Canola production in Saskatchewan is expected to expand by a million acres this year, which raises the question: where are these acres coming from? Although overland flooding drowned out a large chunk of land in southeastern Saskatchewan in 2011, canola growers in the province still seeded 9.8 million acres, shattering the previous record of 7.9 […] Read more
Robert Arnason
Stories by Robert Arnason
Clubroot DNA found in Manitoba
Disease DNA discovered in soil | Two fields test positive but no symptoms seen in plants
Manitoba is still officially free of clubroot, but DNA of the disease has been discovered in the province. Manitoba Agriculture announced in late April that soil samples taken last August from two canola fields tested positive for clubroot DNA at extremely low levels. The positive tests came from samples taken as part of the Manitoba […] Read moreWheat growers sold on healthy doughnut
Kristi Guilford wants her kids to eat a healthy breakfast, which is why she never feeds her children doughnuts for the most important meal of the day. However, she might reconsider her stance if the doughnuts were made with whole grains. “I can see it working well, maybe for a high school student who doesn’t […] Read more
Tim Hortons makes new animal welfare commitment
After announcing modest goals for its animal welfare programs earlier this spring, Tim Hortons has committed to buying pork from farms with open housing and eggs from farms with enriched hen housing systems. The fast food company announced today it wants its suppliers to eliminate sow gestation stalls and develop “clear plans and timelines by […] Read more
Robots ease dairy producers’ labour pains
Garth Hockley couldn’t help himself as he stood next to a robotic milking machine inside his barn: he had to grin as he admired the technology. “I never get tired of watching it,” said Hockley, who opened up his dairy farm to visitors for the National Holstein Convention held in Brandon last month. Hockley, who […] Read more
Clubroot DNA found in Manitoba; province still considered disease free
Manitoba is still officially free of clubroot, but DNA of the disease has been discovered in the province. Manitoba Agriculture announced in late April that soil samples taken last August from two canola fields tested positive for clubroot DNA at extremely low levels. The positive tests came from samples taken as part of the Manitoba […] Read more
Soybean seed shortage threatens acreage increase
Record crop forecast | Expansion expected in non-traditional soybean regions of southwestern Manitoba
Manitoba farmers may shatter the provincial record for soybean acres this year, but a shift to Roundup Ready 2 beans and a lack of high quality seed threatens acreage gains. The province set another record for soybeans last year, with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. insuring 587,000 acres, compared to 528,000 in 2010. Manitoba Pulse Growers […] Read moreVariety registration future debated
CWB changes prompt reform call | Scientists argue CWB played little role in registration process
WINNIPEG — Now that the CWB’s monopoly is set to disappear Aug. 1, some producers want to transform another grain industry institution they see as cumbersome — the variety registration system. However, Brian Rossnagel, a prominent barley and oat breeder in Western Canada, says farmers should realize the CWB and Canada’s variety registration system are […] Read moreProducers, industry must find ways to fill void from research cuts
The Western Grains Research Foundation isn’t thrilled with federal funding cuts to wheat research, but the foundation is willing to adapt, said Dave Sefton, WGRF chair. “Now is the time for producers and industry to find ways to increase cereal research investments to levels competitive with other crops and other countries,” said Sefton, who farms […] Read more
Manitoba budget miffs farmers
Manitoba’s recent budget largely ignores the concerns of farmers and the agricultural industry, say producer groups in the province. Despite the province facing a $460 million deficit this year, the government is cutting Manitoba Agriculture’s budget for Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives by a modest 0.5 per cent: to $227 million in 2012 from […] Read more
