Canada’s agricultural business risk management tools need an overhaul under the next policy framework because they’re currently frustrating for farmers and plummeting participation rates reflect that. That’s what Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Ron Bonnett told the annual meeting of the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association Nov. 14 in Winnipeg during an update on the
AgriStability needs a rework CFA says
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture says the next policy framework should reduce application confusion and improve business risk management tools
The whole value chain is needed to build consumer trust
Communications expert Kim McConnell says farmers shouldn’t shy away from controversial topics when it comes to having conversations with consumers
When it comes to building public trust, the message needs to come from every player in the agriculture and food value chain. “Every part of the value chain has a role to play. We need a co-ordinated approach when it comes to building trust with consumers because fragmentation reduces our strength, reduces our efficiency and
TB in the spotlight again with Alberta outbreak
Manitoba’s drawn-out history with bovine tuberculosis highlights the long road ahead for our Alberta neighbours
As Alberta begins to feel the repercussions of a confirmed case of bovine tuberculosis (TB), Manitoba looks to close its nearly two-decade-long chapter with live animal TB testing. “As we witness what is happening in Alberta, it really shows how quickly this can take place and how fast it can affect the entire province. We
CFGA focuses on increased forage production
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association showcased the adoption of high-performance production systems at its national conference held last week
The forage industry is looking to increase productivity on Canada’s forage acres by showcasing the adoption of high-performance production systems. “If every pasture, piece of pasture or piece of native rangeland increased its productivity by 15 per cent with good forage management, we could make some massive impacts environmentally and economically,” said Cedric McLeod, executive
What will it take to expand the herd?
Throughout its fall district meetings, the Manitoba Beef Producers has been polling its membership for input on what it will take to expand the provincial herd
When Manitoba’s new agriculture minister spoke up this July, during a tour of the Manitoba Forage and Beef Initiative, he made a bold statement. He said he wanted to see the provincial cattle herd hit pre-BSE numbers inside of a decade, a goal that would see the number of cattle in Manitoba roughly double. “When
On-farm cost-sharing program quickly taken up by producers
Farmers say the program has helped them to keep operations up-to-date and more able to adapt
Manitoba farmers are giving a program aimed at improving on-farm food safety and animal welfare a strong passing grade. Producers who have participated in Growing Forward 2’s On-Farm Food Safety and Animal Welfare say they’d do it again, noting it cost shares improvements that help farmers. “If you have the chance to get involved with
Beef Producers mull tough season at district meetings
The Manitoba Beef Producers has been meeting throughout the province this fall to talk directly to members
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) says tumbling prices and waterlogged pastures have caused a tough year for the province’s cattle producers. “We all know what has happened to cattle prices, they have done nothing but fall since 2015. Feedlot margins are getting tighter and tighter, and then it has just been a year like no other
Showcasing the value of the forage industry
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association will highlight Manitoba’s unique forage research initiatives at the organization’s national conference
If you want to talk about grasslands and forage, go to where the action is — and lately a lot of that action is in Manitoba. In the eyes of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA), Manitoba has been a standout in its efforts towards forage research and the ideal place to hold this
Balancing copper content a challenge for shepherds
Some soils provide too much, some too little, and both can be deadly
Varying rates of copper in the soil across Canada has been giving sheep producers a tough go. In September, the Manitoba Sheep Association reported that through June and July, processing plants in Ontario saw an increase in the number of adult carcasses being condemned due to jaundice. “Copper toxicity is what is causing the jaundice
Ag Ex presents marketing opportunities
More than 700 head of cattle were moved into Brandon’s Keystone Centre last week for the province’s largest all-breed cattle show
You could have the best cattle in the world, but if nobody knows about them, it won’t do you much good. It’s a reality cattle breeders across Canada struggle with, and a big reason there are cattle shows, say exhibitors at this year’s Ag Ex event in Brandon. The show is the province’s largest all-breed
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