ONANOLE, Man. – The ability of farmers to save seed is being threatened by a proposed change to the crop variety registration system, according to the National Farmers Union. There is a proposal to extend the boundaries of contract registration to better accommodate candidate varieties that do not fit well within the current regulatory system. […] Read more
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Proposed variety registration change risky: NFU
Hog growers learn how to cut greenhouse gas
Changes in pig diets and barn operations can help operators lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. In a new study funded by the Canadian Pork Council, DGH Engineering sought to identify, implement and demonstrate the best management practices for intensive swine barns. Doug Small, DGH vice-president, said the study discovered the nutrient content of […] Read more
Cities, not towns, need money
The Conference Board of Canada, a leading Canadian economic research centre, says the best way to help smaller Canadian communities survive is to make sure key urban centres are targeted for a disproportionate share of federal investment money. Meanwhile, policy makers should look at how to help some smaller and rural communities “downsize with dignity.” […] Read more
Prairie heat wilts pea prospects
LETHBRIDGE – Hot weather is taking the bloom off pea prospects, say a variety of crop analysts. Above normal July temperatures across much of Saskatchewan, where 80 percent of Canada’s pea crop is grown, are threatening to shut down the flowering stage of production. “It has the real potential to reduce yields,” said Ray McVicar, […] Read more
Alberta greenhouse owner develops global contacts
RED DEER Ñ Horticulture is an international business at DentoomÕs Greenhouses in Red Deer. Owned by John and Lori Bouw, the family run operation has a major storefront garden centre but its main business is selling cuttings and starting new plants for 800 other growers across Canada. The business was established in 1954 by Harry […] Read more
New BSE case frustrates producers
A seventh confirmed case of BSE is frustrating news for livestock owners here and beyond Canada’s borders. While some observers said the discovery of BSE in a 50-month-old dairy cow from Alberta should not affect trade, news of the latest case concerned Mexican sheep producer Rodrigo Guiterez and American Simmental breeder Roy Phillips. Guiterez and […] Read more
Expert expects world economic slowdown
LETHBRIDGE – Grain processors are entering a risky stage of the business cycle, says one of Canada’s leading economists. Stephen Poloz, chief economist with Export Development Canada, said all signs point toward a slowdown in the global economy. A recent downturn in global stock markets has been written off as a simple market correction by […] Read more
New Sask. short line busy hauling grain
Fife Lake Railway shareholders gathered in Coronach, Sask., July 12 to officially open the railroad and celebrate the successes of its first half year. Company president David Marit said the railway has moved more than 500 cars since it took ownership of the short line from Canadian Pacific Railway in January 2006. He explained how […] Read more
Canada could cash in on EU biofuel revolution
GHENT, Belgium – Amid the high hopes, optimism and frustrations that come as Europe rushes to develop a biodiesel industry, Wim Soetaert can’t help but talk about how the bio revolution already is changing the landscape of his native Flanders. It’s all about yellow as area farmers begin to respond to the opportunities as biodiesel […] Read more
More packer competition improves cull cow prices
LANIGAN, Sask. – Cull cows returns are back. Prices for D1 and D2 cows and slaughter bulls continue an upward trend and packer demand for these animals appears to be increasing. Prices for D1 and D2 cows recently touched 50 cents per pound after bringing little more than 25 cents since the discovery of BSE […] Read more
