Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Alberta Grains is providing funding financial support to the Western Crop Innovations (WCI) to advance agricultural research tailored for the Western Prairies.

WCI was established earlier this year, as a not-for-profit organization. Formerly known as the Field Crop Development Centre under Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, WCI has evolved into an entity dedicated to developing feed and forage barley, malting barley and triticale varieties optimized for Alberta’s agricultural conditions.

Alberta Grains’ contributions of $375,000 will support WCI through the balance of the current fiscal year through March 31. Alberta Grains will have further discussions with WCI to create a long-term funding agreement.

Alberta Grains’ executive director Michael Flynn said the commitment supports sustainable agricultural practices in Alberta.

“By collaborating with WCI, we are accelerating the development of innovative crop varieties and breeding technology that address the evolving needs of our agriculture sector,” Flynn said.

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Bayer CropScience has announced its new pre-emerge herbicide, Huskie Pre, has received registration for use ahead of barley, triticale and wheat for the 2025 growing season.

Huskie PRE is the first pre-burn herbicide of its kind available in Western Canada.

Offered as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation, Bayer said it’s easy to handle, mix and is easier to clean out of tanks and booms compared to other pre-burn products on the market today.

The combination of actives means cereal growers have more early-season control options for managing herbicide-resistant broadleaf weeds, including kochia.

It will be available for the 2025 season in 20-acre jugs, 320-acre drums, or 1,000-acre tote options.

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The Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) said Chris Avery is the new Chief Executive Officer. A transition is now underway as Michael Woelcke, who joined AGG from VIA Rail in 2022, will retire in September 2024.

Avery has served as president and CEO of Canada’s major northern and Arctic airline and has held senior leadership positions as vice-president with WestJet.

His mandate will be to ensure Arctic Gateway’s self-sustainability, building upon the reliability and growth of the trade corridor, and making it a beacon for Indigenous economic reconciliation.

Avery said he is looking forward to joining Arctic Gateway during a busy summer season and building upon its solid foundation.

“There is critical work ahead to solidify the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway as key pieces of strategic Canadian trade and transportation infrastructure.” he said. “’ll be working closely with our partners to make sure we can seize the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for this trade corridor.”