Former Alberta MLA and Agriculture Minister LeRoy Fjordbotten, who served with former premiers Peter Lougheed, Don Getty and Ralph Klein, died June 8 at the age of 78. Fjordbotten was born in Granum, Alta., and was elected to the provincial legislature in 1979 as a Progressive Conservative for the Fort Macleod region. He served as […] Read more
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Former Alta. ag minister dies
Recalls issued for flour, health food bars
Protein and health food bars, as well as more Robin Hood brand flour, are the subject of recalls reported this week by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The recall on Robin Hood brand Baker’s Hood All Purpose Flour in the 20 kilogram bag, with best before dates from mid-October to early November, are being recalled […] Read more
New U.S. secretary of agriculture says ‘COOL is a settled issue’
TORONTO — If American farm groups, legislators or even fellow members of cabinet come to him recommending that the U.S. reimpose country-of-origin labelling, Sonny Perdue won’t be encouraging them. “I think what I would advise them is to persuade the World Trade Organization to change their mind (first),” the U.S. secretary of agriculture said in […] Read more
Growers warned to scout canola for flea beetles
Flea beetles are feeding on canola crops in some regions of the Prairies this spring, and growers are being advised to scout for the pests. Whether they take action will depend on number, level of damage and crop stage, but the type of flea beetle involved is also important. Crucifer flea beetles, which are solid […] Read more
U.S. farm leader advises against hasty NAFTA talks
DES MOINES, Iowa — Negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement could begin as early as August, and many people in the ag industry are hoping a new deal gets done quickly. However, the past-president of the U.S. National Pork Producers Council said pushing ahead with NAFTA re-negotiations is unwise because other policy […] Read more
Wheat acres down but not out, say officials
A few decades ago, Western Canada’s vast grain growing area was known to many as the breadbasket of the world. Wheat was king in the West, and all other crops were minor players by comparison. But times have changed. Today, prairie farmers are more inclined to grow crops that make oil, margarine and soup rather […] Read more
Farm show celebrates 40th anniversary
They say 40 is the new 30, and if that’s true, Canada’s Farm Progress Show is still far from entering middle age. However, the annual Regina event, which started as the Western Canada Farm Progress Show, is indeed celebrating its 40th year next week. “It’s exciting and scary turning 40, isn’t it,” said show manager […] Read more
Controversy over hog manure continues
During the early 2000s, the effect of manure from hog barns on Lake Winnipeg was a huge story in Manitoba. Environmental groups, media reports and the provincial government all said that phosphorus from hog manure was flowing into the lake and polluting it with excessive nutrients. Now that the province may soon see new barns […] Read more
Pork council tackles phosphorus perceptions with ad campaign
The Manitoba Pork Council has been fighting the same battle for more than a decade. In 2006, the provincial government issued a moratorium on hog barn construction, saying it was necessary because hog manure was polluting Lake Winnipeg. That message has stuck with the public, despite strict regulations around manure management and hog industry efforts […] Read more
Biofuel makers hope for increase in mandate
Canadian biofuel producers are already gearing up for what they believe will be a doubling of the country’s ethanol and biodiesel mandates in the near future. Environment and Climate Change Canada is consulting with provinces and territories about developing a clean fuel standard to reduce greenhouse gases by increasing the use of low carbon fuels. […] Read more
