The industry that helped give rise to today’s high grain prices is under attack. A federal program that is the backbone of the U.S. ethanol and biodiesel industry is going under the microscope. A newly formed U.S. senate group will conduct a review of the Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS2), which establishes federal mandates for […] Read more
Tag Archives Ag Finance
U.S. group to study effects of renewable fuel mandate
Hog sector subsidy irks American producers
Agricultural programs in Ontario and Quebec are near the top of the list of world trade issues that annoy the American hog industry. “The Americans are very concerned about the new program in Ontario,” Manitoba Pork Council chair Karl Kynoch said in an interview at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. “They are […] Read more
Choosing to buy or lease grain bins
If you are contemplating buying a grain bin, the initial cash outflow required may seem significant and the possibilities for structuring the deal endless. Many farmers are also taking advantage of a new option from bin manufacturers and leasing companies to lease grain bins. Although this option may offer benefits, the full financial and tax […] Read more
WP reporter to be inducted into ag hall of fame
Distinguished career | Ottawa correspondent Barry Wilson recognized for outstanding journalistic contributions
The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame will induct Western Producer reporter Barry Wilson to its ranks this year. He will join a list of men and women who have been major contributors to the agricultural industry. Wilson’s induction, along with dairy farmer and master Chairbois breeder Bertrand Boisclair and AdFarm founder and communicator Kim McConnell, […] Read moreYara to double capacity at Sask. fertilizer plant
A proposed expansion will see fertilizer manufacturer Yara double production at its facility near Belle Plaine, Sask., and bring a new product to the Canadian market, says a company official. Yara announced June 11 that its board has approved a project that will produce an additional 1.3 millions tonnes of urea annually. It will double […] Read more
Maximize your job search
Kathy Dubeau, a guidance and co-operative education teacher at Stephen Lewis Secondary School in Mississauga, Ont., has tips for students seeking summer work:
Have a current well organized and professional looking resume Write an effective cover letter Use personal networks and contacts Brush up on potential interview questions Wear a suitable outfit for interviews Become familiar with job search websites, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/index-eng.htm) When applying for a first job, youth may feel they […] Read moreNew food safety bill makes sweeping changes to inspection
Safe Food for Canadians Act | New bill will consolidate existing bills, give new powers to ag minister
The federal government is proposing the most significant food inspection and safety reforms since the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was created 15 years ago. On June 7, the Safe Food for Canadians Act was introduced in the Senate and debate began June 12, with Manitoba Conservative Don Plett leading off. Debate will be interrupted by […] Read moreResearchers eager to tap market for healthy foods
Healthy grain, healthy products | Omega 3 enriched flax and canola
CHICAGO, Illinois — Healthy profits from healthy food ingredients are driving the latest move by biotechnology and food companies to produce new crops. BASF and Cargill have added omega 3 fatty acids to their stables of crop products. “We’re excited to be working towards offering farmers another crop (product),” said Scott Kay, business director for […] Read moreFood industry sees changes as good step forward
Food industry reaction to the introduction of sweeping new food safety legislation was largely positive, although the union representing federal food inspectors directed some showers at the parade. On June 7, the federal government introduced the Safe Food for Canadians Act that widens federal powers over food industry safety regulation, consolidates acts, strengthens controls over […] Read more
Bill will increase food safety: Ritz
National traceability | The act will enable food to be tracked, traced and recalled quickly
After years of spotty movement toward a national food traceability system, the federal government is proposing to give itself more power to impose rules through regulation if needed. The Safe Food for Canadians Act, introduced in the Senate June 7 as the most sweeping consolidation and strengthening of food safety rules since the Canadian Food […] Read more
