The CWB has boosted yield estimates for 2015 western wheat and canola crops after a prairie-wide tour, but it predicts overall yields will still be down significantly from 2014. Bruce Burnett, analyst with CWB market research services, said wheat yields generally will be down about 15 percent this year, while canola will drop about 19 […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Hot price streak may be at an end
Demand for crop commodities is stagnating, leading to weaker prices and pressure to reduce global crop area
The bullish agriculture commodity cycle has ended, says Dan Basse. The president of Chicago-based AgResource Company said the grain trade has stagnated after a strong decade. Farmers in Russia, Brazil and Canada have reacted to lower currencies relative to the U.S. dollar by producing more and the market appears unconcerned about shortages, he said. “The […] Read moreWeigh cost of raising replacement heifer with land income opportunities
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Most cattle producers choose to raise their own replacement heifers, but that decision should be based on costs, says an economist with the Western Beef Development Centre. Kathy Larson said American surveys have shown that 83 percent of producers raise their replacements, and a survey last year found that 84 percent […] Read more
Developing sustainability definition no easy task
Members from all parts of the agriculture industry established criteria that makes sense for their sector
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Sus-tainability presents both a threat and an opportunity for cattle producers, says the president of the global round table for sustainable beef. That’s because lots of people talk about sustainability but have no idea what it means, said Cameron Bruett, who is also head of corporate affairs for JBS. It’s a […] Read moreHigher long-term yields could bring chronic basis trouble
Basis levels are returning to normal after last year’s grain backlog sent them soaring, and a smaller crop this year could see them drop further, said an agricultural economist. However, Richard Gray of the University of Saskatchewan warned that over the long term yields are generally becoming larger, and farmers could easily find themselves back […] Read more
Grain union questions need for port expansion
Grain Workers Union president says rather than increase capacity, improvements need to focus on logistics
MOOSE JAW, Sask. — Grain workers at the port of Vancouver are watching planned developments there and questioning the need for more capacity. Gerry Gault, president of the Grain Workers Union, said the proposed new G3 facility, plus expansions and upgrades at existing terminals, will put total capacity at 35 million tonnes within a couple […] Read moreSask. cattle producers ask Ottawato implement tax deferral program
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has asked the federal government to implement tax deferrals for producers forced to sell livestock due to dry conditions. President Doug Gillespie said today that recent rain has improved pasture conditions in some places, but it came too late for many hay crops. “Livestock producers in several areas across Saskatchewan […] Read more
Scholarships honour farm accident victims
The overwhelming support for a Saskatchewan family devastated by farm accidents has led to 15 scholarships for young farmers this year. The Arnal Boys Memorial Bursary for Young Farmers was established after Sean and Lyndon Arnal died last summer in a tractor accident near Ravenscrag. Their older brother, Blake, also died in an ATV accident […] Read more
Deadline looming for Sask. farmland ownership survey
Those who want to participate in the survey about Saskatchewan farmland ownership laws have two weeks left to do so. Monday, Aug. 10, is the last day to complete the online survey. The government said as of July 24 more than 1,700 surveys had been received. Survey results and comments will be posted later, after […] Read more
TPP trade deal could be signed soon
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Officials from the 12 countries negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership meet in Maui July 24 to hammer out a trade deal some say could be signed next week when trade ministers also meet there. They do so with the blessing of Canada’s agriculture ministers, but only if the country’s supply management system remains […] Read more
