‘Winnipeg rye’ still enjoys an international reputation as a new generation of bakers works to keep old traditions alive
This is part of an ongoing series of stories exploring rye, the crop, as it becomes Rye, the whisky. The rich, spicy, humid smell of just-baked rye bread fills the busy shop front at Winnipeg’s City Bread on this lunch hour. Other stories in this series: More producers start growing rye as crop prepares for […] Read moreNews
Liberal MP introduces pathway for quicker regulatory approval
Seed, feed and pest control legislation would be amended to allow faster approval of products from other countries
Kody Blois, Liberal MP and chair of the House of Commons’ agriculture committee, has introduced a bill to make it easier for seed, feed and crop protection products to move into Canada. Private member’s Bill C-359 would amend the Seeds Act, Feeds Act and Pest Control Products Act to provide a 90-day provisional registration for […] Read more
New research projects focus on genomics
Initiatives announced by Alberta’s Results Driven Agriculture Research agency target grazing, climate change and carbon
Scientists in Alberta and Saskatchewan will use cutting-edge genomics research to help beef and crop producers improve grazing management, climate resiliency and sequestration of carbon in soil. The research includes a $6.3 million project at the University of Alberta that will seek to promote climate action through grazing. It will look at microbes in the […] Read more
Bacterial leaf streak disease persists; Alta. crops affected
The disease has caused economic yield losses in a small number of fields, but its presence could become a lingering issue for cereal growers
Bacterial leaf streak is not going away. The disease was present this summer in possibly “hundreds” of irrigated fields of barley, durum and spring wheat in southern Alberta, said Mike Harding, a plant pathologist with Alberta Agriculture. The disease caused economic yield losses in a small number of fields, but its presence could become a […] Read more
Gaza war disrupts operations at fertilizer maker
Israeli-based ADAMA finds its workforce in turmoil following Hamas attacks on the country and the eruption of war
Fertilizer manufacturer ADAMA’s main production plants in Israel have been shut down before by rocket strikes from the Gaza Strip, but this month’s attack was different. “I think what’s unique about this is the scale of the attacks and the scale of the subsequent conflict,” said ADAMA Canada general manager Cornie Thiessen, who visited the […] Read more
Ottawa consults on rail freight sector
Federal consultations on the rail freight sector have begun with industry players. Transport Canada is holding roundtable meetings with various stakeholders as a result of the National Supply Chain Task Force report released a year ago. That report made a number of recommendations with varying time frames for action. These included establishing a supply chain […] Read more
Report finds foreign worker program compliance
Statistics based on government inspections find nearly 95 percent of employers follow temporary foreign worker rules
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program may be controversial, but it is transparent. The federal government has a public website with a list of employers who have broken the program’s rules. It explains what the business owner did, or failed to do, and the consequences of non-compliance. For instance: The Calgary Kickboxing Company was fined $18,000 […] Read more
Farmers think about next generation
Seidlitz family knows it will be important to put plans down in writing if next generation wants to carry on the operation
BETHUNE, Sask. — The Seidlitz family seems to reach back more than one generation for land transfers. Henry Seidlitz bought his farmland from his grandmother and Henry’s son, Bill, bought his farmland from his grandfather. “I am not sure what will happen for the next generation. It has worked well up to now. I don’t […] Read more
Transition starts by deciding who wants to farm
A good place to start when beginning a farm succession plan is to determine what every family member intends to do in the future
THORHILD, Alta. — Six years ago Harry and Barb DeWindt ordered their three daughters and families to a mandatory meeting at the farm with no hints about the topic. “We are all sitting around the table. One said, ‘are you dying?’ No, I just want to ask you one question all at the same time. […] Read more
Gov’t policy on ag technology worries producers
Farmers in Europe and Mexico say roadblocks for some forms of agricultural innovation stand in the way of sustainability
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Farmers from countries reluctant to approve new tools such as gene editing say they could use those technologies to meet demand, be profitable and ensure environmental sustainability. Several representatives, including organic farmers, said during a North American European Union farm leaders conference that innovation is critical. The pandemic, war in Ukraine and […] Read more
