China declares emergency as drought bites

China has declared an emergency over a drought which could damage the important wheat crop, threatening further hardship for farmers amid slumping economic growth. The dry winter gripping parts of central and northern China sent Zhengzhou wheat futures up five per cent last week but physical prices have not moved, with most investors confident the

MCGA contemplates some big changes to organization

“I’d like to rebuild a better relationship with the MCGA corporation and the members – the farmers.” –Rob Pettinger The Manitoba Canola Growers Association’s (MCGA) is on the cusp of several major changes. MCGA members passed five resolutions at their annual meeting here Feb. 3, including one to limit the number of terms a director


What’s up – for Feb. 12, 2009

Please forward your agricultural events to [email protected] call 204-944-5762 Feb. 11-12 – Manitoba Special Crops Symposium, Winnipeg Convention Centre. Keynote speaker: Jolene Brown. For more info visit www.manitobaspecialcrops.ca. Feb. 11-13 – Western Barley Growers Association annual convention, Sheraton Cavalier, 2620 32nd Ave. NE, Calgary. For more info, visit www.wbga.orgor call 403-912-3998. Feb. 12 – Farm

CashPlus Move “Blindsides” Barley Growers

A Prairie barley growers’ group says those holding uncontracted malting barley have been “blind-sided” by the Canadian Wheat Board’s decision not to use its designated barley pool to select for new export sales. The CWB announced Jan. 30 that to protect relatively high current pooled values for designated barley, given recent international market price declines,


U. S., Argentina set for corn export battle

“Our export estimations will probably have to be adjusted down, considering the effect that the drought is likely to have on production.” – Patricia Bergero, Rosario Grain Exchange The recent surge in U. S. corn sales could end soon as Argentina, the world’s second-largest exporter behind the United States, emerges with a new crop and

Sorghum gene map could lead to improved crops

Scientists have deciphered the genetic makeup of sorghum, a drought-tolerant crop and important food and biofuel source, and said the breakthrough could help develop better crops for arid regions. Sorghum is one of the world’s leading cereals, along with corn, wheat, oats and barley, and can thrive in hot, dry conditions other crops cannot tolerate.


Larger pool

CashPlus / from page 1 than the average and seven per cent higher than last crop year’s final return, Fitzhenry said. “So it’s (the current pool’s value) worth protecting,” she added. Not only are farmers looking at a record-high malting barley pool return, the CWB expects to export a record volume of at least 1.4

What’s up – for Feb. 5, 2009

Please forward your agricultural events to [email protected] call 204-944-5762 Feb. 5 – Farm succession seminar, 9 a. m. to 3 p. m., Tyndall Village Community Centre. $20 pre-registration required. For more info and to register call MAFRI in Beausejour at 204-268-6094. Feb. 5 – Crop Day, 9 a. m. to 3:30 p. m., Legion Hall,


Cashplus Only Malt Option Now

The Canadian Wheat Board moved last week to protect record returns to its malting barley pool from volatile and declining world prices. The CWB announced last week further malting barley sales will now be made through its CashPlus option. That way the value of the pool won’t be eroded by lower-priced sales, said CWB spokeswoman

Railway Overpayments Remain In Limbo

“What can I do to leave a legacy to Western Canadian agriculture? This is it.” – Ed Rempel Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says the federal government won’t consider any action on a request to refund railway overpayments to farmers until a court case in concluded. “The money has been put in a trust while the