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Corteva believes we are a long way from reaching corn yield limits

Overview of Corteva products in the pipeline.

Wheat Growers Congratulate New Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, Urge Swift Action on Key Commitments

The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association warmly congratulates Heath MacDonald on his appointment as Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture. We welcome Minister MacDonald to this vital leadership role at a time when Canadian agriculture faces both significant challenges and generational opportunities. “As Minister MacDonald takes on this critical position, we are eager to see campaign commitments quickly translated into meaningful action,” said Gunter Jochum, President of the Wheat Growers. “Farmers and industry leaders alike are ready to see Canada regain its competitive edge through bold regulatory reform, expanded market access, and the removal of barriers that constrain growth. These promises were made during the Ag Debate, and we stand ready to work with the Minister to help deliver on them.” Jochum also stressed the urgent need for infrastructure investment and a stronger focus on trade competitiveness. “We’re encouraged by the government’s commitment to invest in infrastruc

Alberta Grains chair to take leave of absence

Alberta Grains board chair Tara Sawyer will be stepping away from her duties to take a run a provincial politics. Tara Sawyer was appointed the United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate for the Olds–Didsbury–Three Hills by-election by Premier Danielle Smith. Alberta Grains’ governance procedures dictate the vice-chair, Scott Jespersen, will assume the role of acting chair. Sawyer, a wheat and barley farmer from Acme, Alta, was elected as Alberta Grains’ inaugural chair in 2023 after the amalgamation of the Alberta Wheat and Barley commissions. She guided the organization through its formation and establish a strong foundation for research, policy and farmer engagement across the province. Sawyer said it was an honour to represent Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers and help lead this organization during this transformative time. “I’m proud of what our board has accomplished together and am confident in the strength of the leadership team taking the reins while I pursue this opportu

Saskatchewan government doesn’t expect more deaths in small anthrax outbreak

The Government of Saskatchewan says it doesn’t anticipate any more deaths related to the small anthrax outbreak in the Rural Municipality of Paynton. The outbreak claimed the lives of two cows according to a May 13 test result, prompting the province to remind producers to be on the lookout for anthrax in their animals. “In relation to this outbreak, the producer was very quick to respond,” said Dr. Wendy Wilkins, the provincial disease surveillance veterinarian with the Ministry of Agriculture. “The animals have been treated, they’ve been vaccinated, and they are well on their way to be being fully protected from further incidences.” As a provincially reportable disease, Wilkins said the province advises anyone who knows or suspects the presence of anthrax in their animals to report to the Ministry of Agriculture within 24 hours. “Anthrax survives in the soil in spore form. So it’s not growing, it’s not really alive, but it’s very resistant,” Wilkins said. “It stays there in the

Map: Heavy Rain for Parts of Western Canada

Some areas still need more, but rain over the past week or so has provided a major boost in soil moisture for parts of Western Canada. As can be seen on the map below, the heaviest rain fell in southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba, with the Weather Network reporting 48-hour accumulations of over 100 mm in some Saskatchewan communities at the end of last week. Although the rain has delayed or slowed fieldwork, the rain was much needed for emergence and early crop development. However, not all areas shared equally in the wealth, with dryness remaining an issue particularly for the Peace River region. World Weather said that rain expected this week should help ease dryness in western Saskatchewan and some eastern Alberta locations but will likely fall short of fully restoring soil moisture levels. Wednesday’s Manitoba crop report said some areas of the province received nearly 90 mm of rain over the past week, with some overland flooding reported in low-lying area