Canada opens Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in the Philippines.
Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has officially opened Canada's Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in the Philippines.
"I’m so pleased to be in Manila to open Canada’s first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. We export nearly half of what we produce in Canada and the global demand continues to grow. I have no doubt this office will play a central role in growing export markets for our world-class Canadian farmers and increasing collaboration and cooperation in this important region.”
The Province is looking to grow it's relationship with India
Premier Scott Moe is leading a trade delegation to India this week.
The goal is to grow trade opportunities and increase India's investment in the province.
India is a key partner for us, stats show that in 2023 Saskatchewan's agri-food exports to India were valued at over $700 million.
As part of the visit, the Premier will be speaking in New Delhi where he'll talk about the province's sustainable agriculture practices and reliable supply chain.
Good news for potato growers
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's 2023 National Survey for Potato Wart shows the pest was not detected in any of the soil samples tested.
Over 2000 soil samples were collected from fields in key potato-growing areas like PEI, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
The national survey results have been provided to provinces, the Canadian Potato Council, and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Why should nitrogen get all the buzz?
A successful canola crop needs a lot of nitrogen, which is why nitrogen earns A-list buzz. That same successful crop also depends on a strong supporting cast – phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients.
University of Saskatchewan researchers recently updated the nutrient uptake and removal guidelines for 14 annual crops grown in Western Canada. The researchers, in doing their surveys, discovered considerable variability in uptake and removal due in part to differences in weather and management, which is why they say these numbers are guidelines only, not prescriptions.
Prairies should see some rain in late March and early April
We should see some improvement in the weather as we get into the second half of Spring.
Drew Lerner, the senior agri-meteorologist with World Weather Inc says in the meantime we're going to continue to deal with the same below-normal precipitation bias that's been with us all winter long.
CN Rail back on track following extreme cold conditions
CN Rail has gotten through the cold snap that caused problems for them near the end of January and is seeing positive results in February.
Vice President of Grain David Przednoweck says that the difference can be seen in how much they were able to ship.
Prairies feeling continued drought through winter months
The prairies are staying dry over the winter as the federal government's newest drought maps are showing the lack of moisture is sticking around.
The map, released monthly, details moisture levels across the country and classifies them between D0, abnormally dry, and D4, exceptional drought.
Trevor Hadwen, an agri-climate specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, says the assessment isn't changing much month-to-month.
SARM President hoping for update on Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities is asking the province for an update on the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project.
The project seeks to expand irrigation options for farmers in Saskatchewan by way of canals off of Lake Diefenbaker.
SARM President Ray Orb says they're hoping to get an update as to the progress the province has made.
Oats service charge for Manitobans increases at AGM
Oats had their service charge increased for the first time in nearly two decades for Manitobans this week.
The Manitoba Oat Growers Association made that decision during their AGM this week, as part of the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg.
Executive Director Shawna Mathieson talked about some of the items that were brought up at the meeting.
Nominations open for 2024 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame
Nominations are open for the 2024 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame
The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame honours individuals who have advanced Alberta’s agriculture industries, food industries and rural life. Albertans are encouraged to nominate an agricultural leader in their community.
Every two years, up to three individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership while making a provincewide impact on their industries are inducted.