Que. livestock tech brands to join Agco in GSI deal

A Montreal-area group of companies making electronic control systems and software for livestock barns can soon expect to see its brands join the ranks of Massey Ferguson and Challenger as part of Agco. The Atlanta-based ag machinery giant recently announced plans to buy GSI Holdings Corp. from affiliates of Manhattan private investment firm Centerbridge Partners […] Read more

Manitoba to flow ag services through online portal

Manitoba farmers will soon be able to use an online service-delivery system to register for programs or apply for services offered by the provincial ag department. The province on Monday rolled out AccessManitoba, a new system meant to allow businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals to register for programs and submit online applications or payments, and to […] Read more


Sask. auger maker buys Sask. auger mover maker

The owners of auger maker Sakundiak Equipment have bought a manufacturer of hydraulic auger movers in a bid to offer a “more complete grain movement package.” WGI Westman Group, the Winnipeg-based owner of Sakundiak and bin makers Behlen and Meridian, among other manufacturers, announced Thursday it has bought Hawes Agro of Saskatoon for an undisclosed […] Read more

BIXS set for cow-calf producers’ use nationwide

The Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS) is officially live nationwide for cow-calf producers’ use heading into this year’s fall calf run. “BIXS is the result of the (Canadian Cattlemen’s Association) recognizing how an improved flow of information between producers and packers can enhance industry competitiveness,” CCA president Travis Toews said in a release Thursday. “In time, […] Read more


Ag Growth buys U.S. aeration system maker

A Winnipeg firm devoted to building grain handling and storage equipment plans to expand into commercial-scale grain aeration by buying a Nebraska manufacturer. Ag Growth International last week announced it will buy Airlanco, based at Falls City, Neb., for US$11 million, financed from its line of credit for such purchases. Airlanco, whose home town is […] Read more

U.S. seen unlikely to hit advanced biofuel goal

The United States will likely fail to reach its long-term mandate for making advanced ethanol from trees, grasses and crop waste unless producers innovate significantly, a scientific advisory group said last week. The National Research Council’s comments are the latest sign that backers of alternative fuels must wait longer for “next-generation” ethanol. Touted as the […] Read more


Sask. won’t ban canola from fields with clubroot

Saskatchewan will not force its first two farms infested with clubroot disease to stop growing canola for a number of years, as some Alberta municipalities have done, a provincial official said Wednesday. Two farmers in north-central Saskatchewan found symptoms of clubroot, which cuts crop yields, on their plants this autumn. The government in Saskatchewan, Canada’s […] Read more

Clubroot confirmed in Saskatchewan

Plants in two canola fields in north-central Saskatchewan have been confirmed with a notorious soil-borne disease not seen in the province’s crops until now. “Industry and government personnel” advised the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola) on Friday that plants carrying the disease had been found in both fields, chairman Brett Halstead said in a release […] Read more


First-ever agriculture deals site launched

Farm Business Communications has launched AG-Deals.com, the first-ever deals site for the agricultural sector. “AG-Deals is a great opportunity for both farmers and suppliers,” FBC sales manager Lynda Tityk said in a statement Thursday. “Suppliers can sponsor deals to support specific products or sales initiatives and farmers have access to some of the best pricing […] Read more

Canadian crops approved for U.S. biodiesel

The U.S. federal Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of Canadian crops such as canola and corn in U.S. biofuels Thursday, in a move that lifted Canadian canola prices and may help the U.S. meet its ambitious targets for biofuels. The EPA’s designation of Canadian crops as a renewable biomass will allow U.S. biofuel makers […] Read more