8 The Business of Prairie Agriculture Better Farming | September 2024 Beyond the Barn RCMP: PROTECT YOUR FARM FROM RISING CRIME This year, the RCMP across the Prairies is reporting an increase in thefts of agriculture-related items in rural areas, ultimately costing farmers thousands of dollars. And the national police service is reminding producers of some basic measures to protect themselves and their farms. According to a 2021 report by Statistics Canada, crime in rural areas has spiked, even when compared to crime rates in urban centres. The report explained that “the higher crime rate in rural areas was mainly because of the high number of assaults, mischief, theft and incidents related to disturbing the peace.” The RCMP recommends simple ways farmers can help protect their assets: “Remove all portable items (tools, GPS systems, radios) from inside your machinery, as these are very attractive to thieves,” advised the RCMP in a recent press release. “If you cannot remove some items, record their serial numbers, mark them, and take pictures of them so they can be identified if they are stolen and recovered. “Move all equipment indoors. If this is not possible, store it in a well-lit area visible from your house but outof-sight from the main roads. “Install motion-sensor security lights or timer lights that turn on at sundown to discourage trespassers.” Finally, producers are advised to “keep an inventory of your equipment that includes descriptions, serial numbers, makes, models and pictures. Walk around and check tractors, combines and other machinery regularly for signs of break-ins or damage.” The RCMP highlights the importance of community surveillance and reporting incidents or suspicious activity. They encourage farmers to be vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect their assets. BF “It’s all about the ability to straight cut. In Western Canada, more canola growers are leaning towards straight cutting.” That was how Proven Seed canola product manager Jenn Dale explained their new NTACT Technology in a recent interview with Better Farming. NTACT, which will be widely available for next season, “gives growers a wider window of harvest,” said Dale. “It helps them better manage their machinery and their time.” Proven Seed says the technology increases pod integrity, setting NTACT hybrids apart from traditional canola varieties which were prone to shatter loss, especially under adverse weather conditions during ripening. “The new hybrids address this issue, allowing farmers to adopt straight cutting with confidence and ensure maximum seed retention.” A major challenge with straight cutting is pod integrity. When mature pods break open prematurely, it leads to seed loss. NTACT Technology addresses this issue by fortifying canola pods through selective breeding and biotechnological interventions. These advancements have strengthened the pod walls and increased their elasticity, resulting in improved pod integrity, according to Proven Seed. Straight cutting, an increasingly popular method among Prairie producers, eliminates the need for swathing, thereby saving time, labour, and fuel. “By bypassing the swathing process, farmers can streamline operations and reduce costs.” Additionally, straight cutting minimizes seed loss caused by windrow movement in strong winds. Dale said that NTACT was tested at the company’s seven research farms with 100 sites across the Prairies, and that “our data showed the NTACT technology will stand, giving growers the pod integrity they need.” The line will be launch officially in the spring of 2025, and Prairie producers can contact their Nutrien Ag Solutions representative for further information. BF - Paul Nolan & Glenn Ruegg Glenn Ruegg photo WIDER WINDOW FOR CANOLA GROWERS Jenn Dale, canola product manager with Proven Seed.
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