Producers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the federal government’s insistence that agriculture research be conducted through a climate change lens, saying there’s too much focus on “dogs that don’t hunt.”  |  File photo

Farm groups wrestle with feds over ag research

Ottawa’s focus on climate change mitigation puts it at odds with farmers who want to focus on ways to improve production

WINNIPEG — At nearly every farm and commodity group meeting this winter across Canada, a farmer in the crowd will make the same statement or ask a similar question. They will express frustrations with the federal government and its insistence that all research must consider greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. At the Manitoba Pulse & […] Read more

Tracy Broughton, executive director of SaskCanola, said the problem lies with Ottawa’s new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion agricultural policy framework that runs from 2023-28. | Getty Images

Research priorities worry farmers

SASKATOON — Crop organizations say the federal government’s research priorities are increasingly at odds with those of farmers. The issue surfaced during the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission’s annual general meeting. “Are we in alignment or are we starting to see what our priorities are as growers isn’t necessarily the same priorities as the federal government?” […] Read more

Former Sask. deputy premier Alanna Koch wants to see something reminiscent of the multi-day event held at TCU Place in Saskatoon, featuring keynote speakers, general sessions and market outlooks. The 2024 edition had none of that. | File photo

New crop meeting format criticized

SASKATOON — A former deputy agriculture minister of Saskatchewan is pushing for a return to the old CropSphere format for the annual gathering of the province’s crop organizations. Alanna Koch made the rounds at the 2024 annual general meetings for the various crop groups, pleading with the organizations to turn back the clock. “I’m planning […] Read more


The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission’s check-off revenues have not been good in recent years, largely due to low acres and yields.  |  File photo

Canola-flax merger gets final approval

SASKATOON — Saskatchewan’s canola and flax growers have voted to approve the amalgamation of their two grower groups. Resolutions were passed at both the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola) and Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission (SaskFlax) annual general meetings. “The collaborative efforts are expected to streamline operations, enhance research initiatives and provide a more cohesive voice […] Read more

SaskCanola was asked at its recent annual meeting to examine the value that the Canola Council of Canada delivers to Saskatchewan farmers.  |  File photo

Review requested for how canola council is funded

SASKATOON — A farmer who helped establish the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission wants the organization to review its funding of the Canola Council of Canada. Zenneth Faye, who was also a founding member of Milligan Biotech, Canada’s first commercial biodiesel plant, asked the board of SaskCanola to examine the value that the council delivers to […] Read more