The CFA says consumers have expectations on animal welfare and environmental issues that are based on myths
CHARLOTTETOWN — Canada’s agriculture ministers say they support a co-operative effort to boost public confidence in agriculture and food. But they stopped short of recommending a social licence roundtable be established, as proposed by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. CFA president Ron Bonnett said consumers are increasingly challenging the industry. They don’t necessarily have the […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Crop insurance ‘first line of defence’
Existing programs will provide support in drought stricken areas, says Gerry Ritz
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Prairie farmers who have watched crops and pastures wither in hot and dry conditions this summer should look to crop insurance for help. Provincial agriculture ministers meeting in Charlottetown last week discussed the variable conditions across the country and for now expect farmers to use existing programs. Federal minister Gerry Ritz said […] Read moreGrain union questions new Vancouver terminals
MOOSE JAW, Sask. — Grain handlers at the port of Vancouver are watching planned developments there and questioning the need for more capacity. Gerry Gault, president of the Grain Workers Union, said the proposed new G3 facility, plus expansions and upgrades at existing terminals, will put total capacity at 35 million tonnes within a couple […] Read more
Sask. cattle producers ask for tax deferrals
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has asked the federal government to implement tax deferrals for producers forced to sell livestock due to dry conditions. President Doug Gillespie said today that recent rain has improved pasture conditions in some places, but it came too late for many hay crops. “Livestock producers in several areas across Saskatchewan […] Read more
VIDEO: Striving for shoes that fit like glove
WEYBURN, Sask. — Taris Tuffs admitted to being terrified. However, the apprentice farrier quickly found her footing as she competed in her first farrier competition, the Chad Johnstone Memorial, at the Weyburn Agricultural Society fair. “I just started my course in January,” said the advanced farrier sciences student from Olds College after completing the first […] Read more
Ag ministers pledge support for supply management
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Canada’s agriculture ministers say they support expanded trade opportunities but not at the expense of supply management. After their annual meeting, which was held in Charlottetown this week, the ministers said new markets such as those through the Trans-Pacific Partnership are critical to an exporting country like Canada. But they also said […] Read more
4-H members vie for top dollar in show ring
WEYBURN, Sask. — Hours before the midway rides would draw those seeking thrills and candy apples, the barns at the Weyburn fair grounds were bustling with another tradition. Kids, parents and grandparents were all busy getting ready for day two of the 73rd annual regional 4-H show, held by the Weyburn Agricultural Society in conjunction […] Read more
Passion for horticulture survives weather, disease challenges
MELFORT, Sask. — Mel Annand has been here before. In 2010, spring floods killed many trees at Creekside Orchard, which he operates with his wife, Imogene Schick. This spring, frost was the culprit. “We’ll have next to no apple crop,” Annand said in early June during an orchard tour. Obviously, fruit growers can’t reseed their […] Read more
Northeastern Saskatchewan’s Torch River Rail reports improved short-line service
CHOICELAND, Sask. — Torch River Rail chair Ron Shymanski says producer car movement is nearly back to normal after the backlog of 2013-14. The short line, which runs 45 kilometres in northeastern Saskatchewan between Choiceland and Nipawin to connect to Canadian Pacific Railway, moved 800 cars in fiscal 2014, he said. “I kind of think […] Read more
Supply managed sector nervous in wake of U.S. TPP fast track
The debate over the future of Canada’s supply management system is heating up amid speculation that the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal could be signed this summer. The U.S. Congress last week gave president Barack Obama fast-track authority to pass trade bills, signaling to the other 11 TPP partners that negotiations could pick up speed. Some […] Read more
