Reading Time: 2 minutes Farm groups have fired off urgent appeals for government financial help for producers struggling with a weather-disrupted harvest made worse by the imposition of the federal carbon tax on fuel used to dry grain. A coalition of Alberta commodity groups as well as the Grain Farmers of Ontario sent requests directly to Prime Minister Justin […] Read more
Lift carbon tax on grain drying, say farm groups
Fuels used for drying grain have not been exempted from the federal carbon tax
CCA sees potential for more beef sales to Europe
Reading Time: 2 minutes Canada could be selling more beef to Europe if it increased the number of veterinarians trained to approve cattle for shipment there or secured approval for using Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) to meet European requirements, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association says. Since the free trade agreement with Europe came into effect nearly two years ago, […] Read more
Farm income falls in 2018, but holding for now
Canadian farm income fell on market volatility, but export growth is still likely, says FCC
Reading Time: 2 minutes Final figures aren’t available yet but all signs suggest farm income in 2018 was clipped by several factors and will likely stay at that level through this year, said Farm Credit Canada’s chief economist. “Price volatility, higher input costs and weather-related challenges in many parts of the country over the past year took a toll […] Read more
Transport minister wins praise for agreeing to amendments
The federal transport minister will put forward a motion to accept Senate alterations to the bill
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley — along with many other farm groups — are praising the federal transport minister for accepting several amendments to his transport modernization bill. Now they want Marc Garneau to get working and ensure the bill is passed before Parliament’s summer break. Read more: Farmers seek ‘urgent’ action from Senate on rail […] Read more
Farmers call for action on grain transportation
Thousands of rail cars haven’t been delivered in what has been the worst performance since the crisis of 2013-14
Reading Time: 4 minutes Farm groups are redoubling their efforts to get the federal Liberals to move Canadian grain — but their pleas appear to be falling on deaf ears. Olds-area farmer Jeff Nielsen travelled with other farm leaders to Ottawa at the start of the month in a bid to get the government to crack a whip and […] Read more
Biosecurity on the radar for many crop growers
Clubroot sparks worry about outsiders — whether on ATVs or oilfield trucks — coming onto farms
Reading Time: 2 minutes Farm fields should be as biosecure as a big barn — and that means preventing trespassing and knowing who’s on your land, says a Saskatchewan farm leader. The spread of plant diseases — particularly clubroot — as well as weeds means farmers are paying more attention to the issue, said Norm Hall, vice-president of the […] Read more
Produce sector needs help with CFIA changes
Low margins in the industry leave little capacity to cover rising research costs if an existing formula is scrapped
Reading Time: 2 minutes Sweeping regulatory changes at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and limited funds for research are among the challenges facing fruit and vegetable growers, says Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. “The foundation for Canada’s fresh produce supply chain is made up of approximately 25,000 small-, medium- and large-size farms that produce vegetables, […] Read more
Railways asking industry to all pull together
To move the coming big crop efficiently will require better co-operation throughout the supply chain, say railway execs
Reading Time: 3 minutes With memories of the grain-handling chaos of 2014 still fresh and another large Prairie crop looming, the railways are calling for greater collaboration in moving this year’s harvest. “To ensure success during this crop year, the broader supply chain must work together to collectively harness our energy so that the entire Canadian economy can reap […] Read more
Dairy farmers, processors strike deal for future
Ottawa — Dairy Farmers of Canada and dairy processor associations have reached an agreement in principle on how to evolve the Canadian dairy system for the future. The agreement was reached during meetings in Charlottetown following a year of talks, which followed previous attempts to open a dialogue over pricing and other issues. Details of […] Read more
Binkley: Speculation swirls on Grits’ successor for Ritz
The guessing game on whom the next agriculture minister will be is well underway in Ottawa although no obvious choice stands out. Whoever Justin Trudeau selects will find Gerry Ritz a tough act to follow. During his eight years in the portfolio, he has put an increasing production and export stamp on the industry. And […] Read more
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