Feds must act quickly on CWB: grain official

The federal government should announce its plans for the Canadian Wheat Board as quickly as possible, said the executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association. “It’s important the government signals what its intentions are early on and that changes be done in a thoughtful and measured way,” said Wade Sobkowich. By winning a majority […] Read more

A picture is worth …

AYLESBURY, Sask. – Finding patterns in river ice or rich colours in lichen covered boulders is Annemieke (Mickey) Watkins’ passion. The Aylesbury photographer, farm woman and nature buff immigrated to Canada from Holland in search of scenes like these in the Canadian wilderness. “I see something and I take it all in,” said Watkins. She […] Read more

Conservatives must give farmers answers on CWB

Farmers need the federal government to clarify two things about its plans for the Canadian Wheat Board: • what is it planning to do? • when is it planning to do it? Farmers have the right to know these things because they’re seeding a crop right now and can’t afford to see their marketing plans, […] Read more


Farm groups favouring voluntary CWB urge Conservatives to end monopoly

Farm groups that oppose the Canadian Wheat Board’s single desk say they hope the Conservative government will use its new majority powers to implement a voluntary wheat board. The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, which has been leading the campaign to make the CWB voluntary, says it is also hoping to work with the government […] Read more

Young farmers emphasize ‘good works’

ACME, Alta. – Matt Sawyer scrambles into his Case tractor to show off his latest electronic gadgets in preparation for seeding. “I love sitting up here,” he said. But with continuing snow and soggy ground this spring over the entire central Alberta farm he owns with his wife, Tara, spring work was delayed by a […] Read more


Canfax Report – for May. 12, 2011

FED CATTLE PRICES DOWN Fed steers averaged $104.71 per hundredweight and heifers came in at $103.84, both down more than $2 from last week. Alberta steers averaged $106 with prices on the rail between $176-$177. Sales volumes of 16,581 was eight percent below last week and 36 percent smaller than last year at this time. […] Read more

Seed plant on track

Monsanto’s first canola seed cleaning plant is on pace for completion in September. The $14 million plant project, announced in September 2010, is designed to clean all canola seed contracted by Monsanto in North America. Located on a 35 acre site east of Lethbridge, the plant will initially clean more than 10,000 acres of hybrid […] Read more



Research finds health benefits in sweet treat

Pure maple syrup makes a good pancake topping, but researchers have now found 54 beneficial compounds that might also make it a health choice. Navindra Seeram, assistant pharmacy professor at the University of Rhode Island, said 34 new beneficial compounds have been discovered in pure maple syrup in addition to the 20 compounds discovered last […] Read more

Both sides of wheat board debate must be heard

The federal Conservatives have made no secret of their desire to end the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly. With a long sought after majority attained in the last federal election, many now wonder if they will move to make that happen. There is little doubt that the Conservatives are the party of choice for western Canadian […] Read more