Uniform grade will also make it easier, he adds
Canada’s agriculture minister is confident the transportation system is up to the task of moving what Statistics Canada is forecasting to be a record crop.
“I certainly don’t see problems,” Gerry Ritz told reporters following an announcement at the Ag-West Bio Inc. annual meeting.
The grain handling and transportation system took note when 25 to 30 percent of the crop moved straight off the combine last fall.
“Both CP (Canadian Pacific Railway) and CN (Canadian National Railway) have each spent $1 billion on upgrades to their main lines in this past year getting ready for this,” he said.
Ritz believes that while the crop may be bigger than last year, it should be easier to move.
“The good thing with this crop is the grading looks very similar. It’s not across-the-spectrum grading. It all looks pretty good. Guys are saying now No. 2 or better,” he said.
However, he was quick to add a caveat.
“It’s not in the bin yet, so let’s not get excited.”
