Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating compound, has few side-effects and could be used to treat anxiety and depression
The presence of key chemical compounds in medical marijuana could offer possible treatments for pain, inflammation and mental health disorders. “Some of the questions we have in the medical community is how can we make cannabis safer and more therapeutically effective,” said Steve Laviolette of Western University’s School of Medicine. The chemical makeup of cannabis […] Read moreNews
Experts look to expand medical marijuana scope
Cancer-causing cattle disease increasing across Canada
Infection rates for bovine leukosis, which can cause cancer in cattle, are growing. “(Producers) should be worried, and they should do something about it because, as I said, the prevalence is high,” said Omid Nekouei, a PhD candidate of veterinary epidemiology at the Atlantic Veterinary College. Nekouei, who is working on a thesis study on […] Read more
U.S. approves GM salmon
(Reuters) — AquaBounty Technologies’ salmon has become the first genetically modified animal to receive U.S. approval for human consumption, setting the stage for more such approvals. The approval comes with the condition that the salmon be raised only in two specific land-based, contained hatchery tanks in Canada and Panama, and not in the United States. […] Read more
Producers weigh in on new rules
How to participate:
Alberta farmers are feeling a variety of emotions — confusion, anger and acceptance — as they contemplate the province’s new farm safety omnibus bill. “My initial thoughts are this shouldn’t necessarily be a surprise. When the NDP government got voted in, it was pretty clear something was going to happen,” said Kevin Serfas, who operates […] Read moreSyngenta sues over GMO corn
CHICAGO, Ill. (Reuters) — Syngenta is suing top grain exporters Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland over losses that U.S. farmers said they suffered from China’s rejection of genetically modified MIR 162 corn. The lawsuit comes after Cargill, ADM and hundreds of farmers sued Syngenta last year to recover damages linked to the rejections, which began […] Read more
Promise of warm winter may be nixed by polar vortex
On the bright side, a cold winter caused by a mass of Arctic air blowing in could boost energy markets
CHICAGO, Ill. (Reuters) — The Northern Hemisphere may be subject to more cold outbreaks than usual come January thanks to the polar vortex. “Polar vortex” became a household phrase in North America during the bitterly cold winter of 2013-2014, but this phenomenon has always existed and can also impact both Europe and Asia. The polar […] Read moreBeer ingredient tested as varroa mite miticide
Canadian beekeepers may soon have a new weapon to battle varroa mites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted approval in October for Hopguard, a new miticide that is derived from hops. BetaTec, a German firm with operations in Washington state, is expected to launch Hopguard in Canada. “Hopefully by early 2016 the company will submit […] Read more
Prepare for hike in borrowing rates, warns economist
Farmers in Western Canada should expect a modest increase in long-term borrowing rates beginning next year, says Scotiabank’s chief economist. Warren Jestin told a business audience in Saskatoon that Canada’s cost of borrowing over three-, five- and 10-year terms is likely to increase in step with anticipated increases in the U.S. Federal Reserve’s central bank […] Read more
AG Notes
Summer Intern Positions Candidates have until Dec. 11 to apply for two four-month summer intern positions at Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers. The organization is looking for interns in agronomy research, as well as agronomy engagement. The agronomy research position will assist with the establishment, maintenance and harvest of field research plots and on-farm trials. […] Read more
Wednesday’s results from Canadian Western Agribition
Purebred cattle shows and sales began in earnest yesterday at Canadian Western Agribition. Topping the Simmental show’s female classes was Mader/Rust/CD Centerfold 52C, exhibited by Mader Ranches of Carstairs, Alta. and additional owners CanadianDonors.com and Rust Mountain View Ranch. The reserve champion was Wheatland Lady 447B from Wheatland Cattle Co. at Bienfait, Sask. The grand […] Read more
