The Alberta government is in the process of figuring out the details of its controversial farm labour legislation — Bill 6, which took effect on January 1st. "There are a lot of technical things that have yet to be worked out," explains Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier in this video, filmed at FarmTech in Edmonton earlier... Read More
Category: Western Canada
It's the week of FarmTech in Edmonton. We head to the Northlands to hear some highlights from Debra Murphy, as well as to KAP's meeting in Winnipeg for a panel of farm leaders from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and prairie general farm groups discussing the need to "maintain social license" — here's this week's... Read More
This week at FarmTech we had the unique opportunity to talk to Terry O'Reilly, the host of CBC's Under the Influence. Terry wowed the crowd with his insightful look at the power of storytelling. After the keynote, I heard a surprising number of RealAg fans sheepishly mention that they listen to CBC radio. Now, it's... Read More
With planting season around the corner, markets are starting to focus on acreage expectations, looking for answers to questions like "how high will lentil acres actually be in Western Canada and the northern US?" But while there's plenty of talk about pulses, there are also questions to be answered about 2016 wheat and canola production,... Read More
Farmers are often urged to tell their story, to share their perspective on what happens on farms, but what does that look like? Most producers tend to enjoy growing crops and raising livestock — storytelling isn't usually on the list of skills required to be a farmer. Speaking at FarmTech in Edmonton on Tuesday, author... Read More
Wheat and barley grower organizations from across Western Canada are trying to figure out how to move forward with farmer involvement in variety development. The transitional Western Canadian wheat and barley check-offs implemented by the federal government with the end of the Canadian Wheat Board's monopoly in 2012 are set to expire in 2017. The... Read More
A Winnipeg-based company thinks farmers might find value in going back to steel wheels. The yellow 12"x16.5" steel skid-steer wheels made by Evolution Wheel were on display in the Inventor's Showcase at Ag Days in Brandon, Man. last week. "Evolution Wheel was designed for the user who needs to accomplish traction and address tire puncture... Read More
Last week I attended the Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) annual meeting. Across Canada there are several general farm organizations that attempt to tackle the issues impacting farmers as a whole. Ontario has the OFA, Manitoba has KAP and Saskatchewan has APAS — all speaking for farmers, but with different representation and funding models. I... Read More
Canada's international trade minister says Canada intends to sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in New Zealand on February 4, while emphasizing "signing does not equal ratifying" the TPP. Chrystia Freeland posted an open letter on her department's website earlier today indicating "when the 11 other countries convene to sign the agreement next week, Canada will... Read More
In the ongoing quest to boost spraying efficiency, North Dakota-based Summers Manufacturing has developed a unit designed to cut down on fill times by preloading chemicals before the sprayer comes in for a pit stop. "When the sprayer (operator) pulls up, all he has to do is hook the hose up to the sprayer, fire... Read More