Working in the world of epigenetics, Steve Robinson is a research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Robinson was born and raised in Dudley, England, and has studied genetics nearly all his life. He began his post-secondary education studying genetics at the University of Birmingham, earned a PhD in molecular genetics from Newcastle University and studied at the John Innes Centre in Norwich before moving to Canada as a postdoctoral researcher. He lives in Saskatoon with his wife and daughter. What got you interested in this area of work? Well, genetics seemed to be the area where you could be the most experimental in biology. This, combined with advances in molecular biology, I found fascinating. As an undergraduate student I found there were descriptive areas of biology that interested me less, and I was more drawn to experiments involving heritable traits – seeing changes occur over generations. I guess I have always been fascinated by genetics. When I went to
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) are extremely disappointed that 25% tariffs will be implemented on Tuesday, February 4 on all products imported into the United States from Canada. We will continue working together with the Government of Canada and partners on both sides of the border to remove tariffs on live cattle and beef. “The integration of the North American live cattle and beef supply chain is unlike anywhere in the world, contributing to both food security and local and regional food systems,” says Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “The United States and Canada have the largest two-way trade in live cattle and beef in the world. American-born cattle are fed in Canadian feedlots before returning to the United States for processing. Tariffs would greatly increase the cost of processing cattle and ultimately the cost of beef on both sides of the border.” Will Lowe, Chair National Cattle Feeders’ Association, adds that a substant
Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) continues its 40th year of supporting the working capital needs of Western Canadian farmers, with the launch of its 2025 Advance Payments Program (APP) cash advance application. “Starting today, farmers in Western Canada can apply for a 2025 cash advance during our early application window,” says Dave Gallant, Vice-President, Finance & APP Operations at CCGA. “Now is a great time for farmers to get their application submitted, so we can process their paperwork and provide the spring operating funds they need as quickly as possible.” This year, CCGA will begin issuing cash advance funds on April 1. Every year, over 10,000 farmers in Western Canada benefit from the flexibility and cost-savings of a cash advance from CCGA. “The combination of no-interest and low-interest financing can result in significant cost savings,” says Gallant. For 2025, farmers can apply for up to $1 million in financing, with the interest-free component at $100,000 a
With minimal heating and regenerative soil methods, citrus farming is possible in cold climates.
There was a collective sigh of relief Monday afternoon, after word came down from the Prime Minister, there is a 30 day reprieve on Donald Trump’s tariffs. That put Canada’s plan to retaliate with tariffs on billions of dollars of US goods on hold, at least for now. The White House put a hold on tariffs on Mexican products as well, earlier in the day. In both cases, Canada and Mexico agreed to spend millions of dollars putting more boots on the ground at its border with the US. The prime minister announced an around the clock border surveillance, including the use of helicopters and the appointment of a fentanyl czar. President Trump said from the beginning, this is about curtailing the flow of illegal drugs from both Canada and Mexico into his country, although in the case of Canada, there seems to be more emphasis on trade than drugs. For years, the president has had Canada’s supply managed industries like dairy in his sites and that’s not likely to change. So what should Canada fo
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