Canadian farmers will plant approximately 21.5 million acres of canola this spring, up nearly 750,000 acres from last year, according to Statistics Canada’s annual planting intentions report released April 27. Canadian barley plantings will also be up sharply at more than 8.6 million acres this year compared to 7.6 million in 2020, but spring wheat […] Read more
Brian Cross
Stories by Brian Cross
Customers snap up Canadian oats
Consumers around the world continue to develop healthy appetites for Canadian-grown oats. The Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) said exports of Canadian oats continue to show strong growth, particularly in target nations including Mexico and Japan. During the April 8 annual general meeting of the Alberta Oat Growers Commission, Dawn Popescul, interim executive director with […] Read more
Farmers urged to take part in Grain Act review
Some groups envision the grain commission being more focused on its role as a regulator than as a supplier of services
Canadian grain farmers have until the end of the month to make their views known on how Canada’s grain handling, grain grading and grain quality assurance systems should be improved. Earlier this year, Agriculture Canada launched a public consultation as part of a review of the Canada Grain Act, federal legislation that sets out the […] Read more
Judge cites fairness in ruling on revenue cap
Appeals court says CTA didn’t inform CP of the changes it made to how maximum revenue entitlements are calculated
A recent ruling by the Federal Court of Appeal has determined that the Canadian Transportation Agency did not act fairly when it considered factors that will influence Canadian Pacific Railway’s Volume Related Composite Price Index (VRCPI) for the 2020-21 crop year. The VRCPI is part of complex formula used to determine maximum revenue entitlements (MREs), […] Read more
Seed growers eye stronger regulatory role
The Canadian Seed Growers Association has released a business plan that charts a new course for the 117-year old organization. Last year, CSGA members, which include about 3,100 pedigreed seed growers, rejected a proposal to merge with four other seed industry groups to form an all-encompassing seed industry organization called Seeds Canada. The CSGA’s new […] Read more
Early start called best flea beetle protection
Frequent field scouting is critically important when conditions favour flea beetle activity — ideally throughout the field
Growing canola can be a profitable, but stressful way to make a living. Inputs aren’t cheap, so it’s little wonder that growers cringe when they see flea beetles chewing delicate canola seedlings. The Manitoba Canola Growers Association recently hosted an online event aimed at helping growers assess, manage and minimize flea beetle damage. Entomologists and […] Read more
Survey asks about farming’s future
What will prairie grain farms look like in the future? According to a recent survey conducted for the Western Grains Research Foundation, they’ll be larger and more dependent on autonomous machinery, artificial intelligence and data collection. In addition, they could also be subject to greater regulation when it comes to the use of pesticides and […] Read more
Polytechnic offers genomic sequencing training
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has taken a step forward into the brave new world of genomic sequencing. The province-wide polytechnic is offering training in genomic sequencing thanks to the installation of new genome sequencing equipment acquired through a partnership with Genome Prairie. Genome Prairie supplied the equipment through a program known as Genome360. The program provides organizations […] Read more
Love of gardening prompted major transition for farmers
On the Farm: Sask. producers made the switch to greenhouses from grain bins and now run one of the largest operations in the province
Gil and Brenda Leray aren’t your typical Saskatchewan farmers — not by a long shot. About 30 years ago, the Lerays made a life-changing decision to stop growing broad-acre crops like wheat, barley and canola. Instead, they decided to focus on a higher value crop. The Lerays own and operate Leray Gardens at Prud’Homme, Sask., […] Read more
Pulses face off with soy in the alternatives market
Meat replacement demand rising but processors need to adopt more pulse crops in place of wheat gluten and soybean
Global demand for plant-based alternative meat products is expected to skyrocket over the next 15 years, according to a recent report prepared by consulting company Ernst and Young. The report, commissioned by Protein Industries Canada, said the global market for plant-based meat alternatives, such as veggie burgers, plant-based sausages and alternative-meat nuggets, will be valued […] Read more
