Natural gas prices have increased in Europe, and China is facing its own issues with coal, leading to energy shortages on both continents. Understanding the likelihood of skyrocketing energy prices in Canada takes some understanding of the factors at work, and to shed light on the situation, Brendan Cooke, policy analyst at Canada West Foundation,… Read More
By Bill Greuel Canada needs to stop being comfortable. That’s a bold statement, but one I believe to be true if we are going to reach the ambitious targets our agrifood sector aspires to. We often talk about Canada taking our place atop the podium as the most reliable and preferred supplier of safe, nutritious… Read More
The 2020-2021 winter weather has been somewhat surprising, given that the typical polar vortex took its time getting to Canada. But it’s here now and until it moves on, Eric Snodgrass, senior atmospheric scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, says he’s not comfortable in giving a planting weather forecast. Snodgrass says that modeling does suggest a decent… Read More
There are few things as popular for farmers to discuss than the weather. While it’s still too early in the year to get a solid handle on spring trends, there are some fascinating weather patterns at play. To translate all the temperature, wind, moisture, and weather flows, we go to Eric Snodgrass, senior atmospheric scientist… Read More
TELUS Agriculture is investing $1 million in Olds College’s 2,800-acre Smart Farm. The investment will support the development, acceleration, and integration of technology into the global agri-food value chain. It will also support the goals of more efficient and sustainable food production with fewer inputs and reduced waste. The Olds College Smart Farm will act… Read More
Three of Ontario’s ministries (Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Health; and Labour, Training and Skills Development) have committed to a strategy to prevent COVID-19 transmission, and protect workers and the province’s food supply chain ahead of next year’s growing season. The joint government-industry Prevention, Control and Outbreak Support Strategy for COVID-19 in Ontario’s Farm Workers… Read More
Resistance to Bt corn rootworm hybrids has developed in Ontario and growers are asking: what’s the best strategy to control the yield-robbing pest if in-seed technology fails? Resistance has been confirmed in several fields in Huron, Perth and Durham Counties in Ontario and the problem is likely even more widespread, says Tracey Baute, Ontario Ministry… Read More
When we last heard from Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange — about three weeks ago — demand was looking pretty good, and looking into the future, it looked exceptional. Now, sitting in the future, we can safely say demand for beef is working its magic, and working at a strong pace. “It’s been… Read More
It’s time for Day 3 of the virtual Ontario Diagnostic Days! This week, we’re joined by Dr. Peter Sikkema with the University of Guelph, and Mike Cowbrough, weed specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This episode focuses on weed management, specifically on glyphosate resistant Canada fleabane and waterhemp, and the… Read More
Maple Leaf Foods has named Nadia Theodore as senior vice president of global industry and government relations, effective October 13, 2020. Theodore steps in for Rory McAlpine, who will retire after 15 years with Maple Leaf Foods. Theodore currently serves as the Consul General of Canada to the southeast U.S., based at Atlanta, Georgia. Since… Read More
A&L Canada Laboratories Inc. is expanding its diagnostic tool offering with the addition of a soil microbe test, VitTellus BioSM. The test quantifies soil microbial populations that have been shown to improve soil health and greater crop productivity, the company says. VitTellus BioSM utilizes selective carbon sources to measure the concentration of specific functional microbial… Read More
It’s Friday, and if you’re in the United States, you’re all set for a long weekend! For the rest of us Canadians, we’re experiencing what feels like the second Friday of the week. On today’s jam-packed RealAg Radio episode, you’ll hear: Anne Wasko, of the Gateway Livestock Exchange, for one of the most positive Beef… Read More
What effect will extreme cold temperatures have on early-season weed control? That’s a question University of Guelph, Ridgetown College weed scientist Dr. Peter Sikkema has been hearing a lot lately. With farm fields across Ontario being punished by extreme cold temperatures that have dropped to nighttime lows of minus 5 degrees C, many growers are… Read More
This Friday marks nine weeks of COVID-19 physical distancing and economic shutdown. Where are we at? On today’s RealAg Radio, host Shaun Haney covers the beef markets, packer cut-out numbers, and more with Anne Wasko. Jamie Stringham of Belchim Canada joins the show to talk Manipulator use for 2020, then Kelvin Heppner and Lyndsey Smith… Read More
As beef processing plants adapt to shutdowns and partial closures or processing reductions, the calls of “Will we run out of beef?” have begun. Michael Young, president of Canada Beef, says that in the current scenario consumers will likely see out of stock coolers, which could encourage some panic buying, which makes the issue of… Read More