'This program is no ASRA' Monday, October 3, 2011 Kevin Grier, a senior analyst at the George Morris Centre, says the new Business Risk Management program is a poor substitute for Ontario's dream of a support program like Quebec has in Assurance stabilisation des revenus agricoles (ASRA). It's not even "ASRA-lite." "Ontario farm organizations have spread lavish praise over the program. They have a stake in making it look as good as possible, given the time and effort they put lobbying for it," Grier wrote in the July 15 issue of Canadian Pork Market Review. "Unlike a real insurance program, however, Premiums are waived for the program's 2011 transition year. Even better, there is going to be a payout to livestock producers this fall, just in time for the provincial election. "For example, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario posted a blog on July 8 saying that the 'announcement of a Risk Management Program is arguably one of the most significant accomplishments for Ontario's agricultural groups in a long time,' Grier writes. "The next step is to see whether the average farmer agrees with this assessment and chooses to support the new program by enrolling in it." BP CFIA slow off the mark Pork belly futures a thing of the past
Plant Essential Oils Boost Swine Growth Monday, April 6, 2026 A long-term study conducted by researchers at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has highlighted the potential of plant-based essential oils as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in swine production.... Read this article online
Alberta Water Reporting Rules May Ease for Small Farms Monday, April 6, 2026 The Government of Alberta has introduced changes to the Water Act that will require mandatory water use reporting. These new rules aim to improve water management and ensure sustainable use of resources. However, discussions are ongoing, and farmers still have an opportunity to shape how... Read this article online
Ag in the House: March 23 – 26 Monday, April 6, 2026 During the March 25 session of question period, Conservative Ag Critic John Barlow wondered which Liberal policies have hurt farmers the most. “Is it the fact that the Liberals are closing seven research centres and firing hundreds of scientists? Is it because we are the only G7 country... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Manitoba Monday, April 6, 2026 Farms.com’s third look into insurance and road rules for farm equipment in Canada is for Manitoba’s ag community. Do Manitobans need a license to drive a tractor? If the driver is at least 16, and the tractor is on private land, or temporarily on a public road for travel between fields... Read this article online
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Monday, April 6, 2026 A long term research project from Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Wisconsin is offering new insight into what drives Colorado potato beetle outbreaks, giving US potato growers a clearer picture of how weather patterns and environmental conditions shape one of the... Read this article online