News & Opinion & Farming Articles - Manitoba Co-operator

Pea plants emerge in between stubble in a field. Dry peas are leading the way in emergence in Alberta at more than 96 per cent. Photo: File

Seeding in Alberta nearly complete, with strong emergence

By Glen Hallick - MarketsFarm June 14, 2024

Spring planting in Alberta was virtually complete according to the province’s latest crop report. As of June 11, seeding in Alberta was a smidge under 100 per cent complete provincewide and on par with the five-year average. The Peace River Region ranked 100 per cent complete for its major crops, while the south, central, northeast

To defer income under LTD, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15 per cent. Photo: Canada Beef

Beef cattle, Livestock, News

Feds announce early livestock tax deferral

By Alexis Kienlen June 14, 2024

Livestock producers in drought-affected areas are getting and early livestock tax deferral (LTD) for the 2024 season. The federal government said the situation has become more challenging for producers due to climate change, when announcing a list of regions eligible for the deferral on June 14. The LTD allows producers in designated areas, who were

A drone takes to the skies at the Prairie Fruit Growers Association annual farm tour June 5 at Futura Farms in St. Andrews Manitoba.

News

Agriculture eager, but regulations lag on drone spraying

Ag industry losing patience with the lack of regulatory movement on spray drones

By Miranda Leybourne June 13, 2024

Farmers and agribusiness want to take advantage of drone spraying technology. Too bad it’s illegal in Canada. Industry is frustrated with rules it says aren’t keeping up with technological advance, and are leaving farmers at a competitive disadvantage globally.

Critics of the new grocery code argue that details still need to be ironed out, and that many questions still need to be answered.

News

Producer reaction mixed on grocery code

Critics say voluntary code may be toothless

By Janelle Rudolph June 13, 2024

Voluntary code toothless, critics of final Canada Grocery Code argue.

Though the spread of avian influenza in dairy farms is increasing, the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. said the risk to humans remains low. Photo: File

Dairy cattle, News

Bird flu continues to spread in U.S. dairy farms

By Glen Hallick - MarketsFarm June 13, 2024

The number of dairy farms in the United States that have reported bird flu among their livestock increased to 94 in a dozen states, according to reports. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control said the risk to humans remains low. The CDC noted it’s monitoring more than 500 people with 45 tested for bird flu.

Crops, News

Saskatchewan spring planting virtually complete

By Glen Hallick - MarketsFarm June 13, 2024

At 98 per cent complete, spring planting in Saskatchewan has essentially wrapped up for 2024, although for rain has delayed farmers’ last rounds in the northeast and east-central regions of the province. For the week ended June 10, it was the northeast that received the most precipitation in Saskatchewan. The province’s latest crop report noted

The federal government has invested over $5 million to spur growth and resilience in the barley sector. Photo: InnaTarasenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus

News

Funding boost announced for barley research in Western Canada

By Miranda Leybourne June 13, 2024

The federal government has invested over $5 million into the barley sector, aimed at creating more resilient varieties that can handle climate change. Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay on June 12 announced $5,257,073 earmarked for the Canadian Barley Research Coalition. The funding echoes similar announcements for research clusters dedicated to commodities like canola