Considering a new or new-to-you potato planter? Here’s the pros and cons for the most common styles available today: Pick Planters The oldest form of potato planting technology is pick-based planting. Pick planters operate by stabbing potato seed and then dropping it into the trench. While spacing is based off the size of the pick wheel, at times, it may not be as accurate as newer styles of planters. The trick with…
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause restaurants across North America to shut down and limit operations, demand for french fries has dropped significantly, the March 25 issue of North American Potato Market News says. Demand for fresh potatoes in grocery stores has rose as shoppers have stockpiled supplies, however traffic at fast-casual restaurants dropped by 78 per cent compared to last year, the report says. Over 80 per cent of North American…
Below is a list of updates from provincial and federal potato organizations in regards to COVID-19 information. This page will be updated when new information is available. Keystone Potato Producers Association The organization’s office closed as of Monday, March 23, with employees working from home, Dan Sawatzky, general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), says in an email. The spring production/United Partners meeting which was scheduled for March 26 has…
The following piece is from our sister publication, Alberta Seed Guide. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold the Canadian government has provided Farm Credit Canada (FCC) with an additional $5 billion in lending capacity, Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced today. Bibeau’s announcement comes following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement earlier today outlining more details on the Government of Canada’s plan to support the economy during the COVID-19…
The following piece is from our sister publication, Germination. After some uncertainty last week surrounding the closure of the Canada-U.S. border to all but essential travel, the federal government has eased concerns with regard to temporary agricultural workers and the definition of non-essential travel. Agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau released a statement saying temporary foreign workers will be allowed on farms providing they follow protocols including a health screening before they arrive and…
The recently created Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) has added Charlottetown, P.E.I.-based breeding and seed potato trading company HZPC Americas Corp, as a member to its organization, the group says in a news release. “Fostering collaboration across the value chain is an essential component of PSA. By joining our organization and partnering with our members and potato farmers, HZPC can help catalyze opportunities for ongoing improvement in potato sustainability,” Laura Scandurra, executive director…
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council has developed a website with resources to help agricultural business deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes the latest information, recommendations, employee management tips, tools (posters, policies) and links to authorities. These details will help you respond to the pandemic and limit the impact and spread of COVID-19 within your business. Visit the site at: https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/programs/emerging-agriworkforce-issues/information-and-updates-coronavirus-covid-19 More COVID-19 Coverage Canadian Fertilizer Chain Flowing Smoothly Despite COVID-19…
At a news conference this week, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said temporary foreign workers will be allowed entry into Canada after self-isolation for 14 days. However, a senior cabinet minister said Thursday, March 19, the allowance refers to workers coming over the Canada-US border only. We are still awaiting specific details from the federal government in regard to its Seasonal Agricultural Workers program. In a press release, the Western Canadian Wheat…
As North American shoppers stock up on non-perishable foods in order to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, packers are having difficulty keeping up with retail demand, the March 18 issue of North American Potato Market News says. “As consumers eat out less often they need to replace those meals with food prepared at home. Potatoes may be the most versatile vegetable for them to use,” the report says. “That would…
Fertilizer shipments to farmers are still flowing throughout Canada despite recent supply disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fertilizer Canada says in a news release. Movement must continue to allow farmers to position product for the beginning of the planting season in late April and early May and ensure additional quantities are available for replenishment throughout the planting season, the release says. Fertilizer Canada says it would become concerned though about any…