Flax Could Build Better Cars Or Improve Health

Researchers at the University of Alberta have deciphered the genetic code for flax using a highly efficient sequencing procedure developed by the Beijing Genomics Institute. Canadian researchers now have the genetic information to accelerate improvements for flax and to identify ways to adapt this ancient plant to modern uses, said Mike Deyholos, project researcher with

Optimizing Stand Establishment In Less-Than-Optimal Conditions

When seeding is delayed, optimizing stand establishment becomes imperative to achieving maximum yield. Remember, planting date is only one of many yield-influencing factors. The following tips can assist in maximizing seedling emergence and establishment. AVOID “MUDDING” IT IN Manage crop residue, drive on firm fields, and leave the drowned-out spots to dry. Early seeding favours


Flax Council Reminds To Test For Triffid

The Flax Council of Canada is encouraging growers to ensure that all planting seed has been tested for the presence of Triffid prior to seeding. “Continued testing at all levels of the value chain is essential to reduce the frequency and severity of Triffid events found in the Canadian flax crop to the point where

Early Seeding Boosts Flax Yields

Last year, Manitoba’s flax crop averaged a disappointing 19 bushels an acre, not far off the 10-year average of 20. But there are ways to boost flax yields, says Anastasia Kubinec, an oilseed specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. A survey of farmers who grew above-average-yielding flax found they planted at least 40


Flax Growers Vote To Scrap Checkoff Cap

The Manitoba Flax Growers Association (MFGA) wants the $275 cap removed from its farmer checkoff of half a per cent of the value of flax when it’s sold. MFGA members voted in favour of removing the cap at their annual meeting here March 3. The MFGA will ask the Agricultural Producers’ Organization Cer tification Agency

Non-GM Glyphosate-Tolerant Flax Being Developed

Glyphosate-tolerant flax that hasn’t been “genetically modified” (GM) could be on the market by 2014, according to James A. Radtke, vice-president of product development for Cibus, an American plant trait development company. If the $6-million project between Cibus, the Flax Council of Canada, and Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada is a success, Canadian flax growers


Potential Fantastic For Flax, Boosters Say

Flax, it seems, is the forgotten crop. Canadian acreage is declining and when farmers do grow the blue-flowered oilseed, it’s often the last crop to be planted, usually with fewer inputs than the rest. But boosters see lots of potential for flax because of its health attributes and mega-star endorsements. “When you have Oprah calling

Europe Relaxes GMO Tolerance Levels For Animal Feed

Amove by the European Union to allow low levels of genetically modified organisms in animal feed imports is a “step forward” but won’t immediately help Canada’s flaxseed exports into the region, according to the Flax Council of Canada. A European Union committee voted last month to allow a 0.1 per cent threshold of unauthorized GMOs


In Brief… – for Mar. 3, 2011

New president:William Hill has been appointed president of the Flax Council of Canada, replacing Barry Hall, who is retiring. Hill has 30 years experience in the Canadian grain and agricultural futures industry, including 13 years at the senior management level. Most recently he was president and COO of ICE Futures Canada (previously Winnipeg Commodity Exchange).

Flax Council Receives Grant For GM Testing

The federal government is giving the Flax Council of Canada up to $3 million to improve product testing. “This investment is one more way the federal government is supporting Canada’s flax industry – from breeders to exporters,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This project will help maintain our access to the EU market for our