Yield improvements exceed world average | Reduction in funding for public breeding programs reckless, says scientist
Wheat yields on western Canadian farms have increased at an average rate of 1.4 percent per year since the early 1990s, says a study co-authored by a pair of Agriculture Canada scientists. That rate of gain is well above the worldwide average of 1.16 percent per year, suggesting Canadian farmers have accrued greater gains in […] Read moreNews
Ont. beekeepers want further restrictions
Neonicotinoid use | Ontario Beekeepers’ Associations calls for complete ban on neonicotinoids
The Ontario Beekeepers’ Association says proposed Health Canada guidelines don’t go far enough to protect bees from insecticides. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency announced in mid-September that agricultural practices around the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments on corn and soybean seeds are “not sustainable.” In a notice of intent, the PMRA said it intends to […] Read more
General Motors’ Ecotec 3 engine offers pulling power
General Motors is the last of the big three Detroit vehicle manufacturers to redo their light truck line. Sales have slowed due to the knowledge that an all-new truck would be available soon. Ecotec 3 is the name of the new generation of engines at GM. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will have engine choices […] Read more
Canola yields poised for breakthrough
Fine-tuning fertilizer package | Seed, equipment technology, and improved agronomic practices are poised to boost yields
CALGARY — Maurice Delage has set identical target yields for wheat, peas and canola next year on his farm near Indian Head, Sask. He expects all three crops to average 65 bushels per acre. His canola looks like it will shatter the 60 bu. target he established for this year. It was averaging 67 bu. […] Read more
Risk of West Nile Virus low, says official
One serious case confirmed in Sask. Older and immune-compromised people are more vulnerable
Saskatchewan has reported a case of West Nile Virus neurological syndrome even as cooler weather arrived to drive down the risk. Provincial chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said Sept. 20 that a man in his 60s is hospitalized in the Five Hills Health Region, which includes an area around Moose Jaw. Another six […] Read more
U of S researcher to probe poultry digestion
Multimillion-dollar project | $3.6 million initiative will examine how birds digest different feeds, including peas
A multimillion-dollar initiative examining poultry nutrition, management and welfare is expected to improve production and reduce costs for producers, says the University of Saskatchewan researcher leading the project. One aspect of the five-year program will examine poultry digestion, as well as different kinds of feed, including peas. “It’s primarily in response to the fact that […] Read more
GM alfalfa contamination issue not USDA’s concern
(Reuters) — The detection of a small amount of genetically modified material in a Washington farmer’s non-GM alfalfa crop is a “commercial issue” and does not warrant any government action, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. The farmer had complained in late August to state agricultural officials that his alfalfa hay had been rejected for […] Read more
Independent ag dealers survive
Filling in voids | Local dealers offer services or flexibility not available from big companies
It’s the case of the Strange Survival of the Independent Ag Dealer. It’s a mystery that independent dealers have happily resolved in a beneficial manner. Five years ago, many thought that independent dealers were a dying breed in Western Canada. “Yes, I thought it was all going to be over for most (dealers),” said David […] Read more
B.C. juice makers are playing with major leaguers
Tabletree Industries | Gary and Susan Snow’s black cherry juice is winning industry acclaim
Executives from the world’s major juice companies conferred last year in a quiet corner of a sophisticated convention spot in Barcelona, Spain. Welch’s, Palm, Tropicana, Chiquita, Dole and PepsiCo were represented at the World Juice Conference, along with others from Europe and Africa that make and distribute fruit juice worldwide. Also represented was Tabletree Industries […] Read more
Farmers urged to avoid grain contamination
The Canadian Grain Commission is urging grain producers to take extra steps this fall to ensure that treated seed is not mixed with harvested grain. At this time of year, many western Canadian farmers are harvesting grain and planting fall seeded crops such as winter wheat that may be treated with fungicides or other chemicals. […] Read more
