Another year of rising rural thefts has left many farmers up in arms about what to do and where to turn, said an insurance broker. “I understand how frustrated the farmers are because this is probably the worst year that we’ve ever seen, quite literally, in terms of farm theft,” said Barry Andrew of Kindersley […] Read more
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Are security systems worth the investment?
Feds extend comment period on cash deferral program
The federal government is giving the Canadian grain industry another two months to voice their opinions on cash purchase tickets for grain deliveries. On May 23, the federal finance department issued a statement confirming that the public consultation period on cash purchase tickets for grain would be extended to July 24. The consultation period was […] Read more
Deere outlook improves
farm equipment (Reuters) — Deere & Co. raised its full-year sales and profit forecast for the second time, as demand improves for its equipment, particularly in South America, sending its shares to a record high. It expects fiscal 2017 industry sales of tractors and combines in South America to be at the high-end of its […] Read more
Safety officers, police work together to combat rural crime
In an attempt to reduce rural crime, the Rural Municipality of Edenwold hired Community Safety Officers and wrangled increased participation in the local rural crime watch program. The RM of Edenwold is located on the eastern boundary of Regina. One of its counsillors, Tim Brodt, said the CSOs deter theft, but also help prevent road […] Read more
American farm groups support NAFTA
U.S. farm and commodity groups are avid supporters of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Now that renegotiations of the deal could begin this summer, the groups are loudly voicing that opinion. On May 18, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified Congress of plans by President Donald Trump’s administration to revamp NAFTA. The notification initiated […] Read more
CropLife Canada appoints new president
Timing, they say, is everything in life. Assuming that cliché is true, Pierre Petelle may have very good timing. CropLife Canada announced in May that Petelle is its new president and chief executive officer. He is replacing Ted Menzies, a former Conservative MP and cabinet minister who stepped away from the role in January because […] Read more
Seeding progresses but many areas struggling to get crop in
It’s north verses south for seeding progress, and for progress of last year’s leftover harvest, across much of Western Canada. This spring has seen exceptional progress in some areas, while states of disaster have been declared in other parts. Southern regions are enjoying a relative stable seeding season, while northern areas continue to struggle with […] Read more
Country missing out on $131 million in border duties: AG
Products entering without permits because custom duties for chicken, dairy too complex for border service to enforce
Canada’s auditor general says the country isn’t collecting all the agricultural duties that it should be at the border. Michael Ferguson, in his spring report, said in 2015, importers who exceeded allowed amounts for products like chicken and dairy avoided $168 million in duties. “Custom duties are too complex for the agency to enforce and […] Read moreNew talks planned to develop national food strategy
As the federal government prepares to launch consultations on a new national food policy, industry and citizen groups appear to have beaten them to it. On June 5, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture plans to bring about 50 representatives together from the food and public health sector, including academics, government representatives, MPs, Indigenous groups, civil […] Read more
Sask. vows to fight tax plan
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the province will take Ottawa to court if it imposes a carbon-pricing plan. Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna recently released a technical discussion paper that outlines what the federal government would implement if the province doesn’t come up with a plan of its own. “This federal government white paper is […] Read more
