Saskatchewan farmers now hold the world record for the most combines harvesting on a single field at the same time. Harvest For Kids, organizers of the record setting event, set out to beat the record of 208 combines set in Ireland last July. It prepared 249 swaths on a 200 acre oat field 25 kilometres […] Read more
News
Ottawa introduces grain commission legislation
The federal government has introduced legislation that proposes amendments to the Canada Grain Act and substantial changes to the Canadian Grain Commission. In an Oct 18 new release, Agriculture Canada said proposed amendments to the Canada Grain Act would streamline and modernize the operations of the Canadian Grain Commission and eliminate about $20 million annually […] Read more
E. coli case in Quebec linked to XL plant
An additional case of E. coli 0157:H7 linked to the XL Foods plant in Brooks, Alta., was confirmed today, bringing the total to 16 people becoming sick from the virus. Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials said an individual from Quebec is recovering from the same E. coli strain linked to the packing plant. Paul Mayers, […] Read more
When your neighbour is a mega-farm
This is the third instalment in a series of stories exploring the trend toward mega-farms across Western Canada and what it means to the farmers who work the fields. Alan Brecka blames his mega-farm neighbours for preventing him from expanding his modest grain farm. The 32-year-old got into the business 10 years ago, renting 320 […] Read more
Not a banner harvest, but still decent
Wheat quality good | Some problems with disease, mould found as final crops are harvested
This year’s grain harvest may not have been as big as some prairie producers had initially hoped, but it appears to have come off in reasonably good condition. According to preliminary figures from the Canadian Grain Commission’s harvest sample program, wheat, lentils, flax and canola all came off in fairly good shape. As of last […] Read more
MCEC urges producer patience despite delays
Cattle slaughter | Producers losing confidence in council’s ability to expand processing in province
Western Producer Brandon reporter Robert Arnason looks at the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council and the growing producer frustration over its inability to bring a cattle slaughter plant to the province. Manitoba Beef Producers voted almost 12 months ago to end a checkoff that funds the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council, which is mandated to expand beef […] Read moreGov’t identifies first community pastures to be privatized
Saskatchewan has named the first 10 pastures that will be transferred from the federal government to the province to patrons by 2014. They are: Estevan-Cambria, Excel, Fairview, Ituna-Bon Accord, Keywest, Lone Tree, McCraney, Newcombe, Park and Wolverine. Patrons will have the opportunity to either buy or lease the pastures, said agriculture minister Lyle Stewart. The […] Read more
Beleaguered hog industry urged to continue focusing on disease dangers
Disease dangers are so high in the minds of pig farmers and veterinarians that the Canadian Swine Health Forum tried to give everyone there a jab. “We have organized a flu clinic,” said Canadian Swine Health Board executive director Robert Harding as he opened the forum Wednesday morning. “If you haven’t been able to get […] Read more
Brazil-based processor expected to buy troubled XL Foods
Meat processing giant JBS is expected to buy the troubled XL Foods at Brooks, Alta., but union officials hope it enters the deal with openness and a strong food safety mandate. “We endorse it with caution because like anything, the proof is in the pudding. JBS is going to have to come in here and […] Read more
Cancer society not part of pesticide ban coalition in Manitoba
The Canadian Cancer Society has a clear position when it comes to cosmetic pesticides: it wants a ban on the use and sale of pesticides for lawns, gardens, parks and other green spaces. However, the organization’s Manitoba chapter isn’t part of a provincial coalition supporting a proposed ban on cosmetic pesticides in Manitoba. “Although the […] Read more
