6 December 2025 7 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca SMALL FARM CANADA BARNYARD HUMOUR WILDFIRES AND CLIMATE CHANGE THREATEN BOREAL FORESTS, STUDY FINDS Black spruce, a tree that has dominated North America’s boreal forests for thousands of years, is losing its resilience as wildfires become more frequent and severe due to climate change. A new study led by Wilfrid Laurier University biologist Jennifer Baltzer warns that this iconic species may be approaching an ecological tipping point. Researchers analyzed more than 1,500 sites that burned in the past 25 years. They found that while jack pine and broadleaf species consistently regenerated after fire, black spruce failed to recover in 18 per cent of cases. In many areas, forests shifted to other species or even non-forest landscapes. Two key factors are driving the decline: deeper soil burns that destroy the thick peat layer black spruce relies on, and long-term moisture deficits linked to a warming climate. These changes not only threaten black spruce but also alter water cycles, wildlife habitat, and carbon storage across the boreal region. “This is strong evidence of a tipping point,” said Baltzer. “The warmer and drier it gets, the bigger and more severe wildfires will be—and the more of these ecological shifts we’ll see.” The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, underscores the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to stabilize the climate and protect boreal ecosystems. Source: wlu.ca HEALTHY TREES PROVE RESILIENT TO WILDFIRES Lessons learned from destructive wildfires in Ventura County have given avocado growers a fighting chance to save their orchards when the next big blaze hits. Ben Faber, University of California Cooperative Extension citrus and avocado adviser for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, learned from the effects of the 2017 Thomas Fire and last year’s Mountain Fire that well-irrigated avocado trees can recover from a fast-moving blaze within four months. Faber cautioned growers not to give up on their trees, as fire damage in avocado trees can initially look bad but turn out to be superficial. “You have to wait to let the tree tell you what’s going to happen,” he said. November 6th marks the one-year anniversary of the Mountain Fire, which damaged 389 acres of avocados, according to the Ventura County agricultural commissioner’s office. Source: California Farm Bureau Repairing farm machinery yourself can be hugely rewarding—but it’s not without risks. Here’s a look at the advantages and drawbacks. ADVANTAGES OF DIY REPAIRS 1. SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS Dealer labour rates can be prohibitive. Many farmers save by handling their own routine maintenance and by hiring local mechanics that charge less. 2. REDUCED DOWNTIME Waiting for dealer service can delay both routine and time sensitive jobs. DIY repairs allow farmers to respond immediately and keep equipment running all season long. 3. BUILDING SKILLS AND INDEPENDENCE Learning how to fix bearings, filters, hoses and other basic mechanics builds experience and confidence. It also fosters a self-reliant approach to farm maintenance. 4. EXTENDED EQUIPMENT LIFE Frequent maintenance—like oil changes, parts inspections, and lubrications—minimizes wear and prolongs lifespan of all combustion engines and machinery. 5. CONVENIENT PARTS SOURCING DIYers can access aftermarket options—such as salvage yards, second-hand tools, swap meets and the share shack at the local waste station—to reduce parts costs drastically. DRAWBACKS AND RISKS 1. COMPLEXITY OF ELECTRONICS Late model tractors and combines are heavily computerized. Dealers also control diagnostic software, making electronic fault-finding virtually inaccessible to DIY mechanics. 2. RISK OF MISDIAGNOSIS While doing an engine tune-up on a vintage Massey-Ferguson 135 is doable for most DIYers, diagnosing intermittent transmission or engine issues is far more complex and DIYing can lead to poor fixes or additional damage. 3. SAFETY HAZARDS Improper repairs—especially involving hydraulics, welding, or unstable heavy machinery—pose serious safety risks. Without proper training and protective gear, accidents are more likely. 4. LIMITED WARRANTY AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT Manufacturer warranties often require dealer-certified repairs. DIY work may void warranties and remove essential technical support. 5. HIDDEN TIME AND SKILL COSTS Inexperience can lead to prolonged repairs, botched attempts, and sometimes the necessity of professional intervention—potentially nullifying initial time savings. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: RECOMMENDED APPROACH TASK’S COMPLEXITY Evaluate whether the repair involves basic maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, bearings) or advanced issues (electronics, hydraulics). Simpler jobs are DIY-friendly; complex ones typically aren’t. INVENTORY TOOLS AND KNOWLEDGE Do you have suitable tools—wrenches, multimeter, repair manuals? Do you have the necessary skills and experience? PRIORITIZE SAFETY Disconnect power, use proper supports, and wear protective gear. Know when a job exceeds safe DIY capability. MANAGE WARRANTIES WISELY Understand what voids warranty status. Consult manuals or dealers before DIYing work that touches warranty-covered systems. USE HYBRID SUPPORT For tasks beyond your comfort or tools, rely on local mechanics who charge less than dealers but can handle higher complexity. To sum up, DIY farm machinery maintenance and repair offers real benefits—cost savings, independence, and hands-on learning. But these gains must be weighed against the risks of electronic complexity, safety, and potential voided warranties. SHOULD YOU DO-IT-YOURSELF? ARTICLE BY JULIE HARLOW DIY TOP: SPYRAKOT - ADOBE STOCK TOP LEFT: MIRIAM - ADOBE STOCK | TOP RIGHT: TILER84 - ADOBE STOCK | BOTTOM RIGHT: ANDREY KUZMIN - ADOBE STOCK CARTOON RESOURCE - ADOBE STOCK | EL BENEDIKT - ADOBE STOCK
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