By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Friday May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022 | 9:52 AM

MELFORT, Sask. — Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) is looking for a new executive director.

Garth Patterson is retiring after 11 years with the organization.

Board chair Dr. Keith Degenhardt said Patterson’s leadership has been instrumental in helping WGRF to grow into the largest producer funder of crop research in Canada.

“WGRF averages $12.8 million annually in research funding and our research scope is vast, covering 15 prairie crops in the areas of variety development and production for both single crop and cross-cutting crop research,” Patterson said.

Patterson will continue as executive director until December 2022 while the search to find WGRF’s next executive director continues.

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Farm Credit Canada (FCC) said it will work with its poultry and egg customers that have been impacted by avian influenza.

President and CEO Michael Hoffort said FCC is monitoring the situation closely and talking with its customers to let them know they are prepared to help them overcome any short-term financial issues that might arise as a result of bird flu.

“That’s why we’re offering flexibility for customers experiencing financial pressure as a result of avian flu,” Hoffort said.

To date, the H5N1 virus has been detected in several poultry farms across Canada. This affects live birds, bird products and by-products impacting chicken, turkey, ducks and egg sectors, as well as poultry input suppliers and processors.

Hoffort said FCC is prepared to help customer poultry operations directly affected by the disease or by bans placed on farms in the proximity of infected farms, which could potentially lead to cash flow problems.

FCC will consider additional short-term credit options, deferral of principal payments and other loan payment schedule amendments to reduce the financial pressure.

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The Alberta Canola Producers Commission has found its new executive director.

Karla Bergstrom will take over from general manager Ward Toma who is retiring.

Alberta Canola Chair Roger Chevraux said Bergstrom’s significant policy development and government relations expertise, internal knowledge, and commitment to excellence make her an exceptional individual for the role of executive director.

“We are confident in her leadership skills and vision that will contribute to the continued success of Alberta Canola,” Chevraux said.

Ward Toma leaves his position after working with the commission for 23 years.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW