The world has a lot to worry about. That has been demonstrated in a way that those of us who follow markets closely can see most clearly: in the prices of commodities and stocks. The S&P 500 index is still well underneath levels it first surpassed in late 2017 and is still near correction territory […] Read more
Author Archives
Corporate power threatens farmers: author
A new book calls for a series of cartel-busting and giant-regulating steps that could restore economic welfare and vitality
The vast and intrusive power of near-monopolies like Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple has drawn much hostility from consumer advocates in recent years. But the digital giants are just the newest form of crippling monopolies, monopsonies, duopolies and oligarchies that are strangling western economies, according to writer and analyst Jonathan Tepper. And the situation in […] Read more
Provincial groups assess canola council cuts
Grower organizations say they would be willing to spend more to fill the gaps created by national reorganization
Canola-grower members of provincial canola organizations support the reductions of the Canola Council of Canada, but are taking a wait-and-see approach before pronouncing final judgment. They say they’re willing to consider filling gaps that appear and to spend more on farmer priorities. “We’re going to assess this first year and see how it rolls out […] Read more
Trade and interest rates hang over 2019 — oh, and the weather
Here’s are the issues and questions I’m pondering as we tread into 2019: China and specific actions against Canada Probably the biggest single direct impact on Canadian farmers would be a specific trade action against Canada by China, which at the end of 2018 was in a rage against this country. Blocking or restricting canola […] Read more
Corporate social media does not have to be boring
This column is the third in a series about Instagrammers who focus on prairie farming. The grain-handling business can seem dull and dusty. And in this era of Big Concrete, it can appear to lack history and grace, to operate and exist unmoored to tradition and grandeur. But that’s not how it seems if you […] Read more
Bayer easing into new roles with Monsanto takeover
CALGARY — Despite all the regulatory headaches, the bad public relations and the enormous scientific challenges, the head of Bayer CropScience Canada sounds delighted with his company’s acquisition of Monsanto and the future of farming. “I miss InVigor every day, but it’s gone,” Al Driver, Bayer CropScience Canada chief executive officer, said about one of […] Read more
Automated farming: it may be here quicker than you think
CALGARY — Autonomous farming isn’t just a cool idea, it’s a big, iron reality coming to Western Canada this coming year. And once it’s here, autonomous farming could begin sweeping away today’s machines the way cars and tractors swept away horses in North America’s cities and on its farmland. “We are the tip of the […] Read more
Cash advances often not worth the hassle for farmers
When is free money not worth it? When it’s too much hassle in a business where time is money. That’s the message I’m getting from a number of farmers I’ve talked with about why they don’t use cash advances, which seem like free money, in a theoretical sense. In reality, the financial gain just doesn’t […] Read more
Personality profiling helps find right worker
More producers are taking the human resources field seriously as they face a critical labour shortage on their farms
CALGARY — In a conference filled with progressive farmers looking for the newest information on machinery innovations, digital developments and management insights, Danielle Wildfong was pleasantly surprised to find a room full of farmers awaiting her. After all, her New School Human Resources presentation might be considered a “soft” subject compared to the big iron […] Read moreCanada torn between two trade bullies with the U.S. and China
Best approach: stay standing and don't cry
Canada is torn between two bullies, feeling like a fool. Dealing with both of them is breaking all our hopes. With our belligerent erstwhile friend to the south having recently finished savaging us in the NAFTA2 negotiations, and China presently raging at us and locking up unlucky Canadians, it’s a very, very, very uncomfortable time […] Read more
