ICE Canada canola futures dipped on Wednesday, snapping a three-day advance, on commercial hedge pressure and weaker soy markets. Farmer selling has increased with the pace of the Canadian harvest picking up, a trader said. November canola lost $5.50 to $464.20 per tonne. January canola down $5.20 to $471.40. Rain is expected on the Prairies […] Read more
Stories by Western Producer staff
It’s the right time to revisit value of prison farms
In a questionable move back in 2010, the Conservative government closed down six prison farms located at Canadian minimum-security facilities. Despite appeals not to do so by farm groups, social action networks, churches and the John Howard Society, the prison farms were closed and the livestock sold off (though the animals can be reacquired). The […] Read more
Canada should seek new markets for canola exports
It’s tempting to label the dockage dispute between China and Canada’s canola exporters as an issue between a buyer and a seller. Indeed, it is that. But beneath the surface, the roots shoot in many directions, hence the need for political action that saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announce that the Sept. 1 deadline for […] Read more
Hog sector deserves praise for keeping PED virus out
One truth about livestock production is that manure is easily spread. We’re not talking about mechanical manure spreading, here. We’re talking about how manure can travel on boots, clothing, buckets, other animals, tires and trucks. When microscopic amounts of it can carry a deadly hog virus, as is the case with porcine epidemic diarrhea, the […] Read more
Low prices cut fertilizer makers’ profit
Second quarter net earnings for PotashCorp fell 71 percent, while Mosaic Co. reported a loss of $10 million
North America’s biggest fertilizer companies reported large drops in quarterly profits last week. Two companies, Agrium Inc. and CF Industries Holdings, warned of tough times ahead as abundant supplies weighed on prices. However, Mosaic and PotashCorp indicated the worst might be over, at least in the potash sector. “We believe the uncertainty that weighed on […] Read moreProduction demands must consider animals, consumers
It is reasonable to assert that farm animals destined to live short lives should live comfortably. It’s tempting to set down conditions for animals — hens, we are discussing here — based on what we believe is instinctive: freedom to roam, roost and brood. With this in mind, there is a movement in the animal […] Read more
Rural views needed when politicians make decisions
Manitoba’s new premier is coining some original words of interest to farmers at a time when many of them might feel control over their livelihood is slipping. Brian Pallister talked about “rurban” and “urbal” with rural news reporters following his Progressive Conservative Party’s win in the provincial election. He wants urban MLAs who care about […] Read more
National co-ordination could maximize research funding
How many is too many? When it comes to wheat research projects that’s difficult to say. And that’s a problem. Without a comprehensive accounting of what the 266 wheat research projects now underway in Canada are focusing on, no one can say with certainty that research is as effective and efficient as it could be. […] Read more
Making AgriInvest tax-free investment not wise option
An idea being floated by a few farm groups aims to provide farmers easier access to tax-free money in AgriInvest to fund agriculture-related projects. However, it comes with risks. AgriInvest was designed as a short-term risk management tool to help protect producers from small margin declines. But there’s a second component that permits farmers to […] Read more
Ag debate gives party views on less discussed issues
The agricultural debate held in Sask-atoon among representatives of five provincial parties was necessary and informative, since the sector has not been a major factor in the Saskatchewan election campaign. Indeed, leaders debates in Saskatchewan and in Manitoba, which is also in the midst of an election campaign, barely mentioned agriculture, despite its being such […] Read more
