Oslo | Reuters — Norway’s Yara is curtailing ammonia production at a number of plants due to a surge in the price of natural gas, the fertilizer maker said Friday. “Record high natural gas prices in Europe are impacting ammonia production margins,” Yara said in a statement. “Including optimization of ongoing maintenance, Yara will by […] Read more
Norway’s Yara curtails European ammonia output
Surge in price of natural gas cited
Ontario MDS volunteers already moving hay west
Disaster response group spearheading program separate from CFA plan
It’s in the spirit of co-operation in difficult times that a group of Ontario farmers have launched a hay donation program to assist their Saskatchewan counterparts. Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Canada, a volunteer organization that provides assistance in the aftermath of disasters in Canada and the U.S., is organizing the latest iteration of Hay West […] Read more
Drought maps show little change at end of August
MarketsFarm — Much of Western Canada remained in some state of drought at the end of August despite widespread rains late in the month, according to updated maps compiled by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The area mapped out as dealing with ‘exceptional drought’ in south-central Manitoba’s agricultural regions contracted slightly compared to the previous month […] Read more
Klassen: Optimistic fed cattle outlook supports feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 higher. Strong demand was noted on yearlings, which spilt over into the lighter weight categories. Major feedlot operators in Alberta set the price structure, with aggressive orders flowing across the Prairies. Some operators have been holding back on purchases due to higher prices; however, […] Read more
Rookie Nova Scotia MLA named agriculture minister
Greg Morrow sworn in Tuesday
A radio news director from eastern Nova Scotia has been tapped as the provincial agriculture minister for incoming Premier Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservatives. Greg Morrow, the new MLA for Guysborough-Tracadie, was sworn in Tuesday along with the other members of Houston’s 19-member cabinet. Houston’s Tories ousted Iain Rankin’s Liberal government in the Aug. 17 provincial […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger live cattle futures lift yearling market
Recent rains rejuvenate Prairie pastures
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were quoted $3 to as much as $6 higher; calf markets once again traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged depending on the region. Unbridled buying interest was noted on larger groups of high-quality yearlings. Despite the grass conditions this summer, cattle characteristics are rated above average […] Read more
When using canola for forage keep these factors in mind
Nitrates and sulphur are concerns, as are bloat and scours — and regrowth can be perilous
Reading Time: 3 minutes Poor canola stands not worth harvesting can be an alternate forage option. “While canola makes palatable feed, it may take one or two days for cattle to become accustomed to the taste,” said Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. Forage canola has a nutrient content similar to alfalfa, with crude […] Read more
Alternative feeds: There’s a lot to watch out for
That includes additive effects, binding of calcium, toxic weeds, and crop residues
Reading Time: 2 minutes Editor’s note: This is part of an article recapping some of the points made during a July 29 webinar. Some of the information from the webinar was in a story in the Aug. 9 edition of this paper and the full webinar can be found on the BCRC Blog and locating the Aug. 10 entry […] Read more
Drought management is a very long game, says master grazier
Getting through a year like this one is at the heart of the management system Graeme Finn uses
Reading Time: 3 minutes Managing for a drought should start the day you begin ranching. That was the message from Graeme Finn of Southern Cross Livestock for attendees at a recent field tour put on by the West Central Forage Association. “This year is the wrong year to start thinking about drought management,” said the Aussie native who now […] Read more
Plans afoot to move hay from East to drought-hit West
CFA, BFO spearheading Hay West-style initiatives
Farm groups are spearheading new plans to get livestock feed from Eastern Canada to drought-damaged regions of the western provinces and northwestern Ontario. Details are still pending, but the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) announced Aug. 12 it has started work on a “Hay West” initiative to get surplus hay “to those struggling in the […] Read more
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