Is Canadian Ag ready to pivot?
Risk and change are inevitable in agriculture, but the need for change is more pressing than ever as the sector faces fresh headwinds — from unpredictable trade relations and weather patterns to the advent of artificial intelligence — said speakers at a conference organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute in Ottawa earlier this month.
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Volatile temperatures expected for this winter
DTN is forecasting a lot of temperature variability in the Canadian Prairies this winter. Precipitation should be close to average.
Industry and government officials at the Canadian Agri-Food in a Risky World conference highlighted many factors affecting agriculture – broadly agreeing on two ideas: the time for change is now, and to make that change happen, Canada will need more research funding and better data access.
Flax sector sees opportunity
A global shortage of omega-3 oils could be an opportunity for the Canadian flax sector.
A new report from Rabobank says the aquaculture industry is consuming more fishmeal and fish oil due to the expansion of high-value species and the adoption of more intensive farming practices.
Fishmeal shortages are projected to emerge as early as 2028, while fish oil scarcity is expected to intensify throughout the decade, said the report.
Flax oil is rich in the same omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, called alpha-linolenic acid, which is good for heart and brain health.
If tight fish oil supplies and an increased need for omega-3 oils from other sources would create stable demand for flax, it would be a “win-win for the whole supply chain,” said Tracy Broughton, executive director of SaskOilseeds.
CWD control program consultation extended
The consultation period for proposed changes to Canada’s Chronic Wasting Disease Control Program has been extended to Nov. 21.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the program, which is intended to improve risk management in farmed cervids — like elk and deer — and better meet the needs of partners, industry, stakeholders and consumers.
The proposed changes will move away from mandatory herd destruction and toward a regional, management-focused approach to control disease spread. The new proposed CWD control program will recognize regional variability in CWD status for the purposes of risk management.
