BC-Prep-Agriculture-Report

WEB OUT WZZ

THE CANADIAN PRESS

(Harvest-Insects)

The Canadian Grain Commission says warm weather during harvest was good for farmers, but it also made it cosy for insects that feed on grain in storage bins.

Brent Elliott, the commission’s infestation and sanitation officer, says it’s too cold now to control bugs by spraying disinfectants.

Elliott instead suggests farmers use aerators to keep grain dry and reduce its temperature.

He also says moving grain out of the bin and back again can help kill pests such as the rusty grain beetle and red flour beetle.

The movement also helps break up hot spots in grain where moulds can develop. (The Canadian Press)

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(Community-Pastures)

Producer groups have opted to lease rather than purchase the first 10 community pastures to be turned over to the Saskatchewan government.

The federal government has controlled the pastures since the 1930s, but announced last year that it would shift responsibility to the province.

David Marit of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities says various financing or leasing options are available.

But most ranchers appear to want to rent rather than buy the pastures.

Marit is involved with the committee overseeing transfer of the federal pastures to the province. (CKRM)

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(Agricultural-Consulting)

An agricultural consulting business based in Red Deer, Alta., has expanded its services to include support for farmers negotiating land deals with energy companies.

Agri-Trend Land Resources uses certified “land coaches” to help farmers and landowners with surface rights deals.

Some of the advice the coaches give includes how to value land and determine suitable compensation for its use by oil and gas firms.

CEO Rob Saik of the Agri-Trend Group says contracts are getting more complicated and can include deals on right of way, multi-site facilities and access to pipelines.

He says farmers may not fully understand the issues and there are few places to turn to for help. (Red Deer Advocate)

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(Farm-Outlook)

An economist with Farm Credit Canada is recommending producers focus on five areas to make informed business decisions in 2013.

J.P. Gervais says one of the things to watch for is increased demand for Canadian agriculture products in emerging markets such as China and India.

He also suggests farmers keep tabs on world supplies of major crops, farmland values and ways to enhance productivity.

He also suggests farmers may struggle to find seasonal or full-time employees due to low unemployment in Western Canada. (The Canadian Press)

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(CFIA-Food-Safety)

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is to provide an update on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Saskatoon this morning.

Ritz’s office says he will be at the CFIA’s laboratories to announce the food agency’s latest initiatives to improve service and regulatory compliance.

The goal is for better overall food, plant and animal safety.

Ritz and the CFIA took some heat in the fall over the way a tainted beef recall was handled at the XL Foods meat-packing plant in Brooks, Alta. (The Canadian Press)

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(Agriculture Digest by Sylvia Strojek)

18:56ET 06-01-13