Farm and crop industry groups are welcoming the legislation introduced by Transport Minister Marc Garneau on Tuesday. Bill C-49 would, among other things, give shippers the ability to charge reciprocal penalties to railways for poor performance, clarify of the definition of "adequate and suitable" service, and increase requirements for railway reporting and contingency planning —... Read More
Category: Western Canada
Cork-screw corn, good-looking western spring crops, heat unit discrepancies — it's been a wild week of major seeding progress in Western Canada, while much of Ontario's planting progress has been hamstrung with extremely cold and wet weather. Some Ontario farmers, including Wheat Pete's Word host Peter Johnson, are on to plan C for field prep... Read More
The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) wants you to "Be The Wheat Champion" in its new contest. AWC launched the contest so farmers can have some fun in trying to become the "most productive wheat grower" in Alberta. Entry to the contest is free, and Brian Kennedy, grower relations with AWC, says that the inspiration for... Read More
Several of Canada's largest farm organizations are united in calling for a comprehensive review of the government's business risk management (BRM) programs for farmers. In government lingo, the BRM acronym refers to AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriRecovery and AgriInsurance (which includes crop insurance) — all programs that are intended to help farmers manage against volatile weather and... Read More
Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau introduced draft legislation on Tuesday that includes long-awaited changes to the rules governing grain transportation by rail. Bill C-49 will, among other things, give shippers the right to seek reciprocal financial penalties in service agreements with railways, define "adequate and suitable" rail service, and implement new data reporting requirements for... Read More
CropLife Canada has named Pierre Petelle as its new president and CEO. Petelle, who has served as vice-president of chemistry for the crop protection and plant technology trade association since 2012, replaces Ted Menzies, who stepped down in January. “The board of directors is unanimous in its enthusiasm for having Pierre lead CropLife Canada. Pierre... Read More
The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) has launched a new consumer-focused marketing strategy, titled "Life's Simple Ingredients." The main goal of this project is to help consumers understand where their food comes from, and to shed a positive light on wheat so they can feel good about what they are eating. Victoria Russell, interim communications manager... Read More
India's government has taken a positive step toward resolving the uncertainty surrounding its rules for Canadian pulse crop shipments, according to Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Pulse Canada. Technically, India has required fumigation of imports at port of origin since 2004. Canadian peas and lentils have traditionally been exempt, as India has repeatedly issued six-month waivers... Read More
Every time a cow takes a lame step or stands for a long period of time she’s sending a signal. Farmers who read those signals and respond with efforts to improve cow comfort are rewarded with increased cow longevity and more profit in their pocket. That’s the return on investing in Cow Signals, according to... Read More
When unfavourable soil conditions arise, many growers look to one-pass applications to save time. One-pass seeding, however, isn't just for when conditions are poor. In fact, a one-pass system can work for different soil conditions and areas, even when conditions are favourable. Ray Dowbenko, senior specialist of agronomy with Agrium, says that putting your seed... Read More