I spent five days at Agritechnica 2023 and here are five things I learned. It’s a challenge sometimes to pull out the strong European policy influence on exhibitors and farmers at this show, but there are lessons for Canadian farmers, and the technology created to manage European problems in some cases will make economic sense […] Read more

5 lessons learned at Agritechnica

Research shows controlled bunk feeding improves feed-to-gain ratio
Consistency in feed delivery, feed mix order and mix time improves feed efficiency
Reading Time: 3 minutes Monitoring the behaviour of cattle at the feed bunk can help maintain rumen health and improve efficiencies in feedlots. Given crop production costs, feed inputs and time invested in nutritional inputs and ration formulation, producers want to maximize returns wherever possible. “You don’t want to throw out all that hard work by mismanaging the feed […] Read more

Agritechnica wrap-up: New combines, tractors and industry trends
Agritechnica is the world’s largest agriculture machinery show, drawing more than 400,000 people from around the world to Hannover, Germany. Glacier FarmMedia Senior Technology Editor John Greig was there and summarized the major product launches and some of the ag-tech industry trends he observed. – John Greig is a senior editor with Glacier FarmMedia. Watch for much […] Read more

From Olds to the front lines of Ukraine
College instructor splits time between precision agriculture education in Canada and supporting troops in his home country
Reading Time: 3 minutes Yevgen Mykhaylichenko is trying to bring more autonomous systems to Canadian agriculture, and he’s using knowledge acquired abroad to do it. Splitting his time between academia and the Ukrainian front line, the Ukrainian professor and Olds College technology integration specialist works with a wide range of digital technologies and hardware. On frequent visits to Ukraine, […] Read more

Agritechnica update: A new big horsepower Massey, adjustable hay conditioning and automation matures
Massey Ferguson released its new high-horsepower 9S tractor at Agritechnica. It’s the next tractor for Massey Ferguson with the unique 18 cm gap between the cab and the engine, which makes it more conformable for the operator and with better sight lines. It’s also new highest horsepower tractor available from Massey Ferguson at 425 maximum […] Read more

Agritechnica update: Canadian content and a John Deere update
There’s significant Canadian content at Agritechnica. Large companies like AGI and MacDon have impressive displays with significant real estate. I also happened upon the Canada pavilion, packed with companies familiar to many of us, including Honey Bee, Mankato, Schulte and Bushel Plus. The companies say that there’s value in companies from Canada banding together to […] Read more

Agritechnica update: Give a big shock to weeds
Farmers are being pushed to find an alternative to desiccants to burn down crops, as companies are increasingly leery of herbicides approved close to harvest. People have been shocking weeds with electricity for 100 years, but the return on the electricity invested and the technology required to do so safely haven’t always worked. Crop.zone is […] Read more

Agritechnica Day 1: Combine launches, giant power units
Agritechnica, the world’s largest farm machinery show is nothing like farm shows we see in North America. The equipment shines to a finer gleam, extreme care is paid to lighting – so much blue at New Holland, red at Case IH, green at John Deere and orange at Kubota. The show is huge – 27 […] Read more

Anti-ASF funds designated for Manitoba Pork
Three initiatives will be funded through the federal African swine fever preparedness program
The Manitoba Pork Council’s efforts against African swine fever now have almost $1 million in extra financial padding. On Aug. 3, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced $944,340 in funding for Manitoba’s hog farm group. Funds were provided through AAFC’s African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program and were slotted for three initiatives: Squeal on Pigs, increased […] Read more

Discovery Farm Woodstock joins Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network
The research site joins its Saskatchewan counterpart on the initiative’s roster
Glacier FarmMedia’s eastern Discovery Farm has joined the locations that share data and research through Old’s College’s Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network. The 330-acre Ontario site is the host of various demonstration research projects and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. It was established as the permanent home for the show in 2020. “The objective is to provide […] Read more