Most bee deaths from neonics in Canada have been in the intensive corn-growing areas of Ontario and Quebec.


No neonic ban expected in the West

In Ontario, the treatments won't be allowed in 2017 unless a demonstrated need exists

Restrictions on neonicotinoid-based pesticides in Ontario have generated concerns amongst grain farmers in the province, but Manitoba industry participants don’t expect similar policy to move west any time soon. Laws restricting neonicotinoid-pesticide use were introduced in July. The Grain Farmers of Ontario had hoped to enact a stay on the regulations through court proceedings, but

DuPont Pioneer seed dealer Dale Alderson of Intel Seed counts corn kernels to get an estimate of potential yield. As of last week Alderson was cautiously optimistic if all goes well Manitoba farmers could harvest a bumper corn crop this year. But as everyone knows, especially farmers much can happen between now and when the corn is in the bin.

VIDEO: Fingers crossed for a bumper corn crop this harvest

Yield potential is high following nearly ideal growing conditions 
so far this season, but it’s still a long way from the bin

It’s too soon to call it a bin buster, but Manitoba’s corn crop is poised to be one of the best in a decade. Barring an early frost and with continued good weather the crop could top the 10-year average of 117 bushels per acre, corn experts say. Breaking the record 133 bushels an acre


Alloway straw cutter makes combines run smoother

Alloway straw cutter makes combines run smoother

Our History: August 1965

The Alloway straw cutter advertised in our August 5, 1965 issue was said to be simple to install, and due to the drum design and weight, would actually make the combine run smoother. The issue contained several photos from the Threshermen’s Reunion at Austin. Encouraged by another excellent turnout, the directors were considering expansion and



honey bee pollinating a flower

Health Canada continues to assess neonic herbicides

There is debate over how much damage would be incurred by corn and soybean producers if neonics are banned

Health Canada is seeking more information from farmers and technical experts before it completes its assessment of neonicotinoid pesticides. A TV network received a leaked version of the report, which environmental groups said proved neonic pesticides should be banned. In an emailed response, the department said the draft report, which has been shared with agriculture

photo: thinkstock

The neonic debate: science or sensationalism?

Laying the blame for a collection of environmental issues at the feet of a 
single technology is very convenient, but hugely overly simplistic

Bold, apocalyptic headlines make for great front-page news stories, there’s no question. Unfortunately, when it comes to highly complex and scientific issues, these kinds of headlines usually do a disservice to the topic at hand. Scientific research is filled with intricacies and rarely yields answers that can be conveyed in a single headline. Far too


beekeepers

Neonic insecticides widespread in Iowa waters

Government researchers say the broad use of neonicotinoids 
should be closely examined

A class of insecticides popular with corn and soybean farmers in the U.S. Midwest but feared as a factor in the decline of U.S. honeybee colonies and other crop pollinators, has been found to be widespread through rivers and streams in Iowa, according to a government study released July 24. The study, released by the

bees

Bee foraging chronically impaired by pesticide exposure

Another study sheds light on why neonicotinoids and bees don’t mix

A RFID study co-authored by a University of Guelph scientist that involved fitting bumblebees with tiny radio frequency tags shows long-term exposure to a neonicotinoid pesticide hampers bees’ ability to forage for pollen. The research by Nigel Raine, a professor in Guelph’s School of Environmental Sciences, and Richard Gill of Imperial College London was published


Bees in a hive

NFU sees moratorium on neonicotinoids

The Senate committee is studying the importance of bees to food production in Canada

The National Farmers Union (NFU) appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry May 1 to call for a five-year moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids on corn and soybeans in Ontario. The Senate committee is currently studying the importance of bees and bee health in the production of honey, food and seed

Bee on a flower

Environmental groups challenge PMRA over neonicotinoid approval

Conditional registration has been granted despite the objections

Four environmental organizations have attacked the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for extending the conditional registration of clothianidin, a neonicotinoid insecticide, as a spray treatment until the end of 2015. The groups say PMRA didn’t properly consider two Notices of Objection to the renewal and the registration extension could keep the product on the market