AI-Generated News
Canada’s 2024 harvest is progressing well, with favourable weather helping farmers across several regions. In Saskatchewan, as of early September, 61% of the crop has been harvested, significantly ahead of the five- and ten-year averages of 50% and 46%, respectively. Hot and dry weather has accelerated the harvest, though it has also increased the risk of equipment fires and grain heating in storage (EIN News).
Manitoba has also seen rapid harvest progress, with 40% of crops now harvested, up from 26% the previous week. The Central region leads at 51% completion. Peas are almost fully harvested, and barley, oats, and spring wheat are nearing 70% completion (Syngenta Canada).
In Alberta, the Peace region is well ahead of its five-year average, with over 24% of the harvest completed by early September (EverythingGP). Conditions across these provinces remain favourable for continued harvesting, though producers are keeping an eye on equipment and storage safety due to the dry heat.
In Eastern Canada, the harvest is progressing with mixed conditions across various regions. Ontario is seeing a significant harvest of winter wheat, which is wrapping up early due to favorable weather conditions earlier in the year. The region is also advancing with the harvest of soybeans and corn, though there have been delays caused by wet field conditions, particularly in some areas of Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Despite these challenges, some parts of Eastern Ontario have managed to plant spring cereals (Real Agriculture)(Syngenta Canada).
For the most part, crop yields in Eastern Canada are expected to remain stable, though heavy rains in some regions have led to concerns about crop quality. Farmers in these areas are closely monitoring the weather as they push to complete the harvest in the coming weeks (Real Agriculture).
Generated September 13, 2024. OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (September 14 version).
Harvest Progress:
- In Saskatchewan, about 61% of the crop is harvested, ahead of the five- and ten-year averages, due to hot, dry conditions. However, producers are concerned about grain quality and equipment safety due to the heat and drought (EIN News).
- In Ontario, the harvest of winter wheat is nearing completion, with favorable conditions allowing for early harvests. Corn and soybean harvesting has started, but wet field conditions in some areas have slowed progress (Syngenta Canada).
Sustainable Farming:
- The National Farmers Union (NFU) launched the Depth of Field film series, highlighting sustainable practices such as organic farming, seed sovereignty, and climate solutions. These efforts are part of a broader push to promote environmentally friendly farming across Canada (The Review).
- Vertical farming continues to grow, especially in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia, supported by federal programs like the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)(Vertical Farm Daily).
Agricultural Policy:
- The Sustainable CAP, launched in April 2023, remains a key framework for Canadian farming, focusing on climate change, innovation, and competitiveness. Programs like the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program are helping farmers adopt sustainable practices (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada).
These updates reflect Canada’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation in agriculture, while also addressing challenges posed by weather and market conditions.
Generated September 13, 2024. OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (September 14 version).
The most popular blogs on food innovation often focus on the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry. Some top mentions include:
The Food Tech Diary – This blog dives into the latest food tech developments, including topics like fermentation, sustainability, and novel food sources such as insects. It frequently explores how these innovations reshape the way we eat (THE FOOD TECH DIARY ).
GourmetPro – Known for showcasing innovative businesses and products in food and beverages, this platform covers a wide array of topics from plant-based beverages to animal-free proteins (GourmetPro).
Board of Innovation – This platform provides insights into the intersection of food and tech, highlighting revolutionary ideas like AI-driven food production, 3D-printed foods, and personalized nutrition (BOI (Board of Innovation)).
These blogs are great resources if you’re keen to explore how technology is shaping the future of food.
Generated September 13, 2024. OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (September 14 version).
2021
Policy Brief on Glyphosate and Herbicide Tolerant Crops
July 27, 2021
As part of Dr. Smyth’s Research Chair, his research team and Masters Student, Chelsea Sutherland, have surveyed more than a hundred Saskatchewan farmers, and have inquired on the contribution of beneficial technologies, such as GMHT crops and glyphosate, to sustainable adoptions. Check out Dr. Smyth and team’s policy brief here.
Policy Brief on Quantifying Saskatchewan’s Crop Production Soil Carbon
July 13, 2021
As part of Dr. Smyth’s Research Chair, his research team and Masters Student, Chelsea Sutherland, have quantified the provinces crop production soil carbon from the early 90s to now. Check out Dr. Smyth and team’s policy brief here.
2018/19
Newsweek Article – Stuart Smyth & Henry Miller
March 28, 2019
Newsweek has published the opinion piece “Monsanto, Roundup and Cancer: Cutting chemicals from agriculture is a cost we can’t et afford” by Stuart J. Smyth and Henry I Miller. Their article shares why they think we still need glyphosate (Roundup®), and why we can’t just toss it out from agricultural production so hastily.
Check out their article at Newsweek.
Governance of Digital Sequence Information and Impacts For Access and Benefit Sharing
SEPT 18, 2018: THE AGENDA WITH STEVE PAIKIN
Dr. Smyth was fortunate enough to partake in TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin to discuss “Agricultural Biotech at Home and Abroad” with Crystal Mackay from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, Lucy Sharratt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), and Ian Affleck from Croplife Canada.
Episode 26: Greenpeace on Trial: Dr. Stuart Smyth
June 4, 2018
Check out Cameron English’s podcast below with guest Dr. Smyth on the success of the Greenpeace student trials.
You can find the full write-up on the podcast along with more of Cameron’s blogs here.
Indicting Greenpeace for Crimes Against Agriculture 2018
Indicting Greenpeace for Crimes Against Agriculture
In “Indicting Greenpeace for Crimes Against Agriculture” Stuart promised to make his student’s mock trial debates available online. Each student group were randomly assigned a statement and the responsibility to either defend or prosecute in a live trial.
The students in this debate statement may be defending and prosecuting statements that do not align with their personal views and this should be taken into consideration when viewing this debate.
The trials will continue 8:30 am CST live on Facebook on November 23, 28 and 30, 2017. The student jury will present their verdicts on December 5th and can be viewed along with the other debate videos.
Tuesday November 21st: Day 1 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Thursday November 23rd: Day 2 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Tuesday, November 28th: Day 3 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Thursday, November 30th: Day 4 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
…. Tuesday, December 5th: Jury Verdicts of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Live 8:30 am CST Live on Facebook