With a price tag of nearly $300 million to develop a synthetic chemistry, crop science companies have shifted research dollars toward biological pest control products. However, company representatives don’t envision a future where biologicals replace chemistries. They say biological products will be used in combination with chemistry and other tools. “It’s challenging to come up […] Read more
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Biological control seen as combo tool with synthetics
Liberty Link put up for sale; unknown buyer sparks anxiety
Bayer’s announcement that it is selling its Liberty line of products has provided relief for Canada’s canola growers and created anxiety for independent retailers. Regulators in South Africa said one condition of their approval of Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto was that it had to sell off its Liberty Link technology and associated Liberty branded chemical […] Read more
Pet food company building new plant in Alberta
Champion Petfoods announced plans May 16 to build a new manufacturing plant in Parkland County west of Edmonton. The Alberta company manufactures the Acana and Orijen brands of dog and cat food and will expand its capacity to produce kibble, freeze-dried food and pet treats in custom-fitted 400,000 sq. foot kitchens at the new plant. […] Read more
Canada has nothing to fear in NAFTA negotiations: experts
Farmers might be scared of what renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement could mean, but it could be a chance for Canada to fix and improve some problems, say a number of analysts and economists. “It’s an opportunity for us to become way more ambitious around trade, whether it’s domestic or international,” said […] Read more
Buhler still suffering losses
Buhler Industries reported a $300,000 loss in the second quarter but expects profits will improve later this year as cost cutting measures take effect. Equipment demand is hurt by weak crop commodity prices. The weak Canadian dollar makes imported parts more expensive. However, equipment demand so far in 2017 is better than in 2016. For […] Read more
Politicians fume over failure of squatters’ rights bill
A bill that would have eliminated adverse possession, also known as squatters’ rights, in Alberta failed to pass in the form originally in-tended May 15 when voted upon in the provincial legislature. Bill 204, the Protection of Property Rights Statutes Amendment Act, is a private member’s bill introduced by Wildrose Party MLA Pat Stier. Second […] Read more
Agronomy software manages information during growing season
CropMatrix, an agronomy platform previously available in Australia and the United States, is now available to western Canadian farmers who deal with Richardson Pioneer. The new, state-of-the-art software is designed to enhance service to farm customers, said Heather Durie, agronomy manager for Richardson Pioneer. She said Pioneer’s version of CropMatrix is specific to crops and […] Read more
More money needed for ag research: Senate report
The document urges Ottawa to stop talking and start spending on helping farmers get their products to global markets
A new report prepared by Canadian senators says the federal government needs to do more to support farm exports and ensure that producers and processors have better access to key international markets. Among other things, the report calls on Ottawa to invest in grain transportation infrastructure, establish a renewal plan for the federal hopper car […] Read moreAG Notes
Maple goes to markets The federal government is investing up to $1.5 million to tap new markets in the United Kingdom and India for maple syrup. Through its Stratégie nouvelle génération de l’érable 2020, the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers will promote and commercialize Canadian maple products to both markets. Marketing activities include traditional […] Read more
Foreign trip reinforces value of foodgrains bank
Farmer says after a trip to the Middle East he was more eager than ever to participate in the growing project
TEMPEST, Alta. — Coaldale, Alta., farmer Ed Donkersgoed has long been a supporter of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, but a trip to Lebanon brought home the true value of the charity. It has made him even more eager to participate in the Coaldale Lethbridge Community Growing Project for the foodgrains bank, which seeded a quarter […] Read more
