Agriculture

Flying drones are drawing tons of attention these days. Popular weekly television dramas such as ‘Hawaii Five-O’ and ‘NCIS: LA’ have aired episodes in recent months with drones posing a threat as gun-toting, bomb-bearing, kill machines.

The beef sector has been experiencing record high prices in recent months, with the prospect of good prices remaining for some time as the industry slowly rebuilds cow numbers.

As the end of February draws near there is a change in the wind in terms of farming. In general terms farmers tend to go into a somewhat dormant state from about the time Christmas decorations go up, until the calendar flips to March.

It is a wonder that when it comes to grain markets anyone has a good idea about what they will be tomorrow morning, let alone months before seeding, and farther still from the next harvest. The most recent report from AgAdvance.

In general terms farmers have been rather open to adopting new technologies.

It was interesting to sit down with Dean Rugland the manager of the Yorkton Peavey Mart about how the company is trying to focus on small farmers, acreage owners, and the growing realm of urban farmers.

It’s always interesting to read about reports which are being released in the area of agriculture. Sometimes they bring to light some intriguing information. At other times you are left wondering why it took a report to unveil the obvious.

Everybody talks about free trade as something which we should aspire to. It is felt, at least by many, that unfettered trade would mean those who do the best job of production will prevail and supply those wanting products.

Strange things continue to inspire thoughts of farming for me. A couple of nights before the old year turned to the new I was watching Jeopardy.

As someone who grew up on a farm, and has covered the agriculture sector as a journalist for some 25 years, I have to say I find myself confused over the seeming wavering line between animal welfare and animal rights.