Livestock breeding patent unites German farmers and environmentalists Tuesday, June 2, 2009 German farmers and environmentalists have something in common for once. Both groups object to a patent being granted on a gene that is linked to rapid growth in pigs. In a rare show of solidarity, 400 of them protested in front of the European Patent Office in Munich in mid-April. Their shared goal – to prevent a patent application for livestock breeding from being granted. The technique, described in Patent EP 1651777, is not a genetic modification, but a screening process to find and mate pigs that naturally grow fast. Farmers believe that eventually they might have to pay a private company a royalty to produce livestock they have raised themselves. Originally filed in the patent office in 2004 by Monsanto, the patent has since been granted to Newsham Choice Genetics. BP Pork campaign targets younger females Solutions to labour shortages may lie offshore
Ontario Grows More Than Three-Quarters of Canada’s Pumpkins Friday, August 7, 2026 While pumpkins are often associated with autumn festivals and Halloween displays, Canadian farmers know the crop is also a significant specialty commodity with growing economic importance. When it comes to pumpkin production, one province stands well above the rest. Ontario accounts... Read this article online
Canola Growers Urged to Scout Blackleg Thursday, August 6, 2026 Blackleg is one of the most important diseases affecting canola production. It can reduce crop yield, lower quality, increase lodging, and affect overall farm profitability. Effective management is important formaintaininghealthy crops and producing high-quality canola. Keepit Cleanis... Read this article online
FMC Launches New Harvest Dry Down Herbicide Thursday, August 6, 2026 FMC Canada has announced the registration ofPrecisionPac®FH 20 herbicide, a new crop protection product designed to support growers during the harvest season. The product is intended to help prepare canola and other registered crops for a smoother and more efficient harvest. The... Read this article online
UFA Expands Crop Services with Ponoka Acquisition Thursday, August 6, 2026 UFA has strengthened its position in the agricultural sector through the acquisition of Ponoka Fertilizer, a well-established crop input and agronomy business serving producers in Central Alberta. The move brings together two organizations that share a strong commitment to supporting farmers... Read this article online
Bayer’s Battle of the Bushels Wednesday, August 5, 2026 A new ag competition is pitting farmers against one another. Bayer’s Battle of the Bushels sees 15 selected canola growers (14 from Saskatchewan and one from Alberta) seed a 40-acre plot with either DK401TL or DK400TL, plus a BUTEO start seed treatment. Bayer reps visit the... Read this article online