As farmers head out to spray, it appears as though many aren’t thinking about buying new anytime soon. Machinery sales in Canada continue to drop month after month. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) monthly report, combine sales were down 46.8 per cent compared to June of last year. When it comes to… Read More
Over the past number of years, there has been an increase in labour shortages for both meat processors and those in mushroom production. To put it in perspective, there are nearly 1,700 empty butcher stations at meat processing plants across Canada, and as far as mushroom production goes, their job vacancy rate has almost doubled… Read More
This past week ILTA Grain Inc. announced it was granted creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). In a letter to its vendors and suppliers dated July 8th, 2019, CEO Dan Burneski stated the decision to file was not taken lightly, but “a necessary step” to address its financial situation. “The CCAA filing… Read More
The Alberta government is extending their hand to ranchers who take care of the land they lease. Those who demonstrate “exemplary care for public lands” will be allowed to lease the land to a maximum of 20 years. The change, according to a news release, will allow ranchers to spend more time focusing on their… Read More
In a survey of over 1,300 Canadian farm employers, 47 per cent say they can not fulfill their labour needs, and one in three respondents said they receive zero Canadian applicants when they post an available job. With approximately 37 per cent of the workforce expected to retire in the next 10 years, agriculture’s labour… Read More
The Alberta government has once again extended the deadline for farmers and farm workers to apply for their Class 1. Under new rules, a person working on a farm will have until Nov. 30, 2020 to apply for the extension through Alberta Transportation. If approved, this allow applicants to go through the pre-Mandatory Entry-Level Training… Read More
Ceres Global Ag plans to close its acquisition of Delmar Commodities, located at Winkler, Man., next month. Ceres currently operates in five locations including Duluth, Minneapolis, and Shakopee, MN, Northgate, Sask., and Port Colborne, Ont. Ceres president and CEO Robert Day says they believe the addition of Delmar’s grain assets is an important first step… Read More
Citing the lack of moisture over the past few months, the Manitoba Government has announced it will be allowing livestock producers to temporarily let their livestock graze, and cut hay on Crown land not typically used for agriculture. “Under certain circumstances, Crown land can be made available for agricultural use,” the statement reads. According to… Read More
The Barley Council of Canada has announced it will be realigning its services and operations to collaborate with Cereals Canada, the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC), and the Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute (BMBRI). “Over the past few months, we have engaged in a comprehensive review of the roles and responsibilities of our… Read More
Following the retirement of Neil Currie come the end of August, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has announced its new general manager. Cathy Lennon will take over, bringing a “plethora of experience.” “OFA is grateful to the long-term leadership of retiring general manager Neil Currie,” says Keith Currie, OFA president. “He had led our… Read More
A one-stop-shop header for farmers was on display at Canada’s Farm Progress Show this year. The Flex-belt draper on the new 1230 Convio Flex by CLAAS was hard to miss as farmers could taking a close look at it along the shows walkway. “It’s a beast out in the field,” says Rick Hubrick, corporate territory manager… Read More
Just over a year ago, the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) and Cereals Canada started to think about the possibility of a merger, and last week they finally made the formal decision. In a release sent out by the two organizations, Cigi and Cereals Canada says the move capitalizes on “the benefits and synergies that… Read More
When walking into the Canadian Farm Progress Show from the north entrance, one couldn’t miss the display John Deere had this year. For the first time at a Canadian farm show, John Deere showed off its new 2680H high speed disc. Sam Paulson, tillage specialist with John Deere, was nearby to explain why this disc… Read More
Former Agriculture and Agri-food Minister Lawrence MacAulay was on hand to announce $1.5 million from the federal government to go towards Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C). The money comes from two programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). “Agriculture in the Classroom helps raise awareness and educate young Canadians on the role of our… Read More
The first project within the protein supercluster was announced on Wednesday. Protein Industries Canada has committed $4 million into the project with industry partners backing it with another $4 million. The project will be led by Calgary-based Botaneco — which researches and produces new lipid and protein products to sell for higher values and open… Read More