There are many challenges that have the potential to dash the business plans and hopes of farmers —from trade agreements, to climate change, and primary risks. Strong government policy is part of the solution. Helping shape effective policy will be one of Dr. Alan Ker's goals as he assumes the newly-created Research Chair in Agriculture... Read More
Category: Ag Policy
The recent WASDE report created barely a ripple in the markets, and now traders are trying to figure what's going on. The November report is often a bit of a snoozer, and this year is no exception, but the underlying political currents make this year a bit harder to decipher. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney... Read More
McDonald’s has announced a new policy aimed at reducing the overall use of antibiotics important to human health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), across its global beef supply chain. According to the WHO, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today. McDonald’s says instituting... Read More
Those within agriculture are always looking for ways to communicate to those outside of agriculture just how many rewarding careers there are in the industry. University of Guelph students David Westerveld and Brendan McDougall are two such "non-farm kids" who are turning interests in veterinary medicine and technology into agriculture-related jobs. Selected as "future influencers"... Read More
It's fundamentally understood by most countries around the world that competition is a good thing. It forces countries to be innovative and focused on the competitive factors within its control to be the best they can be as a nation — things like infrastructure, tax and trade policy, and natural resources. Canada has its strengths... Read More
Many times when we talk about trade deals there is immense focus on reducing tariffs, increasing trade flows, or increasing market access. There are other chapters of text that create a basis for the agreement in terms of how the involved countries will handle issues like the environment, labour standards, and cultural exemptions. Carlo Dade,... Read More
The second phase of the Dairy Farm Investment program will start accepting applications in the New Year. The federal program is a five-year, $250-million program to "help Canadian cow’s milk producers improve productivity through upgrades to their equipment." The government says the program is designed to assist dairy producers adapt to the anticipated impacts of... Read More
There's no understating just how significant the loss of Canadian pulse exports to India has been this past year. Carl Potts, executive director of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, says that the organization's budget — directly funded through a value-based levy — fell short by nearly 40%. It shows just how dire the situation has been... Read More
When it comes to Saskatoon, former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall has not been seen much in these parts. In fact, except for the Saskatchewan Party leadership convention, he has not made a public appearance in Saskatoon since he retired as premier. When he showed up at a recent Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan event he... Read More
"Patience is a virtue" - William Langland It's been six years in the making as the Canadian canola industry waits for the approval of three canola traits for export into the Chinese market — Bayer's TruFlex (introduced under Monsanto), Optimum Gly, owned by Corteva, and BASF's Rf3. Whether it's the opportunity for expanded application windows... Read More