Glacier FarmMedia – Canadians don’t know much, or think much, about gene-edited crops. But when asked about the technology, one phrase pops up: genetically modified organisms. Last summer, CropLife Canada hired a polling firm to gauge public knowledge and perceptions about gene-edited crops. Why it matters: How gene-edited crops are regulated around the world will […] Read more
Gene-edited crops suffer in information war
Consumers continue to confuse gene editing with genetic modification
Soybean growers may need certification for EU
Canadian sector urged to ponder such a program as European Union moves toward requiring proof of sustainable production
Canadian soybean growers may soon need sustainability certification if they want to sell into the European feed market. Europe is edging toward a sustainability requirement for imported soybeans. “The European Commission is pushing feed manufacturers in Europe, very forcefully to increase the amount of sustainably produced soybeans going into the feed market,” said Ron Davidson, […] Read more
Ontario company finds place in Ukraine
Independent seed company develops market to supply corn seed
Glacier FarmMedia – Ukraine, a country known for wheat and sunflowers, grows a surprising amount of corn. United States Department of Agriculture data shows Ukraine planted 13 million acres of corn in 2020. Canada had 4.5 million acres of corn in 2020, if silage corn is included. For the seed industry, 13 million acres is […] Read more
New camelina produces plastic in the seed
The amount of polymers is small but an American company hopes to continue to increase levels
Glacier FarmMedia – An American firm is developing a new type of camelina, that produces bioplastic in the seed. Yield10 Bioscience of Massachusetts announced recently that the bioplastic in the seed could eventually be used to make biodegradable consumer products, such as Ziploc sandwich bags or bio-degradable grocery bags. Why it matters: There’s increasing concern […] Read more
Canada has new top soybean buyer
Iran purchased 383,000 tonnes of soybeans from January to the end of September, worth $181 million
Glacier FarmMedia – In 10 seconds or less, name the Number One buyer of Canadian soybeans in 2020. Japan? The United States? China? The answer is Iran. Why it matters: Canada has struggled to replace soybean demand from China since it disappeared in 2019. From January to the end of September, Iran bought 383,000 tonnes […] Read more
Neonic ban decision expected in six months
Health Canada said it now has further information to consider in making its decision
Glacier FarmMedia — Health Canada is expected to make a decision on neonicotinoid insecticides in about six months. Federal scientists have studied neonics and their potential impact on aquatic insects for years. The final judgment was scheduled for this autumn, but now won’t happen until the spring. “Due to the vast amount of new information […] Read more
National potato harvest declines
Dry summers in Ontario, Quebec and Maritime cut into yield
Glacier FarmMedia – Canadian potato production will decline this year, possibly by six per cent or more. A hot and dry summer, especially in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, cut into potato yields across the country. Why it matters: Potatoes are a high value crop for the areas across the country where they are produced. […] Read more
Sow exercise benefits found lacking
Researchers wanted to know if a middle ground solution between stalls and open housing was a reasonable option
Glacier FarmMedia – Pregnant sows have an intrinsic desire to leave their stalls, say swine health experts at the University of Saskatchewan. But giving sows periodic freedom to leave stalls and move about the barn doesn’t significantly improve the lives or welfare of the animals. Why it matters: Animal welfare is a key concern for […] Read more
Group sow housing deadline could be pushed back
The National Farm Animal Council has recommended a new 2029 deadline
Glacier FarmMedia – Pig producers in Canada may have another nine years to convert their barns to group sow housing. A report from the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) on the codes of practice for raising pigs in Canada has recommended pushing back the deadline from 2024 to 2029. A five-year review of the […] Read more
Cost puts brakes on farm technology adoption
Companies that want to sell to farmers have to demonstrate value of technology
Glacier FarmMedia – Most farmers in southern Ontario grow soybeans and corn. Meanwhile, the typical farmer in Saskatchewan produces canola, wheat, barley and probably a pulse crop. Yet the two share similar concerns about adopting agriculture technology. Why it matters: Precision tools are becoming increasingly important to efficient, sustainable farming, yet many producers remain concerned […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
