Tom Vilsack, who was U.S. agriculture secretary under Obama, is a disappointment for climate and nutrition activists
CHICAGO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) — U.S. president-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack for U.S. agriculture secretary, according to two sources familiar with the decision. It’s a choice that will reassure farmers but disappoint climate and nutrition activists. Vilsack, who led the U.S. Department of Agriculture under then-president Barack Obama, has a long […] Read moreNews
Timing important when rolling barley fields
One year of research data in Alberta finds that it is best to roll fields when the crop is at the one- to three-leaf stage
There’s nothing like putting a rock through the combine or silage chopper to ruin a farmer’s day and delay harvest. Rolling the field earlier in the season to push down rocks and soil clods reduces the risk of that event but timing is important, said Trevor Deering, research associate with Farming Smarter. The benefit of […] Read more
Insects were not a big deal in Alta. this year
Flea beetles were most significant problem in the province, and cabbage seedpod weevils also made themselves known
This year will be remembered for many things, but a plague of insects isn’t one of them. “It wasn’t an insect year,” entomologist and assistant University of Alberta professor Boyd Mori said about 2020’s insect pressures in Alberta. Flea beetle was the most troublesome pest. Both the striped and crucifer species were found in vast […] Read more
Late Agriculture Canada scientist honoured for soil conservation work
The late Claudia Sheedy, a research scientist with Agriculture Canada, is this year’s recipient of the Orville Yanke award. It is issued annually to recognize leadership and contributions in southern Alberta soil conservation. Sheedy was instrumental in researching and disseminating information on biobeds, a method of eliminating pesticide residue from the rinsate in crop sprayer […] Read more
Brown and white – photo essay
Photo essay | There has been a wide variation in snow cover across the Prairies this fall as we inch closer to winter. These photos were all taken in the first week of December.
There has been a wide variation in snow cover across the Prairies this fall as we inch closer to winter. These photos were all taken in the first week of December.
Europe’s ‘green’ aviation fuel target may exclude biofuel
BRUSSELS/PARIS (Reuters) — The European Commission is drawing up targets for airlines to use a minimum share of sustainable fuels, it said last week after dropping a draft five percent goal for 2030 that it deemed too low. The pledge came as the European Union executive outlined measures to tackle transport’s climate impact, including a […] Read more
Permanent deal with U.K. next priority for exporters
Canada has a chance to ink a better-than-expected deal with the United Kingdom as that country leaves the European Union and sallies forth onto the global stage. But even though Canada is in a better position than almost any other country in getting a permanent trade deal on good terms, many factors make the future […] Read more
U of G, Thrive work together
The University of Guelph has partnered with SVG Ventures Thrive to create a platform for agri-food entrepreneurs and startups to gain access to technology-driven research. The two organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding to support the establishment of SVG’s Thrive Canada Accelerator and start-up program. The Thrive Accelerator Program at U of G will […] Read more
Goat code looks for comments
A public comment period on the code of practice for the care and handling of goats is expected to be open for public comment on Dec. 18. The National Farm Animal Care Council reported Dec. 2 that the update to the 2003 code is nearly ready. If posted Dec. 18, public comment will be accepted […] Read more
‘Rink of Dreams’ offered new challenges for farm boys
Iowa may have its baseball Field of Dreams, as depicted in the 1989 movie, but it has nothing on my brother Tim. In December 2014, he made his own Rink of Dreams near his Sherwood Park, Alta., home. I was headed to nearby Edmonton on business, and on a hunch we might meet, I tossed […] Read more
