The topic of supply management has been raised in the news recently. A number of different media outlets have been examining the issues surrounding it and whether or not we would be better off with or without it. So far, all answers to those questions tend to depend what area you work in and whether... Read More
Category: Western Canada
StatsCan released the November 2011 Production report for field crops this morning. Jon Driedger from FarmLink told me over the phone that, "the numbers are as expected, this is diplayed in the fact that the market is flat today." SEE THE REPORT When I look at the report several things stick out for me. Corn... Read More
The clubroot problem is growing, and it's not a matter that can be avoided any more. So what has the canola industry at large learned from clubroot? I discussed the clubroot issue with Clint Jurke of the Canola Council of Canada and found a number of things that we've learned from the experience. First, we... Read More
A couple weeks ago at the Canadian Seed Trade Association meeting in Toronto, the seed industry released a video that demonstrates the challenges ahead for agriculture. You may know the issue as the "feeding the world" challenge. The video demonstrates the realities but at the same time lays the groundwork for the role of the... Read More
Another year gone and another harvest in the books for farmers in the West. This year had its share of difficulties, with wet conditions delaying and in some cases completely destroying efforts to get a crop in in some areas. For those farmers that did get a crop in, the threat of disease loomed heavy... Read More
When CDC Triffid flax was discovered in export shipments to Europe in 2009, the result was devastating to Canadian producers and shippers. Canada's flax industry exports to the EU were suspended and even after strict testing policies came into place, are still not at pre 2009 levels. At the time the news broke, the industry... Read More
Today the Harper government voted in the House of Commons to end the CWB's single desk right on Western Canadian grains. With a vote of 153-120 the Conservatives have come through on the one promise that has been hotly debated in many coffee shops across the country.Today's vote does not end the controversy but it... Read More
The area of biofuels is growing every year. The list includes everything from algae to canola to switchgrass to corn. The main problem with most of the list is the difficulty in mass producing those sources or the ethical dilemma created with the food vs fuel debate. Carinata holds the advantage over many of the... Read More
Talk about supply management and whether or not it should fit in Canada’s future continues to find a place in our media. To be honest, whenever I see a link for a National Post article relating to the system for dairy, poultry and eggs, I have a hard time clicking since I can usually guess... Read More
Many of us woke Thursday morning to tragic news of the surprise passing of Canola Council of Canada , VP of Crop Production, Denise Maurice. A highly respected agronomist and a true friend to many, Denise will be sadly missed. What was so unique about Denise is her passion and fire for agronomy and agriculture.... Read More