More Pros And Cons Heard On Bill C-474

Farmers welcome new crop varieties, but they also want regulations to ensure those crops don’t ruin markets, Paul Gregory told the House of Commons’ agriculture committee during a hearing on Bill C-474 broadcast live on the Internet Oct. 5. “I talk to farmers every day,” said Gregory, president of Interlake Forage Seeds Inc., near Fisher

Canada Pushing For Biotech Changes – for Sep. 23, 2010

Canada is pushing international organizations and trading partners to accept low level levels of genetic engineering in crop shipments and adopt science-based trading rules, says Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Speaking to reporters from New Delhi, India, near the end of a country trade mission, he said he repeatedly raises the issue because of problems Canadian


Alfalfa Keeps Water At Bay

“If we have our soils conditioned to where they have increased organic matter, increased water storage and increased infiltration, that may be very important in the future.” – LINDSAY COULTHARD Asoaker of a summer has left farmers with one more reason to love alfalfa. An unforeseen benefit has surfaced at the Manitoba Zero Tillage Research

U. S. Court Relaxes Limits On Roundup Ready Alfalfa

“We’re waiting to hear what they’re going to decide.” – TRISH JORDAN, MONSANTO CANADA Both sides are claiming victory after the U. S. Supreme Court last week overturned a lower court ruling which imposed a ban on Roundup Ready alfalfa. The court ruled a district court judge in San Francisco overstepped his authority in preventing


Crop Report – for Jul. 1, 2010

SOUTHWEST REGION High rainfall amounts were reported throughout the region in the past week, with the Minnedosa area one of the hardest hit. Early seeded crops appear to be tolerating the moisture better than late seeded crops. Approximately 15-30 per cent of crop acres will not get seeded due to excessive moisture, although greenfeed may

Manitoba Alfalfa Growers Appear Before Ag Committee

“We need this committee to understand that growing alfalfa is fundamentally different from growing annual crops.” – JIM LINTOTT Manitoba forage growers support an NDP bill to require new genetically engineered crops to undergo a marketing assessment, putting them at odds with canola and other crop producers who are opposed to it. Kelvin Einarson, a


Harvest Alfalfa At Right Time

Alfalfa is an important forage for dairy cows because it provides fibre that effectively stimulates chewing while providing energy and protein for milk production. That means it needs to be harvested at the right time, according to North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist J. W. Schroeder. Recent warm weather and adequate moisture have

Many Factors Affect Alfalfa Harvest Decisions

This year’s alfalfa hay harvest could be the earliest in years, according to J. W. Schroeder, North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist. Seeding surveys indicate that, unlike in the last five to six years, crops and forages are ahead of schedule this year. “Naturally, the weather in the next few days could change


U. S. Supreme Court Hears GM Alfalfa Arguments

WASHINGTON, D. C. The U. S. Supreme Court was asked last week to rule on whether the courts have the authority to block genetically modified crops due to environmental concerns. The case involving Monsanto’s genetically modified Roundup Ready alfalfa heard here April 27 marks the first time the controversies over commercializing new technology have reached

Pulse Industry Gets $8.3 Million Federal Funding

The federal government is investing $8.3 million into pulse industry research and development, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said April 8. “On behalf of Canadian pulse farmers, processors and exporters, I want to thank the federal government for their continued support and investment in our industry,” said Barry Grabo, chair of Pulse Canada. “This funding will