(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday April 7, 2020

Apr 7, 2020 | 9:58 AM

The Canadian beef industry is reminding producers to practice social distancing and follow self-isolation guidelines as required.

The Beef Cattle Research Council said many production practices, such as vaccinations and processing continue to take place for the health and welfare of animals. But there are also other activities and events, including cattle sales, shipments, or brandings that will continue in order for the beef production cycle to run as smoothly as possible.

The council said producers should be familiar with specific requirements from their respective province to ensure the safety and wellbeing of themselves, their families, and their employees.

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association has posted some practical and important guidelines producers should follow.

More resources related to cattle production, farm management, trade, and financial supports, are available at the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association COVID-19 webpage.

Responsive measures

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Feedlot-specific information can be found at the National Cattle Feeders Association webpage.

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The Western Canadian Wheat Growers board of directors has elected a Saskatchewan farmer as the new chair.

Glaslyn area farmer Daryl Fransoo grows spring and soft white wheat, malt barley, canola, peas and lentils, and oats. His family also owned and operated a pulse processing and exporting business.

Fransoo takes over from Rosetown area farmer Jim Wickett.

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COVID-19 is impacting everyone in the agriculture sector.

Farmers in the United States have the same concerns for keeping their families safe along with the additional challenges that come with operating their farm business and preparing for spring seeding.

Chris Clayton is Ag Policy Editor with DTN The Progressive Farmer and lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

He said much has been said about availability of inputs but it’s too early to predict if farmers will have any problems getting the products they need for seeding.

“As far as Midwest crop producers, we won’t know for a couple weeks whether they’re having problems because it’s still a little chilly here so it’s a little too early for a lot of them to be planting,” Clayton said. “Around April 15 or so I think you’ll see a lot more focus there, and then we’ll see whether they’re having troubles or not.”

Clayton said farmers in the U.S. are reporting a dramatic drop in diesel prices and he recommended farmers secure their spring supply soon. He said there have also been calls to have the fertilizer industry declared essential.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF