In the early evening of Oct. 24, the Conservatives accomplished a decades-long dream for many supporters, winning a parliamentary vote that will lead to abolition of the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly. With 39 MPs not in the House of Commons, the final vote on second reading approval-in-principle for Bill C-18 was 151-118. All opposition MPs […] Read more
News
Tories push through contentious bill
Swine health forum planned
The Canadian Swine Health Board will hold its third Canadian Swine Health Forum Nov. 3-4 in Niagara Falls, Ont. The board focuses on research, biosecurity and long-term disease risk management. Forum participants include producers, practitioners, researchers, government and other industry representatives. Topics to be discussed at the forum include the biosecurity standard and implementation, national […] Read more
Tap strengths to revitalize community
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — If you live in a small community that has seen its share of change in recent decades and is wondering about its future, don’t fret, plan. Finding ways to invigorate communities and make them prosper was explored at a regional development conference in St. John’s, N.L., Oct. 13-16. Embracing local culture, […] Read more
Harvest canola despite green seed, says agronomist
Growers waiting for green seed counts to drop before harvesting canola should rethink that approach, says the Canola Council of Canada. The only way that will happen is if rain and humidity lift canola moisture back above 20 percent. But if moisture levels get that high there is a good chance the crop would not […] Read more
Webinars on sustainability
Alberta Agriculture will be offering two free webinars in the coming months that introduce lean and green principles for primary producers, supply chains and producer organizations. They are designed to provide a clear understanding of lean principles and green sustainability and how those principles and processes can be applied in primary agriculture operations. The first […] Read more
Healthy food to satisfy witches and goblins
Fall into the magic. I had not thought about this time of year as magical, but as I thought about it, it truly is. Have you ever worked hard on a warm autumn day to rake a pile of leaves, only to have the kids come and jump in it? The season is also magical […] Read more
Customer opinion mixed on CWB change
Canadian wheat buyers are expressing feelings that range from neglect and confusion to relief and anticipation in the wake of legislation intended to pave the way for an open market for wheat and barley. Some say they have been left in the dark throughout the process. “This has all been about farmers. I don’t think […] Read more
Elm pruning ban lifted
The annual Dutch elm pruning ban is now over for 2011 in Alberta. It is in effect during the time of year when elm bark beetles are potentially most active. Pruning elm trees is prohibited throughout Alberta from April 1 to Sept. 30 to reduce the risk of the disease. Fresh cuts from pruning may […] Read more
Bringing food production closer to urban residents
A big disconnect between city dwellers and agricultural producers could be resolved with urban agriculture, said a member of the Toronto Food Policy Council. June Komisar, an architect and professor in architectural science, explores how municipalities can find new ways for residents to create fresh, local food in the book,Carrot City: Creating Places for Urban […] Read more
Canfax Report – for Oct. 27, 2011
FED PRICE RALLIES The Canfax weighted weekly average fed steer price was $110.15 per hundredweight, up $1.21, and heifers were $110.37, up $1.81. Tight market-ready volume lifted prices, but the rising loonie limited gains. Large volume packages proved desirable because packers were eager to acquire inventory. Some producers opted to ramp up offerings because of […] Read more
