Charlene Kaartinen now knows first-hand how the anthrax scare has resonated in the minds of Canadians. Kaartinen and her husband, cattle producers at Eriksdale, Man., were notified on Oct. 16 that a product they distribute had triggered a small evacuation at a major mail sorting point in Ontario. “When (Canada Post officials) phoned me they […] Read more
News — page 4629
Manitoba farmers spark anthrax scare
System could shake up grain transport
A new grain shipping system being pioneered by the Prairie Alliance for the Future could presage changes to the way grain is moved off the Prairies, says a transportation analyst. “It may well be quite an interesting competitive threat to the high throughput elevators in selected areas,” said Barry Prentice, director of the University of […] Read more
Bean growers start smiling
After a few years of distasteful prices, bean growers finally have a reason to lick their chops. A big drop in American bean acreage combined with a poor crop in Ontario and an outright disaster in Michigan have ratcheted prices up. “Guys have been getting some huge returns,” said Bob Lafond, general manager of Roy […] Read more
Sask. rural strategy includes agriculture investment plan
The Saskatchewan government plans to include a capital investment component in its rural economic strategy. Details of the Farm Family Opportunities Initiative, announced last spring, are expected to be unveiled later this fall. But Clay Serby, minister in charge of rural revitalization, said it must include a way for farmers to access investment dollars. “In […] Read more
U.S. subsidies not done deal
and Reuters News Agency TORONTO – Canadians should not assume that the United States is about to launch another subsidy-rich farm program, despite a recent congressional proposal that subsidies be increased, says federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief. In early October, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a new 10-year farm bill that would provide the […] Read more
Developing countries require special rules under WTO: aid agencies
Canadian trade negotiators should use the next round of world trade negotiations to help developing countries protect themselves from the negative effects of freer trade, say aid activists. During parliamentary hearings on Oct. 16, World Food Day, activists told MPs that trade liberalization has not proven to be the boon for poor countries that rich […] Read more
CN pares down container service
Canadian National Railway is cutting back its container services in Saskatchewan at a time when more pulse crops are being shipped in the metal boxes. The company is closing its container terminal in Regina because it wasn’t making money, said a CN spokesperson. “We weren’t able to negotiate rate increases with the shipping container owners […] Read more
Young farmers clear up common misconceptions
WASAGA BEACH, Ont. – As Geri Rounds goes about her chores, Pinky the white Alpine goat is feeling rambunctious, trying to tear the top off a bag of rabbit food. “He thinks he’s a rabbit,” she said with a laugh. If Pinky is suffering under an agricultural misconception, he ended up on the right farm. […] Read more
Beavers a dam nuisance in Manitoba
A Canadian symbol of tenacity and ingenuity, or a proverbial pain in the butt? The general view of beavers tends more toward the latter in areas of Manitoba where the animals’ dikes damage roads, railways and farmers’ crops. The province this month said an “out-of-control” beaver population is causing millions of dollars in damage. Conservation […] Read more
Coming Events
Oct. 25-27: Prairie Implement Manufacturers Association conference, Fairmont Hotel, Winnipeg, 306-522-2710 Oct. 26-27: Trade show and sale, Naicam, Sask. (Debbie, 306-874-5412) Oct. 27: Trade show, Edam, Sask. Oct. 27: Alberta Texas Longhorn Association fall gala and silent auction, Radisson Hotel, Calgary (Lara Roth, 403-948-2061) Oct. 27: Claybank Brick Plant Historical Society Pricing the Priceless appraisals, […] Read more
