The Dairy Farmers of Canada says farmers have been dumping raw milk because of market fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement yesterday, the organization said the last thing anyone wants to see is milk being discarded, but dramatic changes in the market have left farmers with little choice. It said the near […] Read more

The post Dairy farmers dump milk over demand issues appeared first on The Western Producer.

Give us a break. That’s the message Saskatchewan farmers are sending to Ottawa following a 50 percent increase in the federal carbon tax. Effective April 1, the federal carbon tax that’s applied to consumption of non-exempt farm fuels in Saskatchewan increased by 50 percent to $30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, up from $20 […] Read more

The post Farm, trucking groups call for carbon tax break appeared first on The Western Producer.

The top executive at the Saskatoon Trucking Association has a message for Saskatchewan residents and business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic: be kind to truckers and help them out if you can. Susan Ewart told The Western Producer that truck drivers are facing extraordinary circumstances as they move products throughout the province. Restaurant closures mean […] Read more

The post Be kind to truckers, public urged appeared first on The Western Producer.

Canada’s grain customers are getting antsy about food security, say industry officials. “What we have seen is communication from some of our more important trading partners that are looking for certainty of supply into the future,” said Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association. There has been contact at the trade association […] Read more

The post Shippers reassure nervous buyers appeared first on The Western Producer.

Ron Krahn’s father, Abe, wanted to go for coffee with his neighbour, but he realized meeting in person wasn’t a good idea given the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Abe and his neighbour met via truck. They each stayed in their passenger seats, rolling down their windows to talk to one another across the road. They kept […] Read more

The post Rural life adjusts amid pandemic appeared first on The Western Producer.

Provincial governments across Canada have declared professions within the food supply chain as essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, a move that experts say will help critical goods get to people. All provinces have declared the food supply chain an essential service. It means farmers, processors, veterinarians, farmers’ markets and agri-businesses that support the food […] Read more

The post Essential service designation called necessary appeared first on The Western Producer.

COVID-19 is delaying much of society’s normal activities, but for agriculture research, “delay” might actually mean “not going to happen” this year. That’s worrying researchers, farmers and those in agriculture who rely upon their work. Delays might mean permanent damage to multi-year research. Some crop research can’t be done at all if researchers can’t get […] Read more

The post Pandemic fears throw wrench into ag research appeared first on The Western Producer.

Farm safety organizations have developed emergency planning resources to help farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. AgSafe BC released documents last week, providing farmers with ways they can implement safety measures to help reduce the spread of the virus. It’s expected farms will become busier as seeding begins, particularly as more employees begin work, making these […] Read more

The post Safety groups develop COVID-19 plans appeared first on The Western Producer.

Flour mills are running full out in response to surging demand from consumers suddenly forced to rely on home baking. “The demand for flour is extremely high as it always is in a crisis,” said Jim McCarthy, president of the North American Millers’ Association. “Talking to some of our members, it’s almost like the holiday […] Read more

The post COVID-19 shifts flour sales appeared first on The Western Producer.

Dry, edible beans are one of the commodities people have been stockpiling in case they are quarantined during the COVID-19 outbreak. “There has been a huge surge in demand everywhere,” said Rebecca Bratter, executive director of the United States Dry Bean Council, an organization that promotes bean consumption in the U.S. and around the world. […] Read more

The post COVID-19 stockpiling prompts surge in dry bean demand appeared first on The Western Producer.