Worse than 2002 conditions | Forecasters’ opinions differ on extent of dryness this year
A grain industry analyst has compared this year’s drought maps to ones from the worst drought in recent memory and has come to an alarming conclusion. “We’re actually in worse shape today than we were in 2002,” said Larry Weber of Saskatoon. In its final production estimate of 2002, Statistics Canada described the conditions for […] Read moreNews — page 2494
Pesticide ban position questioned
Charity defends stance | Canadian Cancer Society says some studies suggest pesticides increase risk
When the Manitoba government announced plans for a cosmetic pesticide ban in early February, it cited research done by several health organizations to justify its new policy on pesticides. One of them was the Canadian Cancer Society, which has spent thousands and possibly millions of donor dollars on anti-pesticide information and advocacy. Yet on its […] Read moreBloc Québécois troubles in Ottawa
One of the most fascinating political stories playing out in Ottawa these days is a behind-the-scenes investigation of allegations that prior to the last election, the Bloc Québécois misused its parliamentary budget for party expenses. If deemed true, the separatist party that has been a fixture in the House of Commons since 1993 could have […] Read more
Killer farmers’ markets?
TORONTO — It may have been an innocent slip of the tongue, an off-script over-the-top comment to make a point or maybe a glimpse at what Canada’s largest food retailer really thinks about direct competition from farmers. When he spoke to a Conference Board of Canada food conference Feb. 7, Loblaw Cos. Ltd. executive chairman […] Read more
Chemicals to fight varroa mite cause deadly interaction
Miticide strips interact | Treating bee hives with one chemical, then exposing them to another can increase toxicity to dangerous levels
WINNIPEG — A quick glance at a bottle of Tylenol makes it clear that acetaminophen and alcohol don’t mix because the combination can cause liver damage. Medical doctors know about the Tylenol-alcohol threat and many other dangerous pharmaceutical combinations, yet little is known about the interaction between the chemicals used to treat bees for parasites […] Read moreAlign management with farm goals to avoid disappointment
Life on the farm can be extremely rewarding when the planets align — perfect weather, a big crop and rising markets — but that alignment happens only once in a blue moon. However, there are other alignments to keep in mind that are within your control: business direction, financial performance and management structure. They have […] Read more
Farmers tackle clubroot problems
Mining and oil company trucks don’t deserve all of the blame for creating clubroot problems for prairie farmers. Farmers themselves sometimes cause potential problems by growing crop after crop of canola without regard for the danger. “I think people know what they should be doing,” said Les Jacobson, president of Alberta’s Wild Rose Agricultural Producers. […] Read more
Glyphosate resistant kochia creates challenges
Group 2 herbicides off limits | Researchers will survey fields in the Warner area this summer to determine its spread
Weed scientist Bob Blackshaw asked more than 350 farmers not to shoot the messenger Jan. 31 when he told them glyphosate resistant kochia was living among them. News that the resistant weed had been discovered in southern Alberta was initially released in mid-January, but the Agriculture Canada researcher provided an update for farmers living in […] Read morePesticide bans: the Ontario experience
A representative of Ontario’s fruit and vegetable industry says Manitoba farmers should launch a robust campaign to halt a cosmetic pesticide ban in their province. Otherwise, there could be grave consequences for Manitoba’s agricultural industry. “Fight it like the dickens,” said Craig Hunter, crop protection and research specialist with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers […] Read more
Rail advocate Cliff Mackay dies of cancer
To the end, Railway Association of Canada president Cliff Mackay was focused on arguing that Canada’s railways should not be saddled with more legislation or regulation to force service improvements. On Nov. 22 at the Canada Grains Council grain industry symposium, the clearly ill Mackay hung onto the podium as he defended Canada’s railways against […] Read more
