U.S. chemical distribution giant Univar has bought its way further into the Prairie crop input business by taking over Saskatoon-based fertilizer wholesaler Nexus Ag. Nexus Ag, in business in the West since 1997, deals in various North American companies’ specialty fertilizers, potash, phosphates, liquid and soluble nutrients and micronutrients such as copper, zinc and boron, […] Read more
Univar buys Prairie fertilizer distributor Nexus Ag
Budget to boost ag research infrastructure, rural broadband
Funds to fix up Canada’s agricultural research stations and food safety labs and a new program to boost rural broadband coverage are among the nuggets for the farming sector in Tuesday’s federal budget. Overall, the Liberals’ first budget is based on $287.7 billion in revenues for 2016-17, against $291.4 billion in program expenses and $25.7 […] Read more
Consider more than cost when switching winter rations
News Roundup from the March 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Reducing feed costs for wintering cows can pay huge dividends. “It’s been estimated that for every $1 that you save in winter feed costs, the net profit for the operation increases by $2.48,” says Barry Yaremcio, beef/forage specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Stettler. High hay prices have resulted in some producers changing to a straw/grain […] Read more
Alberta to launch malt barley insurance
Alberta is set to launch Canada’s first crop insurance product for malt barley this year. The province’s Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) last week said it will now provide insurance coverage for a malting end-use for growers with malt barley contracts. The coverage is subject to a contract from a licensed buyer, with a minimum […] Read more
Cattle price insurance premiums reflect risk
News Roundup from the March 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
If you haven’t bought price insurance on your calves through the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) yet you’ll find the premiums a little higher than last year. That’s to be expected given the volatility in today’s market, says Bruce Viney, a risk management specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “Volatility is simply a statistical […] Read more
Manitoba Beef Producers agree to raise National Checkoff
News Roundup from the March 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
With six of the 16 resolutions coming out of Manitoba Beef Producers’ fall district meetings asking members to support the proposed National Checkoff increase to $2.50 per marketed head, it was easily the biggest item up for discussion during the association’s February annual general meeting at Brandon. “It was a big decision and after a […] Read more
Canada clears Simplot’s spot-resistant GM potato
Potatoes modified for reduced bruising and black spots, and for lower levels of a chemical linked to health risks in baked spuds or fries, have picked up federal approvals. The plant science arm of U.S. potato giant J.R. Simplot announced Monday its first-generation Innate Gen. 1 potato varieties have passed food and feed safety assessments […] Read more
Major grocers pledge cage-free eggs by 2025
The grocery arm of the body for Canadian retailers has rolled out a 10-year plan to source the eggs its members sell from layer hens raised in “cage-free environments.” The grocer members of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), which include Loblaw, Sobeys/Safeway, Metro and Wal-Mart Canada, said Friday they are “voluntarily committing to the […] Read more
Nitrates to linger for decades in N-heavy waterways, study finds
Lakes, rivers, streams and well water high in nitrates will stay that way for another 35 years or more, even if farmers in those watersheds were to stop applying nitrogen (N) fertilizer on their fields today, a new study shows. The study of the Mississippi River basin, published Tuesday by Canadian and U.S. researchers, shows […] Read more
History: The Old West Lives Through Russell’s Brush
Reprinted from the January 1950 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
The Old West Lives Through Russell’s Brush By WM. Bleasdell Cameron, Meadow Lake, Sask. ‘On a bright May day in 1897 I walked into the lobby of Butte’s principal hotel – to find myself staring at some pictures on the walls, pictures which, in brilliance of coloring and execution, topped anything of the kind – touching […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
