An Agriculture Canada researcher publishes book to help producers better understand the insects living in their pastures
Gaining an understanding of cow patty critters is worthwhile because some provide environment-improving actions, others are pests and vexations for livestock, many help break down manure and feed its nutrients back into the pasture, while others reveal the underlying health of the soil and animals, said Kevin Floate, an Agriculture Canada researcher in Lethbridge, author of Cow Patty Critters.
U.S. EPA finalizes biofuel blending mandate
Under the December proposal, oil refiners would be required to add 20.82 billion gallons of biofuels to their fuel in 2023, 21.87 billion gallons in 2024, and 22.68 billion gallons in 2025.
Cost squeeze pummels Tyson
Beef, pork and chicken production costs have surged. Slaughter costs have increased. Consumers are reducing purchases of expensive cuts of meat.
Equipment hall of fame seeks nominees
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 2023 induction ceremony. Since its inception in 1993, the organization has inducted 67 individuals who have contributed to the construction and agriculture equipment manufacturing industry. Nominations will be accepted until June 16. More information is at aem.org.
Meat-packer profits squeezed in U.S.
The U.S. beef cow herd is the smallest since 1962. Drought and high feed costs drove producers to send animals to slaughter instead of keeping them for breeding. Farmers who fatten cattle have gained leverage in sales negotiations over the meat packers that dominate the market, such as Tyson Foods, Cargill and JBS USA.
Bunge earnings take a hit
Supply disruptions because of the ongoing war in Ukraine and a severe drought in Argentina have dented earnings for the grains merchants.
Recent federal budget broadens alternative minimum tax
The federal budget announced last month broadens the alternative minimum tax by disallowing certain deductions and increasing the AMT capital gains inclusion rate to 100 percent from 80. The budget also adjusts the rules for intergenerational business transfers originally introduced in Bill C-208. AMT is an alternative tax that is calculated based on fewer deductions, […] Read more
Ag Notes
New board for food centre The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity elected Mike Dungate as president, Julie Dickson Olmstead as vice-president and Darlene McBain as secretary-treasurer. Three directors were also re-elected, including Jean-Marc Ruest, senior vice-president, corporate affairs and general counsel of Richardson International Ltd., Darlene McBain, director, industry relations at Farm Credit Canada, and […] Read more
Canfax report
This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. More market information, analysis and statistics are available by becoming a Canfax subscriber by calling 403-275-5110 or at www.canfax.ca. Fed market firm Alberta direct cattle sales saw moderate volume trade last week, with prices steady to […] Read more
WP livestock report
Hogs The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts May 12 was $59.05, up from $54.70 May 5. U.S. hogs averaged $74.36 on a carcass basis May 12, up from $70.89 May 5. The U.S. pork cutout was $83.41 per hundredweight May 12, up from $81.87 May 5. The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter […] Read more
