tom steve

Farmers conflicted on falling number as grade factor

The Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) and Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) have advocated for adding falling number (FN) as a grading factor in the past, but now both groups say they need more information to ensure farmers would be better off before endorsing the change. “The (Grain and Oilseeds) committee has expressed concern with the lack

Grain companies and farm groups are questioning whether moving to more specific measures of wheat quality provide enough benefit relative to the cost.

Grain-grading factors spur industry debate

Grain companies and farm groups question whether moving to more specific measures of wheat quality provide enough benefit relative to the cost

Western Canada’s major grain companies strongly oppose making falling number (FN) and DON official grading factors for wheat under the Canada Grain Act. And at least two farm groups — the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) and Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) — are wary of the idea and want more information before any change. “The WGEA


bbq pork

Meat sector braces after halt to China trade

Livestock producers and meat processors are still determining the impact as China turns off the tap on all Canadian meat


It’s hard to say how much damage has been done since China announced its sudden aversion to Canadian meat. “It’s a bit too soon to tell to get a real dollar figure on it, because it is a situation where, when we want to sell pork, we’re trying to maximize the value of that product,”

Politics and a renewed vigour of nationalism are making it increasingly difficult for international trade.

Agricultural trade looms as election issue

Farmers, most of whom rely on exports know it, and so does Ottawa as both face rising protectionism

Continuing trade turmoil is top of mind for Canadian farmers and the federal government heading into the October federal election. The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association (WCWGA) is demanding the government bulldoze barriers to Canadian agricultural exports. The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) has issued recommendations to protect and enhance Canadian agriculture and food exports.


“There certainly could be risk factors that they maybe didn’t fully address last time around, but in many cases you’re also looking at larger farms in swine-dense areas and those in themselves are risk factors.” – Dr. Glen Duizer, Manitoba CVO.

Another 2017 for PEDv?

Manitoba’s CVO says the carry-over of 2017 is lasting longer than expected

It’s shaping up to be another bad year for PEDv in the province’s pork sector. In fact the province says it could easily be on par with 2017, the province’s worst year. On June 18, Dr. Glen Duizer of Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Office (CVO) said 2019 cases were comparable to the same point in time

pigs on the farm

Manitoba Pork pushing online disease response program as PEDv cases climb

Participation in the Manitoba Co-ordinated Disease Response program has grown to 79 per cent in the southeast

The Manitoba Pork Council is hoping to get the final few southeastern hog producers signed on to the first line of defence against PEDv. About 79 per cent of those producers have signed on with the council’s Manitoba Co-ordinated Disease Response program (MCDR). The online information-sharing platform includes information on biosecurity, manure spreading and outbreak


Evolving commodity supergroup searches for a moniker

Evolving commodity supergroup searches for a moniker

Deciding what to call an organization made up of five is more complicated than you might think

What’s in a name? As Shakespeare wrote, “… a rose by any other name would smell as sweet… ” But five Manitoba crop commodity groups considering a merger beg to differ. The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association (MWBGA), Manitoba Corn Growers Association, Manitoba Flax Growers Association, National Sunflower Association of Canada and Winter Cereals

Rolling prairie landscape. Central Alberta, Canada.

Expropriation reform would give more rights to landowners

A recent report from the Manitoba Law Reform Commission recommends 10 changes to the Expropriation Act

Landowners would see expanded compensation rights in land expropriation cases if 10 recommendations from the Manitoba Law Reform Commission are adopted. The commission, which is an independent body which advises the minister of justice, released a report on the Expropriation Act of Manitoba on June 11. The act sets out the process to be followed


Lynne and John Hogg welcome customers at C & J Wood Works.

Shoal Lake woodworking business going strong for nine years

C & J Wood Works can create something new, refinish something old, or do some repair work

It’s been nine years since John and Lynne Hogg set up a woodworking business in Shoal Lake, and while many things remain the same, there have been some interesting changes along the way. Although the mainstay of C & J Wood Works has been just that — whether it’s creating something new, refinishing a treasure

Researchers now say there’s scant evidence chicken is healthier 
than red meat.

Beef and pork healthy choices too

Researchers say there’s no correlation between meat choice and blood cholesterol levels

Chicken consumption has soared in recent years due to a presumption that it’s a healthier choice, but researchers now say that might not be so. The assumption is that poultry, due to its lower levels of saturated fatty acids, would contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels. Two recent clinical trials, from the Lawrence Berkeley National