Nexus’ prototype R2-Weed2 system. (Nexus Robotics photo by Teric Greenan)

Feds back autonomous weederbot’s Halifax manufacturer

ACOA funding to support field-level trials

The federal government’s economic development agency for Atlantic Canada is putting up money for a new round of on-the-ground tests of a self-guided field-weeding robot. Halifax MP Andy Fillmore on Wednesday announced a $550,000 repayable investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation program for Halifax-based Nexus Robotics. Nexus, the

High winds, frost make for difficult harvest conditions

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for September 8

Southwest Region Cold temperatures and rain in some areas stopped harvest last week. Very strong winds on Saturday and severe frost Monday night have been extremely hard on some crops, and posing a serious challenge to farmers’ mental health. Wind caused damage to standing and swathed crops. Multiple reports of shattered canola and blown swaths


(Jack Dykinga photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Seed groups weigh options as CSGA rejects merger

Grower group's membership calls nay on Seeds Canada amalgamation

The boards of five national seed sector groups planning a major merger are considering their next move after a less-than-unanimous vote on the proposal. Members of the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA), Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC), Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA), Canadian Seed Institute (CSI) and Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) had

Winter cereals harvest half complete, yields seen mostly average

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 18

[UPDATED: Aug. 19, 2020] Southwest Region Unsettled weather continued in the Southwest. There are reports of a tornado that touched down near the village of Alexander but no reports of any loss. Wind damage to crops as lodging is visible in some fields. Canola, wheat and other crops are suffering with minor lodging especially in



Winter cereal harvest continues, rain seen as benefit to remaining crops

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 11

Southwest Region An EF-2 tornado touched down near Scarth on August 7, destroying a farm property and causing loss of life. Wind speeds reached 190km/hr at the time of storm. Overall, the preceding week was windy and dry in the Southwest region, advancing crops in their growth stages quicker than normal. Scattered showers fell over


KFC Canada says it will launch its ‘Plant-Based KFC’ sandwich nationwide Aug. 10. (CNW Group/KFC Canada)

Plant-based near-chicken on KFC’s Canadian menu to stay

Maple Leaf's Lightlife arm to make 'Plant-Based KFC' sandwich

Updated, Aug. 18: Consumers’ response to a single-day test of plant-based near-chicken menu items in Mississauga last year has led KFC Canada to add the product, full time, to its menu nationwide. The Canadian arm of the Yum Brands-owned chicken chain announced Wednesday its ‘Plant-Based KFC’ sandwiches will be available permanently at its stores across

Warm, sunny weather sees rapid development of Manitoba crops

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 4

Southwest Region Another good growing week without major weather events. Most late seeded crops are catching up rapidly with favourable weather. Growing degree-days are normal to above normal across most of the region. Soil moisture conditions are generally adequate, but soybeans, corn, and sunflowers could use a decent rain in coming days as fields are


Crops advancing quickly across Manitoba, as do the grasshoppers

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for July 28

Southwest Region Producers welcomed some nice warm days during the past week. Several areas received precipitation, with some larger amounts reported in thunderstorms with high winds and hail in the Shilo and Glenboro areas. There is no shortage of moisture in most of the region. Drowned out spots are very visible due to wet weather

Steve Verheul, federal assistant deputy minister for trade policy and negotiations, speaks online to the Commons standing committee on international trade on July 9, 2020. (Video screengrab from Parlvu.parl.gc.ca)

Canada’s pace in trade talks with U.K. raising frustration

Doubts remain on potential benefits for Canadian farmers

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is expressing frustration over the pace at which Canada is engaging the United Kingdom toward a post-Brexit free trade deal. Steve Verheul, assistant deputy minister of trade policy and negotiations at Global Affairs Canada, told a parliamentary committee any deal between the two countries will be impacted by European