CFFO Blog's Blog – May 2011 Archive (4)

Canadian Wool Industry Responds to New U.S. Tariffs

The Canadian Wool Council warned that doubled 50% U.S. tariffs will damage the cross-border wool and textile industry, escalating costs and disrupting supply chains.

Agriculture Enlightened panel to spotlight potato industry challenges and opportunities

Four leaders in Canada’s potato industry will take the stage at Agriculture Enlightened, Canada’s Agtech Conference, for Beyond the Spud: Markets, Technology and Opportunity. This panel discussion will explore how technology, evolving value chains, changing markets and global trade are reshaping the opportunities and challenges facing potato producers and processors. With Manitoba’s potato sector deeply connected to processing, export markets, and a diverse network of growers and industry partners, the discussion will examine how innovation and collaboration can strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and resiliency. Susan Ainsworth is the general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), representing Manitoba’s processing potato growers in negotiations and in policy and advocacy work with government and industry stakeholders. She is passionate about agricultural education and sustainable food production and was recently named one of the 2026 Influential Women in

The Future of Farm Work: What Precision Agriculture Means for Manitoba’s Workforce

A new EMILI report examines how digital tools are changing farm work—and why skills, training, and support will determine who benefits. Technology is changing how farm work is planned, performed, and managed across Manitoba. GPS-guided equipment, sensors, variable-rate technology, and farm data platforms are helping producers make more precise decisions. They are helping to manage inputs and operate increasingly complex farms too. As this unfolds, the skills required of producers and their employees must evolve at an equal pace. The same holds true for students, advisors, and technical support providers. EMILI’s new report, The Future of Farm Work: How Precision Agriculture is Changing Labour and Skills in Manitoba Agriculture, examines what these changes mean for provincial workforce development, technology adoption, and rural communities. Its central finding is clear: precision agriculture should be treated as part of Manitoba’s broader workforce challenge. Technology can help far

Protect Grain from Allergen Risks

Proper allergen management helps protect grain quality, maintain export opportunities, and reduce contamination risks through careful cleaning, storage, transport, and recordkeeping practices.

Pulse Market Insight #304 – August 21, 2026

Harvest Opens on a Split Pulse Market The pulse harvest is finally rolling in western Canada, but at a slower-than-usual pace. As of August 17, only 18% of the Saskatchewan pea crop was in the bin, similar to last year but far behind the 10-year average of 55%, with lentils just 13% combined. The late start isn’t a problem yet, but it does mean the crop needs a stretch of favourable weather to avoid quality issues. Early reports add another wrinkle: pea yields are coming in lighter than the good-looking crop stands suggested. Harvest still has to move north before the yield debate can be settled. For now, average yields remain the working assumption. What makes this year unusual is how differently the two halves of the pea market are setting up. Based on an average yield, the yellow pea crop would be roughly 30% smaller than last year, and total yellow supplies would drop by about 650,000 tonnes, tightening the balance sheet considerably. Green peas are the flipside; even with a smal