Markets
Province commits to help Parkland Corp. expand biofuel refinery and build renewable diesel plant
Parkland Corp. is one big step closer to creating a large new market for Canadian canola oil. The Calgary energy company has received a commitment from the British Columbia government to cover more than 40 percent of the cost of its proposed $600 million renewable fuels investment at its Burnaby Refinery. The money is coming […] Read more
Markets
Hemp pulled in different directions
Western Canada is the country’s most important hemp production region, accounting for 60 percent of Canada’s 1,100 cultivation licences as of 2020, according to Health Canada. But while there are more products on store shelves, more cultivars than ever before and high prices for the crop, demand for hemp has been mixed. “I think the […] Read more
Big Russian wheat forecast gives Putin bargaining power
Russia has fumbled its war in Ukraine and is under severe economic sanctions, but there is a strong likelihood it will be in the driver’s seat in the world’s wheat market this year. Analysts forecast a near record wheat crop for Russia and booming exports while bad weather is shrinking production prospects in North America, […] Read more
Rail backlogs delay food shipments in U.S.
CHICAGO, Ill. (Reuters) — Rail backlogs in the United States are delaying shipment of grains as well as processed flour and corn syrup, contributing to inflation, food and grain companies said at a hearing earlier this spring. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has increased prices of wheat, corn and vegetable oils after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted […] Read more
UFA expands east into Sask.
The United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative has begun a Saskatchewan expansion with the announcement of a bulk fuel and cardlock petroleum station in Weyburn. On May 12 the political party turned farm retailer and petroleum supplier ceremonially broke ground on its new location, followed by an announcement May 13 of a second expansion location in […] Read more
Return to normal is accompanied by permanent changes
Things are going back to normal but some things have changed forever. What? That question presents itself to us in every area of our lives as the pandemic wanes and “normal” life resumes. We’re back to in-person sports, concerts, meetings and gatherings. We can travel again. Shaking hands has returned. People are hugging. But there’s […] Read more
Wheat, corn acres down, soybeans up
The International Grains Council forecasts lower global production of wheat and corn for 2022-23, while soybeans are projected to increase. The IGC released its latest supply and demand report on May 19 and lowered its call on total world grain production to 2.251 billion tonnes. That’s down by a little more than one percent from […] Read more
Rural charities receive support
Bayer Crop Science Canada is spending $165,000 to support rural-based charities through the Farmers Grow Communities Program. Charities and community programs or events could win one of 66, $2,500 grants. The program aims to improve rural communities by equipping local, non-profit organizations with funds to carry out community work. Canadian farmers can apply on behalf […] Read more
Russian peas won’t flow to China overnight
China and Russia have signed a phytosanitary protocol for peas opening the door for competition in Canada’s top market. However, that competition is not likely to be very intense in the inaugural year of the agreement, according to a Russian grain trader. Alexander Gavrilov, head of the Asia trade desk with TH Sodrugestvo Ltd., said […] Read more
Wheat supplies dangerously low, says analyst
Global wheat stocks could sink to levels not seen since 2007-08. A major agricultural analytics firm believes global wheat stocks are far smaller than the U.S. Department of Agriculture and others are reporting. Gro Intelligence recently told the United Nations Security Council that supplies are getting dangerously low. “I want to start by explicitly saying […] Read more
