Reading Time: 3 minutes A recent urban media and opposition party political exercise might all have been a coincidence, since it was close to the self-declared “Farm Worker Day.” But it seemed like a co-ordinated effort to embarrass the premier to get her to take action on one of her promises. It all had to do with an old […] Read more
Why fight the battle against safety regs for farm workers?
Women produce most of the food, but get least of the credit
straight from the hip Women asked to fill in online survey about their needs in agriculture
Reading Time: 3 minutes Women empowering women to grow food, protect environments, strengthen trade and secure financial independence for themselves, their families and their communities.” That’s the theme of a project for which I received a 2012 Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship for Canada. This fall I start with rural leadership meetings in Australia as well as with Meat and Livestock […] Read moreHorse-slaughter protesters seek to deceive
Reading Time: 2 minutes Calgary recently saw a ragtag group protesting the slaughter of horses. They gathered under a billboard which featured the slogan, “Stop Slaughtering Us” with a picture of two pensive-looking horses. To many passing by it was probably bewildering, but it is effective. Slaughter is one of those hot-button buzzwords that gets immediate attention. The protesters […] Read more
Saving billions is tempting for penny-pinching feds
AGRISTABILITY A return to normal prices could mean big payouts under the current formula
Reading Time: 3 minutes It has gone in cycles over the past 50 years, but it appears the battle lines are again being drawn between the federal government and the agriculture industry over farm support programs. The latest began when federal officials claimed the AgriStability program is too rich. Essentially this support program kicks in when a producer’s income […] Read moreFinding a safe investment haven close to home
Think local Investing in your own community is gaining popularity in the U.S. and being successfully tried north of the border
Reading Time: 2 minutes Canadians may not have to face some of the dangers others in the world are dealing with directly, but there’s still good reason to be nervous. After all, Bernie Madoff drained the accounts of his Canadian holders — including some of our most prominent institutions. If the shenanigans at Jon Corzine’s MF Global or at […] Read moreWhat happened to lamb prices, and what can be done?
Cycle repeats A different marketing system is needed, says a longtime industry recipient
Reading Time: 4 minutes “What’s going on with the lamb prices?” This is a common question of late. In my May article for Saskatchewan’s provincial lamb newsletter I encouraged producers to recognize that last year’s prices were record setting, and that there would be some moderation this year. Slaughter lamb prices were very high last year, which translates into […] Read moreBe careful what you wish for
Reading Time: 2 minutes Sometimes unintended consequences are hard to see in a controversial, emotional issue, and that sure goes for the future of supply management (SM). Much has been said about the possible demise of SM as a trade-off for increased access to offshore markets. That appears to be the unmentionable mantra of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, […] Read more
A really good year for agriculture in Alberta?
Two sides Crop production and prices firing on all cylinders, but buyers are not so lucky
Reading Time: 3 minutes There’s a lot of quiet anxiety in the Alberta countryside at this time of the year — more than in most years. Anticipating the upcoming harvest tends to be top of mind with the usual angst about weather uncertainty. But this year is a little different being most of the province is looking at above-average […] Read moreCFIA advises caution on antimicrobial drug use
Resistance Canada’s chief vet says antimicrobial resistance is rising in the food-animal sector
Reading Time: 3 minutes Since their introduction some 60 years ago, antimicrobials have revolutionized both veterinary practice and human medicine. When used appropriately, antimicrobials — including antibacterials, antifungals and antivirals — continue to play an important role in animal and human health. They reduce suffering and help farmers raise healthy animals, which in turn provide safe meat, milk and […] Read moreStop lying to Canadians on supply management
Reading Time: 3 minutes Supply management has been part of Canadian agricultural policies since the 1970s. It is a system that has quite evolved over the years, and improvement is still needed. I more than welcome discussions on supply management — I have myself been quite critical of this system over the years. It is therefore with great interest […] Read more