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A Dry September for Western Canada

After some welcome relief in August, much of September turned bone dry again across most of Western Canada.

As can be seen on the map below, aside from a few scattered pockets where rainfall was better – but still below normal – the main Prairie agricultural area has seen just 40% or less of normal precipitation over the past 30 days (shown in dark red). Combined with temperatures in the latter portion of September that were more like summer than fall, the dryness is once again ratcheting up worry over the 2022 growing season.

Indeed, a portion of the beneficial moisture that fell in August (and early September) in parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan has now likely already been lost.

Meanwhile, the latest Canadian Agricultural Weather Prognosticator from World Weather Inc. suggests farmers ought not hold their breath waiting for much-needed moisture ahead of winter freeze up. Released last week, the report said a short-term bout of wetter weather is possible in October, although it won’t be nearly enough to end the current drought.

In fact, there is little chance that drought will not be carried into spring 2022, the report warned.

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Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.