Potholes have been a major water issue since farmers first arrived on the Prairies in the mid-1800s. Draining potholes was inevitable if the Prairies were to become productive and support a growing population. Seventy percent of potholes have since disappeared, according to the 2008 Canadian Wetland Inventory. Satellite imagery shows that the remaining prairie wetlands […] Read more
Tag Archives Ag Policy — page 3
Pothole drainage: managing wetlands
Yes, it’s in the ground, but it doesn’t stay there
There is a lot that scientists don’t know about ground water. In Alberta, much of the ground water information that scientists rely on comes from the Alberta Research Council’s (ARC) mapping programs of the 1960s and 1970s. “We really haven’t moved that far from the ’60s,” said Alec Blyth, a research hydrogeologist with the council’s […] Read more
Biofuel may have bad rap as water user
Biofuel production is having a profound impact on water demand, according to a United Nations report. “Despite their potential to help reduce dependence on fossil energy, biofuels with current technology are likely to place a disproportionate amount of pressure on biodiversity and the environment,” says the UN’s World Water Development Report 3. “The major problem […] Read more
Velvet gloves in China, trade expert urges
The Canadian canola industry is being cautioned not to overreact in its response to China’s blackleg import restrictions. Hitting back or protesting too violently would only complicate the situation, says the Canada China Business Council (CCBC). “Our significant experience with China is that playing hardball with China doesn’t work,” said CCBC director of public affairs […] Read more
CWB irked by Ritz’s actions
Officials at the Canadian Wheat Board are wondering why federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz didn’t ask them about their privacy policies instead of relying on a news report before asking the privacy commissioner to investigate. A Canadian Press story published Nov. 21 said an internal CWB audit report completed in 2008 suggested the board was […] Read more
Use velvet approach in Chinese dispute, trade expert urges
The Canadian canola industry is being cautioned not to overreact in its response to China’s blackleg import restrictions. Hitting back or protesting too violently would only complicate the situation, says the Canada China Business Council (CCBC). “Our significant experience with China is that playing hardball with China doesn’t work,” said CCBC director of public affairs […] Read more
First hog exit cash coming
A federal program that pays Canadian pork producers to mothball hog barns for three years is expected to issue its first cheques soon. The hog farm transition program is a $75 million initiative designed to reduce Canadian pork production and lower North American pork supplies. Canadian Pork Council public relations manager Gary Stordy said 261 […] Read more
Study weighs benefits of total BSE testing
The merits of testing all cattle for BSE will be studied next year. PrioNet Canada is inviting proposals for a cost-benefit and risk analysis of testing all beef to gain access to more markets worldwide. The Canadian industry has debated the issue since the first case of BSE was found in Canada in 2003, and […] Read more
Sask. hog sector warned against downsizing too much
Saskatchewan hog farmers lead the nation when it comes to downsizing herd numbers and reducing pork production. But industry leaders warned last week that reducing production too much could devastate the industry. Neil Ketilson, general manager of the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board, said industry retraction is needed in North America but the loss of too […] Read more
Group to examine shipping problems
– Shippers complain that rail cars are often rejected because they are in poor condition THREE HILLS, Alta. – Canada controls 40 percent of the world’s export pulse trade, but its reputation as a timely supplier is poor. “All parties including shippers, railways and transloaders agree the system is flawed,” Greg Cherewyk, a transportation specialist […] Read more
