Farmers continue to bear the brunt of government red tape, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The 2016 report based on a survey of CFIB members found that 76 percent of farmers identify government regulation and paper burden as a serious concern compared to 69 percent of businesses in other sectors. “This marks […] Read more
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Farmers identify red tape as top business hindrance
Ag notes
Manitoba canola growers elect new directors The Manitoba Canola Growers Association recently elected four new directors: Clayton Harder, Narol; Bill Nicholson, Shoal Lake; Jacob (Jack) Froese, Winkler, and Ron Krahn, Rivers. The directors are elected to four-year terms. Candidates needed to win more than half of the active votes in any particular count to win one […] Read more
Hog barn building binge may lower prices
Cheap feed and strong pork demand encouraged farmers in Iowa to build 280 barns last year, up more than 60 percent
CHICAGO, Ill. (Reuters) — U.S. farmers have ramped up construction of hog barns as they take advantage of cheap feed and strong demand for pork. Some are also looking to add space for the heavier pigs currently favored by customers and to cater for extra piglets as sows become more fertile, experts said. However, hog […] Read moreFarm groups join forces to address Bill 6 in Alta.
RED DEER — Alberta’s farm safety legislation has united the province’s agriculture community. More than 70 people representing 95 percent of the agriculture industry have joined together to develop a unified approach to the farm safety bill, otherwise known as Bill 6, said Kent Erickson, co-chair of the Jan. 22 meeting. “The number one goal […] Read more
Potato researcher hired at University of Lethbridge
Potato research is poised to get a boost in Alberta with the appointment of a research chair in potato science at the University of Lethbridge. Dmytro Yevtushenko, a plant biologist, has been studying potatoes for more than 25 years. He started his new role at the U of L Jan. 4. According to a university […] Read more
Canadian watchdog worried about pesticide linked to bee deaths
OTTAWA (Reuters) — Canada’s official environmental watchdog has expressed concern that authorities were allowing the long-term use of pesticides linked to bee deaths despite not having enough information about the products. The federal health ministry agency that is responsible for pesticide regulation can grant a five-year provisional license to some products to give manufacturers time […] Read more
Lower Canadian dollar helps farmers, but only so much
WINNIPEG — The slumping price of oil continues to weigh on the Canadian dollar while at the same time providing a boost to Canadian grain prices. Out-of-country buyers tend to be more attracted to Canadian grain and wheat when the loonie is low because they can get more product for their money. However, Mike Jubinville […] Read more
International investors back Farmers Edge
Farmers Edge, a western Canadian firm specializing in variable rate technology and data management in agriculture, now has more funds to support its global ambitions. Mitsui & Co., a Japanese firm with a market capitalization of more than US$20 billion and other backers, today announced an investment of C$58 million in Farmers Edge. The company […] Read more
Beer culture reaches the farm
EDMONTON, Alta. — When Shane Groendahl goes to a party, he likes to slap down a growler of his Blindman Brewing beer and announce that it is what beer should taste like. It’s that passion for brewing beer, the taste of craft beer and the enthusiasm that has Albertans switching from drinking traditional beers to […] Read more
Workers Wanted: Ag Sector Hiring
Winnipeg — More people have applied for jobs in Canada’s agribusiness sector as of late, according to an industry researcher, but some agricultural sectors still face a critical labour shortage. “People have said that they have received more resumes this year than in previous years,” said Debra Hauer, project manager at the Canadian Agricultural Human […] Read more
