(Reuters) — The Canadian dollar is down, trading near US79 cents Oct. 23 as data shows the economy slowing after a boom in the first half of the year. Retail sales slowed last month and the annual inflation rate hit 1.6 percent in September, matching forecasts, but well below the Bank of Canada’s two percent […] Read more
Tag Archives News
Economy slows, loonie weakens
Food stocks of food stuffs
How long have we got until the food runs out? Globally, about 165 days on average, longer for those whose governments stockpile. But this is highly variable depending on the national circumstance. As economies become more stable and used to having steady supplies, the desire to spend taxpayer money on ensuring the domestic food inventory […] Read more
Why farmers are relieved as heck by what Morneau and Trudeau have done
Like taking a furiously boiling pot off a red hot burner, Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have rapidly cooled the outrage and upset created by the federal government’s rushed small business tax proposals. Farmers, we listened. We will not be moving forward with proposed measures to limit access to the Lifetime […] Read more
Investor sold on ag opportunities
When it comes to agriculture, PIC Investment Group is not exactly a household name. But the private equity and venture capital firm’s reputation in the agriculture and agri-food sectors is growing, thanks in part to a high-profile investment at Vanscoy, Sask., not far from Saskatoon. PIC holds a 40 percent equity stake in Verdient Foods, […] Read more
Producer car shipments in decline: CGC
The amount of grain being shipped in producer cars is dropping, according to statistics from the Canadian Grain Commission. CGC figures show that 5,519 producer cars containing cereal grains, oilseeds, pulses and other crops were shipped in the 2016-17 crop year. That’s slightly lower than the 2015-16 crop year, when 5,871 producer car shipments were […] Read more
Processor sustainability indicators released for public comment
The Canadian Round Table for Sustainable Beef seeks final public comment on its indicators used to measure sustainability practices for the processing sector. The public comment period is from Oct. 5 to Nov. 4 according to a news release from the round table. Sustainable beef is defined as a socially responsible, environmentally sound and economically […] Read more
WP staff recognized for stories, photos
The Canadian Farm Writers Federation has announced its annual award winners and I’m pleased to say The Western Producer received substantial recognition. The awards were announced during the federation’s annual meeting in Quebec last month. Robin Booker won gold in the weekly press reporting category for “The one percent clause,” published in May, about high […] Read more
Dow plans launch of GM soy seed
CHICAGO (Reuters) — Dow AgroSciences will launch under tight controls in the United States a genetically modified soybean seed that is not approved by major im-porters. To avoid accidently getting the new soybean into the export pipeline to China and Europe, where the product is not yet approved, all production will be handled by Archer […] Read more
Prepare farm plan to mitigate risk around marijuana use
The legalization of marijuana in Canada will pose safety issues for employers because there is no test to determine impairment
EDMONTON — Marijuana and dangerous workplaces do not mix, delegates were told at the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s annual conference in Edmonton this month. Dan Demers, a senior manager with CannAmm Occupational Testing services, noted effects linger for 24 hours beyond the acute period of use and days longer for chronic users, disrupting signals in […] Read moreChina’s pig herd shrinks at fastest pace since early 2016
The government’s tough new pollution standards ban livestock production near water sources or high populated areas
(Reuters) — China’s pig herd shrank last month at the fastest pace in almost two years, the Ministry of Agriculture said, the latest sign sweeping government steps to curb pollution have accelerated cuts in one of the nation’s critical farm sectors. The hog herd in the world’s top pork consumer fell by 6.1 percent from […] Read more
