The Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) of British Columbia will contribute up to $605,965 to 19 new projects to help the province’s agri-food industry adapt, diversify and grow. The list includes new projects contracted between Jan., 1 and April 30, 2011. IAF provides funding through programs it delivers on behalf of the federal and provincial governments. […] Read more
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Foundation contributes $600,000 to new projects
Topigs Canada hires rep
Rick Beunen will join Topigs Canada as its business development representative. Based out of St. Thomas, Ont., Beunen will develop sales and provide customer support in southern Ontario. He has extensive marketing and swine production knowledge. He may be reached by calling 519-317-7403 or e-mailing rbeunen@topigs.ca.
Manitoba buckwheat acres shrink but Sask. climbs aboard
Marc Durand should net a tidy profit from his 210 acres of buckwheat if the weather is just right this summer. Prices for the specialty crop are at “unprecedented levels” of around $15 per acre. Durand, who typically seeds 160 to 300 acres on his farm near Notre Dame, Man., knows he can reap profits […] Read more
Swine centre presents awards to breeders
The Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement has presented Jim Whitehouse with its Breeder’s Merit Award. Whitehouse managed Pureline Swine, a breeding herd in Guelph, Ont., for many years and was extensively involved in the swine industry. The award is presented to swine breeders who have made a significant contribution to the Canadian swine improvement program […] Read more
Mexican workers save vegetable farm
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – After 29 years in the vegetable business, Eddie Dykerman and his brother were ready to throw in the towel in 2008. His 280-acre vegetable farm at Brookfield, P.E.I., needs a core staff of nine through the year and up to 15 seasonal workers at busy times. By 2008, attempts to find local […] Read more
Farmers need to act now on fall contract problems
Thousands of farmers might be caught exposed because of the sodden spring, but the recent market downturn is offering them a handy fig leaf to partially hide behind. Farmers in many areas will be unable to meet their existing new crop sales agreements because they won’t be able to harvest most of their crops. Others […] Read more
Viterra donates to flood assistance
Viterra has launched a North American Flood Assistance Program to provide community-based flood assistance to communities that have been affected by spring flooding this year in Western Canada and the United States. The $100,000 program is geared toward helping communities in which the company is located restore infrastructure, equipment and community services. Projects must benefit […] Read more
Training targets farm workers
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – In this agriculture-dependent province, the shortage of skilled farm workers is one of the greatest challenges facing the industry. Every year, in a province with an estimated 1,400 farm operations, several hundred farm worker positions are open. “It is a tremendous challenge for our Island industry,” said Alvin Keenan, a potato farmer […] Read more
Politics monopolizes single desk issue
The politics are raw and caustic. The ideological warriors are once more clashing over the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly, trying to get in one last battle before the issue is legislated out of existence. But are many farmers paying attention? I doubt it. And that’s not just because they are busy growing crops and dealing […] Read more
Direct seeding into forage stubble iffy
A forage expert with Saskatchewan Agriculture says it is possible for producers to direct seed forages into terminated forage stands. However, success depends on weed control, soil conditions and the ability to seed the new crop at the proper depth. Michel Tremblay told forage producers at the Western Beef Development Centre’s field day in Lanigan, […] Read more
