The first talk of farm groups merging began in 2013 when Halbstadt-area farmer Danny Penner circulated a letter calling on commodity groups to merge nationally to save farmers money. At the provincial level groups began exploring the idea quietly in 2014 with discussions between staffers at the various organizations. Some of the interest stemmed from
Merger years in making
Grassroots farmers first raised the idea in Manitoba
Grain Farmers of Ontario an example of commodity group merger
The group began by merging corn, soybeans and wheat into a single association, but has since added barley and oats
One of the clearest examples of what merged farm groups might look like is the Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO). It began operations Jan. 1, 2010 after Ontario corn, soybean and wheat farmers voted strongly to merge their individual commodity groups, GFO chief executive officer Barry Senft, said May 4. In 2015 Ontario barley and
New transportation legislation still set for spring introduction
While grain farmers and shippers look forward to legislation they want provisions under C-30 set to expire Aug. 1 extended until the amendments take force
Canada Transportation Act amendments will be introduced this spring before the House of Commons rises — but the grain industry is concerned key temporary provision may expire before legislation is passed. The confirmation came after a query to Transport Minister Marc Garneau’s office. “Minister Garneau is committed to introducing legislation this spring,” Marc Roy, Garneau’s
KAP alleges poor rail service in southwest Manitoba
However, the grain monitor says on the whole grain movement this crop year has been decent
Rail service for grain in southwestern Manitoba has been bad in recent months, Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) president Dan Mazier said during the farm group’s advisory council here April 20. “I understand from talking to Manitoba producers that in some areas grain shipping is as bad as 2013-14,” Mazier said in his opening address. “Some
Soybean seeding advanced in central region, gearing up in the West
The third and fourth weeks of May are when most Manitoba soybeans are planted
Right now — the middle of May — is considered the ideal time for seeding soybeans. Usually the soil is warm enough to quickly germinate soybeans and the risk of frost, while still a possibility, is reduced. But this year planting is probably a bit ahead of schedule in south-central Manitoba and it’s about to
Check the germ on that wheat seed
High fusarium infection means farmers should test and consider a seed treatment before planting
This is a seeding season where pre-planting testing of wheat seed is an important first step, and seed treatments may be more important than ever. With unprecedented levels of fusarium head blight infection in Manitoba wheat in 2016, farmers should get their wheat seed tested for germination, consider testing for the presence of pathogens and
Canada’s grain sector wants to keep wheat off Trump’s hit list and preserve open border
That’s why it’s pushing Ottawa to change the grading system to accommodate American wheat delivered to Canadian elevators
[Updated May 10, 2017] With Canadian softwood lumber and dairy already in President Donald Trump’s crosshairs, there are fears United States could soon go after Canadian wheat. The Americans have long complained Canadian wheat has enjoyed unfettered access to the U.S. market under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but charge Canadian regulations discriminate against
MASC president and CEO set to retire
Neil Hamilton’s 36-year career in agriculture includes 28 years at crop insurance and the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) president and CEO Neil Hamilton is retiring June 2. Although planned for a while, it still wasn’t an easy decision, Hamilton said in an interview April 24. “There are certain things I am going to miss about it, but it’s just time probably for someone else to take charge and
KAP debates how to spend the Canadian Grain Commission’s operating surplus
The CGC says it can’t refund the money, but it can spend it with the federal government’s approval on things related to its mandate
The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) cannot return its operating surplus to farmers or grain companies as some farm groups suggest, according to Remi Gosselin, manager of corporate information services. “The Canada Grain Act and the Canada Grain Act regulations do not provide for refunds or rebates,” he said in an interview April 28. Nor will
Canadian Grain Commission proposes 24 per cent cut to major user fees Aug. 1
The question of what to do with the existing surplus remains
The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) proposes to rein in its growing operating surplus by cutting its two major user fees Aug. 1, — eight months earlier than normally would be the case. If implemented, the combined fees for officially inspecting and weighing ships exporting Canadian grain will drop by 44 cents a tonne, or 24