An industry leader says both sectors poised to provide solutions to critical issues if the appropriate policies are in place
The agriculture and forestry sectors have a lot in common and should be working together on common goals, says an industry leader. Derek Nighbor, president of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), said both industries are strongly grounded in rural Canada and both share unique opportunities that are timely in the current environment. “As […] Read moreStories by Freelance writer
Honesty key in food marketing
Canadian consumers have a high level of mistrust when it comes to food labels and marketing. That was one of the key takeaways of a recent report from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, which showed that 62 percent of Canadians have concerns about misleading food labels and marketing. But instead of viewing this as […] Read more
Little left in the fields as harvest ’23 almost done
Provincial crop reports note a need for fall rain and heavy snowfall this winter as soil moisture continues to decline
With the majority of harvest complete across the Prairies, government agriculture ministries are taking a look at the season as a whole. Even with the last few acres of flax, canola, soybeans, oats and chickpeas still waiting for the combine, harvest in Saskatchewan is 98 percent done for the 2023 growing season. Yields and quality […] Read more
Genomics may predict calves’ future
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have used a commercial genomic prediction tool called the Zoetis GeneMax Advantage, specific to the Angus breed, to investigate the accuracy of the test procedure in predicting breeding values for complex and desirable traits. “(The goal was) to demonstrate and evaluate the ability of the test to accurately predict […] Read more
Man. flower farm blossoms
Masagana means abundant, plentiful and prosperous in Tagalog and this word reflects Lourdes Still’s wish for her growing business. Masagana Flower Farm and Studio is on a rural property near La Broquerie, Man., and is owned by Still and her husband. Here, Still gradually expanded her U-pick flower farm and opened her new studio, in […] Read more
Drought conditions not letting up
Moisture is just as much of a concern as harvest wraps up across the Prairies as it was at the beginning of the growing season. As of Sept. 30, 72 percent of Canada was reported as having some level of drought conditions, 69 percent of which is agricultural land, according to Agriculture Canada’s recently released […] Read more
Corn harvest stalls in Manitoba; potatoes strong in Alberta
Alberta farmers have wrapped up 94 percent of their major crop harvest. Producers in the south are still waiting on sugar beets and some specialty acres, while others had to pause due to rainy conditions and tough canola. It was a good year for potato farmers in the province. Terence Hochstein, executive director of Potato […] Read more
Farmers think about next generation
Seidlitz family knows it will be important to put plans down in writing if next generation wants to carry on the operation
BETHUNE, Sask. — The Seidlitz family seems to reach back more than one generation for land transfers. Henry Seidlitz bought his farmland from his grandmother and Henry’s son, Bill, bought his farmland from his grandfather. “I am not sure what will happen for the next generation. It has worked well up to now. I don’t […] Read more
Transition starts by deciding who wants to farm
A good place to start when beginning a farm succession plan is to determine what every family member intends to do in the future
THORHILD, Alta. — Six years ago Harry and Barb DeWindt ordered their three daughters and families to a mandatory meeting at the farm with no hints about the topic. “We are all sitting around the table. One said, ‘are you dying?’ No, I just want to ask you one question all at the same time. […] Read more
Producers asked for input on weather impact
Farmers urged to contribute to Ag Canada’s Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey to provide a more detailed picture
As harvest comes to a close, Agriculture Canada is encouraging farmers to contribute to their Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey. The survey is available on the federal government’s website, where farmers can join a mailing list. The information is expected to be mapped and published on the government’s Drought Watch website. When monitoring weather systems, precipitation […] Read more
