If more farmers were willing to sell their peas as feed, they would have a thriving domestic market, says one of Canada’s largest hog producers. Florian Possberg, chief executive officer of Big Sky Farms, said the hog industry “loves peas” but the supply of the sought-after feed ingredient is inconsistent and unreliable. His 28,000-sow operation […] Read more
Sean Pratt
Stories by Sean Pratt
Asian pulse acres grow
Parallels can be drawn between the explosion of South American soybean production and what’s happening with pulse crops in two Asian countries. China and Myanmar have become key producers and exporters of beans, pigeon peas, matpe and mung beans. While the growth hasn’t been as dramatic or the economic impact as widespread as soybean expansion […] Read more
Agricore updates bean processing plant
Canada’s largest grain company is ramping up its investment in the dry bean sector. Agricore United is replacing its 24-year-old processing plant in Carman, Man., with a new facility featuring more processing capacity. “It puts us, I would say, as being one of several companies that are involved in beans in a pretty serious way […] Read more
Industry leaders assess results
The result of the federal election surprised few western farm leaders. It’s the idea of working with a minority government that seems to hold much intrigue. Some think it means more action on the agriculture file, others worry it will lead to gridlock. But those surveyed are unanimous on a willingness and eagerness to start […] Read more
Pasta project put on backburner
A five-year-old pasta project that was nearing a boil has been placed on simmer again. A group of about 200 prairie durum growers said it was “blindsided” by a Canadian Wheat Board ruling that killed a deal to buy a portion of North America’s third largest pasta plant. Prairie Pasta Producers has been attempting to […] Read more
Organic labels slammed for unreliability
A public advocacy group says Canadian consumers put too much faith in organic food labels. Option Consommateurs said shoppers attach more credibility to certified organic products than they should. The Montreal-based consumer rights organization recently conducted a study that concluded people are “poorly protected” by Canadian measures dealing with organics. Focus group sessions in Toronto […] Read more
Crops crawl with cool conditions
Despite recent warmer weather, crop development is about two weeks behind normal, a fact largely ignored by the markets. With the exception of southern Alberta, the Prairies are one to two weeks behind normal, according to provincial crop reports and input from commodity groups. Saskatoon commodity broker Larry Weber said oilseeds are the furthest behind. […] Read more
P . 15: Weather hampers soy expansion
Manitoba has experienced a setback in the expansion of its soybean industry. Agriculture officials were expecting growers to seed 380,000 acres of the crop this spring, up from 220,000 acres in 2003. It now appears farmers will sow less than half of what was expected. Producers had finished seeding canola and wheat and were waiting […] Read more
Generic contracts proposed by CSCA
The special crops industry is attempting to minimize confusion and disputes surrounding grower contracts. Instead of myriad documents with different clauses, the industry wants to move to a generic contract that is used by all members of the Canadian Special Crops Association. CSCA executive director Francois Catellier said the idea stems from a strategic planning […] Read more
Cougar on loose after killing calf
Bill Moebis knew something was amiss when the bawling of a cow interrupted him while he was working on his barn. It was too late in the evening for Moebis to properly investigate but he had a nagging feeling one of his calves was in trouble. Two mornings later his suspicions were confirmed when he […] Read more
