Calgary (Rural Roots Canada): Over the last twenty years or so, the most common question I have received is, “What weather app do you recommend?” And, over the last twenty years or so, my answer has been none of them.

Most weather apps provide model output, computer generated forecasts unvetted by human meteorologists and many of us in the business call them crap apps.

However, for farmers and ranchers, I’ve found a few apps that will actually be quite helpful.

None of these are paid endorsements, just free suggestions.

First, FarmCommand is from the Winnipeg company Farmers Edge. It combines local weather data with field-specific information to help farmers plan irrigation, planting, and harvest schedules.

Second, WeatherCan, Environment Canada’s weather app, with short-term forecasts and radar.

For long-term planning, Climate Fieldview uses historical data to gain insight into future weather challenges such as drought or frost.

Of course, we also post prairie weather updates twice a week at ruralrootscanada.com.

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