Ag News

Increasing costs, higher interest rates, and inflation may mean more producers may be looking at taking part in the Advance Payments Program for this year. 

The cash advance is available to crop, livestock and honey producers across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Under the program, eligible producers can access up to $1 million and receive the first $250,000 interest-free on over 50 different commodities.

Alberta's Agriculture Hall of Fame inducts individuals every two years.

There was a full house for the market presentation during this week's Durum Summit in Swift Current. 

Marlene Boersch with Mercantile Consulting Venture told producers that global supply and demand are fairly balanced, which means we shouldn't have an overly burdensome carryout.

She thinks we may see some minor shifting in acreage depending on the weather situation.

Researchers at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) are working on developing a single-shot vaccine that will provide broader protection against foot rot in beef and dairy cattle. 

Foot rot is a hoof infection that can be transmitted to other animals, and is considered to be one of the most frequent infectious diseases found in beef cattle. 

Dr. Jose Perez-Casal is leading VIDO's project team in their effort to develop a single-dose multivalent vaccine.

A key announcement coming out of the Manitoba Beef Producers AGM.

The Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives will be joining the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network.

The network of smart farms (led by Olds College) shares data and expertise to help all aspects of the ag sector better understand, use, and develop smart agricultural technologies.

The overall goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of these  technologies across Canada. 

Durum Summit 2023 was a sold-out event featuring market, research and transportation updates as well as an opportunity to hear directly from an end-use customer.

Jaume Mas is the technical director of the Gallo Group (the biggest manufacturer of pasta in Spain) and president of the European Millers Association which represents 180 mills in the European Union.

He told the group that Canadian durum plays a very important role in the E.U. as they have a structural deficit of about 2 million tonnes per year.

Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Nate Horner says poultry farmers affected by avian influenza will be given allowed late participation for  AgriStability in the 2022 program year. 

The move means that any poultry producers who are not currently signed up for AgriStability can reach out to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation to enrol by February 28, 2023.

This year’s theme for World Wetlands Day is “It’s Time for Wetland Restoration”. 

Wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world but are often undervalued. 

Ducks Unlimited Canada reports that in the last 50 years, 35 per cent of the world's wetlands have disappeared.

Statistics show that up to 80 acres of wetlands are lost every day in Canada. 

Canada is blazing a trail in wetland restoration.

With the support of conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada, some of these wetlands are being put back on the landscape. 

The Federal Minister of International Trade Mary Ng says Canada is disappointed that the United States has requested a dispute settlement panel.

The new chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association says he's ready to take on the role.

Keith Day, a rancher from Kyle moves into the role as Arnold Balicki completed his term as board chair. 

Day credits Balicki for the work he did in leading the organization through the province-wide drought and worldwide pandemic.

Day is honored to take on his new role, noting that investing in research remains a key priority for the board as they work to help producers become more competitive, more profitable and more sustainable.