CWB fusarium programs to disappear

Farmers plagued with fusarium head blight are likely to see deeper discounts in the wake of the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly, the board’s agronomist Mike Grenier says. “I think you’ll see deep discounts pretty quickly on an individual year,” Grenier said during the recent 7th Canadian Workshop on Fusarium Head Blight. “I guess you just

Experts see CWB legislation entering legal limbo

A parliamentary expert says federal plans to change the Canadian Wheat Board are likely on hold until the courts have had their final say on last week’s ruling in favour of opponents. "The federal government can get the legislation through Parliament, but they won’t be able to implement it as long as it’s before the


KAP Uses Winnipeg Sewage Issues To Defend Farm Record

Unt reated Winnipeg sewage flowing into the Red River and eventually Lake Winnipeg has given Doug Chorney a platform to complain about how hog farmers are unfairly blamed for excessive phosphorus levels in the lake. According to the president of the Keystone Agricultural Producers regulations restricting the construction of new hog barns and the expansion

Ritz Repeatedly Calls Oberg A Thief — Then Recants

Under threat of legal action, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz hastily retracted widely circulated comments he made last week accusing CWB chair Allen Oberg of stealing farmers money. This word was only used figuratively and I retract it, Ritz said in a statement emailed to reporters Nov. 12. It remains our government s belief that


Pioneer’s Patent Policy Explained

The patent on Roundup Ready 1 (RR1) soybeans has expired, but new patents will protect Pioneer Hi-Bred s new soybean varieties coming to market next spring. We want to be very clear so that our customers are well positioned to make informed choices for the next season without any misunderstanding, Pioneer Hi-Bred president Ian Grant



Ritz Thirsty For Barley Freedom Beer

When legislation Bill C-18 passes to kill the wheat board s monopoly, Gerry Ritz says he ll celebrate with a glass of barley freedom beer. It might even be made with malt from Rahr Malting in Alix, Alta., where the minister of agriculture visited Nov. 1 to celebrate the company s announcement to spend $6



Manitoba winter fertilizing ban begins Nov. 10

Did you know the last day to fall-apply fertilizer in Manitoba is Nov. 9? That’s how long Manitoba farmers who still plan to apply fertilizer this fall have to get the job done. Otherwise, they must wait until next April 10 under new regulations that came into effect last spring. Although the changes were announced

Is History Repeating Itself?

The wheat board isn t even dead yet, but that didn t stop some Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) delegates meeting here last week from wanting to resurrect it. I ve got an idea here, Arborg farmer Kyle Foster said during a discussion about lopsided contracts favouring grain companies Oct. 27. Why don t we pool