GRAY, Sask. — Prime minister Justin Trudeau says he understands the concerns Saskatchewan farmers have about carbon tax but he isn’t backing down from imposing one. Speaking to more than 100 people packed into the Gray Recreation Centre April 27, he said he appreciates how technology and innovation have helped farmers become more efficient and […] Read more
News
VIDEO: Alberta horses recovering after near drowning
The seven rodeo horses rescued from what would have been an icy grave near Hythe, Alta., were doing well April 21, almost one week after their harrowing escape. On April 16, Easter Sunday, 10 horses fell through the ice on a dugout, sparking a rescue effort involving crews and members from six fire and rescue […] Read more
Apples, cherries off to slow start but no lingering effect
Apple and cherry trees throughout British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley are behind average development this spring, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Fred Steele, president of the British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association, said the valley’s many microclimates make estimates patchy, but generally the trees are about three weeks behind. “We had blossoms on cherries in […] Read more
Maple Leaf Foods posts higher-than-expected profit
(Reuters) – Meat-packaging company Maple Leaf Foods Inc. reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, driven by increased retail sales in Canada and higher exports. The company, whose brands include Schneiders and namesake Maple Leaf, said adjusted operating earnings rose 10 percent to C$59 million in the first quarter ended March 31. Maple Leaf, which is Canada’s […] Read more
Canola futures mixed, wheat up on frost worry
Oil crop canola futures dipped a little but new crop months edged higher on Thursday. Most-traded July was down $1.90 at $519.70 and new crop November rose $2.30 to close at $499. Worries about cool weather and the slow pace of spring field work continue to support new crop. More snow fell today in the […] Read more
The church that beef built
Cattle sale fundraisers were the backbone of Airdrie United Church — one reason it registered its own cattle brand
It’s a church built upon Alberta beef. And that’s why it’s also a church that once had a registered cattle brand, the simple AUC registered for the left rib. Airdrie United Church celebrates its 115th anniversary April 28-30 and while preparing display material for the festivities, Reverend Karen Holmes came across the notice of renewal […] Read more
Ohio man farms the wasteland
DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — Waste is a dirty word to Ohio farmer Tom Price. Owner of the family-operated Price Farms Organics near Columbus, he has become a receiver of every kind of food byproduct, manure and yard trimming. Those products are turned into compost and sold back to community retailers, wholesalers, gardeners and landscapers. “We […] Read more
Staying king may be challenging
Canola plantings are expected to top 22 million acres in Western Canada this year, which would be a record high and cement canola’s status as the “king” crop of the Prairies. Canola’s expansion has been an incredible story over the last two decades. Acres have nearly doubled since the late 1990s, and consistent financial returns […] Read more
Liberals base ag policy on profits
SUMMERLAND, B.C. — When it comes to agricultural policy, the British Columbia Liberal party hangs its re-election hopes on exports combined with a buy-local philosophy. For Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick, it all comes down to ensuring farming is a profitable venture. “The government fully believes that if you want to have a strong agri-food sector, […] Read more
India’s self-sufficiency goal for urea unlikely: analysts
The country is upgrading and expanding urea plants, but experts say the high cost of nitrogen and gas make it uneconomical
Urea fertilizer prices will stay depressed for years if India follows through with plans to become self-sufficient, but that is highly unlikely, say analysts. According to a Bloomberg story, the world’s biggest importer of urea fertilizer intends to produce as much as it consumes within five years. “We are in the process of reviving ailing […] Read more
