Reach

Analysts say Agriculture Canada may have to cut its ending canola stocks estimate in half in response to booming exports

It is highly unusual to see a red number in the sea of black on Agriculture Canada’s monthly Grains and Oilseeds Supply and Disposition report.

But it happened in the May report when the department penciled in minus 609,000 tonnes for its canola feed, waste and dockage (FWD) number for the current crop year.

Update: May 28, 2025, 5:15 p.m.: The wildfire in Catherine Estates at 720075 Range Road 95, west of Saskatoon Mountain, is now under control.

County Regional Fire Service crews remain on site to monitor and extinguish any hot spots. Alberta Wildfire crews have left the scene.  

County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire crews are responding to a fire in Catherine Estates at 720075 Range Road 95, west of Saskatoon Mountain.

The best defence against flea beetles in canola is a fast-growing, uniformly emerging crop with five to eight plants per square foot that quickly reaches the four-leaf stage. However, unpredictable weather often forces growers to rely on plan B: foliar sprays.

To reduce the need for multiple sprays, consider these strategies.

Spray when flea beetles are active

A fire ban is now in effect for the City of Grande Prairie, including annexed rural areas, as of 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 due to extreme fire conditions.

Permitted activities:

·Propane and natural gas barbecues.

·Propane and natural gas firepits.

·Propane and natural gas appliances.

·Indoor wood fireplaces.

·Wood pellet smokers and barbecues with safety shut-off.

·Open flame oil devices (including tiki torches).

Prohibited activities:

·Open burning.

The County of Grande Prairie has released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of remarkable growth, strategic investments, and strengthened regional partnerships. From advancing emergency preparedness to prioritizing economic development and community wellness, the County remains committed to building a thriving and sustainable future for all residents. 

The 2024 Annual Report details the County’s priorities and achievements, including: 

On May 26, 2025 at 3:56pm, the Fort St John RCMP received a report of a shoplifter who had stolen merchandise from a local grocery store, located at 9123 100th Street, Fort St John, BC. The suspect was in the custody by the Loss Prevention Officer on scene.

Frontline police officers attended and took the suspect into police custody. During the search incidental to arrest, an imitation firearm was located concealed on the suspect.

Wheat prices would get a boost if the country’s exports remain as low as much of the trade is beginning to forecast

A big debate is once again brewing about how much wheat the world’s leading exporter will ship out in the upcoming crop year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting Russia will produce 83 million tonnes of the crop and export 45 million tonnes.

SovEcon is forecasting 81 million tonnes of production and 39.7 million tonnes of exports.

As crops begin to emerge across the Prairies, farmers are being reminded to regularly scout their fields for insect activity. Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a field crop entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, particularly concerning grasshoppers.

The campground report is sponsored by Happy Trails Campground and Cabins.  

North of Grande Prairie  

Happy Trails Campground and Cabins (https://htcampground.com)  

May 28 – 50 Sites 

Moonshine Lake Provincial Park (shop.albertaparks.ca)  

May 28– 97 sites  

Dunvegan Provincial Park (shop.albertaparks.ca)  

May 28 – 52 sites  

Focusing on the Future is the theme for the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Annual General Meeting and Convention next month in Moose Jaw.

This year’s theme celebrates the resilience, innovation, and leadership of Saskatchewan’s livestock producers while tackling key industry challenges and opportunities.

President Jeff Yorga says after some challenging times, producers are finally seeing some optimism in the cattle industry.