nearly every week between April and October. Winterizing is necessary before freeze-up, but this time of year is also an opportunity to do a few extra things.
Winterizing
1. Before you do anything, walk around the sprayer and note any telltale signs of liquid leaks. Don’t wash it yet, as that will erase the helpful dusty surfaces that expose slow, chronic leaks.
2. Now it’s OK to clean and rinse the sprayer tank and wash the sprayer exterior.
3. Drain any remaining water from the product and the rinse tanks. These remainders will cause unwanted dilution of the antifreeze. Air-purge the boom if that option is on your sprayer. After you drain the filter housings, inspect and clean the filters.
4. Choose your antifreeze. Automotive antifreeze works, but it’s toxic and you can’t spray or drain it on the ground. Liquid fertilizer is sometimes used, but it’s corrosive, crystallizes when cold, and is not recommended. The best product is RV Antifreeze. It’s friendly to rubber and plastic, considered non-toxic, and can protect down to the coldest temperatures. Some dealers carry specific sprayer antifreeze.
5. Add between 25 and 50 gallons of antifreeze to the product tank, or if you have one, to the clean water tank. Most larger sprayers need at least 25 gallons just to prime the plumbing.
6. If you have a rinse tank, start a normal rinse procedure. Run the product pump, drawing antifreeze from the rinse tank and pushing the material through the wash-down nozzles into the product tank. Once the rinse introduction is complete, an automatic rinse procedure may subsequently open various lines leading to the tank as it swirls the rinse solution through the tank. Familiarize yourself with the specifics of that process.
7. If rinsing valves are manually controlled, once the antifreeze is in the product tank, run the pump, drawing from the tank and circulating back to the tank via agitation. If you have any other bypass lines, such as a sparge, make sure the valve is open. Run for two to three minutes.
8. If you have an on-sprayer eductor system, run the antifreeze past it and activate the eductor wash process.
9. Now, it’s time to push the antifreeze to the boom. Treat this like a boom cleaning, making sure the antifreeze gets to each nozzle body. If you have high- and low-flow options (John Deere), open them to ensure the bypass gets the antifreeze.
10. Activate one boom section at a time and ensure all nozzles have received the antifreeze. Open nozzle end caps and allow the antifreeze to push out the water trapped there. It helps if you first purge the system with compressed air, then you don’t need to wait for the clear water to gradually change colour as the antifreeze arrives.
11. For extra points, rotate the nozzles through each position. As with cleaning or servicing, a
remote-control boom section controller is invaluable here.
12. Remember to activate the fence row nozzles if you have any. These usually have their own dedicated feed line coming off the outer boom section.
13. If you filled your antifreeze directly into the rinse tank, briefly open the rinse and product tank fill valves to allow antifreeze to push out any water. Don’t forget the front fill line.
14. It’s OK to leave any leftover antifreeze in the tank. Next spring, collect it for reuse in the fall. You’ll still need more, but this saves you some.
15. Don’t forget to also winterize your spray tender and any other transfer pumps.
16. It’s always a good idea to grease fittings after equipment is washed, to displace any water that got in, and to lubricate other moving parts that should be protected from corrosion.
Inspecting and Reflecting
You’re going to be looking closely at a clean sprayer, and this is a good time to spend a few extra moments to ponder the big picture. But first:
1: Make sure all water is drained from the system before adding antifreeze.
Figure 2: Ensuring antifreeze flows to all parts of the sprayer plumbing requires a good understanding of the system.
Figure
1. Inspect the full length of all hoses. Look for kinks, rubbing, small leaks, loose or defective clamps, valves, nozzle bodies. Tighten what’s loose, replace what’s worn.
2. Check the cabin air filter service interval. Most new sprayers have activated carbon filtration that requires regular replacement. Activated carbon starts deteriorating with any air contact, so if you get a new one, leave it wrapped in its plastic until you need it.
3. Download and/or record sprayer performance data. How many engine and spraying hours? How many acres? How much water? A typical sprayer may report its acres per hour, but uses spraying hours for this calculation, which paints a rosy picture. Do the calculation using gross engine hours to get a better idea of time lost to idling and transporting. Compare to the previous year, perhaps set some goals.
4. Check with the dealer to make sure you’ve got the latest controller software version. Many systems get an upgrade during the off-season, so check back in the spring.
5. Remove the flow meter from the system and ensure it runs free. Do not use compressed air to run the impeller, as this can ruin it. Simply blow on it and ensure it runs freely. This is an important part of the sprayer, so some people store it separately over winter. Did it provide accurate information?
6. Top up the fuel tank to prevent condensation.
7. Don’t forget to mouse and bird-proof.
Now:
1. Think back on the season. What went well? What parts of the spray season did you enjoy the most? Why? What went poorly? Were you frustrated by the effort needed to clean the spray booms? What repairs were needed? Which ones did you put off? Did you hear or read about improvements that seem interesting? Reminisce by reading the notes you wrote on your cab windows.
2. Make a list of the improvements that would address the main issues you came up with during your reflection. Is it time for a better filling setup? Do you need a whole tender system, or just an upgraded fill pump or a better inductor? Is it time to add a continuous rinse system or recirculating booms? Winter is the time to act.
Replacements and Improvements
1. Some sprayer components simply wear out and need regular replacement. A conservative rule of thumb for sprayer nozzles (originating with nozzle manufacturers) is about 30,000 acres for an average sprayer speed and boom width. But before you buy, make sure you know what you need. Were you happy with the spray performance? Did you have more drift than you wanted, or poor coverage?
As our cropping systems change, we may need different nozzles to suit the purpose. Now is the time to think about that very coarse, low-drift nozzle that would have allowed you to spray in more wind, getting the spray on before the rain that delayed you for three days. Or the higher volume spray that would have done a better job with desiccating the tall canola crop, speeding up harvest. Or the finer spray that works better with the contact products you need to manage resistance.
2. Pumps can also wear. An impeller replacement can revitalize a centrifugal pump and give back more pressure and flow. Or a new pump with run-dry seals can avoid downtime from a pump failure in the middle of a good stretch of weather.
3. We still see plastic boom lines on some sprayers. Replacing them with stainless steel eliminates warped lines and makes spray patterns more accurate, improves clean out and adds sparkle.
4. A wider boom can dramatically increase productivity. Aftermarket booms are available in 135 feet and larger widths. Aluminum construction keeps them light and corrosion-free.
5. Pulse width modulation (PWM) can be retrofitted on any sprayer. This will offer improved sectional control resolution, turn compensation and better droplet size control.
6. Spot spraying can be added to any sprayer, and this will save 50 to 75 per cent of pre-seed product use.
The sprayer will often be the first piece of equipment used in the spring. Preparing it for its next job starts now.
Figure 3: Transfer systems also need to be winterized.
GROW. THRIVE.
Helping the next generation put down roots
Transitioning a farm or food operation is getting easier, thanks to FCC’s enhanced Transition Loan. This product lets buyers step in without upfront capital, while sellers receive funds on a timetable that fits their schedule and plans.
The timing is critical: more than $50 billion in Canadian farm assets are expected to change hands over the next decade. Producers have asked for more flexibility and security on both sides of their deals, and FCC has answered that call.
“The FCC Transition Loan has been a game changer for our farm. It’s helped us to secure land and equipment with flexible terms, and saving interest helped us to continue growing,” said grain, oilseed and cow-calf producers Aaron and Amber Hoffus of Bjorkdale, Sask., who used this loan to secure land and equipment and keep their mixed farm operation growing.
Built for buyers
Here’s how it works: New owners can start with interest-only payments or begin reducing their principal right away. This flexibility keeps more cash free for crop inputs, livestock, new technology or marketing improvements during those critical first years of ownership.
What’s more, there’s no need for a down payment. And FCC includes AgExpert accounting software at no extra cost, giving buyers clear insight from day one into costs, revenue and balance-sheet health. A Transition Loan calculator on fcc.ca helps producers compare schedules and choose the option that best matches their cash flow.
Peace of mind for sellers
Sellers, for their part, receive the full sale proceeds guaranteed by FCC, on a schedule they choose, for up to ten
years. That steady, predictable payout can fund a retirement, support reinvestment or allow the outgoing owner to mentor the next generation while staying involved.
Support when it matters
Ownership changes come in many forms, whether it’s parents selling to their kids, neighbours buying from retirees or entrepreneurs expanding their operations. Whatever the scenario, the enhanced Transition Loan meets today’s ownership challenges and lays a stronger foundation for tomorrow’s success. Visit fcc.ca/TransitionLoan to learn more.
Virtual Fencing Comes to Canadian Ranches
By Jaclyn De Candio
Not too long ago, virtual fencing was a pie-in-the-sky idea with few practical applications and little proven value. Today, this technology has found a home in Western Canada and is rapidly reshaping livestock and grazing management.
With several companies developing GPS-enabled cow collars and software that go hand in hand to create invisible boundaries, this method is gaining favour among producers and researchers alike. British Columbia and Alberta lead the charge in Canadian trials, proving its ability to reduce labour while better utilizing grazing. The technology replaces physical fences with audio cues and mild electric stimuli, and as creatures of habit, cattle have shown rapid adaptation to these systems.
How Virtual Fencing Works
Producers use mobile apps or web-based platforms to draw virtual paddocks, adjusting them in real-time to suit grazing needs. When cattle approach a boundary, they hear a series of beeps followed by a mild electric shock if they persist.
Brianna Elliot, project lead at the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production at Olds College, describes the process.
“The cattle approach the virtual line,” she explains. “They do three audio cues, and then three small shocks … most of the
cattle we found have responded within four days and strictly go off the audio cues.” This rapid adaptation allows cattle to learn boundaries with minimal stress, relying primarily on sound.
The system depends on connectivity, with options including cellular networks, LoRaWAN via base stations or emerging satellite solutions.
Chris Foster, chief technology officer at Two Story Robot, a Canadian tech firm partnering with the BC Cattlemen’s Association to develop a region-specific system, describes advances in this part of the system. “The big change is companies like Starlink deploying satellites at closer orbits,” he says. “You’re getting much better latency [and] throughput … comparable or better than … wired internet.”
Innovations like Starlink’s cellular-over-satellite services could transform connectivity in remote areas, reducing reliance on inconsistent cell towers and enabling seamless monitoring through user-friendly apps.
Foster’s team, for instance, has developed a web application that lets ranchers track their cattle’s locations and manage fences in real time.
“Our goal is to make this very usable directly for ranchers,” he
“The cattle approach the virtual line. They do three audio cues, and then three small shocks … most of the cattle we found have responded within four days and strictly go off the audio cues.” - Brianna Elliot
adds, “to make sure it feels intuitive and useful.”
Equipment needs are minimal but critical. Collars, often solaror battery-powered, must be lightweight yet durable enough to withstand harsh conditions.
“Cattle are extremely hard on electronics,” says Foster. “They’re out in the rain, heat and cold, and cattle love to rub their necks up against things.”
Data plans for connectivity and access to a mobile device or computer complete the setup, making virtual fencing a lean
alternative to traditional infrastructure.
Early Adoption and Canadian Trials
At Olds College Smart Farm in Alberta, Elliot’s team has been testing virtual fencing since 2022, starting with Nofence collars and scaling up to 100 eShepherd (Gallagher) collars in 2024. Of these, 80 were used in a 2025 internal project, while the remainder were deployed in the Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)-funded Nanton project for an economic analysis.
These studies focus on usability, connectivity and animal behaviour, alongside an economic analysis comparing virtual fencing to poly wire in adaptive multi-paddock grazing systems. In British Columbia, Two Story Robot collaborates with the BC Cattlemen’s Association to develop collars tailored for grazing on vast Crown land, addressing unique challenges like long-range connectivity and durability.
Other providers, such as Vence (Merck Animal Health Canada), are also entering the Canadian market, with Elliot noting that eShepherd arrived only within the last few years and another system called Halter is expected in late 2025.
Early lessons highlight both promise and hurdles. Setup is
straightforward, significantly reducing the need for costly physical fences, especially on leased or public land.
“Fencing is extraordinarily expensive,” says Foster. “The cattle collars allow much more cost-effective, granular control.”
Elliot notes that base station-dependent systems can be “restricted in really rough terrain,” though improvements are ongoing.
Producer and industry enthusiasm is palpable. Foster recalls one rancher offering to take a set of 1,000 collars as soon as his system was up and running.
Elliot echoes this sentiment, receiving “calls non-stop” and predicting widespread adoption within years.
Impacts on Labour and Land Use
Hands down, virtual fencing delivers significant labour savings. By eliminating much of the time spent on fence maintenance and manual herd movement, producers can focus on other tasks. It is also a potential solution for labour shortages, notes Elliot.
Another major benefit in this same vein is remote monitoring.
“You can actually see where your cattle are … which helps with
“Fencing is extraordinarily expensive. The cattle collars allow much more costeffective, granular control.”
- Chris Foster
knowing where all of your cattle have ended up,” says Foster.
On the land management front, virtual fencing enables precise rotational grazing, optimizing pasture utilization and soil health.
Elliot sees it as a cornerstone for adaptive, multi-paddock grazing systems and better use of pastures. This allows more producers to tailor grazing patterns to forage availability or seasonal conditions with minimal labour inputs and added costs of fencing.
The technology also protects sensitive areas like wetlands or riparian zones by setting exclusion zones, and it facilitates grazing on marginal or hard-to-fence land, such as B.C.’s Crown land or Alberta’s hilltops.
The absence of physical fences also reduces wildlife disruption as an additional plus, seamlessly integrating sustainable grazing into the ecosystem.
Where the Technology Fits Best
Operations seeking precise grazing control for sustainability or regulatory compliance, or those aiming to cut fencing costs on leased land, are ideal candidates. The technology integrates seamlessly with smart farm tools like mapping, herd health monitoring and data analytics. Elliot envisions future features like “biomass measurements to better plan those paddocks out in advance.”
However, limitations exist. Connectivity remains a hurdle in remote areas, though Foster is optimistic about satellite solutions like Starlink. Initial costs for collars and training can deter smaller operations, but Elliot highlights funding support.
“There is a lot of funding available now through programs like OFCAF (On-Farm Climate Action Fund).”
Hardware issues, such as larger collars swinging under fly pressure, also pose challenges.
Future Outlook
The future of virtual fencing is bright, with ongoing research tackling current limitations. Improvements in battery life, artificial intelligence-driven movement prediction and multi-species adaptation are on the horizon.
A diverse competitive landscape exists, according to Foster.
“There is a big spectrum of different technology choices … some focused towards researchers, others towards producers.”
Variations in range, battery life and connectivity create niche solutions, suggesting no immediate one-size-fits-all product.
Beyond the immediate savings in time and material costs, virtual fencing also has implications for the bottom line over the long term. By extending grazing into areas that were once impractical or too costly to fence, ranchers may be able to increase carrying capacity without investing in additional land.
Improved pasture rotation and rest periods also support healthier forage stands, reducing supplemental feed costs during the grazing season.
Producers are also seeing opportunities to layer virtual fencing with other digital tools. When paired with satellite imagery, GPS mapping or livestock monitoring sensors, the collars provide a new level of precision management. While this vision is still emerging, the building blocks are already visible, and Canadian research hubs are positioning themselves at the forefront.
When a Farmer Dies, Who Gets What?
Welcome to part five of seven. This series is designed to help every farmer with affordable, easy, hassle-free continuity planning.
By Nerissa McNaughton
Derryn Shrosbree knows the pain of a farm without a plan. The longtime farmer, father and founder of 33seven lived through what he calls a “circus” when his father passed away without a continuity plan. The aftermath tore his family apart and saddled the estate with crippling tax debt. The cause? His father’s refusal to gather the right people to have the necessary conversations.
This story is difficult but common in Canadian agriculture. According to Farm Credit Canada (FCC), a staggering $600 billion in farm assets are expected to change hands in the coming years. Yet, roughly 88 per cent of Canadian farmers still lack a continuity plan. This gap between the value at stake and the level of preparation is a recipe for disaster, both for the farm’s legacy and the family’s well-being.
“Without a plan, you’re just farming for the government, not for your family and not as a legacy,” says Shrosbree. This is because without clear, legally binding instructions, the government’s rules will decide who gets what, often with devastating consequences that involve the dissolution of happy family units.
While continuity planning is the best course of action, there is a path that Shrosbree calls “low-hanging fruit.” It’s an easy, affordable, fast way to quell family disputes and clearly show, according to the farm owner’s wishes, who gets what.
That path? Write a will.
Currently, less than 30 per cent of Canadian farmers have a will despite it being an easy task. Why? It’s too easy to push to the bottom of the to-do list. The topic feels heavy, and many don’t know where to start. Like all things in life, however, avoiding it doesn’t make the problem go away; it just hands it to your grieving family.
“At the absolute minimum, every farmer needs a will,” says Shrosbree, and he recommends having two: a personal will for your personal assets and a corporate will to deal with the farm corporation’s shares. “A will is your instruction manual for what happens after you’re gone. It removes ambiguity and ensures your wishes, not a provincial formula, are followed.”
What exactly is a will? In Canada, a will is a legal document in which you declare your wishes for the distribution of your property and the care of any children after your death. It allows you to name an executor to manage your estate. Without one, you are considered to have died “intestate,” and provincial law dictates how your assets are divided.
The old saying “good fences make good neighbours” applies just as much to family dynamics. Even if your children get along perfectly today, their lives, spouses and financial realities will evolve. A will acts as the ultimate good fence, clearly defining boundaries and expectations to prevent future disputes.
“Why allow your farm and your family to get torn apart because of a lack of communication?” Shrosbree asks.
The process doesn’t have to be intimidating. A will scribbled on a napkin, or as Shrosbree says wryly, “You can write in marker on toilet paper,” can be legally binding. But, to be fair, while hastily scrambled wills can and do hold up in court in some cases, that is a risky approach that invites legal challenges. A properly drafted will is your best defence against undue influence from one party or another, and ensures your intentions are clear. These days, a quick call to a professional and even a recorded message or filled-out form can be the basis of a good will, making the choice to call a professional the easiest, and best, course of action.
Death isn’t the only event that can throw a farm into chaos. What happens if an accident leaves you unable to make decisions for yourself?
“A power of attorney (POA) is key in case the combine doesn’t kill you but incapacitates you,” Shrosbree cautions. “The POA is the person who makes decisions for you if you can’t.”
A power of attorney grants a person the authority to manage your financial and property affairs on your behalf. This power can be effective immediately or upon your incapacitation. A separate document, often called a personal care directive or health-care proxy, is typically used for health-care decisions.
Choosing your POA requires careful thought. This person will have significant control over your assets. While a family member is a common choice, Shrosbree warns of potential conflicts of interest.
“If the POA has a material interest, they can steer things to themselves,” he says. “You need to appoint someone you trust completely to act in your best interest, whether that’s a family member, a trusted friend or a professional like a trust company.”
The final piece is the executor.
An executor is the person or entity appointed in a will to administer the estate of the deceased. Their duties include gathering assets, paying bills and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to the beneficiaries as specified in the will.
The executor’s job is demanding. They must be organized, responsible and capable of navigating complex financial and legal tasks during an emotional time. Like your POA, your executor must be someone you trust to be impartial and diligent. It can be a significant burden, so it’s essential to discuss the role with your chosen person beforehand to ensure they are willing and able to accept the responsibility, or to delegate this task to a professional entity.
Getting started is often the biggest hurdle; the entire process of writing a will and choosing a POA and executor is simpler than most people imagine.
“You could do 80 per cent of your will in 30 minutes while in the cab,” Shrosbree says. “The key is to start the conversation. A 20-minute call with a competent professional can set the entire process in motion. Modern tools have made estate
planning more accessible than ever, with virtual meetings and simple questionnaires that help you organize your thoughts and assets. The cost of professional advice is a small fraction of the potential taxes, legal fees and family strife that can result from having no plan at all.”
Once your documents are drafted, make sure they are properly signed, witnessed and stored. It’s useless if no one can find it if the farm owner develops dementia, is in a coma or didn’t tell anyone where the will is stored or which professional to contact.
Shrosbree advises, “Every professional service advisor on your team should have a copy in their files. Anyone with money attached to you should have a copy. Your lawyer, accountant and financial advisor should all have copies.”
Finally, a continuity plan is not a “set it and forget it” document. Your farm, family and financial situation will change. Review your will and POA every few years or after any major life event – a farm expansion, a new grandchild or a change in assets – to ensure they still reflect your wishes.
Putting your wishes in writing might feel uncomfortable now, but it is one of the most powerful acts of stewardship you can undertake. It protects your family, preserves your legacy and ensures the farm you’ve worked so hard to build continues to thrive for generations to come.
Learn more about continuity planning at www.33seven.ca
Protecting Against Cold Stress
By Jaclyn De Candio
Beef circles widely discuss the effects of heat, but cold has an equally serious effect on cattle health and ranch economics. A study funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council indicates that cold stress increases maintenance energy requirements by approximately two per cent for every degree below the lower critical temperature. The physiological challenges that accompany this are many, leading to significant losses in both weight gain and the upcoming calf crop carried by pregnant cows.
The Cost of Cold Stress
To best understand the impact of cold stress, one must first understand an animal’s thermal neutral zone (TNZ). The TNZ isn’t a solid temperature; rather it is the range of “ambient temperatures” where mammals stabilize internal temperatures without expending extra metabolic energy. In this range of external temperatures, an animal’s basal metabolic rate provides ample heat. There is no need to shiver or sweat because the core is naturally consistent.
The TNZ, though, depends on several variables unique to each animal, including age, body condition, breed and productive stage. The typical range for cattle is 0°C to 25°C. Beyond this is the lower critical temperature (LCT) which is the point where animals must increase their metabolic heat production.
“When animals reach their lower critical temperature, they increase metabolic activity to maintain body temperature,” explains Melissa Atchison, research and extension specialist at Manitoba Beef Producers. “This raises feed requirements significantly.”
Therefore, one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare for
winter is to keep cattle in good condition with sufficient fat cover. Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale, livestock and forage extension specialist at Manitoba Agriculture, goes into detail. “In Canada, a body condition score (BCS) of 3.0 (out of 5.0) is considered ideal,” she says. “If cows are thin when they come home from pasture in the fall, it’s important to start improving their condition right away.”
The more weight they lose, the more vulnerable they become to cold stress. Cows that calve in poor condition during winter are harder to breed back in the spring and are more likely to produce lower-quality colostrum and less milk.
A rule of thumb is to provide an extra pound of grain per head per day for every five degrees the temperature is below -20°C at midday.
Cold Weather Feeding Strategies
Every degree below the LCT increases the energy required for maintenance, as animals must burn more calories to maintain body heat. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable animals like calves, heifers and second-calf cows.
According to a provincial spokesperson from Manitoba, “During prolonged cold snaps, cattle are diverting energy to maintaining their body temperature, so less energy can go toward growing a fetus, gaining weight or even maintaining weight. In extreme cold, cattle may not be able to consume enough of their current ration to meet their energy needs, and adding higher energy feedstuffs like concentrates may be necessary.”
In addition to increasing energy density, overwinter forages
should be very high quality for the provision of both energy and digestibility. This keeps the rumen generating warmth sufficiently. It is essential to monitor body condition to ensure animals aren’t losing weight, as adding condition during winter can be difficult and expensive.
“Keep feed fresh and snow-free,” says Atchison. “Timing feed deliveries to coincide with colder parts of the day can stimulate metabolic heat production, helping animals maintain body temperature naturally.”
Adequate water is essential; frozen troughs or inconsistent access can reduce intake, compromising energy balance and animal health. The provincial spokesperson emphasizes that while some producers assume cattle can lick snow, that isn’t actually an option for certain stages of production, according to the Beef Codes of Practice, which are industry standards.
Regular monitoring of body condition is vital to adjust rations appropriately for winter stress. Animals with insufficient energy or protein intake will lose condition rapidly during cold snaps. The spokesperson adds that while concentrates may be an added expense, the economic fallout of weight loss, including abortions, low birth weight calves and poor immune function, can be far more costly down the road.
“Assess cows before winter feeding begins, during pregnancy checks or weaning,” Atchison notes. “Group animals by condition and production stage to ensure they receive appropriate nutrition.”
Bouchard-Teasdale adds. “Knowing the nutritional value of the feeds you have on hand makes it much easier to ensure your herd’s needs are being met, especially in severe weather. Tools like CowBytes can then be used to build rations that are both practical and cost-effective. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your nutritionist, veterinarian or local extension specialist.”
Shelter and Environmental Management
Providing protection from wind can make a significant difference in how well animals tolerate low temperatures.
Atchison notes that cattle can handle very cold conditions as long as they have adequate energy, but wind exposure dramatically increases the effective cold they experience. She recommends using natural windbreaks, like hollows or tree lines, whenever possible, and supplementing with man-made options such as portable windbreaks.
For man-made structures, a porosity of about 25 to 33 per cent is ideal, allowing some airflow while reducing wind chill. Proper placement to block prevailing winds also
increases effectiveness.
Regional factors also play a role. The provincial spokesperson notes that “wind chill is a huge factor into the actual effective temperature. Providing wind protection can dramatically increase comfort and decrease the temperature that the animal is experiencing,” which is especially critical on the open prairie compared to more sheltered, wooded pastures.
Bedding is another essential. Wet or matted hair coats significantly reduce insulation, so providing dry, fluffy bedding allows animals to fluff their hair and trap heat, similar to a down jacket.
“Cattle acclimate to colder weather by growing a longer, thicker hair coat,” explains Bouchard-Teasdale. “This coat provides the animal with insulation by trapping air next to the skin, which helps retain body heat and reduce the impact of cold temperatures. However, the coat must be clean and dry to maximize its effectiveness.”
Bedding creates a layer of insulation between the animal and the cold ground. This is helpful in preventing frostbite of extremities such as teats and testicles, as well as hypothermia. Bedding also helps to keep animals clean and dry so long as it is refreshed frequently.
Low-stress handling is particularly important during extreme weather. Minimizing movement, and thus energy expenditure, during cold snaps helps reduce these risks. When procedures such as vaccinations, weaning or treatments are necessary, schedule them on milder days to limit the combined effects of cold stress and handling.
Transport also requires careful planning. Loading and unloading cattle in freezing conditions can exacerbate stress and heat loss, so it is important to provide extra bedding and consider wind protection in trailers.
Observation and Monitoring
Continuous observation and early intervention are critical. Signs of cold stress include lethargy, reduced feed and water intake, and visible shivering. A provincial spokesperson explains that beyond weight loss or discomfort, producers should also watch for respiratory symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge or laboured breathing, since pneumonia often appears when cattle are stressed.
Atchison advises producers to pay attention to behaviour and use it to guide management decisions, including timing of feed delivery, handling and shelter use. Early detection and intervention help prevent setbacks and bolster the bottom line even through winter.
PTO GENERATORS
