Manitoba’s organic crop insurance and organic regulation and enforcement land the province about in the middle in Canada, according to a new Canadian Organic Trade Alliance (COTA) report. Recent overhauls of Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) organic crop insurance programs have led to “significantly larger payouts” while adding more crops to the program,” said COTA
Manitoba middle of pack in organic regulation, crop insurance
COTA ‘State of Organics’ gives low scores for organic market and production supports, data collection
Significant snowmelt flooding likely in North Dakota, says NWS
Soil moisture and lake levels are lower than average, but snowfall has been high say U.S. and Manitoba reports
The U.S. National Weather Service is predicting a turnaround from last year’s record dry conditions, including a fairly high risk of significant flooding this spring. A March 10 report out of Grand Forks forecasts moderate risk of “significant snowmelt flooding” across U.S. portions the Red River and Devils Lake basins. That being said, the NWS
Foodgrains Bank joins Ukraine appeal
A partnership of humanitarian groups is fundraising to prevent war-driven crisis
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is joining forces with other Canadian humanitarian groups to raise funds for Ukraine. Andy Harrington, executive director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, says it’s a known fact that conflict is one of the leading causes of global hunger. “Access to food, both for those in Ukraine and for those being displaced by the
Province proposes open table potato and root vegetable market
Incoming bill would allow growers unlimited acres, ability to sell to any buyer
The provincial government is proposing a major revamping of the business model for potatoes and root crops. In a press release issued Mar. 3, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson said legislation is being introduced to “… help expand the provincial table potato and root crop industry.” “Our province’s farmers provide nutritious, local food to Manitobans, though
CCGA now accepting 2022 cash advance applications
Up to $1 million in no- and low-interest loans available
The Canadian Canola Growers Association is now accepting cash advance applications. In a media release the organization cited the demands of the spring season as one reason it was “… giving farmers more time than ever to apply… ” The early application phase will run until March 31, said Dave Gallant, CCGA’s director of finance
Pulse Growers continues research focus
Lower revenue, director elections also key themes of MPSG annual meeting
Agronomy and research continue to be the core focus of the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, the group’s annual meeting heard last week. “Quite simply, it’s in the field that our growers find the majority of their challenges,” Daryl Domitruk, MPSG’s executive director, told the online event. MPSG was forced to go virtual when the
Equipment maker Buhler distances self from Ukraine invasion
A Winnipeg farm equipment manufacturer is distancing itself from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Buhler Industries, which manufactures the Versatile tractor line and Farm King equipment, is majority-owned by the Russian firm Combine Factory Rostselmash. That firm purchased an 80 per cent stake in Buhler in 2007 and boosted that to 97 per cent ownership in
Province increases agriculture loan limits
MASC can now lend as much as $4.25 million directly to producers
The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) is increasing limits on several lending products. Effective April 1, 2022, the direct loan limit will increase to $4.25 million from $3.5 million, reflecting increased land values and operating costs. Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson said in a media release the changes will help farmers “manage demands of farming in today’s economy.”
ALUS and corporate partners launch Lake Winnipeg project
Project will help landowners identify and address water risks
A new consortium of industry and environmental not-for-profits is spearheading a new approach to water stewardship in the Lake Winnipeg basin. The Lake Winnipeg Water Basin Stewardship Project is a “more formalized approach to on-farm water stewardship,” according to Mike Nemeth, a senior sustainability adviser with fertilizer company Nutrien. “The project is bringing together farmers,
CropConnect Conference cancelled
Pandemic health orders extension forced organizers to make ‘difficult’ decision
The organizing committee has cancelled the 2022 CropConnect Conference, which had been scheduled for February 15 and 16. “We were looking forward to reconnecting with everyone, but the health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors are our top priority,” the committee said in a prepared statement. The organizers said there was no way to
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