WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Dec 19 (Reuters) – Cargill Ltd., Canada’s third-largest grain handler, said on Thursday that it has begun to expand storage and rail capacity at Viking, Alta., to improve the efficiency of rail shipments. Record-large wheat and canola harvests this year strained the ability of Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway to quickly […] Read more
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Cargill expands Viking Alta elevator and rail siding
Real Christmas trees called ‘greener’ choice
Many trees come from British Columbia | Providing plenty of water is essential to proper care
Toso Bozic takes a ribbing from friends who visit his home during the holiday season. As they gather around the family Christmas tree, comments are inevitable. The woodlot specialist with Alberta Agriculture has an artificial tree. “I don’t have a real Christmas tree. I have a plastic one,” said Bozic, readily admitting his surprising choice. […] Read more
Keep irrigation in mind, WSA told
Farmers who want to tap into Saskatchewan’s proposed Upper Qu’Appelle water supply project are frustrated by another delay and the possibility that they won’t be able to participate. The province’s Water Security Agency is undertaking another study of the project, which would convey water from Lake Diefenbaker through the Qu’Appelle Dam to serve the Regina-Moose […] Read more
Convenience remains consumer priority
Canadians are not spending any more money on food, so grocery chains are looking for new ways to draw in customers. “We still have a stagnant population in this country that doesn’t spend any more on food than it did 10 years ago,” said John Scott, the retired head of the Canadian Federation of Independent […] Read more
Veal researchers address health issues of calves
Feeding systems examined | Demand for pale coloured meat means veal calves may lack fibre, resulting in poor rumen development and ulcers
WAGENINGEN, Netherlands — Pink veal is a luxury item in countries like France and Italy, but its production takes a toll on the calves destined for that market. “The consumers are asking for pale coloured meat, so on purpose, they want to give the calves a diet that is low in iron,” said researcher Eddie […] Read more
Slaughter system more humane
ENSCHEDE, Netherlands — Public pressure has forced the European meat industry to change. The result has been innovations in the way farm animals are raised and slaughtered. The Dutch company Topkip, which means top chicken in Dutch, has engineered better ways to process poultry because of ongoing problems with proper stunning before slaughter. “We start […] Read more
Small town general store shows big heart
Serving community, oil patch workers | Cromer Valley Store in southwestern Manitoba has the goods — or will order them
CROMER, Man. — When a town has a First Street West and doesn’t have a Second Street West, it’s safe to say it is really small. Cromer, population 30, has a First Street East, a First Street West, a United Church, a natural ice hockey rink, a shuttered Manitoba Pool Elevators and not much else. […] Read more
FNA seeks American investors
New fertilizer plant planned | Farmers of North America plans U.S. drive to sign up members
CHICAGO, Ill. — A Canadian farm input provider attempting to build a nitrogen fertilizer plant is looking south of the border for investors. “We’re coming and we should be here shortly,” Jim Mann, chief executive officer of Farmers of North America, told an American audience gathered at the 2013 DTN Ag Summit. The company needs […] Read morePolicy must be tailored to farm
Taking inventory | Detailed planning necessary to find the right plan
It’s important for producers to invite their insurance brokers to the kitchen table every year to advise and update the farm’s policy, says Reid Henderson of Agri-Trend. “Do a good job of calculating what the buildings, equipment and tools are worth,” the company’s risk management and insurance manager told the recent 2013 Farm Forum Event […] Read moreFarmers feeling powerless
Elevators full | Prices are not available at some elevators and poor basis levels are eating profits
They are not only signs of a glutted grain handling system, but also offer proof of the powerlessness of farmers in years of large crops. Gaping basis levels and elevators refusing to even offer prices for some crops are becoming a growing problem across the Prairies. “Farmers are virtually giving away their excess yields just […] Read more
