Resistance to clubroot disease in canola is deteriorating across Alberta, according to research conducted by Alberta Agriculture and the University of Alberta. Multiple pathotypes are now suspected to be responsible for infecting canola varieties that were previously deemed resistant to the soil-borne disease. The presence of a different clubroot pathotype that could infect resistant varieties... Read More

All the New Holland dealerships in Manitoba will soon operate under the same banner as Brandon-based Mazergroup has announced plans to acquire Southeastern Farm Equipment in Steinbach. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it's expected to close on July 1st. "All of us at Mazergroup are excited about adding such a reputable... Read More

The Grain Farmers of Ontario are speaking up about concerns they have regarding the reach of Ontario’s ministry of environment. It’s no secret that GFO disagrees with the province’s proposed regulations regarding the use of neonicotinoid corn and soybean seed treatments — regulations the producer group says equate to a de facto ban on the... Read More

Tillage, seeding and fertilizer application equipment manufacturer Salford Group has announced the acquisition of Valmar Airflo Inc., a Manitoba-based maker of seed and granular spreaders. “We are thrilled to add Valmar Airflo to our family,” said Geof Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Salford Group, in a news release. “This merger will allow us to offer... Read More

Approximately 25 percent of the 2015 crop on the Canadian prairies was in the ground at the start of this week (May 4th), according to the weather and crop specialist with CWB Market Research. Dry conditions in southern Alberta, southwestern Saskatchewan and south-central/southeastern Manitoba have allowed seeding operations to advance ahead of average, with “virtually... Read More

The announcement by U.S. restaurant chain Chipotle that it has eliminated all GMOs from its menu (with some exceptions, of course) is drawing major criticism from not only the agriculture and science communities, but the mainstream media. The Washington Post, Bloomberg and TIME were among the outlets that published articles last week denouncing the GMO-free... Read More

After 44 years of Progressive Conservative government, Albertans voted for change on Tuesday, electing Rachel Notley and 52 other New Democrat MLAs, including dozens of political rookies. The PCs, under Jim Prentice failed to even remain the Official Opposition, as Brian Jean and the Wild Rose Party claimed 21 ridings. After 44 years of living... Read More

A national organization focused on improving agricultural awareness in schools was formally launched on Monday, as Agriculture in the Classroom Canada held its first annual general meeting in Saskatoon. AITC Canada will provide a forum for provincial and territorial ag literacy organizations to work together, explained Johanne Ross, chair of AITC Canada and executive director... Read More

Just weeks before the World Trade Organization rules on the U.S. government's final appeal to maintain mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) rules, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a report to the House and Senate agriculture committees on Friday saying the meat labeling laws have little, if any, measurable economic benefit. The USDA's economic... Read More