Organic agriculture’s critics routinely claim the practice is more philosophy than agronomy — and the worst cut of all — lacking in “sound science.” Not anymore. Organic is pushing back one peer-reviewed research paper at a time. “We can claim science and we are,” declared Ralph Martin at the opening of the first Canadian Organic
Science behind organic systems gains ground
Git ‘r done Grain Growers urges
The Canadian Wheat Board will offer new crop-pricing options soon, spokesperson Maureen Fitzhenry said in an interview Feb. 22, but she declined to specify a date, nor say when the board expects to finalize agreements with companies to handle grain on its behalf. “It’s still our hope that we’ll be able to do something very
Canada raises COOL with Vilsack
Gerry Ritz was in Washington, D.C. last week promoting agricultural trade, science-based regulations and the elimination of mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL). “At this stage of our economic recovery no one can afford a thickening of the border,” Ritz told reporters during a telephone news conference Feb. 24. “That’s why our two countries are committed to
Watch for soybean cyst nematodes in Manitoba
When Manitoba farmers first started growing soybeans it seemed to be a crop without pests. That changed as the acres grew. Some years aphids and white mould have been problems, and eventually soybean cyst nematode will turn up too, says Albert Tenuta, an extension plant pathologist with Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Grain commission defended
With the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly soon to disappear there’s talk of overhauling Canada’s grading and quality control system, which begs the question: is the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) still needed? “The short answer is yes, there is a need for the grain commission,” chief commissioner Elwin Hermanson said in an interview March 1. “If
Icky to some, delicacy to others
The sight of a pretty Chinese girl preparing to gobble down a cooked chicken head might be a turn-off for North American meat eaters, but it represents a sexy new market for livestock producers. Asians are willing to pay a premium for the privilege of eating animal parts the industry can’t give away in domestic
CGC back on drawing board
The Canadian Grain Commission is on the federal government’s radar — again. Last month the commission announced its latest proposals for “modernizing” itself, and the Canada Grain Act it administers. The public has until March 23 to respond. The commission, established in 1912, is Canada’s grain industry watchdog, ensuring the quality of grain exports, arbitrating
Renowned ag economist’s memory lives on
The Daryl F. Kraft Memorial Endowment Fund was established in the memory of respected University of Manitoba agricultural economist Daryl Kraft who died in 2003. In addition to funding an annual lecture on agricultural policy, the endowment provides a prize for an agricultural policy paper prepared by an undergraduate student and a fellowship for a
THE ASIAN MARKET: Opportunities and risks
It could be a great time to be a North American hog producer, then again, it might not be. Either way grain farmers win, according to this year’s Kraft Lecturer. Asia needs a lot more meat. It’s cheaper to produce pork in North America, so North American pork exports should, in theory, increase, according to
Wheat board signs first handling agreement with Cargill
It took awhile, but the Canadian Wheat Board announced its first handling agreement with a grain company last week and promises more to come. “These are important negotiations so we’re working through them carefully and meticulously,” Dave Simonot, the board’s director of Farm Services told farmers attending the Deerwood Soil and Water Management Association’s annual