A recent study to discover new resistance to Hessian fly infestations in wheat is paying dividends. Researchers at the University of Purdue found that the snowdrop lectin, a protein originating from the snowdrop plant, reduces Hessian fly growth. “The Hessian fly continues to overcome native genes for resistance in wheat,” said Richard Shukle, a scientist […] Read more
Stories by John B. Pluck
Pulses increase fibre, reduce fat intake and blood sugar levels
When most people think of eating healthy, pulses such as peas and beans are not top of mind. But with health related diseases on the rise due to poor food choices, more health professionals are stressing the importance of regular pulse consumption as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Julianne Curran, director of nutrition, scientific […] Read more
Ag reporting a learning experience
Goodbyes have never been among my strong suits. But the time has come to say so long and farewell toThe Western Producer readers and the staff in the Saskatoon newsroom. When I started at theProducerthis fall as an intern from the University of Regina School of Journalism, I really had no idea of what to […] Read more
2,4-D study finds problems with absorbing too much protein
The herbicide 2,4-D has had a sound crop safety record since its introduction in 1945, gaining health and safety regulatory approval in more than 100 countries. However, a recent study threatens to tarnish that reputation if accepted by the wider agricultural science community. Angus Murphy, a horticulture department professor from Perdue University, discovered during a […] Read more
Agri-business sector optimistic: CFIB
Agri-businesses are feeling positive about the future according to a measurement done by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. It recently released an index for November that measures the economic optimism of agri-businesses for the coming year. The index showed optimism in the sector rose to 64.5 points. That was an increase of 6.2 points […] Read more
CFIB index suggests growing optimism in agri-business sector
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business recently released an index for November that measures the economic optimism of agri-businesses for the upcoming year across the country. The index showed optimism in the sector rose to 64.5 points. This represents an increase of 6.2 points over October’s figure of 58.3 points. An index level above 50 […] Read more
Brandt donates to charities, gives bonuses
The Brandt Group of Companies plans to donate more than $3 million through its Thanks a Billion program by the end of next year. The donations will benefit charitable organizations, the company’s customers and employees. “It’s a way of giving back or saying thank you to parties that have played a part in our success […] Read more
Synchrotron explores flax, hemp close-up
Scientists are trying to understand how flax and hemp fibres interact with adhesives at an atomic and molecular level to form a biocomposite material. A biocomposite material usually comprises plant-based fibres and a resin, which is usually of polymer or plastic. Jeffrey Cutler, director of industrial science at the Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon and […] Read more
Technology opens doors for ag sector
Agriculture is no longer just about feeding a hungry world, says a professor from New Mexico State University. Lowell Catlett, a keynote speaker at the Agri-Trend Farm Forum in Saskatoon, said the agricultural world is changing into a place where organic food and gluten free manufactured products are in demand. “The organic (food) in North […] Read more
Brandt to donate more than $3 million by end of 2012
Brandt Group of companies announced earlier this week that it will donate more than $3 million through its Thanks a Billion program. The company will make the donations before the end of next year. To kick start the new initiative, Brandt presented $100,000 to United Way and $50,000 to Children’s Wish Foundation. The donation campaign […] Read more
