Soybean Aphid, Green Clover Worm Update – for Aug. 26, 2010

Soybean aphids haven’t been a problem in Mani toba so far this year, although populations are increasing in some fields in the Beausejour and southern Interlake area. That’s what John Gavloski, an entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives said here Aug. 18 during the first “harvest” Crop Diagnostic School at the University of

Drainage Enforcement Should Be Fair – for Aug. 19, 2010

A story about a western Manitoba farmer fined $474 for a ditch that was two inches too deep led KAP delegates into a discussion about drainage at a general council meeting here July 22. Their conclusion: drainage rules need to be enforced equitably across the province. “We have trees, cattails, willows, plugged culverts, ditches that


KAP Revisits CWB Voter Policy – for Aug. 19, 2010

The Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is rethinking its position on which farmers should get a ballot in Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) director elections. The issue was referred to KAP’s grain and oilseed committee during KAP’s general council meeting here July 22. “We need to revisit this and make sure everybody is comfortable with the position

CWB Will Push For More Farmer Control – for Aug. 12, 2010

Making sure farm-e rs control the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and not the federal government has become a top priority for CWB chair Allen Oberg and the CWB’s board of directors. The CWB’s board voted at its meeting last month to clarify and enhance farmer control of the marketing agency, Oberg, who farms at Forestberg,


KAP Looking Into TUAs On Volunteer Canola Crops – for Aug. 12, 2010

Should canola seed companies give farmers unable to seed wet fields this spring a break and forgo their contracts fees on volunteer crops? The Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is asking itself that question. Butch Harder, a Lowe Farm-area farmer and director of the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA), raised the issue here July 22 during

CWB Will Push For More Farmer Control – for Aug. 12, 2010

“What I’m hearing from farmers is they do want more control over their own democracy, they want clearer rules when it comes to election of directors, fewer directives from Ottawa and only used in exceptional circumstances.” Making sure farm-e rs control the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and not the federal government has become a top


KAP Looking Into TUAs On Volunteer Canola Crops – for Aug. 12, 2010

Should canola seed companies give farmers unable to seed wet fields this spring a break and forgo their contracts fees on volunteer crops? The Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is asking itself that question. Butch Harder, a Lowe Farm-area farmer and director of the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA), raised the issue here July 22 during

Cwb Exports Up, Prices Down – for Aug. 5, 2010

The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and most farmers are hoping last year’s miraculous crop recovery happens again. “It is my hope for all farmers that somehow we have a repeat of last year’s harvest and in the end wind up with a much better result than we all expect,” CWB chair Allen Oberg told reporters



KAP Endorses “Plan B” If CGC Security Goes – for Aug. 5, 2010

If the Canadian Grain Commission’s (CGC) security program against grain payment defaults is ever removed, KAP has a “Plan B.” Delegates at tending the Keystone Agricultural Producers’ general council meeting here July 22 passed a resolution to support a mandatory farmer-financed fund, kick-started by Ottawa, that will operate similar to the current program. However, several