Reduce GM migration | Forage Genetics International will apply for commercial registration once issues have been addressed
The Canadian seed industry is working on a plan that could set the table for the commercialization of Roundup Ready alfalfa in Eastern Canada as early as next year. Stephen Denys, president of the Canadian Seed Trade Association, said the association has begun work to develop a co-existence plan for the production of genetically modified […] Read moreNews
Plan to pave way for Roundup Ready alfalfa
Ag policy changes risky: report
Think-tank says the new Growing Forward may not address volatile pricing risks
The new Growing Forward agricultural policy deal is receiving mixed reviews from the George Morris Centre. The policy framework, which cuts safety net spending and directs some of the savings to innovation research and programming, is slated to take effect April 1. The Guelph-based think-tank said in a report published last week that the changes […] Read moreGrowth in Manitoba corn acres hindered by seed shortage
Corn acreage expansion in Manitoba has hit a setback. It is still expected to increase for 2013 but by less than previously forecast due to seed shortages, say dealers. For example, NorthStar Genetics Manitoba has already booked its Maisex corn sales for next spring. “We were basically sold out from the time we had access […] Read more
Western Producer names publisher
Shaun Jessome is the new publisher of The Western Producer. Jessome, a native of Nova Scotia, had a 28-year career with Sun Media where he performed a variety of roles, most recently as group pub-lisher of six newspapers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He also served in the dual role of publisher and advertising manager of […] Read more
Consumer group sees ups, downs in food bill
A leading Canadian consumer advocate has offered qualified support for proposed new food safety legislation. However, he has also called for radical improvements in “our food health protection system.” Mel Fruitman, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Canada, used a Nov. 1 appearance before the House of Commons agriculture committee to offer faint praise for […] Read more
CFIA cites new concerns at XL plant
A week after resuming cattle slaughter at the XL plant at the centre of an E.coli scare, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has once again raised concerns at the plant. “As would be expected in a facility that has not been in regular operation for some time, there have been some observations made by CFIA […] Read more
Sask. dairy team member nabs top ribbons at Westerner
RED DEER, Alta. — Nadine Crosbie started seriously showing dairy cattle about four years ago and has proved to be a natural after winning all the big awards at the recent Westerner Dairy Showcase in Red Deer. Enrolled in the University of Sask-atchewan’s animal science program, Crosbie is a member of a 10 person dairy […] Read more
Alberta growers tackle army of insects
Midge, flea beetles and cabbage seedpod weevils wreaked havoc in wheat and canola fields
It was the year of the insect in Alberta. Central Alberta saw an outbreak of bertha armyworms, while pea leaf weevils and cabbage seedpod weevils rebounded to higher numbers. As well, cutworms were a major problem in a few areas, Scott Meers said in his annual Alberta Crop Insect Update 2012. Wheat and canola insects […] Read moreAlberta approves elk hunt near Medicine Hat army base
Elk damage to private property around Canadian Forces Base Suffield has prompted the Alberta government to establish special elk hunting licences for the base. As of Nov. 1, hunters can buy a $9 quota licence to hunt antlerless elk on CFB Suffield land north of Medicine Hat. Only 200 licences will be issued, and only […] Read more
B.C. ag minister searches for meat inspection options
Ottawa pulls back | Some fear that giving abattoir staff responsibility for inspections will damage credibility
Questions surrounding who will assume responsibility and pay the costs for meat inspections once the federal government pulls out are beginning to escalate in British Columbia. Ottawa plans to pull out of providing inspection services at some meat-packing plants in the province at the end of next year. B.C. agriculture minister Norm Letnick said the […] Read more
