Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — The western Canadian winter wheat harvest is just getting underway, and early signs point to an average crop, according to an official with Winter Cereals Canada. However, while Canadian farmers planted more winter wheat in 2007/08, the lateness of this year’s canola crop may hinder plantings this fall. Jake Davidson, executive […] Read more
Late canola may hinder winter cereal seedings
No progress seen in Viterra strike
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — The ongoing labour dispute at grain handler Viterra’s Regina headquarters is entering its second month with no sign of any progress, according to the union representing the 200 striking office workers. “There hasn’t been any movement,” said Hugh Wagner, general secretary of the Grain Services Union on Friday. “The picket line […] Read more
CFIA eyes funding cut for BSE sample tests
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has considered cutting funding to a BSE sampling program that provides reimbursement to farmers who submit suspected animals for testing. But a CFIA official stressed that the proposal was simply that, and will not be implemented any time soon. Freeman Libby, national director for strategy with […] Read more
Alta. crops look good, north needs rain
Reading Time: < 1 minute (Resource News International) — Crops in Alberta are generally in good shape, according to a provincial crop specialist who said weather conditions were resulting in “lush” fields in most areas. However, parts of the northern growing areas and the Peace River district are dry, and could use some timely rains. Neil Whatley, a crop specialist […] Read more
Canola exports steady, but could be better
Reading Time: < 1 minute (Resource News International) — Canadian canola exports should end up steady on the year, but they could have been larger were it not for high tariffs which limited demand from China, according to industry officials. Looking ahead to the 2008-09 new crop year, exporters thought inquiries were starting to pick up. The export pace of […] Read more
Flax end-users rationing demand
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — Tight flaxseed supplies, along with continued strength in the outside oilseed markets, should keep flaxseed values well supported over the next crop year. However, the high prices are causing end-users to ration demand, according to sources. Canadian farmers planted 1.51 million acres of flax, according to the latest Statistics Canada estimates, […] Read more
Canola supplies seen tight despite record forecasts
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — Canadian canola supplies could still be tight at the end of the 2008-09 crop year, despite some forecasts calling for a record crop, as demand remains strong. As a result, prices for the commodity should also remain firm. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada currently forecasts a 9.5 million-tonne Canadian canola crop, which […] Read more
U.S. farms seen winning “biggest insurance policy”
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — The latest U.S. Farm Bill is expected to hurt Canada’s competitiveness in the global marketplace, but the bill’s Canadian critics also acknowledge such support for farmers would be welcome if the Canadian government could do something similar. The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate both recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of […] Read more
Grain prices seen hurting food aid programs
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — High grain and energy prices are reported to be creating difficulties for organizations providing food aid to areas of the world in need. “We certainly are seeing an impact, as almost everything we are purchasing has gone up quite a bit,” said Heather Plett, director of resources and communications with the […] Read more
Even more Canadian cattle being fed in U.S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Resource News International) — The high cost of weight gain in Canada, together with poor returns for finished cattle, have led to a steady stream of Canadian cattle moving to the U.S. for feeding, according to sources who expect the trend would continue unless something drastically changes in the market. As of March 1, the […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
