Study pans proposed Labrador dairy

A new provincial study finds that a dairy production and processing operation in Labrador would be a cash-losing proposition in the millions of dollars over the longer term. The Newfoundland and Labrador government commissioned the study at the request of the Lake Melville Agricultural Association, to explore the feasibility of a dairy operation and processing […] Read more

Equinox herbicide OK in canola crops

A Group 1 herbicide just coming into wide release this year has picked up federal approval for use in canola crops. BASF Canada’s tepraloxydim herbicide Equinox, which was available only in “limited quantities” in 2007, will give canola growers an “additional opportunity to benefit from an extremely flexible and economical grassy weed control program,” brand […] Read more


Job site to focus on entry-level ag work

Calgary project management and recruitment firm AgCall has launched a new web site aimed at attracting new talent into the agriculture-related labour force. The goal of the new site, called IgniteAg, will initially be to “expand the pool of candidates with an initial focus on entry level positions” — a pool that’s now too small […] Read more

Ritz’s barley bill derailed from fast track

Federal government plans to “fast-track” deregulation of Prairie barley marketing were derailed by the three federal opposition parties Monday. In this case, “fast-tracking” the Conservative government’s bills C-46 and C-57 would have seen them circumvent the usual route of debate in the House of Commons and head directly to the Commons ag committee for discussion. […] Read more


Canada, Colombia conclude FTA talks

Canada has wrapped up talks with Colombia on the way to a free trade agreement (FTA) that’s expected to end the South American republic’s tariffs on some Canadian crops and ag goods. The FTA is expected to make sure Canadian exporters aren’t put at a disadvantage vis-à-vis trading partners that have or are seeking preferential […] Read more

Ideas on Sask. crop insurance due by June 30

Saskatchewan farmers who can’t make it out to one of the remaining six public meetings of the provincial Crop Insurance review have until June 30 to put their recommendations in writing. Meyers Norris Penny, the firm conducting the review that the province launched in April, is holding public meetings across the province until June 18 […] Read more


Alta. names more farmers to “green” institute

Alberta’s government has named two farmers to the board of its new institute to explore how the province can best tap into demand for environmental goods and services. Jurgen Preugschas of Mayerthorpe and Terry Young of Red Deer will be the two farmer directors for the Institute for Agriculture, Forestry and the Environment. The new […] Read more

Canada to boost avian flu surveillance

The federal government is finalizing details on how it will implement a new, enhanced surveillance program for avian flu viruses in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Friday. The enhanced Canadian Notifiable Avian Influenza Surveillance System (CanNAISS) has been designed to meet current guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), as well […] Read more


U of S names next ag dean

The interim dean of the Ontario Agriculture College at Guelph will become the University of Saskatchewan’s new dean for its college of agriculture and bioresources starting July 1, 2009. Dr. Mary Buhr will take over the position for a five-year term, replacing Dr. Graham Scoles, who will continue as interim dean for the U of […] Read more

Remote B.C. butchers get licensing break

Small operators selling meat in remote and isolated communities in British Columbia will get an extra grace period on the province’s recent move toward full licensing and inspection for all meat facilities. Currently, B.C. meat producers working toward becoming fully licensed can submit a construction plan and then receive a Class C transitional license. Class […] Read more