BANFF, Alta. – Farmers may learn as early as this spring what Ottawa sees as its spending priorities for agricultural research. A plan outlining those priorities is being developed based on consultations done earlier this winter with the industry. The plan likely will go to federal agriculture minister Chuck Strahl for his consideration within the […] Read more
News — page 4618
Research plan to be in minister’s hands soon
Do homework, then add nitrogen
Most of a farmer’s fertilizer dollar should be spent on nitrogen but there are variables to consider before it ever hits the ground, says an Alberta Agriculture agronomist. Nitrogen’s effectiveness depends on soil moisture, the kind of fertilizer that is used and how it is applied, Ross McKenzie told the recent Western Barley Growers Association […] Read more
Reopening of Sask. pork plant postponed by last-minute delay
Plans to reopen Worldwide Pork in Moose Jaw, Sask., early this month have been delayed. Rick Van Beselaere, the lawyer representing the company as it restructured under court protection, said Feb. 27 that financing was not yet in place and that would push the reopening date to late March or early April. “We’re hoping this […] Read more
Wheat board fate low on Alberta priority list
RED DEER – The fate of the Canadian Wheat Board was not high on Alberta’s wish list when agriculture minister Doug Horner met with his federal counterpart Chuck Strahl Feb. 17. Alberta presented five priority items in a three hour meeting in Ottawa, said Horner. “Alberta is still a strong advocate of marketing choice. We […] Read more
Water rules irk hog producers
Like Daniel in the lion’s den, Manitoba water stewardship minister Steve Ashton put his faith in the law when he spoke before a room packed with hog industry opponents of his planned regulations. He insisted in a speech to the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce that farmers were not being targeted by the new rules that […] Read more
Coming Events
March 1-4: Canadian Horticultural Council meeting, The Westin, Ottawa (Anne Fowlie, 613-226-4880) March 4: Mini to Mighty sleigh rally, near Moose Jaw, Sask., 306-759-2065 Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association Spring Saddle Series (Ralene, 306-921-6100 or Lora, 306-887-4530) March 5: Creekside Arena, Melfort, Sask. March 26: Creekside Arena, Melfort, Sask. April 16: Creekside Arena, Melfort, Sask. March […] Read more
Sask. crop insurance premiums down slightly
Saskatchewan producers will see little change in their crop insurance premiums in 2006. They are expected to drop by a half percent from last year, reports Saskatchewan Crop Insurance. In announcing the 2006 insurance program Feb. 24, provincial agriculture minister Mark Wartman acknowledged producers are struggling with low commodity prices, trade barriers, a strong loonie […] Read more
Mailbox
100 year reunion: The Village of Dewberry, Alta., homecoming celebrating 100 years, Aug. 4-6. Saturday: Parade, supper and dance. Sunday: Family fun. To register, please contact: 780-847-3053 or check our website www.villageofdewberry.com.
Society must decide future of farming: economist
Canadian society must decide soon if it’s worth saving prairie agriculture, says a well-known agricultural economist at the University of Saskatchewan. If the answer is yes, says Hartley Furtan, then it has to decide how best to do it. “If it is the families we care about, we need to consider new policies such as […] Read more
Ag Notes
Philom Bios board Philom Bios has announced the election of its directors, which occurred at its Feb. 14 annual meeting. Chair John Cross, John Becherer, Wayne Brownlee, Beverley Brennan, Gordon Froehlich, Rod Merryweather, Richard Stegmann, Rod Weins and Gren Yuel were all elected to the board. All except Froehlich have sat on the Philom Bios […] Read more
