Years of hype have given way to a more realistic view of hemp. Canadian farmers and processors say its future depends on solid agronomy and honest messaging.
Hemp
Hemp’s future hinges on honest agronomy, experts say
The sector today aims to move past that early ‘hemp evangelism’
Hybrid seed doesn’t just happen
Aside from initial research and development to create a variety, a lot of detail goes into the annual production of hybrid seed
With the cost of hybrid canola seed being the No. 1 expense in producing the oilseed crop, Prairie farmers can have confidence knowing each of the 4.25 million canola seeds in a 50-pound bag was produced with care and attention to quality control. That’s the commitment of long-time hybrid seed producers, HyTech Production Ltd., based […] Read more
Hemp sector disappointed new report ignores deregulation
Leaders in Canada’s hemp industry were hoping an expert committee would recommend significant changes to hemp regulations so it could be treated the same as wheat, canola and other crops. That didn’t happen. Instead, the committee of experts reviewing the Cannabis Act barely mentioned hemp in its 91 page report published March 21.
All efforts geared toward sustainable beef and crop production
Quebec producer adopts regenerative agriculture practices in a bid ‘to do something different’
Stéphane Guay produces beef and cash crops on his farm in southwest Quebec, but there is so much more happening on this 400-acre regenerative agriculture operation he’s been developing over the past few years. Yes, there are cattle and crops, but they’re just part of a diversified farming operation that includes a wide range of […] Read more
Poppy crops for Western Canada
Could this be an opportunity for Prairie farmers?
My interest in this topic was piqued by the fact that I purchased a pound of poppy seed at an Edmonton grocery outlet and it cost me more than $10. I checked the internet and the literature on poppy seed growing and was surprised to find that Australia, Turkey, the Czech Republic and even Britain […] Read more
Canopy Growth sheds California facility amid liquidity worries
Cannabis producer aims to rein in costs
Reuters — Canadian pot producer Canopy Growth said on Thursday it has completed the sale of its facility at Modesto, California as part of its divestitures to raise funding amid liquidity concerns. The sale, the fifth such deal since April 1, is part of Canopy’s ongoing efforts to improve liquidity by reining in costs through […] Read more
Your provincial weed outlook for 2023
Make sure these weeds are on your radar this year
For as long as agriculture has existed in Western Canada, farmers have been waging a battle to control yield-robbing weeds in their fields. It will be a similar story in 2023. The difference this time around is that battle could be shaped largely by the location where it is being fought. While Manitoba received significant […] Read more
Herbicide-resistant weed update for Saskatchewan
Your biggest herbicide-resistant weed threats for 2023 based on the latest survey results
As any farmer will attest to, herbicide-resistant weeds are a growing concern on the Canadian Prairies. In fact, it’s estimated they cost farmers in Western Canada as much as $530 million annually in lost yields and alternative weed management practices. Charles Geddes, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), who specializes in weed […] Read more
Food sales grew but margins tightened in 2022, FCC says
Modest further growth expected this year
Food and beverages sales increased in Canada last year, even as margins hit an historic low and consumers chose Canadian less. According to the latest FCC Food and Beverage Report, released Tuesday, sales increased 11 per cent to $156 billion in 2022. These gains came largely from higher export values and strength in the grain […] Read more
In search of a uniform crop stand
Seeding research and technology are working to help farmers increase yields with potential to reduce input costs
If uniformity of stand establishment is a key element to optimizing crop yield, is one seeding system better than another? Should you run out and buy something new? According to Jason Casselman, an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada, farmers can make gains in the uniformity of their canola stands just by paying […] Read more