March snowfall has increased the runoff potential in Saskatchewan, but the southern grain belt can still expect very little from the spring melt. That could lead to agricultural water supply issues. The Water Security Agency released its most recent outlook April 4, noting that winter snow accumulation was near average across the province except for […] Read more
News
Sask. gov’t stands its ground on carbon
The Saskatchewan government continues to reject a carbon tax, saying it would cost the province $4 billion over the next five years. Premier Scott Moe said the province won’t sign the national framework on climate change “as long as a carbon tax lies at the heart of that document and it does.” However, NDP opposition […] Read more
ICE Canada Weekly Outlook: Canola watching U.S./China spat
Winnipeg (CNS Canada) – ICE Futures Canada canola contracts moved steadily higher over the past week as grain markets reacted to a mounting trade dispute between China and the United States. While no sanctions are yet in place, the back-and-forth sabre rattling between the two large countries now includes proposed Chinese tariffs on U.S. soybeans, […] Read more
Soybeans wade through turbulent trade waters
WINNIPEG (CNS) – Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade suffered sharp losses on Wednesday, April 4, after China said it would slap a 25 per cent tariff on soybean imports in retaliation for U.S. sanctions that had been placed on it. The dominant May contract plummeted 55 cents to US$9.83 a bushel, before […] Read more
Gerrand leaves G3 Canada
G3 Canada has a new chief executive officer. The Winnipeg based grain company announced earlier today that Karl Gerrand, the company’s top executive since early 2015, is no longer with the company. Gerrand has been replaced by Don Chapman. “The G3 Canada Ltd. board of directors announced Tuesday (April 3) that CEO Karl Gerrand is […] Read more
China slaps tariff on U.S. soybeans
A Chinese tariff on U.S. soybeans is now a reality. After weeks of rumours and speculation, China announced a proposed 25 percent tariff on American beans today. The move came only hours after the U.S. announced a list of Chinese products that will soon be subject to tariffs, such as flat screen televisions, aircraft parts, […] Read more
Prairie winter wheat conditions uncertain
WINNIPEG (CNS Canada) – While it’s too early to assess how the Western Canada winter wheat crop fared this winter, there is some uncertainty due to the unseasonably cold April temperatures. “We start losing cold tolerance especially in March and going into April now. And that’s when you need to monitor temperatures or for (the […] Read more
Prairie spot corn prices strengthen amid logistics challenges
WINNIPEG (CNS) – Corn prices across the Prairies have broken out of their long-held range, which should put cash in producers’ pockets, but it may not be enough to significantly increase seeding plans this spring. For much of 2017 and the early portion of 2018, corn prices in Western Canada were hanging around the C$4.00 […] Read more
Alta. introduces proposals to help municipalities better handle disasters
The Alberta government is hoping new regulatory changes will help municipalities better respond to fires, flooding or other natural disasters in their communities. The proposed changes were tabled in the legislature today. The province plans to consult municipalities, First Nation and Métis communities and citizens on the changes before going forward with them. While more […] Read more
Cold delays provincial highway weight restrictions
Saskatchewan’s highways ministry announced April 2 that it has suspended road bans on provincial highways. The move means spring weight restrictions will not be applied to provincial highways, at least not for the time being. However, bans on some rural municipality roadways remain in effect. Cold weather has delayed the spring thaw in Saskatchewan, meaning […] Read more
