Saskatchewan canola crop development variable: crop tour

CNS– The development of canola was clearly at varying stages of development in east central and southeast Saskatchewan during the third day of a crop tour organized by CWB (formerly the Canadian Wheat Board). On July 30, participants took a circuitous tour starting in Yorkton, then going northwest to Melfort, before once again heading south […] Read more

Dry weather appears headed to Canadian Prairies: climatologist

CNS — It appears a summer heat wave could be headed for the Canadian Prairies. Daniel Bezte, a climatologist based near Winnipeg, sees indications of an onset of warm, dry air next week (July 28-August 1). “I don’t think anybody would frown on a couple weeks of (that).” For over a month now, Bezte says […] Read more


Excess rainfall may cut Canadian flax harvest

CNS — Flooding on the eastern edge of the Prairies has thrown into question how many flax acres will be harvested this year. Dozens of communities in southeast Saskatchewan and southwest Manitoba have been inundated with water resulting in flooded fields and stalled crops. Will Hill, the president of the Flax Council of Canada, says […] Read more

Edible beans fight for yields in watery Manitoba

CNS — Flooding in Manitoba is causing headaches for growers of edible beans but at least two industry experts think they’ll come out of the situation OK. Jason Voth farms southeast of Altona and also sits as chairman of the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association’s Edible Bean Committee. He says in his local area of Altona […] Read more

Surging prices spark slight rise in Alta. rustling

CNS Canada –– A member of the RCMP’s cattle investigations unit in Alberta warns the high price of cattle seems to have drawn some unwanted attention. Cpl. Dave Heaslip has noticed a slight influx of cattle-reported thefts this year, and believes it’s due to record-high prices on offer for heifers and steers. “There is a […] Read more


A sclerotinia-infected canola stem. Eastern Prairie crops are expected to face added disease pressure. (Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada)

Prairie disease dangers rise with floodwaters

CNS Canada — A plant disease specialist warns flooding in the eastern Prairies is an ideal breeding opportunity for crop disease. Standing water will stress many plants once they’re fully saturated, said Faye Dokken Bouchard, a specialist with Saskatchewan’s agriculture ministry in Regina. Recovery times vary for young plants and often leaves them more prone […] Read more

Manitoba soybeans hang tough despite flooding

CNS Canada — Despite widespread flooding in a region known to carry significant soybean acres, a Manitoba industry watcher predicts this year’s crop will be fine. Shawn Rempel, product manager for Quarry Seed at Stonewall, Man., acknowledges wet conditions in southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba have been a problem for producers. However, he said, the […] Read more

Flooding snarls E. Sask. grain routes

CNS Canada — Grain companies aren’t seen as likely to be pulling much grain from the southeast corner of Saskatchewan in the near future. Norm Hall, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, said logistics are “a nightmare” right now because of the recent wet weather. Bridges are out, culverts plugged up and many […] Read more


(Lisa Guenther photo)

CBOT corn feels effects of USDA report, PED virus

CNS Canada — Corn futures on the Chicago Board of Trade were lower during the week ended Wednesday, as prices plunged with the release of a U.S. Department of Agriculture acreage report which showed planted acres exceeding previous projections. Values are also feeling pressure from continuing favourable weather, according to Terry Reilly, senior commodity analyst […] Read more

Beef benefits expected from China deal, over time

CNS Canada — A deal to increase the volume and cuts of Canadian beef that are shipped to China is winning applause from the Canadian cattle sector, but isn’t likely to revolutionize the industry anytime soon. Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz completed a trade mission to China, where he received assurances China would […] Read more