Official Opposition leader Rona Ambrose unveiled the Conservatives' shadow cabinet on Friday, assigning experienced MPs and former cabinet ministers to new critic roles. Former Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has been tapped to serve as International Trade critic, a natural fit following his work on building market access as ag minister. Ritz will closely follow the... Read More
Category: Western Canada
You may think of them as a local manufacturing company employing local people selling to local farmers, but many Canadian agriculture companies have a presence that extends well beyond their backyards. Their global reach was evident at Agritechnica — the world's largest ag machinery show held in Germany earlier this month — as 65 Canadian... Read More
Winter has started to arrive in parts of Canada, although many of the long term forecasts are calling for a milder season thanks to El Nino. Federal and provincial governments are talking climate change policy ahead of the big climate conference in Paris, and new workplace legislation has been rolled out for farms and ranches... Read More
When equipment manufacturers from around the world display their machines at a global show like Agritechnica, you invariably come across strange-looking technology that hasn't become common at North American or Canadian farm shows. So here's episode 2 of "What the heck does this machine do?" (the answer is at the end of the video):
Dry summer conditions and a fall with off-and-on-again moisture have seed samples showing less disease than the past few years, overall, but perhaps a few extra issues with germination. "What (late season moisture) is causing is pre-sprouting," says Holly Gelech with BioVision Seed Labs. "One of the critical factors that growers should be considering is... Read More
European tractor-maker Deutz-Fahr has unleashed limited editions of its 6 and 7 series tractors that are designed to not only bring the latest technology to the field, but also a unique aggressive look. As Luca Vinceti, export sales manager the Americas with SAME Deutz-Fahr, explains in the video above, the Warrior tractor comes with a... Read More
When it comes to long term weather outlooks, water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean are often used to predict what’s to come. For grain markets weighed down by large global supplies, the main Pacific indicators are showing no sign of an imminent weather issue reducing grain production, says a meteorologist who spoke at the Cereals... Read More
The agriculture industry is pretty bogged down with acronyms, let’s face it. That’s why, every once in a while, we like to do an interview that focuses on what, exactly, these acronyms mean. This week, we’re talking AFAC, or Alberta Farm Animal Care. “We are a multi-species livestock welfare organization,” explains Kristen McDonald, marketing and... Read More
Fendt fans will experience a unique combination of high performance and compact design when they climb into the cab of the new Fendt 500 Vario tractor. The German-engineered tractor integrates a range of features and innovations previously seen on Fendt’s higher-horsepower offerings into the 500 series of 125 to 165 HP tractors. “This is all... Read More
The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act was introduced today to the Alberta Legislature. “Everyone deserves a safe, fair and healthy workplace. With this bill, workplace legislation will now extend to farms and ranches," said Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, Lori Sigurdson. "The rules we implement must respect the unique qualities... Read More