Many producers, myself included, are intrigued by the concept of intercropping — growing two crops together and separating the seeds after harvest. Interest is at an all-time high, but it’s tough to predict whether the practice will ever command a significant acreage. Some crops, such as chickpeas and flax, would seem to have natural synergies. […] Read more
Flax
Intercropping still faces unanswered questions
New flax processor a boost for growers
The plant, which will be able to crush 25,000 tonnes a year, is expected to supply flax oil to customers in China
Flax growers will have a new outlet for marketing their crop this fall. Ming Hai Inc. is building a $2.5 million flax crushing facility between Saskatoon and Dundurn, Sask., that is expected to be operational by September. Once at full capacity the plant will crush 25,000 tonnes of locally sourced flax per year. It is […] Read more
Herbicides: Carrying on during and after a drought
Herbicide carryover should always be a concern following a dry year. Throughout my career, I have seen this issue reoccur after every drought. This makes me think that 2018 could see herbicide carryover issues raise their ugly heads again. In this column I will discuss why this issue is likely to show up and explain […] Read more
CP says grain movement is turning around
Canadian Pacific Railway’s letter to federal ministers says it is re-setting its network as it rebounds from February weather challenges. Train speed and overall throughput are both increasing, which is good for grain transport and other commodities, said the letter from CEO Keith Creel. The company has hauled more grain this crop year even with […] Read more
Prairie flax market remains flat with acres set to decline
WINNIPEG (CNS) — A flat flax market in Western Canada has buyers feeling indifferent about this year’s prospects. “There’s no big hurrahs right now on flax…. I hate to say it, I’m a very optimistic type of person but it’s kind of a flat market right now,” said Ben Friesen, senior market manager at Scoular […] Read more
Runoff risk rises in Sask. after recent snowfalls
Last week’s snowfall has raised the prospects for near normal runoff in parts of Saskatchewan The Water Security Agency in its updated spring runoff outlook March 13 said between 20 and 45 centimetres of snow March 3-5 changed initial projections for a below normal runoff. “Assuming near normal conditions going forward to the melt, a […] Read more
Plant protein supercluster wins the day
A western Canadian group that hopes to expand opportunities in the plant protein industry will receive $150 million in federal funding under Ottawa’s Innovation Superclusters Program. Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is an industry-led alliance that consists of more than120 private-sector companies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders across the West. PIC was one of five groups […] Read more
No bunch of flax, prices should soon rise
Chuck Penner has been bullish flax for a long time, but the crop isn’t co-operating. “It hasn’t listened to me. The flax prices have been just flat, maybe even softer a little bit the last few weeks,” said the analyst from LeftField Commodity Research. However, he remains optimistic that prices are eventually going to get […] Read more
Plant protein supercluster will be game changer for ag
The success of the Protein Industries Canada supercluster in drawing federal funding should not be underestimated. It has the potential to be a game-changer for agriculture in Western Canada. And it is the first tangible initiative in the federal government’s goal to increase Canada’s agriculture and agribusiness exports by more than 34 percent to $75 […] Read more
Farmers to lose transparency with end of COPA’s weekly report
The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association to stop publishing weekly crushing report; Statistics Canada data not as timely
WINNIPEG (CNS) — When the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association announced Feb. 2 that it would no longer publish its weekly report on member crushings, the Canadian grains industry was shocked. “I loved that report. In Western Canada, or Canada in general, I think any reports that give you kind of a weekly snapshot of what’s […] Read more
