Dylan Sher didn't grow up on a farm. Coming from the Toronto area, the third-year agriculture student at the University of Guelph admits he didn't know much about farming before heading to university. And that's providing him with a unique perspective as he works toward the lofty goal of debuting a film about farming and... Read More
Category: Western Canada
After starting 2017 in the red, the grains market rallied quite well this week, however, corn and oilseeds are still below their highs seen in October and November. A couple of headlines that gained traction over the holidays were the South American weather (especially in Argentina), Egyptian wheat tenders, Black Sea winterkill risks, and continued... Read More
China could potentially come looking for more soybeans and canola from Canada if Donald Trump's policies jeopardize U.S. sales to the world's largest soybean importing country. The president-elect has clearly shown a willingness to challenge China, whether by it's by phoning Taiwan's president, airing his grievances on Twitter, or promising to label China as a... Read More
The Canadian Grain Commission's large surplus from user fees over the last few years needs be drawn down and returned to farmers, says the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association. The group has launched a petition, noting that since 2013, the CGC has accumulated at least $100 million from the roughly $1.80/tonne in fees charged to... Read More
The New Year was hardly a day old when we welcomed grandson Andrew Daniel Huston into the family and into the world, at 6:25 p.m. on January 2. He tipped the scales at a healthy 6 lbs., 8 oz., surprising his mother (my daughter) Alicia and his dad Mark with his speedy delivery. Maybe he... Read More
As the calendar spins into 2017, we reflect that the 2016 harvest was one farmers will not soon forget. As spring gets closer, farmers need to consider ensuring they have the appropriate seed quality suitable for planting. Shaun Haney talks to Holly Gelech, Biovsion Seed Labs about the quality of the 2016 harvest from a... Read More
It may be a new year, but it's the same ol' host for Wheat Pete's Word (only a little bit because we named it after him, and mostly because he's a one-of-a-kind). This week, you'll be dazzled by the organic matter talk, as some clarification was needed, plus Peter Johnson takes on the yield loss... Read More
Timing is critical when it comes to managing a disease like sclerotinia in canola, so what if you could receive a text message telling you it's time to spray? The concept of real-time disease monitoring with nano biosensors that can communicate with your cell phone might sound futuristic, but the steps in the process have... Read More
Christmas is supposed to be over and done with but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provided his western Canadian based critics with a big gift — bow and all — over the weekend. In a TV interview Trudeau was trying to communicate the flexibility that Saskatchewan will have under his carbon tax plan and he blew... Read More
There are tradeoffs that need be considered when it comes to decisions about food and food policies, whether it's prioritizing "good" fats, local food or requiring different animal care procedures. "We're in the early stages of the arguments being made for greater control of our food system," explains Dr. Jayson Lusk (@JaysonLusk). "The danger is... Read More