Agricultural producers and local governments in the Okanagan region are getting ready for the possibility of hotter, drier summers and different pest pressures under climate change. The B.C. Agriculture and Food Climate Action Initiative (CAI) brought agricultural producers together with local governments and provincial agencies to identify collaborative solutions and actions to adapt to the […] Read more
Okanagan producers adopt climate adaptation strategy
Report discusses disseminating agricultural research
The Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC) says the next suite of Growing Forward programs should include funds dedicated to communicating about research to the general public. Its 2016 Conference Report (the Report), which summarizes the need for the agricultural sector to better disseminate research results to producers, farmers, industry, academia, consumers and among the research […] Read more
Ag In Motion: Live Blog (wrap up)
See and read about the newest agricultural technology in the field
Ag In Motion, Western Canada’s first outdoor farm expo, features live demonstrations of field equipment, crop plots and interactive agribusiness exhibits showcasing the products and services relevant to your business. Staff from Grainews, Alberta Farmer Express, the Manitoba Co-operator and the Western Producer will be on-site from July 19-21 covering the event via live blog. Visit the live blog […] Read more
Leaf diseases to look for in lentil crops
A plant pathologist reveals the main yield-grabbing diseases to watch for in your fields
Rain makes grain, the saying goes. But too much spring rain also means disease, and lentil crops are no exception. Almost all pulse leaf diseases are triggered by rain and moisture in the canopy, said Dr. Sabine Banniza, plant pathologist with the Crop Development Centre. “Many need the rain in order to spread.” So which […] Read more
Cool-temperature process extends milk shelf life
Rapid heating and cooling by 10 C
Purdue University researchers say they have developed a milk preservation system using a lower temperature than pasteurization, but providing a longer shelf life. The researchers found that increasing the temperature of milk by 10 C for less than a second and then cooling it rapidly eliminates more than 99 per cent of the bacteria left […] Read more
Feds fund Canada Beef export promotion
$6.4 million over three years
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced funding of up to $6.4 million over three years for Canada Beef Inc., the national agency for research and promotion. A government release said the funds will support Canadian Beef’s three-year market development and promotion plan targeting key regional hubs in Asia, Europe, North America and Latin […] Read more
Triclosan not a threat to food chain: study
The University of Guelph and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association say that Triclosan does not pose a threat to the food chain or the environment. Triclosan is one of the most commonly used antimicrobials in personal health care products, such as soaps, shampoos and other sanitation goods. The study funded by the OSCIA […] Read more
Be on the lookout for ergot
The Beef Cattle Research Council has posted a blog warning producers to be on the lookout for ergot this year. “Over the past few weeks, Mother Nature has provided us with the rain and cool conditions which have created the environment for ergot infections to occur. These cool, wet conditions have also increased flowering periods in […] Read more
Feds and province fund Maple Leaf bacon plant
The governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced funding of $500,000 toward an expansion of Maple Leaf Food’s bacon processing plant in Winnipeg. The announcement was made Monday at the plant by federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. A release said Maple Leaf Food’s investment in the bacon line expansion […] Read more
U.S. GMO label law clears Congress
A law for mandatory labelling of foods for sale in the U.S. with genetically modified or otherwise “bioengineered” ingredients has cleared both houses of Congress and now goes to President Barack Obama. The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved the Senate’s bipartisan bill S.764 by a 306-117 vote, sending it to the White House […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
