Reading Time: 2 minutes Why are neonicotinoids attracting so much attention? The controversy around neonicotinoids is a global one. There are places where neonicotinoids are associated with bee kills and there are places where they are not. The science around neonics and their effects on bees has some inconsistent elements. There hasn’t been any strong colony-level field tests, for […] Read more
Expert: Neonics are an issue — and also an easy target
Alberta opts for better management to reduce bee deaths
Reading Time: 2 minutes What’s Alberta Beekeepers Commission response to Ontario’s move? Our stance hasn’t changed. We are still very much in favour of working towards a scientific conclusion or solution to what has happened. In Alberta, we just aren’t seeing the same things as they’re seeing out in Ontario. We were very interested in the Pest Management Regulatory […] Read more
USDA report says no risk from pesticide residues
Reuters — More than half of food tested by the U.S. government for pesticide residues last year showed detectable levels of pesticides, though most were within levels the government considers to be safe, according to a report issued Dec. 19 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA looked at fresh and processed fruits and […] Read more
A new era of watchful food consumers
Consumers don’t just want to know more about how their food is produced — some want a very detailed report card
Reading Time: 3 minutes Last month, McDonald’s USA announced a “multi-faceted effort called ‘Our Food. Your Questions’” in which it invites people to submit their food questions via social media. “We’re proud of the food we serve our 27 million U.S. customers every day, yet we know people have unanswered questions,” said Kevin Newell, executive vice-president, chief brand and […] Read more
Biobeds a simple way to prevent pesticide contamination
The European innovation can break down pesticide simply and efficiently, but needs to be adapted to the Prairie climate
Reading Time: 2 minutes Up to 80 per cent of pesticide contamination on a farm occurs where a sprayer is washed, filled, handled or rinsed — but there’s a simple and inexpensive way to prevent it. Biobeds, already in use in the U.K., Scandinavia, and South America, are trenches filled with absorbent materials (such as peat moss, compost or […] Read more
Neonics ban results in bug damage to crops
Rapeseed crops show damage four weeks after planting
Reading Time: < 1 minute Reuters – Rapeseed crops in Germany are suffering unusually high levels of insect damage this autumn following the European Union’s ban on neonics, says the German farming association DBV. Some farmers may suffer lower yields in the upcoming 2015 rapeseed harvest, it said. The EU has decided to restrict neonicotinoids which have been linked to […] Read more
Herbicide-resistant weeds are just the symptom
Is resistance the problem, or is it farmers’ dependence on chemistry?
Reading Time: 3 minutes For decades, the experts have treated the growing problem of herbicide-resistant weeds as something solvable by the next new chemistry or biological breakthrough. But now more are stepping back and acknowledging it as a symptom of a much bigger issue in modern agriculture. In fact, one of the world’s leading experts in managing herbicide resistance […] Read more
Neonic controversy shouldn’t affect canola producers
Ontario eyes restricting use of popular pesticide after bee deaths
Reading Time: 3 minutes The latest salvo in the ongoing controversy over neonicotinoids won’t affect Alberta canola growers, but it reinforces the need to “get the message out,” says the chairman of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. Ontario’s new agriculture minister, Jeff Leal surprised and angered that province’s grain and oilseeds producers last month by saying he’s considering restrictions […] Read more
Alberta farmers turn in nearly 36 tonnes of obsolete pesticides
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta farmers turned in 35,800 kilograms of obsolete or unwanted pesticides for safe disposal in 2013. The obsolete pesticide collection program — part of a two-year initiative — took place at three ag retail locations in the Peace Region and 16 ag retail locations in the central region in October. “Alberta farmers are some of […] Read more
Your farm safety resolutions for 2014
ARD has prepared a checklist to start the new year off on the right foot
Reading Time: 2 minutes The New Year brings with it talk of resolutions. Resolutions; however, have a reputation for being declared and then forgotten. This year, why not make a promise that involves your family and their future? Make a promise to create a safer work environment on your farming operation. “Chances are you include an element of safety […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
