Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

On my list of what to do in 2012, one of those items was to write a blog.  Last year i was introduced to the world of Twitter, but you can't always communicate ideas in 140 characters or less.

2011 marked the first year that i operated the entire family farm.  I am the 4th generation to use this land and much of the equipment i have was purchased by the 2nd, and even some that was used by my great grandfather.  I farm 265 workable acres and maintain a full time management position at a nearby manufacturing plant.  But this blog is about me, which includes the farm, not the factory job.  

This past year was a challenge, even for the experienced farmer.  Technically i didn't quite finish all my work, and it was Jan 3 before I called it quits with the plow. But i managed to plant and harvest all the crops.  Yields were good and prices too.  But the size of the input costs really made a dent, every penny i have saved in working for others over the past 12 years has been consumed by the farm, and the mortgage payments on the home farm are too big for the day job alone to cover.  But I am advancing. 

Added a 15,000 bu bin for corn, complete with stiration and propane drying.  Its a nice shinny addition to the homestead. And this december I replaced my grandfathers MF 540 combine with a slightly (3000hrs) used Gleaner R52 combine.  I am so looking forward to using that 230 hp this year.

Not having any no-til equipment, i am a full tillage farmer.  2011 marked the first year of using GM seeds, and this roundup ready soy and corn did make spring planting much easier.  I had good weed control, but used the old fashioned method of removing the escapes, i walked the field and carried the weeds out.  This year I am going to give IP beans a try on last years wheat ground, and may even grow non-roundup ready corn, but I still have a few months to change my mind on that.  

So with 2011 behind me, i am moving into 2012 with bins full of grain, not quite as much winter wheat as I wanted, but enough to fill the small bin if the yield is good, and a big combine for 265 acres.  Yes, i am very happy with the situation.  And sadly father time took my grandfather from me last year, i was fortunate enough to have heard the best praise a young farmer could get "your doing a good job by me".  

Views: 352

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by pigsrgr8 on January 17, 2012 at 7:15am

Gus,

I enjoyed reading about your first year.

Good job.

Comment by Joe Dales on January 13, 2012 at 2:21pm
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in 2012.
Take care,
Joe

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

New report highlights importance of digital transformation and connectivity to meeting Canada's sustainability goals and fighting climate change

Connectivity-powered digital transformation of Canadian businesses can play a key role in Canada's effort to achieve its climate change commitments, according to a new Accenture report commissioned by the Canadian Telecommunications Association. The report, Canada's next sustainability frontier: Powering digital transformation with connectivity, says that while Canada's current strategies for fighting climate change, which focus on renewables and clean tech solutions, are important, other approaches, such as the modernization of Canadian industrial operations using data and technology to become more efficient, are needed to achieve Canada's sustainability goals. "Through digital transformation, business operations can become more productive, grow with less inputs or waste, and shrink energy and fuel consumption in the process," said Jefferson Wang, global networks practice lead, Accenture. "Connectivity services, enabled by modern wireless and wireline networks, are an important foun

Column: Farmers support proposed Harvest Season Road Safety Week Act

As harvest time in Ontario ramps up at this time of year, all of us are likely to see a lot more tractors, combines, and other farm-related vehicles on our roads and highways. My family and I farm in Oxford County. It’s where a lot of corn and soybeans are grown, so we know there will be plenty of tractors, wagons and trucks on the road hauling those crops to grain elevators and on-farm storages in the coming weeks. This makes traffic safety for both farmers and motorists absolutely essential so we can avoid accidents on our roads and highways. At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), we’re always active at this time of year in particular to encourage drivers to be patient and alert around slow-moving vehicles as well as remind farmers to be cautious and courteous when they’re taking equipment on the road.

Ontario Welcomes $9.6 Million Manufacturing Investment

PWO Canada’s expansion will create good-paying jobs in Kitchener

Canada puts French poultry import ban in place

At least three countries are suspending French poultry imports

Calhoun's Significant Rise in Canada's Top Companies List

Calhoun Super Structure clinches the 347th spot on Canada's Top Growing Companies, showcasing an impressive 106% growth over three years and ambitious expansion plans.

© 2023   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service