The LineUp
The LineUp content hub features the latest releases and articles as they are distributed by Newsline, and it serves as a central location for the agriculture sector and media professionals to stay informed and up to date.
AgSafe Alberta launches FARMERS CARE Level 4
Oct. 16, 2024 (Calgary, AB) – AgSafe Alberta is proud to announce the launch of the fourth and final stage in its FARMERS CARE program. FARMERS CARE Level 4 is now available at AgSafeAB.ca. This free program provides valuable safety information in an accessible and engaging format that agricultural producers can navigate at their own pace. AgSafe Alberta knows farmers and ranchers are extremely busy people and wants to respect their time. That is why all levels of FARMERS CARE cover a wealth of valuable information in a condensed format, avoiding the major time commitment that typically comes with intensive safety courses. “FARMERS CARE is a great way for farmers and ranchers to start building a culture of safety on their operations,” says AgSafe Alberta chair Ian Chitwood. “With a very small investment of time, you can learn critical information and strategies that have the potential to prevent serious injuries and save lives.” FARMERS CARE is an acronym that represents the 11 most common types of farm incidents – all of which are detailed on AgSafeAB.ca. The first level of FARMERS CARE helps farmers and ranchers identify common agricultural hazards and learn how to control them, while introducing basic health and …
Funding Approved for the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate)
Saskatoon, SK (Sept. 17, 2024) – The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has approved funding for the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative of $6,243,074. Sask Wheat is joined by Alberta Grains ($4,319,798) and Manitoba Crop Alliance ($2,655,587). “Gate puts in place infrastructure for Saskatchewan wheat farmers to continue their investment in market support, which our international customers value when they purchase Canadian wheat, as well as market development so that we can continue to meet global demand for high quality Canadian grains”, says Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet Honourary Member and Sask Wheat Director, Rob Stone. This investment is based on the business plan provided by Cereals Canada, which underscores the necessity of a new facility to help the cereals industry grow and thrive. The funding is conditional upon securing the required financial support from government entities and other funding partners. Additionally, Sask Wheat’s representatives on the Cereals Canada Board will oversee that the needs of Cereals Canada and the operational costs are managed in accordance with the directions of the Cereals Canada Board. “Canada’s cereals sector leads the country’s ag exports to over 80 international destinations, valued at over $10 billion. Having unimpeded access to these international destinations …
Alberta Grains Supports Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) Initiative with $4.3 Million Investment
Sept. 17, 2024 (Calgary, AB) – Alberta Grains is pleased to announce its significant financial commitment to the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative, approving an investment of $4,319,798. This funding is part of a broader $13.2 million collaboration involving key agricultural organizations across Canada, including Sask Wheat, and Manitoba Crop Alliance. The Gate initiative, spearheaded by Cereals Canada, aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for market access, development and innovation within Canada’s cereals sector. This new facility is poised to enhance Canada’s standing as a global leader in agricultural exports, providing crucial infrastructure to support the continued growth and competitiveness of our cereals industry. “Alberta Grains recognizes the critical role that market access and development play in maintaining our competitive edge on the global stage,” said Greg Sears, Alberta Grains Region 6 Director. “The Gate initiative will not only reinforce our existing markets but will also open new avenues for growth and innovation, ensuring that Alberta’s wheat and barley producers remain at the forefront of global trade.” This investment aligns with Alberta Grains’ ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural technology and innovation. The Gate facility will serve as a central point for training and …
Manitoba Crop Alliance commits over $2.6 million to Global Agriculture Technology Exchange
Sept. 17, 2024 (Carman, MB) – Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has conditionally approved $2,655,587 in funding for Cereals Canada’s Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative. With this contribution, MCA joins Alberta Grains ($4,319,798) and the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission ($6,243,074) among grower organizations that have committed funding towards construction of the new facility, which is expected to cost approximately $100 million. “Market development and access is a top priority for MCA and one of the core principles that guide our work,” says MCA chair Robert Misko. “This support for Gate will help Cereals Canada continue their valuable work in this area, which benefits Manitoba farmers and the entire cereals value chain.” MCA’s investment is based on the business plan provided by Cereals Canada, which highlights the need for a new facility to help the cereals industry grow and thrive. This funding is conditional upon Cereals Canada securing the required financial support from government entities and other funding partners to cover the remaining projected costs. MCA is a proud member of Cereals Canada and sees significant value in the market development and access initiatives the organization spearheads on behalf of its membership. “As a Cereals Canada member, we are part of …
Manitoba Crop Alliance opens nominations for delegate positions on crop committees
July 2, 2024 (Carman, MB) – Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is now accepting nominations from farmer members to serve as delegates on its four crop committees. “Our unique governance structure ensures a strong voice for each crop type we represent,” says MCA CEO Pam de Rocquigny. “It also provides plenty of opportunities for a whole-farm, cross-commodity approach to decision-making, which is important because the majority of our farmer members grow several different crops.” MCA delegates work towards strengthening the mandate of research, agronomy, market development and access, and communication and advocacy initiatives within each of the four crop committees: corn, flax, sunflower, and wheat and barley. They also receive personal growth opportunities, such as the chance to network with fellow farmers, researchers and industry stakeholders, while gaining a deeper understanding of all the crop industries MCA represents. This nomination period, there are four open positions on each of the corn, flax and sunflower committees, as well as five open positions on the wheat and barley committee. “We take great pride in the collaborative, farmer-driven nature of our organization,” says de Rocquigny. “By becoming a delegate, farmer members get to help determine how their check-off dollars are invested. I encourage farmer …
AAFC Announces New Canadian National Barley Cluster
June 12, 2024 (Saskatoon, SK) – Earlier today, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced a new Canadian National Barley Cluster, a significant initiative aimed at advancing barley production in Canada. With a value of $9.6 million over five years, this Cluster will drive research efforts to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the Canadian barley industry. More than just a financial commitment, the Barley Cluster represents a united front in securing the future of the barley value chain. Administered by the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC), the new Barley Cluster will fund research projects that advance feed barley, barley genetics, agronomy, disease resistance and sustainability to make it a more resilient and profitable crop for Canadian farmers and end users. “Barley provides a high-quality grain to many industries like the livestock sector, while malting barley supports the Canadian brewing industry,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This research will help producers incorporate climate-resilient barley crops into their operations to increase the profitability of their farms.” “Barley is an important crop on my farm and on grain farms across the country,” said Cody Glenn, CBRC Chair and farmer from Climax, SK. “We are really pleased to have …
Capital Gains Inclusion Rate Changes Will Increase Taxes by 30 per cent on Family Farms
June 11, 2024 (Ottawa, ON) – After weeks of research and consultation with farm tax accountants, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) revealed that the capital gains inclusion rate changes will increase taxes by 30 per cent on family-run grain farms. The research details the anticipated impacts of the increase, which is set to take effect on June 25. “Our research shows that an average grain farm in Canada, most of which are family owned and operated, will see a tax increase of 30 per cent due to the two-thirds capital gains inclusion rate.” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This hike targets farmers’ retirement plans, complicates intergenerational transfers, and threatens the long-term viability of family farms across the country.” According to GGC research, an 800-acre farm purchased in 1996 in Ontario would incur nearly $1.2 million in additional taxes if sold today, while a 4,000-acre farm in Saskatchewan would face an increase of just over $900,000. “With over 40 per cent of farmers nearing retirement over the next decade, this tax increase introduces substantial uncertainty into their retirement planning,” said Andre Harpe, GGC Chair and a grain grower who farms alongside his wife and daughter in Alberta. “Despite Budget …
New Fusarium head blight mapping tool now available to farmers across the Prairies
May 15, 2024 – New Prairie-wide Fusarium head blight (FHB) risk maps are now available to producers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The tool provides assessment of Fusarium head blight index (FHBi), Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), and Deoxynivalenol (DON) risk levels in spring wheat, winter wheat, barley and durum based on weather conditions. These risk maps were created as part of a three-year research project led by the University of Manitoba’s Dr. Paul Bullock, with collaborators from Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) and Alberta Grains. “The Faculty is very pleased to release this important risk management tool for the agriculture industry,” says Dr. Martin Scanlon, dean of the faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. “The project is a great example of multi-institutional collaboration, where the combined skills and talents of both federal and provincial agricultural personnel, plus university collaborators, has facilitated research outcomes that could not have been achieved otherwise.” The weather-based risk is calculated using real-time weather data from more than 500 stations operated by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Manitoba AgWeather …
