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.
Study reveals Manitoba Crop Alliance crop types are major drivers of Manitoba economy
March 13, 2024 (Carman, MB) – Today, Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) released data highlighting the significant contributions of its crop types to the Manitoba economy. MCA contracted information services company GlobalData to conduct a study assessing the impact of Manitoba-grown wheat (excluding durum), barley, grain corn, sunflower and flax on the province’s economy. Together, these five crop types account for a large part of Manitoba’s agriculture industry. Several of these crops are also the foundations for important food industries, both within the province and beyond. GlobalData found that the total economic impact of MCA’s five crop types averaged roughly $6.9 billion over the past three years, including more than 28,000 Manitoba jobs and $2.5 billion in wages. “This study shows the major role our crop types play in the economic well-being of the province and the country,” says MCA chair Robert Misko, who farms east of Roblin, MB. “As farmers, we have long known our position in the system and how we contribute to the province’s success, but it is heartening to see those contributions laid out in a measurable way that anyone can understand.” For a full breakdown of the study, including summary data and in-depth reports for each crop …
CWRC to administer new, $20-million Canadian National Wheat Cluster
March 6, 2024 (Carman, MB; Saskatoon, SK; Calgary, AB) – Valuable wheat research across the country will receive crucial funding through the newly announced Canadian National Wheat Cluster, worth more than $20 million over five years. Administered by the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC), the Wheat Cluster will fund research projects that advance wheat genetics, agronomy and sustainability for the benefit of Canadian farmers. “Wheat is a vital crop in the rotations of grain farmers across the country,” said Jake Leguee, CWRC chair, who farms near Fillmore, SK. “The investment in research through the Wheat Cluster will keep wheat profitable and sustainable for Canadian farmers, increasing quality and yields while finding new solutions for environmental stressors like drought and diseases like Fusarium head blight. Farmers have been practicing minimum tillage and nutrient stewardship for decades, and the activities funded under this will enhance those practices, allowing farmers to contribute further to the Government of Canada’s climate targets.” Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux announced the new Wheat Cluster this afternoon on behalf of the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Over $11.2 million in funding for the cluster will come from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) through the Sustainable …
Manitoba Crop Alliance launches 2024 APP Cash Advance Program
March 4, 2024 (Carman, MB) – Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is now accepting applications for 2024 Advance Payments Program (APP) cash advances, with funds to be issued starting April 2, 2024. The APP is a federal loan program administered by MCA. It offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and low-interest cash advances. Under the program, eligible farmers are eligible to receive up to $1,000,000, with the Government of Canada paying the interest on the first $100,000 of the advance for the 2024 program year. Funds for the 2024 spring cash advance program will start being issued on April 2, 2024. For the 2024 program year, MCA’s interest rate on interest-bearing cash advances is prime – 0.50 per cent. This interest-bearing rate is the most competitive in Manitoba among other APP administrators, major banks and credit unions. “The APP is a great tool that allows farmers to market their agricultural products when they want to and when it will provide the most benefit to their operation,” says MCA CEO Pam de Rocquigny. “After more than 40 years as an APP administrator, we’re proud to continue offering this valuable program to farmers across Manitoba.” To apply for an advance under the …
Media Advisory – Register today for the 2024 Barley Symposium
Feb. 20, 2024 – If you are a barley enthusiast or Canadian agriculture aficionado, the 2024 Barley Symposium is for you! Brought to you by the Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute, Canadian Grain Commission, Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre, the event will take place at the Delta Bessborough in beautiful Saskatoon, SK. This year’s theme is “From the Ground Up” and attendees will be treated to exclusive presentations on the latest and greatest research advancements along the whole value chain in one of Canada’s most profitable crops. “As a coalition, we are proud to showcase researchers who are on the leading edge of barley innovation,” said CBRC chair Cody Glenn from his farm near Climax, SK. “This year’s symposium will feature a rare mix of knowledge transfer directly from researchers and networking opportunities that are not to be missed.” The symposium will run from Feb. 25-27, 2024, and include relevant topics of discussion such as “Emerging Biotic Threats,” “Advances in established biotic threat management,” “Progress in variety development and agronomy,” and “New technology to advance variety development and agronomy” – to name a few. There will also be a poster session with …
SaskBarley Board Elects New Chair
January 11, 2024 (Saskatoon, SK) – The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) Board announced today that they have elected a new Chair to replace Keith Rueve, whose time as a director was ending after two consecutive terms. Cody Glenn was elected as Chair, and Matt Enns as Vice-Chair. “I would like to thank Keith for his leadership and commitment to Saskatchewan’s barley producers,” says Glenn, a certified seed grower and owner of Southline Ag Services in Climax, SK. “I look forward to working with our strong team at the board and staff level as we continue to make investments that grow Saskatchewan’s barley industry.” Enns was re-elected as a director in the recent 2023 Board elections. He operates a multi-generational grain farm near Rosthern, SK, and is also a co-founder of Maker’s Crafted Malts. “As I continue my time with SaskBarley, I am excited for all of the initiatives and critical investments in research that we have on the go,” Enns adds. “The decisions we make as a Board will always be in support of barley producers and with an eye to an even brighter future.” Glenn and Enns will assume their roles immediately for a one-year term. Newly elected directors …
SaskCanola & SaskFlax announce successful amalgamation vote
Jan. 10, 2024 – SaskCanola and SaskFlax are pleased to announce the successful approval of their amalgamation. This decision comes after resolutions were passed at both organizations’ Annual General Meetings in January 2023, calling for the two organizations to explore options for potential amalgamation over the past year. Yesterday, SaskCanola and SaskFlax jointly held their Annual General Meetings to share the outcomes of feedback gathered through an online consultation survey from Saskatchewan’s canola and flax growers. The responses were overwhelmingly supportive of amalgamation. Formal voting on the proposed amalgamation took place during the meetings and was met with widespread approval, signaling a historic moment for the canola and flax industries in Saskatchewan. “The collaborative efforts are expected to streamline operations, enhance research initiatives, and provide a more cohesive voice for oilseed growers in the province,” said Tracy Broughton, Executive Director, “Both Commissions will now work with Agri-Food Council to amend regulations as the amalgamation will officially commence at the start of the next crop year on August 1, 2024.” The SaskCanola Board voted to maintain current leadership with Keith Fournier as Chair and Dean Roberts as Vice-Chair. The SaskFlax Board also voted to maintain current leadership with Greg Sundquist as Chair …
Late-stage amendment to Bill C-234 disappoints Canadian agriculture, ACA urges swift action in the House
Dec. 6, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – The Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) expresses profound disappointment following the Senate’s recent adoption of a previously rejected amendment to Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. After weeks of procedural delays, marked by the re-introduction of amendments that were already debated and defeated and repeated adjournments, Senators voted 40-39 in favour of an amendment previously rejected by both the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food as well as the whole Senate at report stage. “While the Senate is supposed to be the chamber for sober second thought, Canadian farmers are bearing the brunt of political delays driven by partisan interests,” says Dave Carey, co-chair of ACA. “The reintroduction of a previously defeated amendment weeks later is unprecedented. Seeing this outcome at such a late stage is profoundly disappointing.” The narrowly passed amendment effectively restricts the exemption to grain drying, removing the proposed exemption for heating barns, greenhouses and structures used to grow food. This means that hundreds of thousands of farmers, growers and ranchers will be left behind and won’t receive much-needed financial relief at a time when they need it most. ACA is also very disappointed that …
Grain Growers of Canada express deep disappointment as Senate amends Bill C-234
Dec. 6, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) express deep disappointment following the Senate’s rejection of Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, which sought to exempt propane and natural gas from carbon pricing for on-farm activities. “We look to the Senate for sober second thought, but not to reject the will of the House of Commons,” says GGC executive director Kyle Larkin. “Members of Parliament from every political party passed C-234 in the House due to the fact that no viable alternatives exist for the use of propane and natural gas for on-farm activities. We are deeply disappointed that the Senate amended the legislation, sending it back to the House of Commons where its status will be unclear.” Bill C-234 aims to provide farmers with an exemption from carbon pricing on propane and natural gas, essential for vital farming processes such as drying grain and heating and cooling barns and growing structures. The costs associated with innovation and current technology are substantial, and presently, there are no viable alternative fuel sources available. This legislation would have restored working capital for farmers, enabling them to invest in emerging technologies that would reduce …
