Ag News

The spotlight is on the Charolais breed this week as producers gather in Moose Jaw for their annual general meeting. 

Dale Weinbender, President of the Saskatchewan Charolais Association, says the breed is extremely popular and known for producing tan calves that wean off well.

Weinbender says the Charolais have been topping the markets for a long time, adding that the feedlots really like them as they finish very well.

"It's just been kind of the main focus for the breed and how we've been so successful."

The Federal Minister of Labour, Seamus O'Regan, is being called on to step up and find a solution between the union and the railways.

Daryl Fransoo, chair of the Wheat Growers Association, says something has to be done.

"We have reached the point of uncertainty where the Minister needs to step up and find a solution between the union and the railways."

He notes that over the past month, they've communicated with the Minister twice and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board about the strike, but they haven't seen a response.

For years, glyphosate has been one of the most widely used chemicals in agriculture, but the long-term impact of that is now becoming more evident.

It's commonly used as a dry down on crops, but the product is believed to be causing serious health issues in livestock.

During the drought, some producers were forced to bring feed in from other areas to maintain the herd.

Tragically, some of those animals became sick and even died. It was later discovered that some of that feed had been treated with glyphosate during the dry-down period.

The Canadian beef industry is mourning the loss of a key figure.

Charlie Gracey served as General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association from 1970 to 1990.

He's known for several accomplishments, including playing a leading role in developing a new grading system and standardized procedures for packing plants. 

He also helped address key health issues, like the eradication of Brucellosis, and played a key role in the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency.

There should be a sense of optimism during the Saskatchewan Stock Growers AGM and Convention next week in Swift Current.

President Garner Deobald says the recent rains and the strength in the markets are bright spots for the cattle industry right now. 

Deobald says the AGM and Convention provide producers and anyone involved in the beef sector with some key information.

Reaching New Heights is the theme for the event, which runs June 10th and 11th and marks the organizations 111th Anniversary.

Approximately two weeks after spraying, scout to check for surviving weeds that may need a second application. These weed “escapes” have a number of potential causes – from sprayer misses to low water rates.

Another common cause is herbicide resistance. In the case of kochia, herbicide resistance is a safe assumption as many kochia populations have stacked resistance to multiple groups.

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.