In the fall of 2013, farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan seeded more than 900,000 acres of winter wheat. Since then acres have steadily dropped, hitting 400,000 in the fall of 2016 and only 240,000 this year. Consequently, the groups that represent winter wheat growers have fewer check-off dollars and during the last few months they’ve […] Read more
News
Winter wheat group makes cost cutting changes
Ag sector wants quick action on new TPP deal
Agricultural sector worries that Ottawa has yet to ratify the agreement as auto industry fears cast shadow
In January, Canada’s agriculture industry celebrated when the federal government committed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. A month later, Canadian agricultural leaders are still pressing the government on the deal, which has recently been revived as the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). They want Ottawa to formally ratify the deal as soon as possible, […] Read moreChina securities regulator approves hog futures launch
BEIJING, China (Reuters) — China’s securities regulator has approved an application from the Dalian Commodity Exchange to launch a hog futures contract, the exchange said in a statement last month, paving the way for major changes to trading in the world’s top pork market. Details on the type of contract and timing for the launch […] Read more
‘Stand back budget’ disappoints farm groups
Federal budget made changes to passive income initiative, but some call it an overly simplified approach
OTTAWA — Farm leaders say the federal budget announced Feb. 28 is underwhelming as far as agriculture is concerned. After last year’s budget, in which the sector was held up as a shining star of the economy, this year’s fiscal plan hardly mentions it at all. At the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual meeting last […] Read moreU of G launches food accelerator to push innovation
The University of Guelph has created a new organization to help launch agri-food ideas and innovations. Accelerator Guelph aims to provide business training, help create networks and provide a process to innovators in agriculture and food at the university. Getting research and great ideas from university researchers to the market has been a challenging process. […] Read more
New radial for narrow applications
Kleber Tire, known in Europe for high quality farm machinery tires, is introducing a narrow radial for the North American market. The Kleber Cropker is designed for small- and medium-capacity, self-propelled sprayers, towed equipment and tractors. According to Kleber, the Cropker model is for crops or applications such as towed sprayers that require tires with […] Read more
AG Notes
Tax credit available for canola producers Canola growers in Alberta who do not request a refund of their checkoff from the Alberta Canola Producers Commission qualify for a tax credit for the 2017 tax year. The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit allows canola growers to claim the tax credit for the portion […] Read more
Brazil court overturns cattle export injunction
SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) — Brazil’s government has won a court decision allowing the export of live cattle, overturning an injunction obtained by an animal rights group, the country’s agriculture ministry said early last month. “Victory for Brazilian farming. Exports freed,” Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said in a statement announcing that a Sao Paulo appeals […] Read more
Sask. ranchers welcome crop insurance changes
As well, contract price option to include barley, commercial canola, oats, hard red spring wheat, durum and CPS wheat
Saskatchewan cattle producers say wildfire coverage and improved predation compensation offered in this year’s crop insurance program provide much-needed added protection. Wildfires devastated more than 88,000 acres of mainly pasture last year and there was no insurance for fire damage, which will likely result in lost productivity. Many organizations had urged Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. […] Read moreIrrigators fear asset transfer could swamp them in debt
Infrastructure that Sask. is handing over to irrigation districts may require $350 million in upgrades and maintenance
The Saskatchewan government is moving ahead with plans to transfer irrigation assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars to a handful of irrigation districts. Sounds like a good deal, but there’s one catch. According to an engineer’s report, the assets will require as much $350 million worth of upgrades and maintenance work, a liability that […] Read more
