WINNIPEG — For more than a century, Canadian wheat has been sold, promoted and exported around one virtue: it produces top quality flour and bread. Thanks to breeding innovations and good fortune, Canadian wheat has set the global standard for high-quality milling wheat for about 120 years. The strong relationship between Canadian wheat and high […] Read more
News
Ag research potential praised, but danger lurks
Canada said to be developing innovative, investment-friendly climate, but gov’t remains under pressure from activists
WINNIPEG — Canada could be on the brink of becoming an agriculture research Mecca, or it could be on the verge of sliding into ag research paralysis. Both of those possibilities were discussed by Ottawa lobbyists at Keystone Agricultural Producers’ annual convention late last month. “We’re particularly excited about this,” said Andrea Faubert of Corteva […] Read more
MPs consider live horse export ban for slaughter
Canadian Food Inspection Agency says mortality rate of live horse shipments has been 0.011 percent over the past decade
MEDICINE HAT — A bill that would ban the transport of live horses by air for slaughter will go to the federal agriculture committee after passing second reading in the House of Commons in late January. Private members Bill C-355 has been working its way through Parliament since introduction in September 2023. It would prohibit […] Read more
Farmers urged to take lobbying lead
Ottawa lobbyists know how to lobby, but they say they don’t do it best. It’s farmers who make the best case for agriculture, so they should join farm organizations to make their voices heard, the Keystone Agricultural Producers annual convention was told. Related story: Farmers urged to make sure decision-makers hear them “Get involved in […] Read more
Farmer protests show angst over EU Green Deal
The European Union’s agricultural policies concern global exporters who are expected to meet ever-stricter regulations
SASKATOON — Many agricultural components of the European Green Deal have yet to be implemented four years after the package of policy initiatives was introduced. “Much of what the Farm-to-Fork program proposed has been delayed or is a work in progress,” independent Brussels-based consultant Macy Merriman said during a recent webinar hosted by Agri-Pulse. Related […] Read more
Beef markets strong but instability expected
Volatility may increase this year, particularly if heifer placements remain high along with fed marketings in the U.S.
MEDICINE HAT — Beef prices are up and demand remains strong, according to the latest Canfax market report, but dry conditions in cattle-producing regions across the globe are affecting markets. “We’ve reached new record highs in 2023 with both fed and feeder prices surpassing the previous highs made in 2015,” said Canfax executive director Breanna […] Read more
Producers urged to expand herds as U.S. demand grows
New U.S. slaughter capacity may create opportunities for Canadian producers if they hang onto their cows and heifers
REGINA — Western Canadian cattle producers able to retain cows and heifers through the drought have an opportunity south of the border. Travis Hickey, founder of Cattlenomics in Colorado, told the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference that there aren’t enough cows to support the feeding and packing capacity in the United States. Peak daily slaughter capacity […] Read more
Farms urged to consider new succession bill
Farmers are advised to take advantage of the revamped Bill C-208 because it offers them significant tax savings when it comes to succession. Brandon-Souris MP Larry McGuire initially introduced it as a private member’s bill in 2021. It sought to amend the federal Income Tax Act to exclude the intergenerational transfer of farms and other […] Read more
Prairie producers urged to watch for fleabane
BRANDON — Farmers across Western Canada are frequently told the same message: keep an eye out for unusual or unfamiliar weeds. For the last few years, the worrisome weed in Manitoba has been waterhemp. The species of pigweed was first confirmed in Manitoba in 2017 and has since spread across the province. The weed is […] Read more
FCC expects profitability to decline this year
A prominent Canadian agricultural lender is projecting a 4.8 percent decline in farm cash receipts in 2024, thanks in part to a softening market. Consequently, its leading economist is urging producers to find any way they can to save money. “In this environment, I do think that management skills are absolutely critical,” J.P. Gervais, vice-president […] Read more
