Canola study | Early results suggest 20 plants per square metre can provide good yields
INDIAN HEAD, Sask. — Researchers in Saskatchewan are examining the less-than-ideal conditions under which producers might consider reseeding canola. The early returns on the project indicate growers might be able to salvage respectable yields from fields with lower plant populations without reseeding, said Chris Holzapfel, research manager for the Indian Head Agricultural Foundation. “If you […] Read moreNews
When is it a good time to reseed canola?
CFA has showdown with Ottawa over AgriStability cuts
$2 billion in savings Canadian Federation of Agriculture says cuts will render the farm income stabilization program useless
TORONTO — Canadian Federation of Agriculture leaders are accusing the federal government of planning to “gut” the AgriStability program in talks being held behind farmers’ backs. During a July 26 session between CFA board members from across the country and assistant deputy agriculture minister Greg Meredith, the senior federal bureaucrat confirmed that cuts are coming. […] Read moreCanola prices ride drought to new heights
Canola growers owe a debt of gratitude to the U.S. drought for the great prices they’re getting. Without ongoing problems in the U.S. soybean crop, canola prices would probably be flat or falling. “Frankly, canola is just another oilseed consuming choice,” said analyst Greg Kostal about canola’s participation in the recent rally that has taken […] Read more
CN, CP Rail earnings stay on track
Share values remain strong | CPR earnings fall in second quarter but investors stay the course
(Reuters) — Canadian Pacific Railway’s investors have shrugged off weaker quarterly results and bid up its shares, signalling confidence in the colourful new chief executive’s ability to deliver on a promised turnaround. CP’s second-quarter net income fell to $103 million, or 60 cents a share, from $128 million, or 75 cents, a year earlier. By […] Read moreGetting better and better or bigger and bigger?
The debate about whether farms should grow larger or stay at the approximate size they are now has been circulating for years. Understanding the issues and making the proper management decisions on farm size can be complex. Farms increase in size for different reasons. Having the next generation return to the farm drives growth. When […] Read more
Public vigilance needed to stop abuse of livestock in farm operations: veterinarian
Reporting animal welfare violations isn’t solely the responsibility of veterinarians, says Chris Clark of the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinarians must consider animal welfare as part of every visit to a farm, he told attendees at the recent Cross Border Livestock Health conference in Saskatoon, and as educators make recommendations to […] Read more
Critics call CFIA GM apple comment period ‘untransparent’
Access to variety information Canadian’s comment period ends as the U.S. one begins for the non-browning apple developed in B.C.
The Canadian comment period for introduction of a non-browning genetically modified apple closed earlier this month as the U.S. Department of Agriculture comment period just began. And as the U.S. comment period begins, groups opposed to the GM apple say it shows the lack of transparency in Canada’s system. Lucy Sharratt, co-ordinator of the Canadian […] Read moreAlberta creates grain commissions
Alberta farmers have two new grain commissions beginning Aug. 1. The Alberta Wheat Commission will replace the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission and Alberta Soft Wheat Producers Commission. The new all-wheat commission will assess a refundable 70 cent per tonne checkoff on wheat sold in Alberta. The checkoff is expected to raise $3.5 million annually […] Read more
Alta. farmer left with few options after storm
Hail damage | Insurance claims piling up following late July hailstorm in southern Alberta
Shattered grain stalks and mangled canola crops litter Allen Bergen’s farmland south of Spring Coulee, Alta. A potential bumper crop of wheat, barley and canola was wiped out in a 20 minute hailstorm July 26 that cut a swath from Hillspring to Cardston and into Montana, damaging the crops and property of many. “Some of […] Read moreLongtime crop breeder honoured in China
Vern Burrow’s long and distinguished career as an Agriculture Canada oat breeder was winding down in the late 1990s when he asked himself an unusual question. Over his more than four decades of oat breeding that led to 27 of his varieties being registered and his work with hulless oat varieties being widely recognized, he […] Read more
