Rebound from drought | Greener pastures and a promising corn crop may encourage growth
Better pastures and a promising corn crop are good news for the United States beef industry, but there is little appetite for herd expansion, says an agricultural economist at the University of Kansas. “There is reason for some renewed optimism in the cow-calf sector compared to maybe six to nine months ago,” said Glynn Tonsor […] Read moreNews
U.S. cattle producers leery of expanding
Local growers still face obstacles in retail
Local food plays an increasing role in the diets of Canada’s largest provinces, but tension will continue between local producers and major retail chains, says a new report. Jessica Edge argues in a Conference Board of Canada report that Canadians have a “growing appetite” for local food. Twenty-nine percent of produce grown in Quebec is […] Read more
Ag notes
Open Farm Day Manitoba’s Open Farm Day is planned for Sept. 15 at more than 60 locations. The event gives visitors a chance to meet local farmers, explore farms, watch demonstrations, learn about farm products, enjoy recreational activities and ask questions about farm life. Open Farm Days have been held in Canada for about 10 […] Read more
Swede midge found earlier, spreading
Potato growers seek to increase potato eaters
Consumption is down 18.9 percent since 2007
TABER, Alta. — Per capita consumption of potatoes continues to drop in Canada and that is having effects on Alberta potato growers. North American acres of potatoes are down five to six percent this year and Alberta growers planted about 3,000 fewer acres as processors reduced their contracts. “We are eating a lot less potatoes,” […] Read moreConsistent supply key to securing market for Prairie Spring Red wheat The variety is suitable for bread and noodles
Global demand for Canada Prairie Spring Red wheat is expected to increase as international buyers see evidence that Canadian supplies are stable and growing. “We think there’s a very bright future for this type of wheat,” said Earl Geddes, chief executive officer of the Canadian International Grains Institute. “Consumer response has always been very positive, […] Read more
Talks on Hill include food safety, rail transport rules
The federal government launches a new agenda in October for the final two years of its current mandate. The agenda will include a glimpse of agricultural plans to 2015. The Conservative party lags in the polls midway through a majority mandate and after more than seven years in power. A new parliamentary session will be […] Read more
Foreign buyers get scoop on durum
Foreign buyers of Canadian durum toured Western Canada last week to see how Canadian durum is developed, produced, transported and shipped. The tour, organized by the Canadian International Grains Institute, was part of an ongoing effort to familiarize foreign customers with Canadian durum and to solidify Canada’s reputation as the world’s top producer of high […] Read more
Take steps to keep fusarium under control
Harvest management is farmers’ last chance to mitigate problems with fusarium head blight, says a re-search plant pathologist with Alberta Agriculture. Michael Harding said diseases are at their peak just before harvest, which makes now the best time to scout fields and determine problem areas so that they can be harvested, trucked and stored separately […] Read more
Understanding food labels would reduce waste: report
Canadians waste an estimated $28 billion worth of food a year, making a huge impact on Canada’s often-poor food sector environmental record, says a new Conference Board of Canada report. It says the best industry reaction would be to convince consumers that the “best before date” on the package does not mean the food is […] Read more
