Treated corn seed. (Syngenta.com)

Two neonics set for three-year extensions on registration

Health Canada’s pesticide regulator proposes to allow continued registration for two members of the neonicotinoid family of pesticides, both of which are under heavy scrutiny for their effects on bees and other pollinators. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency on Tuesday issued proposed decisions on clothianidin and thiamethoxam that would extend the products’ existing conditional registrations



During times of war, a message of courage

During times of war, a message of courage

Our History: December 1943

The image on the front page of our December 15, 1943 issue carried a Christmas message to take courage during the bleak time of the Second World War. Among the news on the front page was that Manitoba’s total Victory Bond sales had reached $99,641,400, just short of the $100-million objective and that the Manitoba

CN trains in Vancouver. (CN.ca)

CN, CP roll over revenue caps for 2016-17

Canada’s big two railways have both overshot the maximum revenue they’re allowed to keep for ferrying the 2016-17 grain crop off the Prairies. The Canadian Transportation Agency on Thursday issued its annual determination of how much, if any, revenue Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) made over their maximum grain revenue entitlements


Three acclaimed to MWBGA board

There will be two new faces around the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association (MWBGA) board table. MWBGA completed its election process through this fall and early winter and Boris Michaleski of Ashville and Rauri Qually of Dacotah join returning director and current chair Fred Greig of Reston. The three farmers were acclaimed. Michaleski and

Plants crave light and even grow towards it. Now researchers understand how they do that.

Shine a light on plant growth

Researchers have discovered how plants respond to changes in light 
at the molecular level

Plants don’t have eyes, but it would seem they do “see” their surroundings using light. That’s made possible by proteins called photoreceptors that absorb light and convert it into a signal that turns genes on or off. Until now, scientists haven’t fully understood the molecular mechanism underlying that process, which allows plants to recognize when



Bestland Air’s facility near Starbuck, Man. (Photo courtesy Richardson International)

Richardson buys Winnipeg-area input retailer

An independent crop input retailer is being merged into one of its neighbours near Winnipeg as grain firm Richardson International continues on a retail expansion track. Privately-held Richardson announced Dec. 11 it has closed a deal to buy the retail assets of Bestland Air Ltd. at Starbuck, Man., about 30 km southwest of Winnipeg. Bestland