Dow AgroSciences buys Hyland Seeds Monday, November 23, 2009 by BETTER FARMING STAFFPrivately owned Hyland Seeds’ acquisition by Dow AgroSciences Canada, announced today, is yet another sign that stacked, genetically modified technologies in corn is seen as the way of the future.The acquisition by Dow AgroSciences brings Hyland Seeds “into the inner circle” of biotechnology, and guarantees Hyland’s access to biotech going forward, says John Cowan, general manager of Hyland Seeds, currently a division of Thompsons Ltd. in Blenheim.The acquisition, which takes effect soon, will allow Hyland to grow and compete and continue to be a highly successful part of the marketplace,” says Jim Wispinski, Dow AgroSciences Canada president and CEO.Smartstax technology introduces eight traits to corn to provide herbicide and insect tolerance. It was developed jointly by Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto and is licensed to a number of seed breeding companies.Hyland will also have access to Dow AgroScience’s Herbicide Tolerant Trait Technology, designed to address concerns about glyphosate resistance. Wispinski says seeds are close to being submitted to registration and will be commercialized between 2012 and 2015. Both corn and soybean varieties will be tolerant to 2,4-D in combination with glyphosate and also the Aryloxyphenoxy propionate (FOP) family of herbicides used for grass control in various crops.Cowan says Hyland Seeds will continue breeding programs in corn in Blenheim as well as soybeans in Blenheim and in Grand Forks North Dakota.Winter and spring cereal breeding programs will continue in Ontario. BF Wage hike spells disaster for growers Turkey Farmers ease outdoor restriction for organic producers
Harvest Weather Alert: Midwest Rain Risks Rise as Super El Nino Strengthens Monday, September 21, 2026 As summer gives way to autumn, farmers across the U.S. Midwest and parts of Canada are watching a weather pattern that appears poised to become increasingly active during the heart of harvest season. According to Nutrien Ag Solutions meteorologist Eric Snodgrass, recent atmospheric... Read this article online
U of G Launches Powering Food Futures Initiative, Invites Farmers to Shape Canada’s Agri-Food Future Monday, September 21, 2026 A new national initiative is inviting farmers, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to help shape the future of Canada’s agri-food sector at a time when food security, climate resilience and global competitiveness are taking on heightened importance. Powering Food Futures, a... Read this article online
Green Care Farms celebrates five years of dementia care Monday, September 21, 2026 What a wonderful event! As communities recognize World Alzheimer's Day 2026, Green Care Farms marked a major milestone: five seasons operating Canada's first care farm designed specifically for people living with dementia. The celebration took place on September 19, 2026, at Andrews... Read this article online
Organic Farming in Canada Enters the Mainstream as Market Nears $12 Billion Thursday, September 17, 2026 September is recognized as Organic Month across Canada, offering an opportunity to feature a sector that has transformed from a niche market into a significant component of Canadian agriculture. For many years, organic farming was often viewed as a specialized production system... Read this article online
FCC Launches $1 Billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund for Canadian Food Processing Growth Thursday, September 17, 2026 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has opened a 60-day Expression of Interest (EOI) process for a new $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance initiative, marking one of the largest targeted investments in Canadian food processing infrastructure in recent years. The financing program is intended to... Read this article online