Potato research receives federal funding
Federal government funds to help expand markets for Canadian potatoes were announced March 15 in Winnipeg.
The agriculture department announced $274,000 in funds through Growing Forward 2, which will be used to expand foreign and domestic markets for potatoes “through trade shows, targeted advertising, incoming missions, market research and development, and product promotion.”
Announcement of the funding was made at the 95th annual meeting of the Canadian Horticulture Council.
According to the news release, the Canadian horticulture sector generates almost $5 billion in farmgate receipts and $3.8 billion in exports annually. Potato exports are worth $1.6 billion annually.
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federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
Cropping alternatives data updated
The AgriProfits Cropping Alternatives data has been updated for 2017 by Alberta Agriculture.
The crop budgeting tool allows producers to project costs, margins and break-even yields for crops as they begin planning their year.
It uses information from crop specialists, market specialists, input suppliers, and internal and external data sources to put the budgets together.
The data is presented by soil zones and within each zone is a mix of cereals, oilseeds, pulses and forage crops.
The crop budgets include a projection of itemized variable costs, as well as a common fixed cost component. The budgets provide producers with a view of new crop prices and contribution margins, which can help determine their crop plan for the year.
Producers should first fill out the individual production costs and returns page included with the publication. This will provide them with a good estimate of the cost and return margins for their farm. They can then compare it with the budgets for the respective soil zones.
Rabbit code seeks public comment
The public comment period for the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Rabbits ends March 31.
Revision of the code began in 2015 by the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and the Syndicat des producteurs de lapins du Québec, working in partnership with other provincial rabbit groups.
The draft must be viewed and submissions made through the NFACC’s website at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/rabbits.
The rabbit code is one of four codes of practice under revision as part of a NFACC project.
The codes provide guidelines for proper housing, feed and water, handling, euthanasia, transport and other animal management practices.
The Code Development Committee includes producers, animal welfare and enforcement representatives, researchers, transporters, processors, veterinarians and government representatives.
Manitoba Egg Farmers has new chair
Harold Froese will again chair Manitoba Egg Farmers, having served in the same role from 1991 to 2000.
Ed Kleinsasser has stepped down as chair, but will remain on the board as director of District 5.
Catherine Kroeker-Klassen is the new vice-chair and is the first woman to assume an executive position on the MEF board.
