An Ontario forage specialist says it’s difficult for producers to plan for a shortfall if they don’t know how much they have
MONCTON, N.B. — Most forage grown in Canada is used on the farm where it is grown but many farmers do not have a good handle on their inventory or yields. “If you don’t know what you have in inventory, how can you manage the shortfall?” asked Ontario forage and grazing specialist Christine O’Reilly. Bad […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Marketing key in hemp sector
Advance research into markets and agronomy is vital for those who want to grow hemp. Jeff Kostiuk of Hemp Genetics International fields calls from producers interested in growing what could be a lucrative crop, but they have to know ahead of time how to plant it and later market it. “You have to realize what […] Read more
CBD oil bright spot for hemp
Hemp is an emerging crop for Canada where supporters see endless possibilities for a plant that yields food, fibre and pharmaceuticals. There is considerable interest in cannabidiol (CBD) but it remains a controlled substance around the world because governments want to ensure it is safe with no long-term negative effects. CBD is not addictive but […] Read more
Remote-sensing technology on cusp of advancements
A research lab in Alberta has developed a biosensor to help forecast for fusarium head blight in wheat and barley crops
BANFF, Alta. — Technology that can directly zap specific weeds or detect disease in fields before the spores hit the plants is coming, but adoption among farmers may lag. Advances in intelligent agriculture were discussed at the Prairie Cereals Summit held Dec. 11-12 in Banff. A biosensor for fusarium head blight forecasting in wheat and […] Read more
Cattle producers opt for sustainability certification
Grocery and restaurant chains make a financial commitment to encourage beef producers to become certified
Becoming certified beef producers reaffirmed the Monvoisin family’s commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement. JP and Marlene Monvoisin run a herd of about 450 purebred and commercial Angus cows near Gravelbourg, Sask. They were strong believers in the Verified Beef Production Plus program, which covers food safety and quality, environmental care, animal welfare and biosecurity. […] Read more
A sustainable farm with a mission
The Loewith dairy farm has a five-point mission statement pinned to the wall to remind staff of its values and priorities
COPETOWN, Ont. — When Ben Loewith walks through the dairy barns on his family farm, he is filled with contentment from a job well done. Keeping a modern dairy sustainable means protecting the environment, contending with urban encroachment, finding competent labour and raising healthy, productive cows. Continuous improvement in all those areas has always driven […] Read more
Sustainability important to consumers
The definition of sustainability is as diverse as the consumers who seek it out in their every day purchases. Many consumers identify it is as being environmentally friendly, where products are free of certain amendments. They expect their food to be safe and they are starting to expect that sustainable practices were used to make […] Read more
Welcome to the ‘hood’
An ambitious new construction project in British Columbia’s lower mainland integrates urban and rural interests
TSAWWASSEN, B.C. — When Sean Hodgins walks down the new sidewalks of the Southlands subdivision and watches new homes rising out of the sandy soil, his vision extends beyond another new suburb in British Columbia’s lower mainland. The president of the Century Group, a family owned real estate development company, sees an “agrihood” where a […] Read more
Beef production up seven percent this year
Fall run was satisfactory with calf prices surpassing $2 a pound for steers, but feedlots continue to struggle with losses
Demand for Canadian beef is strong at home and abroad. Overall, the fall run was satisfactory with calf prices surpassing $2 a pound for steers but feedlots continue to struggle with losses. However, packers are posting strong results. “I think we came through most of the fall run in pretty decent shape. Overall, I think […] Read more
Soaring CBD demand may drive hemp success
Industry forecasts are suggesting 450,000 acres of the crop and $1 billion worth of industrial sales are in the future
There are high hopes for Canada’s hemp industry. New interest and revised regulations have encouraged processing facilities and growers to spring up from coast to coast. The goal is to find markets for the entire product so grain, fibre and leaves all have value. The challenges of growing and marketing an emerging crop were addressed […] Read more
