Roy Berg, a world-renowned animal geneticist who helped revolutionize the beef industry, has died. He was 85. Berg revolutionized the beef industry during the 1960s through his hybrid breeding programs, which increased production 30 to 40 percent. The University of Alberta scientist was larger than life, said John Kennelly, dean of the U of A’s […] Read more
Tag Archives Ag Finance
Geneticist’s work explored beef rate of gain, efficient use of feed
Striped flea beetles threat to early seeded canola
Canola producers are encouraged to check their fields for striped flea beetles this spring. Striped flea beetles are more tolerant of seed treatments and are more likely than crucifer flea beetles to live through such treatments, said a Canola Council of Canada news release. Striped flea beetles are also gaining territory, especially in central parts […] Read more
Alta. farmers evaluate frost harm
Sub-zero temperatures in southern Alberta May 10-11 had growers worried about crops, but reports as of May 14 indicated only pockets of major damage. Alberta Agriculture’s AgroClimatic Information Service recorded overnight lows of -5 C near Barons late last week, while Champion recorded -4, Rolling Hills and Etzikom -3.5 and Iron Springs -5. The swath […] Read more
Stress, heat, injury can jeopardize semen quality
Some bulls prone to stress | Stressful situations that last several days can reduce testosterone production
A one-day event isn’t enough to negatively impact a bull’s sperm production, said Colin Palmer of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Veterinary Medicine. To influence fertility, the event has to occur over a longer period of time, such as a snowstorm or a prolonged bout with lameness or illness. “There’s been a lot of […] Read moreWater efficient crops help reduce virtual water exports
Canada is the third largest virtual water exporter in the world. While part of the economy favours high volumes of agricultural exports, tremendous amounts of water embedded in food are shipped out of the country at the same time, said Hans Schrierer of the University of British Columbia’s faculty of land and food systems. His […] Read more
Investment leads to water efficiency
Innovative programs | Countries look for ways to reduce consumption while increasing production
Six countries produce 50 percent of the world’s exported food so if there is a crop failure in a key producing country, the impacts can be far reaching. “If something happens climatically in one of these six countries, it has global impact,” said Hans Schrierer of the University of British Columbia’s faculty of land and […] Read moreMarket analysts see Viterra as small part of global brand
Industry giant | Agriculture only 8.4 percent of company’s sales revenue
Farmers who think of Viterra as a prairie giant might be surprised to see that it appears to others as a corporate pygmy. However, the pygmy is about to get bigger. “We believe Glencore will be able to market Viterra’s volumes more efficiently, effectively and benefit from additional regional price arbitrage and blending opportunities,” says […] Read more$4.8 million earmarked for Sask. bridge, culvert projects
Repairing or replacing 28 bridges and culverts this year will help bring rural corridors up to much needed primary weight standards, says Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president David Marit. Projects in 24 RMs will receive $4.8 million from the Municipal Roads for the Economy Program. The most recent provincial budget allocated $23.5 million for […] Read more
Schmidt stands to make $30M
Big package for Viterra CEO | Mixed reaction from farm groups to CEO’s potential purse
The man who steered a Saskatchewan grain industry icon out of bankruptcy and into prosperity will be well compensated for his past leadership. A management information circular sent to Viterra shareholders discloses the compensation that chief executive officer Mayo Schmidt will receive if shareholders vote May 29 in favour of the $6.1 billion sale of […] Read moreWhat is your image and what does it say about you?
Slogans and brands are created with customers in mind, but they can also have a powerful effect on the company itself. In 2007, Kevin Martin and his brothers, Steve and Ken, decided to rebrand the retail side of Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, even though their main business is growing 700 acres of apples and packing […] Read more
