All eyes in the special crops industry are on CN Rail’s new Edmonton Grain Distribution Centre. Shippers want to know if it is worthwhile to shift container stuffing services from the ports to the Prairies, says a transportation analyst. “(They) are going to be watching this carefully and closely,” said Bruce McFadden, director of research […] Read more
News
Container centre must prove worth
Prince Rupert terminal ready to set sail
PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – At the end of a long railway track sits a big, underused grain terminal on the Pacific Ocean. But the use issue is about to change and that means more money could find its way into farmers’ pockets. Despite being Canada’s highest capacity grain port, Prince Rupert Grain has spent many […] Read more
Alta. sugar beet growers on edge
TABER, Alta. – During his 31 years in the sugar beet industry, farmer Robert Boras has never seen anything like it. Yields in sugar beet fields throughout the southeastern Alberta growing area are 20 to 30 percent above average after a near-perfect growing season and harvest. Outside the Rogers Sugar plant in Taber, a mountain […] Read more
Biofuel must put cash in wallet: farmers
There is plenty of buzz about renewable energy in oil rich Alberta, but for grain producers like Doug Robertson, this next generation of fuel better have something in it for farmers. “The potential of biofuel and biodiesel will only be realized if farmers make money at it,” said the chair of the Alberta Barley Commission. […] Read more
New lobbyist takes on CWB
Grain Growers of Canada, a national market-oriented voice for the grains and oilseeds industry, has hired a new Ottawa lobbyist with solid farming, industry and Liberal credentials. Richard Phillips, 48, a Tisdale, Sask., grain farmer and pedigreed seed grower, former board member with United Grain Growers and the Canola Council of Canada and former Canadian […] Read more
Biofuel still overlooked as fuel option
The United States has a cheap fuel policy, but it is becoming increasingly expensive for the country to protect its energy supplies. “Our military spends a lot of time trying to protect our fuel supply,” said Don Erbach, who recently retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research division. Despite these concerns, Erbach told a […] Read more
U.S. inventor looks north for partners
RED DEER – When Clarence Schollmeyer’s son wanted a better way to move his custom spraying unit, the aeronautical engineer-turned-farmer decided to invent something. After a week drawing up plans at the kitchen table and working in the shop, the father and son team came up with a heavy duty cradle to lift and move […] Read more
Organic input encouraged in setting regulations
Some observers think the organic industry is shooting itself in the foot by refusing to participate in discussions surrounding the coexistence of genetically modified, conventional and organic crops. The organic voice is noticeably absent at meetings such as the National Forum on Seed, where representative from biotechnology companies, grain companies, seed associations and grower groups […] Read more
Flax plant officials predict crusher ready by summer
Work is set to begin in earnest this month on Brandon’s new flax crushing plant, following a groundbreaking ceremony at the site on a chilly morning on Nov. 14. Rick Brugger, a Brandon consultant who arranged financing, said the local response has been positive for the facility, which will be built at a cost of […] Read more
Growers seek improved CAIS, crop insurance
Saskatchewan organic growers say crop and income insurance programs should be changed to better meet their needs. While crop insurance recognizes organic grains, there is no separate category for organic forage. Dayton Funk, second vice-president of the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, said certified organic hay sells at about a $30 per tonne premium over conventional hay. […] Read more
