Reuters – A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation on July 21 that would eliminate a national mandate requiring oil refiners to blend corn-based ethanol into their fuel mix – a proposal that would slam corn growers and is likely to face vehement opposition from the farm lobby. Republican Senator Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania and Democratic […] Read more
News — page 314
Bipartisan U.S. bill aims to eliminate corn ethanol volume mandate
Industry-led Code of Conduct for retailers on horizon
Provincial agriculture ministers encourage industry collaboration to find solution
A report from the federal-provincial working group says the retail sector has levied an increasing number of fees on suppliers, and is proposing the formation of a code of conduct as a potential solution. Canada’s agriculture ministers are now calling on industry to lead the process. They formed the working group to study the issue […] Read more
Province will commit up to $5 million for AgriRecovery
The Ontario government is committing up to $5 million in provincial funding for AgriRecovery to further assist farmers in northwestern Ontario cover costs caused by severe drought and feed shortages. This funding is in addition to the $2 million already announced for feed, water and fencing through the province’s Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance Initiative. The federal […] Read more
Israel shakes up agriculture sector to cut produce costs
Reuters – Israel’s government has unveiled a plan to lower fresh produce costs by cutting customs duties and opening the sector to competition, potentially ending years of prices far above Western averages. The plan, which includes an aid package of direct and other support to Israeli farmers, is expected to save consumers 2.7 billion shekels […] Read more
3D printing grows in popularity
Greater knowledge of the technology’s capabilities and data-mapping process drives use by companies and individuals
The number of uses for 3D printing in the agriculture sector continues to grow as expired process patents, better materials and greater awareness of the technology allow more people to bypass traditional barriers and inefficiencies in parts manufacturing. Companies from many sectors have found 3D printing to be a cost-effective method of prototyping new parts […] Read more
Beef advised to play to its environmental strengths when sharing story
Consumers need to hear more about the positive relationship between beef and grasslands, experts say
As environmental concerns and social pressures prompt people to change buying behaviours, more products are under scrutiny, particularly beef. “Beef is one of our most beloved foods. From fast food to backyard barbecues to steakhouses, we have a relationship with beef that is deep and long-lasting,” said Bob Froese, chief executive officer of Bob’s Your […] Read more
Bayer loses third appeals case over glyphosate weedkiller
Reuters – Bayer has lost a third appeal against U.S. court verdicts that awarded damages to customers blaming their cancers on use of its glyphosate-based weedkillers, leaving the German drugs and pesticides group to pin hopes for legal relief on the U.S. Supreme Court. On Aug. 9, a California appeals court upheld an $86 million verdict that […] Read more
An enviable problem
Direct-to-consumer farm marketers learn to manage businesses that have grown much quicker than they expected
Farmtario talked to Amy Kitchen and Emma Butler early in the pandemic. We went back to see how they are managing the rapid growth in their direct-to-market farm businesses a year later. Nestled in the colourfully chaotic flower garden encompassing Sideroad Farm, Amy Kitchen’s sun-browned face flits between appreciation and concern. Sixteen months past the […] Read more
Editorial: Time for another Hay West?
Ontario farmers have many reasons to be thankful
People look at me strangely sometimes when I make the case that Ontario is one of the best places in the world to farm. There are always struggles in farming and when you deal with your package of farming challenges it feels tough. Ontario has its issues — urban encroachment, expensive land and a unique […] Read more
Dairy groups call for provinces to oversee grocery code of conduct
Retailer demands are raising costs for consumers and making some suppliers uncompetitive
Canada’s dairy industry is asking for provinces to oversee a code of practice for grocery retailers. In a letter to federal ministers, leaders from dairy groups say the “best solution” to “arbitrary fees and deductions” would be through “the development of provincial codes that are legislated, mandatory and enforceable.” Why it matters: Fees charged to […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
