An economic report released this week by BMO Capital Markets contains both good and bad news for North American agriculture. On the good side, the report says North American farmers are growing bigger crops and increasing annual productivity at a rate that exceeds previous growth trends. But on the bad side, increased farm productivity combined […] Read more
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Global farm productivity up, prices down: BMO
U.S. spending bill includes repeal of COOL rule
CHICAGO, Dec 18 (Reuters) – The U.S. Congress on Friday passed a broad 2016 spending package that includes the repeal of a meat labeling law in order to avoid more than $1 billion in trade retaliation by Mexico and Canada. The omnibus spending bill is on its way to President Barack Obama to be signed […] Read more
Manitoba First Nations eyeing Port of Churchill
First Nations groups in northern Manitoba are interested in buying the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill from OmniTrax Canada. OmniTrax officials confirmed Dec. 18 that the company has accepted a letter of intent from an undisclosed number of northern Manitoba First Nations. The company announced last month it was seeking a buyer […] Read more
Bison continue to roam in northeastern Sask.
A herd of bison that escaped from a farm in the Tisdale, Sask., area is still at large one week later. The animals appear to have moved away from the Highway 35 area, where they were sighted several times last weekend. Estimates have placed their numbers as high as 100. Local bison producer Lonnie Bulmer […] Read more
Think your hogs have foot and mouth? This lab test could save your herd
Blisters seen around the mouth, nose and hoofs of pigs can — and should — raise instant reactions from hog producers. The fear is that these blisters indicate foot and mouth disease, with its related health and trade implications, but it might also be symptomatic of the less dangerous Seneca Valley Virus. Dr. Julia Keenliside, […] Read more
CME live cattle futures sink to 3-year bottom
CHICAGO, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures on Thursday slid to their lowest level in three years, pressured by more losses price-wise for unsold cash cattle, traders said. Spot December ended down 2.825 cents per lb to 117.150 cents, and made a new contract low of 116.975. February finished 2.450 cents […] Read more
VIDEO: Brace for low prices
CHICAGO, Ill. — Farmers should brace for lower prices next year, according to data from a leading industry analyst. Darin Newsom, senior analyst with DTN, said he expects U.S. corn, soybeans and wheat stocks to increase in 2016-17, which means lower prices for those commodities, as well as for almost every crop grown in Canada. […] Read more
Group pushes for non-GM milk label
Consumers have plenty of options in the dairy aisle, whether it is whole milk, one percent, buttermilk, organic, lactose-free, soy, almond or coconut. However, a Manitoba dairy farmer says Canadians need one more alternative: non-genetically modified milk. “We’re just seeing a demand coming, and there are (Manitoba) processors that have been echoing the same comments,” […] Read more
Healthy soil can reduce greenhouse gas: experts
LONDON, Ont. — Farmers have an obligation to address climate change, said speakers at a recent ecological farming conference. The way to do that is to build soil health, according to University of Vermont soils expert Heather Darby and long-time Ontario organic farmer Ken Laing. “There are all kinds of meetings like this happening and […] Read more
Company gives ethics priority
BADEN, Ont. — Business acumen lies behind Pfenning’s Organic Farm, but another element to success is equally important, if not more so. “I’d rather lose money than compromise ethics,” Jenn Pfenning said. She and her husband, Ekk, operate the business with other family members. Ekk’s mother, Barnhild, is still involved. The family, which founded the […] Read more
