Honey is not contaminated with excessive levels of chemical residue, says the head of the Canadian Honey Council, contrary to articles published recently in Canadian newspapers. TheVancouver Sunreported last week that 40 percent of honey jars sold in Canada contain elevated levels of butyric acid, which is a chemical used to repel bees. TheSunstory, which […] Read more
Robert Arnason
Stories by Robert Arnason
Ontario finds more weeds resistant to glyphosate
Scientists from the University of Guelph have discovered more soybean fields in southwestern Ontario where weeds have developed resistance to glyphosate. Monsanto Canada confirmed in a news release Nov. 15 that researchers have detected glyphosate resistant giant ragweed in 16 fields in Essex County near Windsor, Ont. In late March, Monsanto announced the first confirmed […] Read more
Manitoba expands insurance in ag sector
The Manitoba government has promised to introduce insurance programs for the province’s cattle, hog and honey producers. Keystone Agricultural Producers president Rob Brunel welcomed the announcement, which was made in the government’s recent speech from the throne. “We don’t typically hear a lot about agriculture in the throne speech … but there were a few […] Read more
Monsanto opens canola breeding centre
Monsanto Canada officially unveiled its $12 million canola breeding centre in Winnipeg yesterday. The substantial investment in canola should pay off in two ways, said company officials. It will push the company toward its goal of doubling canola yields by 2030 and help it grab a greater share of canola acres. “We’d like to think […] Read more
Chemical gets OK against varroa mite
Canadian beekeepers officially have a new tool to kill varroa mites now that the Pest Management Regulatory Agency has registered oxalic acid for use in Canada. “We are just waiting for the PMRA to send us the final letter, but as far as we know, it is registered and the PCP (Pest Control Product) number […] Read more
Man. farm first to mark 125 years in business
A story on page 76 of our Nov. 11 issue, about a Manitoba farm that received the Heritage Farm designation for 125 years of family ownership, incorrectly spelled the name of Betty Heaman in the photo caption. Corrected November 23, 2010. Many farmers have a sign marking the end of their driveway, but Betty and […] Read more
Cattle group changes mind on brand inspections
After deciding last year to support brand inspection in the province, cattle producers in Manitoba have changed their minds. Members of the newly named Manitoba Beef Producers, formerly the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association, passed a resolution at the group’s annual generalmeetinginBrandonNov. 6tohalt the association’s lobbying efforts for cattle brand inspection in the province. The shift […] Read more
Man. cattle group changes name
The Manitoba Cattle Producers Association is now the Manitoba Beef Producers. The new identity is part of a larger campaign to re-brand the cattle industry in the province. MCPA directors and staff announced the new name at the association’s annual general meeting in Brandon Nov. 5. The campaign’s tag line, We All Benefit, will push […] Read more
Hog farmers charged
The owners of a hog barn in central Manitoba could face jail time for allowing pigs to starve to death. The Manitoba government filed 23 charges last week against Martin and Delores Grenier of Notre Dame de Lourdes under the Manitoba Animal Care Act. The multiple charges against the Greniers fall into three main categories, […] Read more
Honey yields vary on Prairies
Warm weather in April and sufficient soil moisture led Alberta honey producers to expect excellent yields this year. However, the promise never materialized. “We never got the heat in August and never got the late flow that we usually (get) in the beginning of September,” said Alberta Beekeepers Association president Terry Greidanus. The poor conditions […] Read more
