The Canadian prairie province of Manitoba supports a robust agricultural industry, and it’s only set to scale upwards. Manitoba has the highest number of farmers under the age of 35 in the country, indicating a reignited interest in farming and agricultural practices from younger generations.
If you’re embracing new farm ownership, or perhaps you’re looking to update older farm machinery, there are several factors to consider before you make any purchases. Farmers can significantly increase productivity with carefully selected equipment while reducing everyday expenses.
Here, we’ve created a guide to choosing the right farm implements for Manitoba farmers.
Consider Your Operational Requirements
First, consider your operational requirements; these will be based on what you’re growing — or plan to grow — your desired output and your bandwidth. Understanding your operational needs will set you up to choose the right implements successfully, which can maximize efficiency and yield — thus boosting profit.
Also worth serious consideration is which modern technologies you’d like to embrace, including auto-guidance equipment and sensor technology.
Consider Geographic Specifics
Take the time to understand your location’s unique geographic needs: the area of land, the climate, and the type of soil you’re working with — in Manitoba, farmers will likely encounter sandy loam to a loam type soil, otherwise known as Newday Clay Loam. Knowing your soil type is essential, as machines will work differently between soils based on their moisture content and consistency.
Know Your Budget
As with most things in life, finances are likely a factor when you’re investing in farm implements. Shop around and see which dealers local to you offer fair financing.
Is There a Service Shop Nearby?
Machinery breaks now and again, whether it’s a farm auger, a speed tiller, or a household dishwasher. Keep this in mind when you’re making decisions. Experiencing a breakdown when there’s nobody nearby to help you make repairs could see the machinery out of commission and sitting stationary for some time — losing you money until repairs are made.
Research the Brand and Model
Once you have homed in on the implements that you’re most interested in, do further research. Check for reviews from past customers and factor in feedback regarding maintenance. Also worth serious consideration is how much waste the machinery produces. For example, some types of grain conveyors can cause damage to the grain when they’re filling up sidelined trucks or grain bins, and some are reckless, spilling grain and losing profits in the process.
Think About Resell
As you would with a car or other vehicle, you’ll likely want to upgrade or replace key implements in time. With that, remember the potential resell value of the apparatuses you invest in. While you won’t receive the total amount you paid initially, investing in quality implements — a good brand with positive customer feedback — maximizes the potential for a satisfactory resell value when the time comes.
The Takeaway on Choosing Farm Implements
If you’re planning to buy farm implements in the foreseeable future, visit a local seller with great reviews and many years of experience in sales. In some cases, you might be able to find a seller who has hands-on experience with farming. This is a huge boon, as experienced farmers can offer lived advice and guide you toward the best implements for your land and your personal needs.