North West shows profit North West Terminal of Unity, Sask., posted net profit of $1.26 million for the year ending Oct. 31, down from $2.18 million in the previous year. Earnings were down mainly because of costs associated with opening its 25 million litre ethanol plant, the company said in a news release. The company […] Read more
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Prairie briefs – for Mar. 11, 2010
Farm Credit well managed, has flaws: A-G
When auditor general Sheila Fraser investigated Farm Credit Canada in 2007, she found a well-run crown corporation that was a leading player in the farm lending field. “In our opinion, based on the criteria we established for the examination, there is a reasonable assurance that there were no significant deficiencies in the systems and practices […] Read more
Ways sought to share water
Alberta’s 100-year-old system of sharing water may not be perfect, but it appears to accommodate most users’ needs. The province issues licences specifying how much may be withdrawn each year. The system is known as first in time, first in right (FITFIR) and has been criticized for being unfair. However, Dave McGee of Alberta Environment […] Read more
Rural wind catches the current
Kelly Winder hasn’t gathered enough data on small-scale wind turbines to go public with the results, aside from one inescapable conclusion. “If you are doing this strictly to make money, purely for an economic return, don’t do it,” said the Saskatchewan Research Council engineer. “The economics are marginal at best. There are much better ways […] Read more
Employee reward program under fire
A national business survey consistently names Farm Credit Canada one of Canada’s 50 best employers. Last week, critics began to understand why employees love their company so much. Sun Media newspapers, citing more than 3,500 pages of internal FCC documents obtained under access-to-information legislation, reported that the crown corporation has been spending hundreds of thousands […] Read more
Big or small: organics contemplates future model
GUELPH, Ont. – Where now? The question appeared to divide speakers at the Guelph Organic Conference earlier this year. Toronto author Margaret Webb advocated a revolutionary “small is beautiful” approach that would replace the current marketplace with a new economy of “co-operation, justice and fair play.” She said food can be democratized with distribution alternatives […] Read more
Feedlot survey finds significant economic impact
RED DEER – A recent economic impact study of Alberta’s feedlot sector has revealed a multibillion-dollar industry responsible for thousands of jobs in rural communities and support to local businesses. Commissioned by the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, the study found that the industry contributed more than $1 billion in direct economic benefit to the provincial […] Read more
CWB allows durum growers out of contracts
The Canadian Wheat Board has offered producers a way to get out of the tanking durum market. Growers can reduce their undelivered 2009-10 contract tonnage without penalty in Series A contracts and GrainFlo periods 2, 3 and 4 delivery contracts. Producers wishing to do so must contact the wheat board by March 31. The board […] Read more
Livestock depleting fish stocks: expert
LINDELL BEACH, B.C. – Finding a way to reduce pressure on the planet’s dwindling fisheries depends greatly upon finding alternative livestock feed, say researchers at the University of British Columbia. “Thirty million tons, or 36 percent, of the world’s total fisheries catch each year is currently ground up into fishmeal and oil to feed farmed […] Read more
Genome mapping becomes quicker, more affordable
Scientists at the University of Alberta have successfully mapped the genomes of two bulls, a first for Canada. The feat marks a rapid increase in efficiency with the technology. Last year, researchers completed a four year effort to map the genes of a cow at a cost of $53 million. In this latest project, however, […] Read more
