As early as next week, the House of Commons could end decades of debate by approving legislation that will abolish the Canadian Wheat Board wheat and barley single desk. On Nov. 3 after just three nights of committee study and debate on the historic legislation, a special legislative committee voted to send the bill back […] Read more
News
Canadian Wheat Board bill moving rapidly toward law
Animal drug firms take aim at own-use imports
TORONTO – Canada needs to put the brakes on livestock producers importing veterinary products for use on their own farms, a conference heard in Toronto in early November. Known as own-use importation, livestock producers may apply to bring in various pharmaceutical products. Better controls are needed because some products could be untested, unsafe or contribute […] Read more
Cattlemen’s association welcomes new directors
Two new directors have been elected to the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. In District 1, Ryan Beierbach of Whitewood replaces outgoing chair Jack Hextall, who did not seek re-election. He defeated Kevin Woods of Moosomin. Beierbach is no stranger to cattle politics. He is a director for the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and has been the […] Read more
Japan may review import rules on Canadian beef
Speculation is rampant that Japan will review its import rules to ease restrictions on beef from Canada and the United States. At present Japan allows imports of North American beef only from animals younger than 20 months due to fears about BSE. The rule, imposed in 2005, has caused imports from both Canada and the […] Read more
Poor crowds at pro-CWB rallies not sign of lack of support: professor
The poor turnouts at pro-Canadian Wheat Board rallies could be a sign of resignation, dejection and worry rather than proof of a lack of interest among farmers, says a leading expert on co-operatives. “If you’ve been a board supporter and you go to one of these things, it’s a reminder that it’s gone, or it’s […] Read more
Malt expansion pleases farmers
ALIX, Alta. — The invitation of federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz to the sod turning of an Alberta malt plant attracted more than just well-wishers. About 16 Canadian Wheat Board supporters held signs and walked in front of the entrance of the Rahr Malting Canada plant at Alix Nov. 1. to publicize their concerns over […] Read more
Alta. region hosts riparian studies
IRON SPRINGS, Alta. – A small portion of the Lower Little Bow River watershed looks unremarkable to passers-by on Highway 845 north of Iron Springs. Yet is it the site of a study of five beneficial management practices (BMP) designed to minimize environmental impact. “We’ve been trying to study this from many different angles,” said […] Read more
Sask. farmer was fierce foe of CWB
A Saskatchewan farmer who fought passionately for the right to market his own grain has died just as the legislation to end the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly appears to be near the end of its journey through Parliament. Art Mainil, who farmed near Benson, was 78 and had cancer. He died Nov. 5. He was […] Read more
Think-tank predicts bright future after single desk ends
The market-oriented George Morris Centre says the end of the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly will be good for the prairie grain economy, spurring investment and expanded acreage. The report last week from the Guelph, Ont.-based agricultural think tank was manna from heaven for Conservative MPs who were rushing a bill that will end the CWB […] Read more
Old varieties aid rust fight
Much needed ammunition in the fight against a devastating type of wheat stem rust, Ug99, is expected by early next year. Scientific research is expected to yield new wheat genes to provide this breakthrough. Mike Bonman, a plant researcher with the Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, Idaho, has been screening more […] Read more
