Glacier FarmMedia – New research on transition cows shows that dairy farmers should adjust some traditional ways of handling post-calving calcium levels and ketosis. More than half of dairy cows in highly managed herds go through the transition period to milking with at least one health problem. Recent research shows those problems reduce the cow’s […] Read more
News
Farm debt has room to grow
At the end of 2017, Canadian farm debt topped $100 billion. At the time, it was a bigger number than the national debt of 135 countries, noted Country Guide columnist Gerald Pilger. As of 2022, the most recent year on Statistics Canada’s published record, it reached $138.9 billion. Interest rate increases since early 2022 also […] Read more
Federal budget draws mixed reaction from Canadian ag groups
Livestock tax deferral, capital gains exemption praised; overall lack of investment in agriculture noted
Glacier FarmMedia – The 2024 federal budget, released Tuesday afternoon has drawn mixed reactions from ag groups across Canada. While some have praised aspects of the plan, others have condemned the lack of attention paid to agriculture and farmers. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) stated that they were “cautiously optimistic” to see recognition of the […] Read more
ADM recalls animal feed
Reuters – Archer-Daniels-Midland said its division is expanding a recall to include 17 additional lots of chicken, swine and rabbit feed products due to elevated levels of magnesium, sodium, calcium and/or phosphorus that may harm the animals. ADM Animal Nutrition in late March had recalled select Pen Pals chicken feed, MoorMan’s ShowTec swine feed, AMPT […] Read more
How did this winter’s weather stack up?
When you hear statistics about winter, the data usually describes meteorological winter — December to the end of February. In some parts of North America this makes sense, but in our part of the world, not so much. I often discuss our winter in terms of the extended winter, the months when we actually see winter conditions across the Prairies. That span […] Read more
“Careers in Ag Mobile Skills Lab” to promote industry jobs
Saskatchewan equipment manufacturers receive government funding aimed at finding more workers
Many industry sectors are having trouble finding skilled workers in today’s labour market. Prairie agricultural equipment manufacturers, which are often located in smaller communities, are feeling that pinch as severely as anyone. Related story: Industry sells workers on ag jobs The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC), an association representing that industry, has been working on […] Read more
Canola competition stiffens; demand rises
SASKATOON — There are differing reports about what to expect from Canada’s top canola competitor this year. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is forecasting 8.27 million acres of the oilseed, a four per cent drop from last year. Related stories: However, it is dry in Western Australia, and if it remains that way over the […] Read more
Federal budget promises lower costs, interest relief for farmers
Budget 2024 will see approximately $52 billion spent over five years
Glacier FarmMedia – The 2024 federal budget, tabled today, promises several benefits for Canadian farmers. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland made little mention of agriculture in her speech following the tabling of the budget this afternoon, though she touched on issues like carbon pricing and green technology. However, chapter three of the budget, titled “lowering everyday […] Read more
Coming canola crush capacity delayed
SASKATOON — Canada’s canola crush buildout is not going as smoothly as planned, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Project delays in 2023, 2024 and into 2025 have slowed the growth of crush capacity,” the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) stated in a recent report. Related stories: Capacity is expected to reach 10.26 million […] Read more
Alberta gets farm family class one driver’s license
Glacier FarmMedia – Alberta farmers and their family members now have the option to apply for a farm-restricted class one driver’s licence. It would allow them to drive almost any form of motor vehicle to and from the farm. These licenses with be issued with condition code “P” meaning the driver must comply with farmer […] Read more
