CHICAGO, Ill. (Reuters) — Tom Giessel is cutting back on seeding this year on his farm in central Kansas as he wrestles with a drought, a glut in global grains supply and trade tensions between the United States and China. About 300 kilometres away in the northwestern part of the state, farmer Janet Bear swapped […] Read more
China-U.S. trade row confuses seeding plans
Manitoba sunflower acreage set to drop
Winnipeg (CNS Canada) – The closure of a sunflower processing plant in Alberta has Manitoba sunflower growers feeling uneasy this year. “Because of the plant closure there’s quite a bit of delay in delivery of the ’17 crop. So it’s discouraged quite a few guys from growing more (sunflowers),” said Ben Friesen, senior market manager […] Read more
Case IH scores major deal with Ukrainian farm business
An $11 million order for tractors and machinery has been placed by a Ukrainian farming operation with Case IH. It is said to be one of the biggest equipment deals in the country. The mega deal, which includes 50 tractors, sprayers and cultivators, was made with the Epicenter K agribusiness company to expand its fleet. […] Read more
American growers embrace sunflower production
Yields were solid last fall, prices are up this spring and North Dakota growers are feeling fine about sunflowers. In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said sunflower acres this year in North and South Dakota, the two states that dominate American production, will be similar to 2017. John Sandbakken, U.S. National Sunflower Association executive […] Read more
Herbicides: Carrying on during and after a drought
Herbicide carryover should always be a concern following a dry year. Throughout my career, I have seen this issue reoccur after every drought. This makes me think that 2018 could see herbicide carryover issues raise their ugly heads again. In this column I will discuss why this issue is likely to show up and explain […] Read more
Sask. ranchers welcome crop insurance changes
As well, contract price option to include barley, commercial canola, oats, hard red spring wheat, durum and CPS wheat
Saskatchewan cattle producers say wildfire coverage and improved predation compensation offered in this year’s crop insurance program provide much-needed added protection. Wildfires devastated more than 88,000 acres of mainly pasture last year and there was no insurance for fire damage, which will likely result in lost productivity. Many organizations had urged Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. […] Read more
Spitz says goodbye to southern Alberta
Pending July closure of the Spitz sunflower seed plant in Bow Island, announced Feb. 15 by plant owner PepsiCo Inc., came as a shock to its 53 employees and to town and county officials. By Feb. 22, those officials were following leads to attract another business into the plant and perhaps retain jobs. Steven Wikkerink, […] Read more
Sunflowers remain steady
WINNIPEG (CNS) — The Manitoba sunflower market is holding steady for the time being, with acres likely unchanged on the year. Actual acreage in the spring will likely depend on snowfall between now and April. “The market is moving sideways, with nothing dramatic at this stage to say if it’s moving up or down,” said […] Read more
American industry lays plan to increase canola acres
U.S. growers receive subsidies for adopting conservation stewardship practices
The proposal is to offer a federal subsidy for growing canola and sunflowers as a way to expand the habitat for bees
The U.S. Canola Association wants farmers to receive a federal subsidy for growing the crop. It has created a proposal in conjunction with the National Sunflower Association and the American Honey Producers Association to increase the acres planted to canola and sunflowers to provide more suitable habitat for honey bees and wild pollinators. U.S. growers […] Read more
ADM attempts giant ag merger with Bunge
Updated 9 am CST Jan. 23 CHICAGO/CALGARY – Top U.S. grain merchant Archer Daniels Midland Co has proposed a takeover of Bunge Ltd, according to a person familiar with the approach, which could set up a bidding war with Swiss-based rival Glencore Plc. Large grain traders that make money by buying, selling, storing and shipping […] Read more
