Insights and Stories of Allan Dawson

Much to consider after seed growers’ merger rejection

Sep. 11, 2020 at 9:48 am CDT

Canada’s seed sector has some contemplating and healing to do in the wake of seed grower association members rejecting a merger with four other seed groups, which would have formed a new, single entity called Seeds Canada. Since the other four voted strongly to merge, it’s expected Seeds Canada will […]

BASF unveils InField Innovation Tours

Jul. 27, 2020 at 12:47 pm CDT

By Allan Dawson

Help wanted: CGC seeks new leadership

Jun. 26, 2020 at 4:40 pm CDT

By Allan Dawson

‘New’ Cereals Canada names board, chair

Jun. 23, 2020 at 5:16 pm CDT

By Allan Dawson

COVID-19 threatens federal field research

Apr. 25, 2020 at 9:58 pm CDT

By Allan Dawson

Canola dockage agreement with China expires, but limited exports to continue

Mar. 31, 2020 at 1:40 pm CDT

Exports of Canadian canola seed exports to China will continue, at the same reduced pace seen since March last year — but only if it contains less than one per cent dockage. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two countries allowing higher dockage ends Tuesday (March 31), a Canadian […]

By Allan Dawson

Ottawa expected to ‘officially’ declare ag an essential service

Mar. 30, 2020 at 10:47 am CDT

Canada’s grain industry expects the federal government will soon officially declare agriculture an essential service. Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA), says that designation will have a practical application. “Hopefully it ends all confusion about grain workers at elevators, railway workers and anybody else required […]

By Allan Dawson

‘Essential’ travel rule fuzzy on farmers picking up parts, inputs

Mar. 24, 2020 at 8:33 pm CDT

Whether Canadian farmers can continue to pick up machinery parts and other products for their operations in the United States is at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. At 11:59 p.m. ET Friday, Canada and the U.S. temporarily restricted non-essential travel between the two nations to try […]

By Allan Dawson

Handlers focus on keeping grain moving despite COVID-19

Mar. 16, 2020 at 6:09 pm CDT

Canada’s grain companies are committed to keeping grain moving to domestic and export customers, but how the spread of COVID-19 might affect business is still an unknown, says Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association. “We are are going to do everything in our power to keep […]

By Allan Dawson

Seed royalty pilot project unveiled

Feb. 28, 2020 at 1:45 pm CST

The new Seed Variety Use Agreement (SVUA) pilot project unveiled Tuesday in Winnipeg is expected to demonstrate the benefits of farmers paying breeders a royalty for seed saved for planting. But the Prairies’ five wheat and barley commissions have “significant concern” about the project, they said in a news release. […]

By Allan Dawson