Ag News

Manitoba's AgriInsurance program is expected to pay out nearly $5 billion in coverage for the upcoming crop year on an estimated 9.55 million acres

The program delivered through MASC helps producers manage production shortfalls and quality losses.

Manitoba has over 90 per cent of annual crop acres and more than 7,650 farms enrolled in the program.

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says managing costs and risks will be critical for success as margins are projected to tighten.

Premier Wab Kinew announced an investment of $450 thousand over the next three years for the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program  during Manitoba Ag Days.

He says the government supports the hard work that farmers have committed their lives to and knows that being a producer in the Ag industry can be difficult.

"This is why it is important to have specialized mental health resources available specifically for producers and their families, and why we are proud to partner with the federal government on this key initiative."

A new carbon study shows Western Canadian farmers are producing some of the world's most sustainable crops.

Steve Webb, the CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security says the study looked at the production of five crops canola, non-durum wheat, durum,  field peas, and lentils, and compared that with data collected from  Australia, France, Germany, Italy, and the U.S.

The potential for another dry year is a growing concern across the Prairies. 

 El Niño has produced a warm, dry winter with more than 70 per cent of the country experiencing drought conditions. 

Alberta has contracted WaterSMART Solutions to enhance drought modeling and explore ways to make the best use of Alberta’s water. 

The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) released its second and highly anticipated National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA) and Strategy report. The assessment reflects three years of in-depth scientific analysis and highlights the Canadian beef sector’s progress between 2014 and 2021 on sustainability indicators like greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, carbon storage, people’s health and safety, animal care, economic contributions and more. The report also includes accompanying sustainability strategies that identify areas for continuous improvement.

A 2023 research trial looking at 'Hybrid Brown Mustard and Composite Yellow Mustard response to Soil Test Fertility Recommendations' was done across three locations in Saskatchewan last year Swift Current, Indian Head, and Redvers.

Amber Wall,  the Assistant Manager with Wheatland Conservation Area, says the ADOPT trial focused on AC Yellow 80 and AC Brown 18 and the addition of zinc and boron based on the soil test recommendations.

Research out of the University of Alberta shows faba beans pack a high protein punch opening the potential for use as an alternative to meat and dairy options. 

Brasathe Jeganathan conducted the work to earn a PhD in food science and technology from the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. 

She says the chemical-free method uses less energy, making the process more sustainable, called dry and wet fractionation, the separation methods are crucial in eventually making the bean more of a worldwide 'dietary staple'.

Another edition of the Western Canadian Crop Production Show is in the books.

The 41st edition of the show introduced a new feature this year with the 'Innovation Awards'.

New Innovations entered into the program were judged on a variety of criteria from innovation and impact;  to quality and scope; value; marketability and environmental sustainability.

First place in the program went to Annelida Soil Solutions out of Nisku, Alberta.

Cattle can handle fairly cold temperatures, but extra measures are needed when the temperature hits -20 or colder.

Jordan Johnson, a livestock and feed extension specialist, says animals start preparing for the cold through a process called 'photoperiod sensitivity'.

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, or Sask Wheat, has a new chair and vice-chair. On Tuesday, it was announced the commission's board of directors had elected two southeast producers into the positions. Jake Leguee, who farms near Fillmore, was voted in as the chair, while Jocelyn Velestuk, who farms near Broadview, was elected vice chair. 

Leguee is in his seventh year as a director with Sask Wheat, first being elected in 2017, and re-elected in 2021.