Shovels will hit the ground in early 2020, pending final regulatory approvals, to build two new grain elevators for G3. The first, located at Vermilion, Alta., will have a capacity of 34,000 tonnes and will be located on the CN Rail line. The second elevator, located at Swift Current, Sask., will have capacity of 42,000… Read More
There are several downgrading factors in the pulse crop that farmers have no control over — snow or rain at harvest that causes sprouting and bleaching being perhaps the most common. Other factors, however, such as dirt tag, staining, and cracks can be managed to some degree through harvest management and gentle handling. For this… Read More
Less than three weeks before Christmas, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry have laid off staff. A total of 22 managers from a variety of programs were given the option to opt out and receive severance. Another 20 managers have received working notice. “Alberta has a spending problem, and tough decisions need to be made to chart… Read More
The western Canadian canola market is an attractive one with about 20 million acres of seed put in the ground each year. But while the acres are plentiful, it’s still a very competitive market. Nuseed, a division of Nufarm, wagers that its approach is the right one in bringing a new commercial commodity canola business… Read More
It’s been over two months since the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) suspended the license of a beef slaughter and processing plant in Ontario, and the shutdown is taking a toll on the eastern Canadian beef industry. Toronto-based Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. saw the suspension of its Safe Food for Canadians license effective September 17,… Read More
When send soil samples for testing, what do you ask for? If you’re following Ross McKenzie’s advice, there’s likely some real value in testing more than just nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur (NPKS). The former soil scientist with Alberta Agriculture says it’s not too late to test soil this year, as frozen ground may require… Read More
Poor harvest conditions in Alberta have caused an unthinkable about of economic loss let alone stress for the farmer this year. Mix in the uncertainty of trade, ongoing disputes across the global political stage, and business risk management (BRM) programs not being equipped to handle the issues is a recipe for disaster, according to Team… Read More
Before companies can sell Canadian wheat and durum to global customers, they first need to get a handle on crop grade and overall quality. The Harvest Sample program is a big part of getting this early data. From that program, CIGI and the Canadian Grain Commission run a test on not just grade and grade… Read More
As weather continues to delay the 2019 harvest, Rogers Sugar has made a decision that’s none too sweet. Citing “severe adverse weather in Alberta” for the sugar beet crop, the company has made a decision to terminate its beet harvest. According to a news release, the company says roughly 60,000 to 70,000 metric tonnes of… Read More
The rising protectionist agenda across the world has made agricultural trade difficult between once-friendly trading partners. Farmers in Canada and the U.S. have felt the impacts of strained exports, but how their governments have recognized these challenges is different. Although both countries have faced financial challenges on the farm, U.S. producers across a broad spectrum… Read More
Alberta’s northern agricultural regions are asking people not to snowmobile in areas where crops still remain unharvested. “It’s a disaster…in many parts of the Peace River region,” says Canterra Seeds’ Jesse Meyer. “We’ve got areas that are well under half done – so over half of the crop is still in the field.” Meyer says… Read More
Pulse crops like a warm, dry bias — something that has eluded much of the pulse growing region of Western Canada this year. Peas especially don’t like wet feet, preferring instead well drained, lighter soil, along with that drier weather. For the 2019 growing season, many pulse growers saw plenty of pea crops with lots… Read More
In the season of elections, Alberta Canola has announced who will be taking the director positions in the upcoming term and which regions still have an election. Dan Doll of Fairview (region 1), and Cale Staden of Vermilion, (region 10), will both be serving a second term as directors. An election will be held between… Read More
The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) has announced the results for director nominations. For region 1, Jason Saunders of Taber, Alta., was acclaimed, where he will be entering his second, three-year term on AWC’s board. Greg Sears of Sexsmith, Alta., and David Barlett of Fairview, Alta., were also acclaimed, with both of them being new AWC… Read More
You’ve worked hard and expanded the farm’s land base from about 1,200 acres to 2,400. Where’s your money better spent — a second combine or a grain dryer? Scott Keller, who farms at New Norway, Alta., says the economics are cut-and-dried on that topic. According to Keller —hands down — you’re better off setting up… Read More