News Archives

Despite concerns expressed by neighbours of farmers near Halifax, a local environmental scientist insists treated sewage being spread on farm fields is safe, noting people have to 'get over' issues like the smell, because it is a source of nutrients.

A study released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives warns of the damages of Bill C-13, which will change the country's grain regulatory system, and threaten its safety and quality, as well as reduce any premiums producers receive for a distinctive product.

A request which could have a significant bearing on the future use of pesticides in agriculture, is being made by the Weed Science Society of America as it asks for a re-hearing into the recent court decision defining pesticides as pollutants.

According to a survey of growers in six states in the US, there is an increasing need to broaden weed management systems to deal with the issue of resistance of pesticides in glyphosate-resistance crops.

A variety of factors, including low oil prices, a higher US dollar and continued hard times in the livestock sector, will have a definite impact on commodity prices and subsequently affect planting intentions for US growers in the coming weeks. 

March 18, 2009 – Cautionary notes concerning the potential for 2009 to be another bad year for soybean aphids have some entomologists and researchers suggesting the pest, which first struck Eastern Canada in force in 2001, may become a perennial issue for growers across the US Midwest, as well as Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.

March 17, 2009  – Temporary layoff notices went out to 940 employees of Potash Corp of Saskatchewan at three of its plants.  The move comes as a result of cutbacks in production as well as the need to work through its current inventory.

Farmers can expect the volatility that has marked the past year to continue, according to Dr. David Kohl of Virginia Tech. He made a presentation last week to growers in the US but his advice applies to producers in Canada as well. 

Although less than two percent of Ontarians are directly involved in farming, speakers at an annual meeting of the Ontario Farm Animal Coalition heard that provincial producers are in an excellent position to capture significant  market share as consumers look for more accountability and healthier food choices.