bee on canola flower

What does ‘science based’ mean?

Industry and government must adjust to new findings, but policies should not 
be based on the latest Internet trend

What does “science based” mean? For both government policy and industry best practice, science based should mean that practices are based on rigorous scientific studies. Policies and regulations that veer off the science-based path put at risk the tools that make modern agriculture possible. So do production practices that do not rigorously follow scientifically developed

Bags Of Money On A Farm Field

Don’t throw money at public research

We need a combination of private, public and 
producer investment in order to remain competitive

One of the oldest clichés in agriculture might be that “research and innovation are the keys to our future.” But just because it is a cliché does not mean it is not true. The federal election is over and Canada has a new government. Members of the new parliament will soon be headed to Ottawa


Selling Canadian wheat

Selling Canadian wheat

Expand Canada's brand beyond CWRS

Canada needs to do better at serving traditional markets with high-quality wheat while expanding its ability to serve developing markets, a study commissioned by grain industry groups says. Consistent quality and high-protein wheats have allowed Canada to overcome its freight disadvantage in premium wheat markets around the world, but Canadian exports are less competitive in key

What do customers of Canadian wheat want? (and why it matters to you)

What do customers of Canadian wheat want? (and why it matters to you)

Canada must compete with more than price in international markets

What do customers want when they buy Canadian wheat? Cereals Canada and the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) recently commissioned an internationally renowned market research firm, LMC International, to answer this question. Why should you care about the answer? Because it will impact your future bottom line. And because your checkoff dollars may be going


While the farmer constituency may be small, CFA president Ron Bonnett says the economic activity it generates is over $106 billion each year.

Federal election gaining attention with farm groups

Ag issues will be aired during a candidates’ debate set for Sept. 30

Clear trade rules, measures to manage financial risk and access to sufficient workers are key issues among farm organizations that have released their positions for the Oct. 19 federal election. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, the Canadian Pork Council and Cereals Canada have all waded into the campaign with policy statements.

farmers watching sunset

Elections and the value of showing up

If farmers don’t speak, it will be others, who may not understand our industry, who decide who goes to Ottawa

There is an old saying in politics, “policy is set by those who show up.” Not always those with the best and brightest ideas and not even always a majority. The first and most important step on the road to being an influencer is to show up. Canadians will elect a new House of Commons


farmer combining wheat

U.S. wheat industry alleges Canada discriminates

U.S. Wheat Associates says Canada’s grading system is like COOL in reverse

The United States’ wheat lobby is glad to be rid of Canada’s single-desk wheat seller; now it wants better access to Canadian wheat markets. U.S. Wheat Associates sent a letter to Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz May 20 saying Canadian wheat grading and varietal registration regulations unfairly discriminate against U.S. imports. “It is readily apparent to

egg flats

Trade talks set to divide farm communities

Some groups want a trade deal even if it means sacrificing supply management

High-level negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) scheduled for Guam this month have opened a rift in Canada’s farm community that successive governments have tried to prevent. Livestock and grain groups have gone public with a demand the federal government fully engage in the talks and, while they don’t actually say it, essentially be prepared



crop spraying

Check inputs to ensure they’re customer approved

Manipulator, a plant growth regulator recently registered for wheat in Canada, 
hasn’t been approved in the United States yet

End-users and regulators are literally putting your grain under the microscope, measuring residues in the parts per trillion. That puts the onus on farmers to deliver grain that meets their standards or risk rejection. So, before applying inputs farmers should consult agri-retailers and grain buyers about what products markets are accepting and follow label directions