COCHRANE, Alta. — Farmland is still being paved over as urban development continues between Edmonton and Calgary. The result is fragmentation and soaring land values as more people want to be close to a highway and the amenities of a large city, said Brent Swallow of the University of Alberta. His research found 3,127 sq. […] Read more
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Biotech advances not helping poor: breeder
RED DEER — Proponents of genetically modified crops often say such crops are needed to help feed the world’s poor and expanding population. They should stop using that argument, says a Cornell University plant breeder, because so far it hasn’t proven true. Margaret Smith told those at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar March 8 that […] Read more
Consumers opposed to GM don’t understand plant breeding
Everyone has eaten fruit and vegetables altered through traditional crossbreeding, ‘unless you gather all your food from the wild’: breeder
RED DEER — Consumer concern about the safety of genetically modified food stems from lack of understanding about plant breeding regardless of type, says an American corn breeder and professor at Cornell University. Margaret Smith said people have been modifying crops through domestication, selection and cross breeding for about 200 years, and genetic modification is […] Read more
Changing the discussion on genetic modification
The evolution of genetic modification will continue with more diverse options, giving scientists more flexibility to better breed crops for farmers and human nutrition. However, farmers and researchers will continue to have to explain the technology to consumers focused on the genetic level, said Pamela Ronald. Ronald, a GM researcher at the University of California, […] Read more
Indian paper says pulse fumigation extension near
An Indian newspaper reports that the government is considering extending the permission for trading partners to have their shipments of pulses fumigated at Indian ports. The Hindu Business Line today reported the extension would likely last a few months, not a year. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BUSINESS LINE STORY. The story quotes an […] Read more
Canola plunges on talk of order cancellations
Canola futures fell sharply Thursday on talk of cancelled orders. Weakness in the soybean complex contributed to the downturn in canola. Reuters reported that there was talk in the trade about cancelled canola orders but could not confirm it. For most of the trading day canola was down only slightly. The big drop came just […] Read more
Welcome to the revolution
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The world is in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, and agriculture will be one of the big beneficiaries, according to a person at the forefront of the revolution. “It’s an age of technological change and advancement unlike any other,” said Adrian Percy, global head of research and development with […] Read more
China’s pork imports pegged at three million tonnes this year
SINGAPORE (Reuters) — China is likely to import about three million tonnes of pork in 2017, similar to last year’s level despite rising domestic production, a senior industry official said. “Global prices are still attractive for importing pork into China,” said Juhui Huang, Shanghai-based vice-president of Brazilian food conglomerate BRF SA. China, which accounts for […] Read more
Cervus improves balance sheet
Cervus Equipment posted much improved profits over last year when it had to clear up taxation issues. Income for 2016 was $23.5 million, compared to a loss of $27.4 million the previous year. Income adjusted to exclude the effect of the tax situation and other factors was $10.8 million for 2016, down from $13.3 million […] Read more
Bird flu hits Tyson Foods
CHICAGO, Ill. (Reuters) — Avian flu that is highly lethal to poultry has infected a second commercial chicken farm in Tennessee that supplies Tyson Foods. The finding expands an outbreak near the major chicken-producing states of Alabama and Georgia and is the second in the type of breeder flock crucial for keeping the chicken-meat industry […] Read more
