Ag News

Saskatchewan's average feeder steer and heifer prices were unavailable from Canfax in all weight categories last week due to a lack of sufficient data, as cattle are moving back out to pasture.  

The Saskatchewan weekly cattle marketing report is taking a summer break and will return with weekly updates with the fall run.

Manitoba feeder steer prices ranged from an average of $290 per cwt for the 900 + weight category to a high of $441.33  per cwt for the 401 to 500 pound category

The latest crop report shows light showers across most of the province in the last week has helped to improve soil moisture conditions. 

Overall, farmers now have 77 per cent  of the 2024 crop seeded, with about 40 per cent now emerged despite the cool wet weather.

Seeding is most advanced in the Peace Region at 86 per cent, followed by the South Region at 84 per cent, the North East and North West Region have the most left to seed with 71 and 72 per cent complete.

Manitoba's Potato Report shows over 95  per cent of potato acres have been planted in Manitoba, ranging from 40 to 100 per cent for individual farms.

Planting in the western side of the province is over 95 per cent complete, with some wet fields still unplanted.

The Central potato growing areas are around 40 to 100 per cent complete, while the southern part of the province is 70 to 100 per cent planted.

Overall, planting has progressed well in many areas, despite the rain and snow that some areas received in May, and more rain is in the forecast for this week.

The latest Canola Watch newsletter reminds producers to monitor fields regularly for insect and disease issues.

There have been increasing reports of cutworm feeding activity, with some canola reseeding in parts of the Prairies.

If farmers see significant numbers or activity, they are asked to send the cutworm species identification to the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network in their location. 

Flea beetles are another insect that should be on the radar for canola producers.

The Canadian Women Entrepreneur in Industry Gala held its awards last week.

The CEO and Founder of CATTLEytics Shari Van de Pol was recognised with the "Total Mom Inc.'s Tech for Good Award" for Advancing the Dairy Industry and the Welfare of its Animals.

According to the company website, the CATTLEytics Dairy Health and Management System is the control centre for a dairy operation.

"From diagnosis to animal health, reproduction performance to vaccination planning, this is seamless, easy to use, and puts you in control of your operation."

The crop report for May 21, to 27, 2024 has been released, that shows seeding operations within the province are closing the gap between current progress and the five-year and ten-year averages for this time in previous seasons. 

“Producers have made significant progress this week, with seeding now 77 per cent complete in Saskatchewan,” said Meghan Rosso, Crops Extension Specialist. “This does fall behind the five-year average of 91 per cent, and the ten-year average of 89 per cent.” 

A group of Canadian agricultural organizations signed a letter asking the federal government to reverse recent financial changes by the federal government.

The letter looked to bring up their concerns with respect to the proposed increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, the Alternative Minimum Tax, and the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive.

Protein Industries Canada is co-investing into a new project with Blue Sky Hemp Ventures Ltd., Virtex Grain Exchange, and Thar Process to advance Canada’s protein processing technology, create new high-protein ingredients, and support the commercialization of hemp and canola ingredients.

The government of Canada has announced that it is expanding research towards crop diversity through a new grant to a research initiative.

They've announced up to $8,124,319 to Ag-West Bio Inc. through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The most recent crop report out of Saskatchewan ins showing that the province is doing well when it comes to seeding.

Overall seeding is progressing well, with the exception of northern regions which have seen more rainfall and as such have had slower operations.

Meghan Rosso, a Crops Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture, talks about the seeding progress.

"Producers continue to make significant progress throughout the province. Seating is now 77 per cent complete in Saskatchewan."