Researchers are delving deeper into the nesting motivations of birds and finding them as finicky about nesting as humans are about their comfort. They are also finding more research needs to be done. Michelle Hunniford, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, is researching the nesting behaviour of […] Read more
News
Best bet for 2017: red spring wheat
Farmers with a little courage and some spare acres could benefit from a gamble on an unpopular market choice. “Red spring wheat,” said John Duvenaud, editor of the Wild Oats markets newsletter, when asked which crop farmers should considering throwing any remaining free acres into. That was a choice echoed by Errol Anderson of the […] Read more
Bayer to sell Liberty crop protection brands in Monsanto deal
FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) — Bayer has agreed to sell its Liberty herbicide and LibertyLink-branded seed businesses to win antitrust approval for its acquisition of Monsanto. The divestment of the two global brands, a requirement imposed by South Africa’s Competition Commission, will account for the bulk of asset sales, worth about $2.5 billion, which need to […] Read more
Pattison expands Sask. footprint
Pattison Ag assures farmers JD dealerships in Saskatchewan and Manitoba will have local decision-makers
Pattison Ag continues to expand its reach into the western Canadian farm equipment market. The company, a subsidiary of the Jim Pattison Group in Vancouver, acquired Nykolaishen Farm Equipment earlier this year. Nykolaishen has locations in Kamsack, Sask., and Swan River, Man. The two dealerships will continue to operate under the Nykolaishen Farm Equipment banner, […] Read moreCan crops help fight global warming?
The Albedo Effect. A great title for a mediocre action thriller, likely starring Keanu Reaves. Albedo is actually a scientific term, representing the amount of solar energy that reflects off the earth. Different types of land cover, trees, cropland and asphalt reflect different amounts of solar energy. When it comes to crops, canola is an […] Read more
Construction starts on dairy learning centre, health clinic
Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta., turned the sod April 26 on two new agricultural learning centres. The $9.5 million Dairy Learning Centre and the $7.1 million Animal Health Clinic are expected to provide greater opportunities for hands-on learning by students. The 47,000 sq. foot dairy facility is expected to be completed this fall and will […] Read more
Alta. farms exempt from OHV helmet law
Helmets will become mandatory gear for Alberta riders of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) as of May 15, the provincial government has announced. When on public land, riders of ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, four-wheel-drive vehicles and side-by-sides must wear helmets or face a fine of up to $155. Farming and ranching operations involving OHV use will be […] Read more
New eastern wheat class proposed for specialty varieties
The Canadian Grain Commission is creating a new wheat class for Eastern Canada designed to provide more flexibility for specialty wheat varieties. Grower organizations, however, are skeptical that the class is necessary. “Having an extra class, without looking at the whole system we have in place, is difficult to justify in our minds,” said Todd […] Read more
Grain movement legislation unlikely before fall
Federal legislation aimed at addressing grain transportation problems in Western Canada is not likely to be passed until the fall, several months later than previously expected. In a May 5 news release, the Alberta Wheat Commission said the anticipated bill — originally expected to be introduced and passed this spring — is unlikely to be […] Read more
Farm groups officially talk merger
Five Manitoba crop groups have taken another step closer to a formal merger by signing a memorandum of understanding to consider such a move. “We share a common grower base and also have similar activities,” Pam de Rocquigny, general manager of both the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association and the Manitoba Corn Growers Association, […] Read more
