Ag News

With the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Minister’s set to meet Wednesday in Saskatoon, the Western Canadian Wheat Growers (WCWG) are urging the discussion to focus on the reality facing Canadian grain farmers. 

In a news release, the organization says that over the past several years, the federal government has introduced policies that only harm Canadians’ food security.

On Monday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau was in Winnipeg to announce 28 additional projects under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program. 

This investment of more than $8.7 million will support the adoption of clean technologies across Canada.

Ag in Motion is back with an in-person event for 2022.

Exhibitors are on site preparing for opening day on Tuesday. 

Show Manager Rob O'Conner says staff and exhibiters are ready to welcome everyone back and show them the latest in agriculture technology.

He says the show features not only the trade show component with all the large equipment and shortline manufacturers on site, but because it's an outdoor show they can also offer crop plot tours, equipment demonstrations,  livestock demonstrations, and the ride and drive feature.

Precipitation over the last couple of weeks has been mixed across the province. 

Less than 10 mm of rain was reported in the Peace and south eastern parts of the province, while 40 to 50 mm was reported in the central parts of the province with many areas receiving more than 100 mm.

Those storms brought light to moderate hail damage in many areas.

Ashan Shooshtarian, a Crop Statistician with Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development put together the latest report.

Blue-green algae is not actually algae, but a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. It is harmful to livestock and humans when it produces toxins, which happens as the cyanobacteria dies off. These toxins can attack the liver and nervous system and cause sickness or even death. Some common signs that an animal has ingested these toxins include staggering, gastroenteritis, convulsions and difficulty breathing.

Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) chief economist says Canada’s agriculture industry is in a good position to weather inflationary pressures and higher interest rates.

“We are in a unique position where record farm revenues are helping to offset the impact of a sharp increase in input costs and rising interest rates,” said J.P. Gervais. “The key for producers is to pay close attention to projected income and expenses to avoid any cash flow challenges that could put pressure on operations.”

Hail damage ranged from light to medium after recent storms across Western Canada and insurance adjusters remain on pace to complete claims in a timely manner, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred June 25-July 2.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,450 claims of crop damage during the time period.

In his most famous song, The Rainbow Connection, Kermit the Frog asked, "Who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star?"

Well, another Kermit, this one a charity lamb that was raised by members of the Airdrie 4-H Beef and Sheep Club and sold at auction, answered that question and also the wishes of many children and families who are dealing with cerebral palsy (CP) through their Charity Lamb Project.

Canadian Western Agribition has hired its new CEO Shaun Kindopp who has 10 years experience in the event and entertainment industry.

Kindopp moves into the new role August 2nd from his  position as Director of Corporate partnerships and Sales with Regina Exhibition Association Ltd.

President Kim Hextall says Shaun's time in the events industry, corporate sales experience and passion for the community makes him a great fit for Agribition.

The recent rain followed by hot, humid conditions can be a breeding ground for disease. 

Cereal Specialist, Sara Tetland says a key concern right now as plants start to hit the heading stage is Fusarium Head Blight (FHD).

"Fusarium head blight develops in that warm temperature 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and requires humidity for about 12 to 24 hours. So a lot of farmers are kind of in that situation now and trying to make that decision on whether they should spray or not."