Ag News

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.

The recent rains have helped to improve crop and pasture conditions, with most areas reporting 100 per cent of normal precipitation since May 1st. The central and northern parts of the Interlake and Eastern regions have accumulated less than 100 per cent of the 30-year average.

Dennis Lange puts together Manitoba's Weekly Crop Report and says the rain has helped to move things along nicely.

The quest for a magic formula that transforms a commodity with very little value into a commodity with a much greater value has been underway since currency trade replaced the barter of goods and services. The Brother’s Grimm published a fable in the early 1800’s of a little man that spun straw into gold. One of the goals of many alchemists’ was to turn iron ore into gold. While the cow is not traditionally considered a mythical creature, she is capable of converting low value commodities such as straw, into a commodity of greater value, beef.

Canola producers will want to monitor crop emergence closely for any signs of flea beetle damage. 

The insect overwinters as an adult and wakes up hungry, with activity increasing as the temperature warms up. 

Canola Council of Canada Agronomist Keith Gabert says the insects can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time, which is why scouting the crop on a regular basis is so important.

The key is to stay ahead of the insect by getting a good emergence and stand establishment with five to eight plants per square foot up and growing vigorously.

Premier Danielle Smith sent the below letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the steep economic impacts of potential rail and port strikes: