EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR AG STUDENTS Farm Management Canada and the Canadian Association of Diploma in Agriculture Programs have selected three winners for the 2016-17 Excellence Award for Ag Students Competition. This year’s winners are : Shanthanu Krishna Kumar, University of Guelph, Ont. Jasmin Bautz, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon William Lacasse, Institut de Technologie Agroalimentaire, La […] Read more
News
AG Notes: July 27, 2017
Manitoba businesses, farm group form anti-carbon tax coalition
A coalition of like-minded groups wants Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister to act more like Brad Wall. They are asking Pallister to take a position similar to the premier of Saskatchewan and vigorously fight the entire concept of a carbon tax. “The majority of Manitoba’s small business owners oppose carbon taxes and cannot afford a policy […] Read more
Pulse safety becomes more urgent
VANCOUVER — Food safety is becoming a more pressing issue now that pulses are being incorporated into packaged foods, says a safety expert. In the past, pulses were largely sold whole or split. The end user provided the “kill step” when they cooked the product at home, killing off any dangerous bacteria. However, pulses are […] Read more
Animal care, traceability first topics in ProAction initiative
EDMONTON — Continuous improvement is a farmer’s goal, and for dairy producers that could be achieved through an initiative called ProAction. The national program sets standards for quality milk, animal care, traceability, biosecurity and environmental care. However, rather than imposing it on farmers in one fell swoop, modules are being introduced slowly. “In September of […] Read more
Animal rights activists begin targeting 4-H
OTTAWA — Be prepared, have a plan and avoid strong reactions when dealing with animal rights activists, delegates heard at the Global 4-H Network Summit in Ottawa earlier this month. “Calm is the key,” said Cory Gooch, chair of the Calgary Stampede’s 4-H on Parade. He and Leah Jones, chief executive officer of the 4-H […] Read more
Bee controversy helpful, says U.S. honey official
It’s become difficult to keep track of all the controversies involving bees and agricultural chemicals. Some scientists say neonicoti-noids, a class of insecticides, are poisoning bees. Other researchers say fungicides are a threat to bees and last November two U.S. environmental groups filed a lawsuit against Sue Bee Honey, a co-operative in Sioux City, Iowa, […] Read more
Farm creates forests to offset carbon output
The Carbon Farmer plants trees to sequester carbon and offset the environmental impact of ‘large smokestack type industries’
MANNING, Alta. — Products from the Carbon Farmer are less tangible than many farm commodities but they reach a burgeoning market. The expected commodities from the certified organic grain farm are there, but so are thousands of trees planted on behalf of corporations for carbon credits and for non-regulated commercial needs to offset environmental impacts. […] Read moreThe real dirt on Alberta soil
LACOMBE, Alta. — Knowing a bit of history may lead to better soil management. “If you know the kinds of soils you are farming and how they were laid down, it tells you a lot about the characteristics and helps you decide what are the things you need to be worried about,” said Ross McKenzie, […] Read more
From the Archives: Pastures wither in heat; Ottawa helps secure hay
The Western Producer takes a weekly look at some of the stories that made headlines in issues of the paper from 75, 50, 25 and 10 years ago. 75 years ago: July 23, 1942 The prairie wheat pools said they were prepared to reduce their handling charges for “street wheat” delivered to the Canadian Wheat […] Read more
Day Two –Wheat yield slashed as tour moves to Dakota drought area
By Julie Ingwersen DEVILS LAKE, North Dakota, July 26 (Reuters) – Spring wheat yield prospects in central and northwest North Dakota are down significantly from a year ago following hot, dry conditions during the growing season, scouts on an annual U.S. crop tour said on Wednesday. The Wheat Quality Council tour calculated an average yield […] Read more
