If the very idea of a digital currency makes you blank out, worry not — there are very few out there who would argue that Bitcoin has a large role to play in agriculture. If you've lumped the blockchain concept in with Bitcoin, that's where you need to pause and investigate further. Because, while the... Read More
Category: Western Canada
Statistics Canada has confirmed once again that Canadian cattle producers are not following their American counterparts in expanding the beef herd. The federal agency published its January 1, 2018, inventory report this week, and Anne Wasko, of Gateway Livestock, walks us through the numbers in this Beef Market Update. First of all, for the not-so-analytical... Read More
Following this week's speech from the throne, the Alberta government today announced an investment of $10 million in the fight against rural crime. "Today in Alberta, especially in rural areas, people are concerned for the safety of their homes, their property, and the well-being of those they love," said Her Honour, Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor... Read More
Canada and ten other Pacific countries are officially signing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this afternoon in Santiago, Chile. This isn't the first time Canada has signed a deal with the words "Trans-Pacific Partnership" in the name. The Liberal government also signed the original TPP in New Zealand in February 2016,... Read More
No one loves red tape, but rules and regulations are necessary. That said, rules and regulations should evolve alongside the advancement of an industry to best meet the needs, demands, and challenges of the value chain. The Canadian Grain Commission is working at doing exactly that, says chief commissioner, Patti Miller. Just over a year... Read More
While grain companies are investing in major upgrades to port facilities in Vancouver, the growing number of ships waiting on the West Coast shows it has been a challenge getting grain to those facilities this winter. Virtually all of the grain terminals in Vancouver are seeing expansion or new construction, to some degree, says Doug... Read More
Kinze Manufacturing is adding tillage equipment to its planters and grain cart lineup. The company has teamed up with Saskatchewan-based Degelman Industries to market the new Mach Till high-speed disc. Susanne Veatch, Kinze's president and chief marketing officer says the Mach Till is best described as "hybrid horizontal tillage" rather than vertical tillage. “The Mach... Read More
Accountants and business owners concerned about how Ottawa was going to treat passive income received a somewhat pleasant surprise in the 2018 federal budget. After backpedaling on several major planks of their controversial proposal to change how small businesses are taxed last fall, the Liberals finally shared details on how passive investment income will be... Read More
Editor's note: This story has been updated with quotes from CN Rail's interim CEO. The federal transport and agriculture ministers sent a letter to the chief executives for Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) on Tuesday expressing concern over problems with rail service. "We are writing regarding our concerns with respect to... Read More
Time away from the farm is important for so many reasons, even if it can be a challenge to make it work. Whether it's continuing your education, getting some much needed downtime, or speaking up for changes to your sector, there's a whole other world away from the farm that can offer real value back,... Read More