OntAG Admin's Blog – February 2011 Archive (5)

Bayer Seeks Tariffs on Glyphosate Imports

Bayer Seeks Tariffs on Glyphosate Imports, Sparking Farmer Concerns Over Rising Costs.

Quebec Biofood Sector Investment Gets a Boost

Canada is investing nearly $34 million to support innovation, jobs, and local food processing in Quebec’s biofood sector, strengthening supply chains and national food security goals.

New Swine Influenza Vaccine Technology Could Transform Hog Health Management

A breakthrough swine influenza vaccine platform could reduce disease severity, improve herd health, and help producers respond quickly to emerging virus strains.

Wheat midge – Overview

The wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) is found in most areas around the world wherever wheat is grown. In recent years, significant damage to wheat crops due to wheat midge has been reported in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, southern British Columbia, Minnesota, North Dakota and Idaho. All wheat varieties are currently susceptible to wheat midge, but some are more seriously affected than others. Although the midge also attacks other members of the grass family, including barley, couch grass, intermediate wheat grass and rye, infestations on these plants are usually not serious enough to warrant control. Research and breeding for wheat midge resistant wheat varieties is underway at the Cereals Research Centre (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Winnipeg) and the Crop Development Centre (University of Saskatchewan).

5 ideas to help attract and keep the best employees

Good employees are hard to find – and keep. That’s why some farms are looking for creative solutions to help retain workers. Whether it’s by way of increased compensation, nurturing a family-friendly workplace or creating opportunities for career advancements, here are five ways to create a desirable workplace: 1. Non-monetary compensation Benefits on top of wages can be a necessity to attract workers to more remote, rural locations like farms. Such compensation can include access to housing and transportation to the job site. Jeff Warkentin, the chief operating officer and farm manager of Hebert Grain Ventures, lists additional incentives that the 40,000-acre grain and oilseed operation in southeast Saskatchewan provides: Pension benefits Additional benefits, such as health plans Bonus and profitability programs. Bonuses are paid out to employees who achieve targeted goals, while profitability bonuses are distributed in profitable years for the company. 2. Family affair Including