July 1998
Industry News
Terry Boland, Editor-in-Chief

Monsanto Acquires First Line
Monsanto Canada Inc. and First Line Seeds Ltd. have announced that Monsanto Canada has acquired a majority equity position in the Guelph-based seed company. Both companies believe the arrangement will significantly expand their capabilities to service the Canadian soybean market. They point to the relationship with Asgrow Seeds Company, that is an integral part of the agreement, as an example of the benefits the new association will produce.

Husky Oil Bids for Mohawk Oil
Western Canada’s largest retailer of ethanol-blended fuels, made from wheat, Mohawk Oil, has been taken over by Husky Oil, based in Calgary, and Balaclava Enterprises of Vancouver. Mohawk Oil owns the Minnedosa, Manitoba ethanol production facility, which also produces Fibrotein, a by-product for the food industry. The announcement gave no indication of the future of the retailing of ethanol-blends at 275 outlets from the Yukon to Northwestern Ontario.

New Rural Council
After two years of planning, the Ontario Rural Council has been launched. The 40-member council will meet as a forum four times a year to address rural issues, with the first forum expected in July in Stratford. Jack Hagarty of Guelph was elected first chairman of the board, and Mary Robertson of Norwich has been appointed general manager.

Farm Show
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will be taking place Woodstock September 8, 9, and 10. The 1998 edition of the annual agriculture event will include a feature showcase on biotechnology, sprayer and tillage demonstrations.

Ethanol Vehicle Challenge ‘98
Canada’s sole entry in the 1998 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge, the University of Waterloo, had an excellent second place finish, only a few points behind first place Wayne State University of Michigan. The team’s hard work on converting a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu to a dedicated E-85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) vehicle earned them the Lowest Emissions award in the North American competition. The Ontario Corn Producers’ Association was a team sponsor.