The Alberta government has been making good on its promises to tighten budgets and revamp how agriculture research is done in the province. Earlier this year, the province announced the Results Driven Agriculture Research program— RDAR — an arms-length government entity that would administer funding and guide agriculture research. Then, last week, approximately 250 Alberta... Read More
Category: Western Canada
Almost everyone who lives in a rural area is well aware of the challenges with infrastructure and services — from keeping schools open, to attracting and retaining doctors, to building roads and fixing bridges. Fewer though are likely fully aware of just how far behind their local town or municipality has fallen in keeping up... Read More
The unexpected bump up in commodity prices going into November begs the question: how long can it last? "A simple rule of thumb: high prices cure high prices," say Brennan Turner of FarmLead's Combyne Ag Trading Network. "I think there's definitely a combination of factors that are kind of driving the markets right now; first... Read More
The Alberta government says part of "prioritizing jobs for Albertans" includes making changes to the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program in the province. Alberta's government plans to limit the number and types of jobs available to new TFWs — making jobs "available for unemployed Albertans," according to a press release. As of November 1, additional... Read More
The federal government has announced further updates on how the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will work, including the option for businesses to open a business account in order to qualify. Announced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic economic shutdown, CEBA is an interest-free $40,000 operating loan. If you repay 75 percent of the... Read More
Farmers Business Network (FBN) has acquired Haplotech and Cibus' Canadian canola breeding program — a pair of moves that show the online crop input retailer and farm data aggregator intends to shake up the canola breeding and seed market in Western Canada and the northern U.S. "We have entered the seed business in the U.S.... Read More
The Saskatchewan Party has entered political dynasty territory after winning a fourth consecutive provincial election on Monday. With mail-in ballots still to be counted, the latest tally from Elections Saskatchewan shows Scott Moe's SaskParty team holding 50 seats and 63 per cent of the popular vote, with the opposition New Democrats winning or leading in... Read More
The Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CRBC) — a collaboration of Alberta Barley, Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), and Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) formed earlier this year — has committed more than $1.5 million to a barley breeding agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The funding, spread over five years, ensures that western Canadian farmers... Read More
Fendt users are more than familiar with the 200 Vario series, which was launched almost ten years ago. Now, AGCO is introducing a new generation of the tractor, with a complete redesign, bringing it closer to the design of the large tractors. The Fendt 200 Vario series includes five models — the Fendt 207, 208,... Read More
Western Canada's largest ethanol producer could soon be operating under a different banner, following the announcement of Cenovus Energy's $3.8 billion acquisition of Husky Energy on Sunday. The deal will see the two Canadian energy industry rivals join forces and operate as Cenovus Energy Inc., with headquarters in Calgary, Alta. In addition to its oil... Read More