Although yields were up, beet growers were critical of Lantic Sugar for failing to install ventilation
TABER, Alta. — Alberta sugar beet growers grew a record number of tonnes per acre last year, and ideal weather contributed to one of the shortest harvest seasons ever. An average 28.51 tonnes per acre were harvested, and 17 to 19 percent sugar content was almost a record as well, said Alberta Sugar Beet Growers […] Read moreNews
Alta. harvests record sugar beets
McDonald’s signs on to sustainable production
RED DEER — McDonald’s is ready to test its sustainability program on Canadian farms. It also wants Canada to know other countries are anxious to join the movement and get McDonald’s business, company executives told the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, which was held in Red Deer Feb. 18-20. “Keep in mind we will get it […] Read more
Zilmax back on shelf under new regulations
The feed additive is allowed in a mixed ration at a lower dose and cannot be used as a top dressing
Canada has approved a new label for Zilmax. The Canadian Veterinary Drug Directorate allows the beta agonist additive from Merck Animal Health to be fed to cattle weighing at least 450 kilograms at a lower dose than previously recommended. The product was pulled from the market in 2013 following reports of lameness in slaughter cattle. […] Read moreConsultations to upgrade wheat classes underway
WINNIPEG — Changes can be expected to Canada’s wheat classification system as consultations begin to modernize the country’s wheat classes. The Canadian Grain Commission is seeking input from grain handlers, processors, marketers, developers, producers and end-use customers on its proposal to modernize Canada’s wheat classes, the grain commission said. The proposal includes strengthening the marketability […] Read more
Device allows users to snort chocolate
BRUGES, Belgium (Reuters) —Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone never imagined demand would stretch much beyond the rock ‘n’ roll scene when he created a chocolate-sniffing device for a Rolling Stones party in 2007. However, he has sold 25,000 of them in the last seven years. Inspired by a device his grandfather used to propel tobacco snuff […] Read more
Ontario farmers examine tactics to eliminate hog diseases
Producers want violators of biosecurity and transportation rules punished
RIDGETOWN, Ont. — Governments must enforce protocols and pig movement as a way to tackle North America’s No. 1 swine disease, says an American veterinarian. “I think we can eradicate PRRS (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome), but we need more oomph to get everyone to participate,” Dr. Tim Loula of the Swine Vet Centre in […] Read moreMustard acres to soften slightly this year
The higher profit potential of rival crops may steal away acres from mustard, as might wet weather if it continues into 2015
WINNIPEG — Canadian mustard acres could have competition this year, says the chair of the Saskatchewan Mustard Seed Development Commission. “I would say mustard acres would be down a little bit from the previous year, just based on the profit potential for other crops,” said Richard Marleau, who farms near Aneroid, Sask. “Lentils are looking […] Read moreFood processors help driveMan. economy
Nobody should be taking Manitoba’s food processing industry lightly, says a prominent economist. It’s why the province is Canada’s most economically stable jurisdiction and why it kept performing in 2008-09 when other provinces stumbled. “That’s actually the most stable part of the economy,” Conference Board of Canada chief economist Glen Hodgson told the CropConnect conference […] Read more
Producers want red meat distinction in guide
U.S. food guide revisions don’t differentiate between lean cuts like steaks and roasts, and higher fat processed meats
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Less meat and more plant-based food could be the basis of a revised food guide in the United States. The actual guidelines may not be released until the end of the year, but more servings of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, fish and legumes are expected to dominate. Moderate intake of […] Read moreBuild staff from grassroots, ag companies told
Machinery parts manufacturer provides equipment to local schools to help develop skilled workers the company requires
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Farm machinery makers might take a page from the Kondex parts book when it comes to making their companies sustainable. The rural Wisconsin manufacturer is one of the largest suppliers of parts in the farm machinery industry. It pioneers technology that make parts last longer and allow them to be lighter and […] Read more
