The federal government has announced it will make $1.75 billion available to Canada’s dairy farmers, compensating producers for losses in domestic market access due to new trade agreements. Unveiling the compensation package last week in Compton, Que., Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the dollars will be doled out over eight years to the country’s nearly […] Read more
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Will Ont. farm death verdict lead to safer practices?
A recent court case that saw an Ontario farmer convicted of criminal negligence in the death of his son could encourage more farmers to improve safety, according to experts. In the history-making case, Justice Julia Morneau of the Ontario Court of Justice on Aug. 8 sentenced farmer Emanuel Bauman with a 10-year driving prohibition and […] Read more
Feds to compensate dairy sector
The federal government has announced it will make $1.75 billion available to Canada’s dairy farmers, compensating producers for losses in domestic market access due to new trade agreements. Unveiling the compensation package today in Compton, Que., agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the dollars will be doled out over eight years to the country’s nearly 11,000 […] Read more
Online tools help analyze hazards
The programs were developed in the U.S. with help from firefighters, who are usually first on the scene of an accident
DES MOINES, Iowa — Firefighters and first responders have been partnering with farmers in the United States to bolster safety, releasing a slate of new programs that can address hazards. The online tools, which can also be accessed in Canada, include a checklist and a pre-plan map in case farmers find themselves in emergency situations. […] Read more
B.C. ranch finds bison transition a challenge
CECIL LAKE, B.C. — Introducing bison to the ranch has so far been a challenging endeavour for Leanne and Clifford Wiebe. The animals were introduced last fall to fetch better market prices, but Leanne said they just aren’t the same as cattle. “It’s an adjustment,” said Leanne, showing the animals on the 37,000-acre ranch near […] Read more
Feds take aim at food fraud
The federal government is launching a new program to crack down on food fraud, upping its investigative tools to help ensure products are indeed real. The $24.4 million initiative, announced July 11 in Edmonton, will allow the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to increase its inspections and improve its technology to detect imported products suspected of […] Read more
Ilta Grain granted creditor protection
Many western Canadian farmers will likely see delays in payment and might not be paid in full for their grain as a significant pulse exporting company enters financial trouble. Ilta Grain was granted creditor protection July 8 at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, stating in a letter to vendors and suppliers that the move […] Read more
Research studies benefits of mixing things up
Farmers in Alberta’s Peace region are interested in intercropping but need to know the practice works before they try it
FAIRVIEW, Alta. — Researchers in Alberta’s Peace region hope to show that intercropping improves yield, potentially providing farmers in the area with an alternative rotation. The new project, taking place near Fairview at the Peace Country Beef and Forage Association plots, is mixing oats with peas, peas with canola, canola with oats and one with […] Read more
Northern Alta. agronomist tackles organics
Julie Bernier has been hired to help producers in Mackenzie County solve their problems and improve production
LA CRETE, Alta. — Julie Bernier has become the go-to person for organic producers in Alberta’s Mackenzie County, helping them deal with problems they might have on their farms. She’s the new agronomic consultant for the area, working on behalf of Organic Alberta to set up educational workshops and address local production concerns. “Farmers here […] Read more
New farmers embrace small-scale production
On the Farm: Michelle and Gaston are first generation farmers who sell poultry, pork and beef directly to consumers
ROSE PRAIRIE, B.C. — Michelle and Gaston Schaeffer never grew up on a family farm, but that didn’t stop them from pursuing their passion of producing food. At Whiskey Creek Ranch in Rose Prairie, the Schaeffers produce pasture-raised poultry and pork, as well as beef that’s raised and finished on grass. They implement regenerative practices to […] Read more
