A federal program backing research into farm-level technologies and practices that limit farms’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been picked up for another five-year run. Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay on Wednesday announced $27 million is budgeted over the 2016-21 period for the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AGGP). More information about criteria for the renewed program […] Read more
Farm emissions research program renewed
Ad Feature: Dust-control firm takes off-road marketing opportunity
Anyone who has driven on a rural road or worked in remote areas where oil, mining, forestry or other development is occurring knows dealing with dust and unstable soils can be annoying — and it can also be a never-ending and costly task. Winnipeg-based Cypher Environmental, run by 34-year-old entrepreneur Todd Burns, has perfected an […] Read more
Ocean freight rate index climbs
CNS Canada — Ocean freight rates have shown some steady strength over the past two months, with the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) back above 400 points. The BDI set a record low of 290 points on Feb. 10-11, but has since posted steady gains, settling at 409 on Tuesday. While that’s still a far cry […] Read more
Deere buys stake in U.S. sprayer maker Hagie
CORRECTED, March 30, 2016 — Reuters — Deere and Co. said on Tuesday it has acquired a majority stake in Hagie Manufacturing, allowing the farm equipment manufacturer to take a greater position the high-clearance sprayer market. High-clearance sprayers, which allow farmers to spray fertilizers and pesticides in-crop later in the growing season, are “a new market for […] Read more
B.C. pulls PST for farm telehandlers, skid steers
Qualifying farmers in British Columbia are now able to buy telehandlers, skid steers and polycarbonate greenhouse panels for farm use without paying the province’s seven per cent sales tax. The province on Thursday announced the additions, effective Feb. 17, to its list of goods, equipment and services for which eligible farmers are PST-exempt. Farmers wanting […] Read more
Debate: Sask. ag leaders seek rail response
If there’s one thing all Saskatchewan’s political parties can agree on, it’s that the current rail system isn’t working for grain producers — but there’s less consensus on the solutions. Transportation is the single most important issue facing grain growers in Saskatchewan right now, said Cathy Sproule, the provincial New Democrats’ ag critic, during an […] Read more
Debate: Sask. farmers aim to bridge digital gap
Infrastructure has always been top of mind for many rural Saskatchewan residents — but rural infrastructure needs in 2016 can’t all be met with gravel, graders and culverts. With a provincial election around the corner, improving digital and cellular service was a focal point in an ag leaders’ debate held in Saskatoon Tuesday. The Why […] Read more
ADM suing CP over 2013-14 rail service disruptions
Chicago | Reuters –– Archer Daniels Midland has filed a lawsuit against Canadian Pacific Railway over service disruptions in 2013 and 2014 at crop-processing plants in North Dakota and Minnesota, alleging they stemmed partly from cost-cutting and the Canadian railroad’s pursuit of merger partners. Chicago-based ADM, one of the world’s largest grain traders and processors, […] Read more
Diesel prices seen staying lower
CNS Canada –– Diesel prices in Canada are expected to stay relatively cheap this spring despite some recent strength in the crude oil market. In a normal cycle, diesel prices would usually be on the move right now, but they have been mired at their current level for the last few months, according to Tom […] Read more
Budget to boost ag research infrastructure, rural broadband
Funds to fix up Canada’s agricultural research stations and food safety labs and a new program to boost rural broadband coverage are among the nuggets for the farming sector in Tuesday’s federal budget. Overall, the Liberals’ first budget is based on $287.7 billion in revenues for 2016-17, against $291.4 billion in program expenses and $25.7 […] Read more
