Saik’s Agri-Treks has taken us to favelas in Brazil, not-quite-elephant-proof fencing in Africa, Agritechnica in Germany and desert irrigation in Arizona. But this time, Rob Saik takes us on an exploration of our own backyard — or, Ieuan Evans’ backyard — in sunny Alberta. Related: Will Agriculture be Allowed to Feed 9 Billion? Rob Saik’s... Read More
Category: Western Canada
It's certainly not a disease you want to find in your fields, but if you do, there are good reasons to talk about it — specifically, report it — says Michael Harding, research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. "If it's the first time clubroot's been found in the field, by reporting it, you can…Read More
There have certainly been plenty of headlines surrounding Syngenta’s choice to rebuff Monsanto’s $47 billion acquisition attempts. But, what does the future hold for the Swiss agribusiness now that the takeover bid is in the rearview mirror? “I think our position has been fully vindicated. We were very clear that we saw the execution risks... Read More
"I am the greatest botanist on this planet," declares Matt Damon's character in 20th Century Fox's new blockbuster "The Martian." Astronaut Mark Watney (played by Damon) is stranded on Mars, able to survive by growing potatoes for food. Several Earth-bound scientists who are members of the Crop Science Society of America shared their thoughts on…Read More
We talk many times about the need for more young leadership in agriculture. A long term strategy for this is through mechanisms like 4-H. Is 4-H important? Of course it is. And you can help grow a leader through 4-H by purchasing soybean seed through your SeCan dealer before October 19th. For every bag you... Read More
Canada’s pork sector is welcoming the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, specifically the market access the trade deal would provide into Japan. “While we look forward to seeing additional details in texts that become available in coming days, based on what was announced, the CPC strongly supports Canada participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” said... Read More
G3 Canada — the grain company formed with Bunge and SALIC's acquisition of the former Canadian Wheat Board — is building a new grain terminal in Hamilton to source grains and oilseeds from Ontario. "Grain exports from southern Ontario have been increasing for some time now. We look forward to expanding our relationship with farmers... Read More
Apologies to the Thanksgiving turkey, but the word “poultry” is being dropped from the name of one of the biggest animal science departments in the country. It’s true. For nearly a year, the University of Guelph’s research-intensive Department of Animal and Poultry Science has been testing the waters for the new name it chose —... Read More
In an era of low interest rates, it's easy to become complacent about the cost of borrowing money, but the day will come when rates rise again. How would your farm handle a one percent increase in rates? What about a three percent rise? Or five percent? Those levels would still be well within the…Read More
What crop and seed mixes could farmers plant to make their farms more bee-friendly? That’s a question Bayer CropScience and Pollinator Partnership are trying to answer with a study aiming to give farmers recommendations on what they can do to improve bee habitat on their farms. Vicki Wojcik, research director for Pollinator Partnership, a non-profit... Read More