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Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday November 23, 2022

Nov 23, 2022 | 1:56 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – A new outlook for principal Canadian field crops is positive.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) October report estimates total crop production for 2022-23 at roughly 97.5 thousand tonnes. If those numbers are correct this would make it the second-highest production level on record.

The report also said information from the Canadian Grain Commission Harvest Sample Program said crop quality is good and crop prices will remain relatively strong for 2022-23, but lower than the levels seen in 2021-22.

The outlook for the world’s grain markets continues to be uncertain due to strong demand and relatively tight supplies. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted Black Sea production, while global trade patterns, inflation, and concerns about a global economic slowdown are also contributing to the uncertainty.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said three more commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley have tested positive for avian flu.

That brings the number of farms infected to 10 in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Kent since last Friday.

BC Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said they hope the spread of the highly infectious virus doesn’t reach the same heights as in 2004 when 17 million birds were culled.

The farms have been quarantined and Popham said the inspection agency will make the decision on whether the birds need to be culled.

Fans of the hit drama series Yellowstone are in for a treat, as bunkhouse actors Ian Bohen and Denim Richards will make an appearance at the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) in Regina, Sask. on Dec. 1.

The series follows the journey of the Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in the United States. The show combines themes of a classic western with a contemporary soap opera. The drama is now in its fifth season.

Fans can purchase meet-and-greet tickets with Bohen and Richards from the CWA office.

Agribition runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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