NEW YORK, N.Y. (Reuters)— The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted a bankrupt Philadelphia refiner a temporary reprieve from complying with the nation’s renewable fuel laws, according to a settlement agreement filed March 12. The refiner, Carlyle Group-backed Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES), filed for bankruptcy protection in January and asked a judge to waive some US$350 […] Read more
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Bankrupt U.S. refiner settles biofuel obligation
Bunge pushed to consider potential sale
CHICAGO, Ill. (Reuters) — U.S. agricultural investor Continental Grain Co. plans to push Bunge Ltd. to consider a potential sale, a person familiar with the matter said March 5, after Archer Daniels Midland Co. approached Bunge about a takeover. It was unclear how Continental Grain would pressure Bunge, one of the world’s top agricultural merchants. […] Read more
Fusarium still minor problem in Alberta
Alberta’s fusarium graminearum levels are much lower compared to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, but the disease is starting to spread throughout the province. It was not an issue in 2007 for Alberta, but since then it has increased and the heavy moisture conditions of 2016 resulted in the worst year ever for disease. About 20 percent […] Read more
La Nina likely to wane: forecaster
(Reuters) — The current La Nina phase of the climate cycle will most likely transition during the March-to-May period to ENSO-neutral conditions, a United States government weather forecaster said on March 8, a development that brings equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures, rainfall patterns and winds closer to average. The ENSO-neutral condition, affected by neither the El […] Read more
Little hope remains for Argentine soybean crop
A four-month drought that shows no signs of abating has scorched the crop since November and forced estimates lower
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) — Hope has withered for any recovery in Argentine soybean yields hit by a four-month drought that shows no signs of abating, farmers and analysts said recently. The dryness that has blighted the Argentine Pampas region since mid-November has forced producers to slash their estimates for the 2017-18 crop. The light […] Read moreAG Notes
CN recognized fordiversity Canadian National Railway has been named one of Canada’s best diversity employers for the second straight year by Canada’s Top 100 Employers. CN hired 3,500 employees last year and is looking to hire 2,000 this year. More information is at cn.ca. Durum variety namedseed of the year AC Navigator durum seed has […] Read more
Feed grain supply starting to dry up
WINNIPEG (CNS) – As the winter ends, supply is getting tight for feed grains in “feedlot alley” in Lethbridge, Alta. “We’re seeing a little bit of a pullback on prices on most commodities in anticipation for making sure everything gets out before road bans,” said Brandon Motz, sales manager at CorNine Commodities in Lacombe, Alta. […] Read more
Carbon credit scheme proposed for forages
Organizations are stepping up lobby efforts to convince the Alberta government that a carbon credit program for pastureland is needed. A partnership has developed between Pachaterrae, a group that helps farmers measure carbon in soils, and the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI), a not-for-profit organization that tracks wildlife and their habitats. Kimberly Cornish, co-founder of […] Read more
Ottawa proposes new gun control measures
The federal Liberal government has introduced new gun control measures and insists they won’t lead to another long gun registry. However, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale noted that gun violence is increasing in rural areas, and many offences do involve unregistered guns. “To be clear, as promised, we are not reinstating any federal long gun […] Read more
Trudeau optimistic, says successful NAFTA deal is likely
OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday that a successful deal to renegotiate NAFTA is likely amid signs negotiators may be closer to settling one of the regional trade pact’s most contentious issues. Trudeau’s comments were his most upbeat yet about talks to update the $1.2 trillion North American Free Trade […] Read more
