RENO, Nevada Ñ Ethanol production grew 21 percent in the United States last year, moving the industry from bit player to candidate for best supporting role in the fuel business. “Few industries can match the growth of this one and we believe we’ve just hit second gear,” Larry Schafer, vice-president of the Renewable Fuels Association, […] Read more
Sean Pratt
Stories by Sean Pratt
U.S. farm group embraces GM wheat
RENO, Nevada Ñ American farmers are ready to launch a full-court press to commercialize genetically modified wheat. The National Association of Wheat Growers has approved a plan to fast track the registration, planting and marketing of GM wheat in the United States. “Wheat growers have a narrow window of time to make a successful introduction, […] Read more
Wheat growers brace for belt tightening
RENO, Nevada Ñ Proposed cuts to farm support programs have American wheat growers pondering the best way to tighten their belts. United States president George Bush has tabled a 2006 agriculture budget that axes farm support spending by $587 million US. Over a 10-year period the president is proposing $7 billion in cuts to the […] Read more
Wheat groups seek unity
RENO, Nevada Ñ An attempt to turn the U.S. wheat industry from a chorus into a solo act has fallen flat. But proponents of a merger plan that would see three associations become one entity say the fat lady has yet to sing. The idea is to create a unified voice for the American wheat […] Read more
Canada loses wheat board ally
RENO, Nevada Ñ Canada may have lost its only ally in the world trade arena when it comes to defending marketing agencies like the Canadian Wheat Board. Australia recently signed a bilateral free trade agreement with the United States that includes a commitment for the two countries to work together at the World Trade Organization […] Read more
Organic growers cool on new pricing option
One year ago, Ken Ritter, the Canadian Wheat Board chair, vowed to investigate a complaint regarding the way the board handles organic sales. Last week, the board unveiled a new pricing option it believes will silence the critics. The primary purpose of the new daily price contract is to appease farmers who have called for […] Read more
Food aid plan alarms U.S. wheat farmers
RENO, Nevada Ñ American president George Bush has a new budget proposal that isn’t sitting well with that country’s wheat producers. Bush’s rollback in crop program payments is their primary concern, but producers are also anxious about the changes Bush is proposing to food aid. In his 2006 budget, Bush slashes P.L. 480 Title II […] Read more
Canada winning on hard white wheat: U.S.
RENO, Nevada Ñ Canada and the United States are embroiled in a wheat war that has nothing to do with hard red spring wheat or durum. The two countries are in a marketing struggle over a relatively new class of North American wheat and Canada is emerging as a decisive victor in that battle. Ron […] Read more
Chinese market thrills wheat growers
RENO, Nevada Ñ In a city renowned for gambling, Alan Tracy’s presentation was akin to a royal flush. The president of U.S. Wheat Associates said the world’s most populous nation has emerged from hiding to become the largest importer of milling quality wheat in 2004-05. Better yet, the future demand from China is staggering. Tracy […] Read more
U.S. ships dirty wheat
RENO, Nevada Ñ The United States has garnered an international reputation for shipping dirty wheat out of the Gulf of Mexico. “Our customers have made us aware on numerous occasions that U.S. wheat is not as clean as other wheats they might get,” said Mark Hodges, chair of the U.S. Wheat Associates’ quality committee. Wheat […] Read more
