Ag News

The Alberta Crop Report, reporting up to May 14, shows that significant precipitation fell in the majority of areas in the South, Central, and North East regions near the start of the month.

Despite creating seeding delays, the precipitation was welcomed by producers and has notably improved growing conditions. Areas in the Peace and North West regions received significantly lower or no rainfall last week allowing seeding progress to continue uninterrupted.

Insects in the prairies are getting ready to jump into fields and potentially damage crops this summer once conditions warm.

Some of the most damaging insects, such as grasshoppers and flea beetles, have yet to emerge this year in many areas of the prairies as it's been too cold.

While recent rain has also affected crops, those insects are unbothered, explains Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada Meghan Vankosky.

Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), with head offices in Humboldt, has received $5 million in funding over five years following an announcement on May 14 by federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit.  

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new project focusing on the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds in Canada.

The project will focus on the development of an AI-powered early detection system.

Founder and CEO of Precision AI Dan McCann says by using AI to detect resistance early and provide precision herbicide application, we have a realistic path to reducing or even eliminating resistant strains in Canada.

The Wheat Growers Association is calling on the federal government to take immediate action to prevent a shutdown of the Canadian rail system.

It says a potential strike by employees at both railways would cause long-term damage not only to Canada's agriculture sector but to our economy.

Global Food and Ingredients Ltd. is winding down its business operations, including its terminal facilities in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The plant-based food and ingredient company manufactured pulse flours, protein, and pasta from peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

A press release on the company's website points to macro-economic events that have resulted in challenges accessing raw materials, resulting in a material decline in the company’s sales and gross profit.

With increasing costs on the farm and ranch, the federal government's Advance Payments Program (A-P-P) has been a popular choice for producers as they focus on the financing needs.
 
The Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) is one of several groups administering the cash advance program.

Under the program, producers can apply for a cash advance, with the first $250,000 being interest-free and the interest-bearing portion charged at prime less 0.25%.

Manitoba Chicken Producers (MCP) have committed $60 thousand dollars over the next three years to Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) program.

The funding will help AITC-M expand its programs and resources, develop more educator workshops and student experiences as they work to promote agricultural education and awareness.

Executive Director Wayne Hiltz says the AITC-M initiatives are closely aligned with MCP's strategic plan.

Saskatchewan Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report shows rainfall amounts varied across the province with the highest reported rainfall reported in the Richmound area at 59 mm, followed by Avonlea and Leader at 48 mm. Other notable amounts the Marengo area received 39 mm,  Wadena  31 mm and the Speers area 26 mm.

This week's crop report shows 32 per cent of the provincial crop is now in the ground, that's up 20 per cent from last but behind the five-year average of 54 per cent.

With farmers focused on getting this year's crop in the ground just a reminder to keep kids safe on the farm.

Robin Anderson, director of programs and communications with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association says they are partnering with BASF for the first inaugurala "Kids Farm Safe Week", May 13-19.

She says it's really in response to statistics from the Canadian Agriculture Injury reporting data showing that kids, especially those under four years of age, are being killed on farms at an alarming rate, higher than any other age group under the age of 60.