What’s The Plan For Grain Marketing?

In light of the federal government’s plan to eliminate the Canadian Wheat Board’s (CWB) single desk marketing structure, we need to ensure discussion takes place between stakeholders during this key transitional period. KAP will not stand in the way of farmers accessing profitable markets – however that may be best achieved. Nevertheless, the implications of

Letters – for Jun. 23, 2011

Bipole boondoggle continues Another week, another round of rains drowning the grains and livestock sectors, another Manitoba Co-operator in the mail, and yet another letter from Rosann Wowchuk proclaiming the economic and environmental virtues of Bipole III. The former minister of agriculture gives us the same story: west side is good; east side is bad. A


What’s Up – for Jun. 23, 2011

——— Please forward your agricultural events to [email protected] or call 204-944-5762. June 28-29:Compost Matters in Manitoba, AAFC Brandon Research Station. Two-day workshop for “organics recycling and compost advocates.” For more info call 1-877-571-4769 or email [email protected]. July 6-8:Canadian Seed Growers’ Association annual general meeting, Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King St. W., Hamilton. For more info

Indonesia, Australia Work Towards Lifting Cattle Ban

JAKARTA/REUTERS Indonesia and Australia are working together on a draft of animal welfare guidelines and standards, aimed at helping resume Australian cattle exports to its top market, both governments said June 20. Australia suspended live cattle exports to Indonesia earlier this month after an outcry over a video showing inhumane treatment of cattle there, prompting



Scientists Race To Avoid A Bitter Climate Change Harvest

Charlie Bragg gazes across his lush fields where fat lambs are grazing, his reservoirs filled with water, and issues a sigh of relief. Things are normal this year and that’s a bit unusual of late. His 7,000-acre farm near the Australian town of Cootamundra is testament to the plight facing farmers around the globe: increasingly


U.S. Cattle Supply Up But Shrinking

U.S. producers sold 11 per cent more cattle to slaughterhouses in May than what they brought in, solid evidence that the cattle supply is shrinking and by year’s end that smaller supply should mean much higher cattle prices, analysts said. The U.S. Agriculture Department reported June 17 nearly 10.93 million cattle in feedlots, up four

Think Carefully Before Growing Out Volunteer Canola

Crops that were broadcast seeded before the crop insurance deadline but produce an uninsurable stand are eligible for Excess Moisture Insurance (EMI) payments, said David Koroscil, manager of Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporat ion’s (MASC) Insurance Projects and Sales. However, crops that were conventionally seeded before the deadline but have failed due to excess moisture are


Flea Beetles Feasting On Canola

Flea beetles have been feasting on canola seedlings in Manitoba. Heavy infestations have warranted foliar insecticide treatments, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives says in a June 13 report. “Even if Helix or Prosper seed treatments have been used, some minor feeding to leaves and cotyledons is normal, as the flea beetles needed to ingest

Crop Report – for Jun. 23, 2011

SOUTHWEST Another week of wet weather limited any progress in seeding. The region received about 30 to 120 mm of rain with Wednesday reporting the largest rain event. All runways and ditches were running and many roads were once again closed in several municipalities. In areas south of Highway 1 overall seeding progress remains at