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Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Sidebar: Some quick fatty acids facts

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

  • Fatty acids range in length from two to 22 carbon chains. Some fatty acids are saturated, which means that they lack double bonds in their carbon chain, while others are unsaturated, meaning that they have anywhere from one to six double bonds in their carbon chain. The final carbon atom at one particular end of the carbon chain is called the "omega" carbon.
     
  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids have more than one double bond and are classified according to the location and number of double bonds in their chemical structure. Omega-3 fatty acids have their first double bond at the third carbon atom, while omega-6 fatty acids have theirs at the sixth carbon atom in the chain. The omega-3 fatty acids are linolenic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA).
     
  • Flax is the most abundant source of linolenic acid, with canola oil coming in second, while insignificant levels are found in other sources of fats and oils. Fish oils are the only sources of the other two omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA).
     
  • Canada has been the world's leader in the production and export of flax since 1994. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian flax production reached 1.035 million tonnes in 2005-2006. As one of the five major Canadian crops (including wheat, barley, oats and canola), flax is exported mainly to Europe (60 per cent), the United States (30 per cent), Japan (four per cent) and South Korea. BP

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Saskatchewan Pulse Research Gets Major Boost

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has announced major new funding to support pulse crop research across the province. Through co-funding with Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund, more than four million dollars will be invested in research that strengthens the pulse industry and supports... Read this article online

Ag community wanted for cover crop survey

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Researchers from Manitoba and Ontario are looking for members of ag communities from Alberta to Ontario to participate in a questionnaire about cover crops. The confidential survey is open to any farm type and size whether the operation has ever grown cover crops. “We don’t just want... Read this article online

Elyce Simpson Fraser Wins Pulse Promoter Award

Friday, January 16, 2026

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has named Elyce Simpson Fraser as the recipient of the 2025 Pulse Promoter Award. She is being recognized for her strong leadership in expanding value-added pulse processing and for her ongoing efforts to promote Saskatchewan pulses within local... Read this article online

SARM Welcomes Pause on Livestock Traceability Rules

Friday, January 16, 2026

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities has welcomed the federal government’s decision to pause the publication of proposed livestock traceability regulations. The organization says the pause isan important steptoward developing a system that works for cattle producers and rural... Read this article online

RFA Supports Canadas Clean Fuel Regulations Update

Friday, January 16, 2026

The Renewable Fuels Association has shared its comments with Environment and Climate Change Canada in support of Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations. The organization also offered its views onpossible changesthat could strengthen the program while keeping its main goal of reducing greenhouse gas... Read this article online

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