Farming
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City Living, Rural Life
Many cities have separated themselves so much from the country that they no longer appreciate the importance of farming. I have met people who if asked where milk comes from reply “the grocery store”. City folk are so used to the modern conveniences they cannot fathom that somewhere, somebody had to raise a cow, milk her and then ship away that milk for further processing.
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The Water Cycle
The water cycle is important to the health of the planet and all organisms on it.
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Livestock Transportation
How to properly transport livestock.
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Reducing Winter Feed Costs
There are many strategies available to help the farmer weather the winter without incurring excessive levels of expense. In most cases, we don’t have the option of only keeping livestock during the warm months. Therefore the successful farmer will plan for winter and hope that it will be mild.
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Snowblower
A man by the name of Arthur Sicard who became frustrated by the difficulty of transporting milk from the farm to market developed the idea for the snowblower. The roots of the snowblower begin in the fields around his farm when he first saw a threshing machine. He realized that by utilizing the rotating blades used for threshing it was possible to build a similarly rotating blade, which would blow snow.
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Lambs on the Farm
With the ending of summer and the start of fall it became time to once again part with my lambs. Like previously years, I have purchased 10 lambs in late spring and raised them over the summer. This is a small and rewarding business that while not able to make me millions can be repeated on a wide variety of farms with very little in the way of risk.
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Farm Shops
The farm shop is an important structure on any farm. An all weather maintenance shop will provide a place to repair, service, assemble and modify a wide variety of equipment on the farm. Most farmers will try to fix equipment themselves rather than incurring expensive outside expenses. This means a well equipped and well planned shop will not only save the farmer money in repairs, but also encourage preventative maintenance of equipment.
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Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a serious problem on the farm and can result in reduced crop yields. By recognizing the factors that contribute to the problem it is possible to practice better farming techniques which can reduce the cost of soil compaction.
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Can We Increase Yields with Increased Seeding Rates?
The goal of every farmer is to have a bountiful crop each year. In order to do this, they must make numerous decisions and often make educated guesses. There are so many variables that will determine a good year that it can seem like gambling sometimes. Fortunately, there are variables that you can manage and use to your advantage to try growing the best crop possible.
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Food Allergens on the Farm
On the farm it will take careful planning and awareness to protect yourself and your customers from food borne allergens. There are several good practices that can be incorporated on the farm to make life easier.
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Livestock Comfort
It is spring (soon to be summer) here in British Columbia, and with the sunny season comes warmth. But while it is pleasant outside now it can also become unbearably hot. The heat of summer or lack of it during winter can dramatically affect the productivity of your livestock operation. It is for this reason I thought this month I would explore the role of temperature plans when it comes to livestock farming.
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Using Concrete for Farm Buildings
Can you image a world without concrete? This magical mixture of water, sand, gravel and Portland cement has become a necessity in modern building techniques. It is rare for a house or barn to be built without some part of it being made of concrete. The following article will help you understand concrete better and hopefully give you a better appreciation of this amazing material.
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Avian Flu - Global Consequences, Local Problem
Avian flu has been in the news around the world over the last few weeks but for one small part of Canada it has become a local problem. Abbotsford, British Columbia Canada has become an area affected by the avian influenza virus.
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Non-Ruminant Digestion
People, pigs and poultry have developed a non-ruminant system of digesting food. They each have a single stomach compartment (unlike the 4 chambered stomach of ruminants). The non-ruminants can be further subdivided into those who have similar digestive tracts to humans (i.e. the pig) or more specialized digestive tracts (i.e. poultry).
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Ruminant Digestion
Probably the consistently most useful group of domesticated animals to humans has been the ruminants. Ruminants such as sheep, goats and cattle (dairy/beef) are important because they do not compete with the human food supply while providing a wide variety of products. Unlike us the ruminant is quite happy to graze on grasses all day and in many cases can survive in areas other types of domesticated animals would be unable. The key ingredient to this ability is the manner in which they digest their food.
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Hearing Loss on the Farm
It may seem somewhat strange that living in a rural setting is a common precursor to hearing loss but it is the sad truth. Cities may be busy with activity and far from quiet but it well known that between 50 to 75 % of all farmers will experience some level of hearing loss.
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The Christmas Gift
It is the season of giving again and as is often the case, it can be hard to find that perfect gift for someone special. I have made a short list of a few items that I’ve always found useful on the farm and maybe others will too.
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Animal Health Part 2: Vaccinations
The correct use of vaccinations on the farm can provide you with an important tool in your herd disease management program. As you can see there are many factors that can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and it will take an effort on your part to ensure they benefit you fully. However, given the negative costs associated with animal disease, reduced productivity, and labour it is well worth it to incorporate a vaccine program on your farm.
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Animal Health
The ability of a farmer to keep their livestock healthy and productive is critical to success. Keeping livestock healthy is not a simple thing and every farmer should develop a livestock management plan that focuses heavily on disease control.
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Global Postioning System
The use of GPS systems is still not commonplace on every farm and there are still many obstacles in the way to achieving that goal. The system is expensive and is generally seen more on larger farms. However, over time, technology tends to come down in price and eventually I expect the majority of farms will utilize gps in one form or another. Eventually, the idea of remotely controlled tractors tilling, planting and harvesting may become a reality.
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Canadian Beef and the Impact of BSE
In May of 2003 a single startling discovery has resulted in a crisis within the farming community. What we all once took for granted has now been tainted with a very broad brush. May 20th 2003 was the day a beef cow from Canada tested positive for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or commonly referred to as Mad Cow Disease.
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Hay
Hay is quite often an important part of the ration fed to herbivores such as sheep, goats, horses and cattle. Hay is simply a dehydrated version of green forage. It is easily stored and allows the farmer to feed forage to their animals whenever they wish.
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Minter Gardens
Minter Gardens is a Show Garden located in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.
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The Best of Farming
As many of my regular readers know, I have been writing now here at Suite101.com since 1999. Four years is a long time. Therefore, this month rather than writing something new I have decided to make my 50th article a collection of some of my favourite and popular articles.
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Manure Gases
Manure produces a wide variety of gases that can affect a person. These gases are particularly dangerous when they are contained within a confined space, barn or storage facility or while agitated for removal or spreading. They can rapidly overwhelm someone by causing respiratory irritation or asphyxiation.
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Manure Management
The need to apply manure is an unpleasant fact in the country. However, it is the responsibility of every farmer to consider the impact of applying manure whether it is an environmental concern or excessive odour that can become a neighbourhood concern.
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Climate, Summer Heat and Winter Chill
All animals have a comfort zone or temperature in which they are able to function at maximum potential. All farm mammals and birds are capable of maintain a stable body temperature. If however, the core body temperature falls or increases outside of its normal range the animal can become cold or heat stressed and in extreme cases die.
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Freedom Food
The RSPCA, Freedom Food is but one example of programs developed that consider the welfare of farm animals. Programs similar to Freedom Food exist in Canada and USA. The movement towards the general acceptance of organic foods has demonstrated that how food is produced matters. These programs are yet another means of assuring the consumer that some kind of concrete rules have been followed in the production of the food they eat.
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Ethics in Agriculture
When we shifted as a society from small family farms producing the food we ate to industrial agriculture, some of the important values these food producers had were lost. Money has become an all-important consideration. So what is the solution.
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Tire Performance on The Farm
One of the most important components of the tractors we own is the tire. Every day we climb up into our cabs and drive away for a days work. Unfortunately, this short sightedness is not only damaging their tires but also their pocketbook. In the end, properly carried for wheels will make your equipment more efficient and increase the productivity of your land.
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Sunflowers
Next time you pick up a bag of salted sunflower, seeds from the local convience store consider for a moment the amazing journey; those seeds have taken to reach your mouth. North Americans can be proud of a plant that is now grown and enjoyed around the world.
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HACCP
Have you ever wondered how companies are able to ensure the food they produce is safe? In an effort to ensure food products are safe, a company may undergo inspection by government agencies or have to follow set protocols. This can still lead to problems as the procedures can vary from region to region or country to country. Instead, Canada and many other countries have begun utilizing an international standard for the management of the various hazards food can encounter. The program is called HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
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Straw Houses
The use of straw in home building has occurred for centuries. The high price of modern wood-framed construction and environmental concerns has renewed interest in this construction method.
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Water Pollution
Water pollution is a problem that affects everyone in the community. Whether you are a rural farmer or a city dweller having a safe water supply is very important.
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Surviving a Drought
What do we consume every day? What is required for life on this planet? The answer is WATER. Like so many things, we take it for granted until we no longer have enough.
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Farm Safety
A farmer is faced with many challenges and hazards during a normal day on the farm. Time, stress, inexperience and many other factors will affect you as you work. If you do not consistently put your safety first however it can lead to a mistake that can cause you injury or even death.
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Chocolate Milk
The quality of the fresh milk we drink each day is rarely given a second thought. The dairy industry makes every effort to ensure the milk on your table meets the highest standards possible. It is a testament to the men and women involved in this industry that we have such faith in this product.
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Udderly Important
The act of milking a cow is not overly difficult. The more difficult aspect is to ensure the milk produced is suitable for human consumption and the cow will be able to continue producing.
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From Cud To Table
The majority of people in North America drink milk produced by dairy cows. Nevertheless, how much do you know about the dairy industry and the milk you are about to pour on your bowl of corn flakes?
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The Christmas Tree
For most people Christmas is just not complete without a tree to decorate and place the presents under. Christmas trees are grown around the world and in every state of America. The tree is an important symbol of the season and one-third of households decide to purchase a real specimen.
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John Deere
John Deere probably never foresaw that the company he started in a small shop would eventually become an internationally recognized producer of farm, construction and logging equipment.
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Field Grown Flowers
If you are looking for a product that will bring a smile to everyone's face, try growing flowers.
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Animal Feeds
Anyone raising animals on their farm knows the importance of feed on the overall health of their livestock. Proper nutrition is critical for sustaining reproductive and productivity levels needed to run a profitable business.
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Pesticide Alternatives
Before the use of man-made chemicals to attack all the various pests our farms experience farmers relied on natural techniques to keep their crops healthy and productive. These control systems are not always as effective as chemicals. Nevertheless, as the popularity of organic or chemical-free food production has proven, there is a large and growing market for organic food.
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The War at Home: Pesticide Use and Abuse
I was helping a friend recently spray a weed killer on his driveway and thought that the efforts some people take to rid their world of pests are just silly. Every month I kill these "weeds," pick up the dead remains and transfer them to the compose heap.
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The Dirt on Dirt
Many people have little tolerance for dirt. Most of the food produced is a result of farmers who work the soil and get their hands dirty every day.
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Weather Extremes
The daily, weekly or yearly weather conditions on your farm can be your best friend or greatest foe. Every year the earth's weather affects the productivity and viability of the farmers of the world. Unfortunately, the weather is also usually completely out of the control of the farmer.
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Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are a fact of life for anyone handling livestock.
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Herding Dogs
What breeds of herding dogs are available and how they could be utilized on your farm
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Livestock Guardian Dogs
The livestock guardian dog has protected livestock on the farm for centuries.
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The Plow
The plow is the most important tillage tool found on a modern farm.
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Draft Horses
The high price of fuel can make draft horses an attractive alternative to tractors on a small farm.
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Barns - Build or Renovate?
Should you build a new barn or renovate an existing barn. Factors that will influence your decision.
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The Advantages of Windbreaks
The advantage of windbreaks and why you should have some on your farm.
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Silage is a Feed Option.
Using silage for feed will give you several advantages over other feedstuffs.
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Is Artificial Insemination Right for Your Cattle?
If your goal is to improve the quality of your herd then artificial insemination could be right for your farm.
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Understanding Livestock Handling
The importance of handling livestock correctly and safely.
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Selecting the Right Compact Tractor for a Small Farm: Engines, Transmission, and Brakes
Characteristics of compact tractors suitable for small farms.
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Improving Pasture Performance
How to improve the productivity of a pasture.
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Growing the Chicken for Meat
How to start raising chickens for meat
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Egg Production
An introduction to starting your own small-scale egg business
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Raising Chickens: Selecting Poultry Housing and Equipment for Laying and Broiler Birds
An introduction to housing and equipment for raising chickens.
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Steam Power,Steam Power
Everyday people give little thought to situations where water is boiled and steam is produced. However, the creation of steam has played a valuable role in the production and processing of the food, we eat. We rarely give much thought to the role steam has played in agriculture over the years, but hopefully after reading this article you will gain some valuable insight.,Everyday people give little thought to situations where water is boiled and steam is produced. However, the creation of steam has played a valuable role in the production and processing of the food, we eat. We rarely give much thought to the role steam has played in agriculture over the years, but hopefully after reading this article you will gain some valuable insight.
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Dowsing
How to dowse for water
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21st Century Agriculture
A look at the possible course to success in agriculture in the next century.
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The Thanksgiving Turkey
Raising your own turkey for Thanksgiving.
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The World of Pumpkins
The world of pumpkins. What a pumpkin is and who is growing pumpkins. The major uses for pumpkins.
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Raising Sheep
Raising Sheep: An Introduction.
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Livestock Found on Small Farms
Livestock that are commonly found on small-scale farms.
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The Tractor
The development of the tractor and why it became the farmer's most useful tool.
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Cereal and Forage Crops an Introduction
A brief introduction into cereal and forage crops.
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Tips on Property Selection
A few tips on how to choose the right property for your hobby farm.
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