Farm machinery and practices have advanced at an amazing rate over the last one hundred years. Whether it was the move from steel wheels to rubber, the increase in implement width, or the advent of digital technology, farming has changed significantly since many of our families immigrated to Canada many years ago. Just how much... Read More
Category: Western Canada
The recent vote by the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) to not join the Seeds Canada group was surprising to some. The future relationship between CSGA and Seeds Canada remains uncertain, but there are some potential options moving forward. "There's been a lot of reasons why growers, I think, voted against it," says Sarah Weigum,... Read More
You may remember the announcement of the movie PERCY back in 2018, which follows the story of Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser through his battle with the multinational corporation Monsanto — which was acquired by Bayer in May of 2018. As of September 2, 2020, the trailer for the movie has been released and there have... Read More
Something we never want to hear in late August or early September is the F word. No not that one. Frost. Unfortunately, it usually happens somewhere, and this year is no different. Topography, duration and other factors determine how bad the damage is, particuraly in a frost-sensitive crop like canola. Evaluating frost damage takes a... Read More
Canadian lentils headed to India are once again facing a steep import tariff after a short reprieve that saw plenty shipped into the massive South Asian market this summer. India's import levy on lentils from all countries except the U.S. has reverted to 30 per cent, plus a 10 per cent tax on that amount... Read More
Lethbridge College has recently reformed its agriculture sciences program with the goal that graduates will leave the program better prepared for supporting the agriculture industry. After a common first year, students will have the basics down in areas such as botany, animal science, commodity marketing, soils, sustainable agriculture, and communications. The new format for the... Read More
The rebate offered to Saskatchewan cattle producers enrolled in the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) will now be available until the end of the calendar year. The program, originally announced by the Saskatchewan government in May, was created to help livestock producers cope with the significant spike in price insurance premiums, due to the... Read More
The recently released Statistics Canada report projected canola production to decline by 0.4 per cent to 19.4 m tonnes for 2020. Yields are expected to be up, with harvested area down. "In terms of their estimate for production, in our opinion it's a bit on the light side, our estimate is just shy of 20... Read More
The Manitoba government is asking for input for possible legislation aimed at addressing several rural crime-related issues, including metal theft, landowner liability regarding trespassers, and risks to animal biosecurity. Justice Minister Cliff Cullen, speaking in Portage La Prairie, Man. on Monday, said the province is considering adopting legislation similar to other provinces that would make... Read More
The Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) breeding agreement with the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre (CDC) is ending, and as it stands, will not be renewed. SPG has invested upwards of 40 million dollars in pulse crop breeding with an additional 20 million dollars in genetics and gene sequencing or market development. Most of that... Read More