A CN engine sits on the tracks in a rail yard with grain cars visible in the background.

Grain movement booms; timeliness a concern

CN sets record and CPKC has big year, but shippers say weekly rail car order fulfilment was disappointing

CN moved a record volume of grain in the crop year that just ended, while CPKC moved the most since 2021-22. But the WGEA said it wasn’t moved at the right time.




Former federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz is photographed standing in front of a building with "Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499" written on it. Ritz has been Reeve of this RM since 2020.

Ritz looks back on his time as agriculture minister

Whether it’s supply management or farmer support for the wheat board, the former minister has an opinion

During an interview with the Western Producer in mid-July, Ritz freely shared his thoughts about his stint as Canada’s minister of agriculture, current issues within the ag industry and rural politics.



President Donald Trump speaks during a ‘Liberation Day’ event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Samuel Corum/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect.

U.S. restaurants lobby against tariffs ahead of Aug. 1 deadline

Legality of Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs questioned in Washington appeals court

Ahead of the August 1 tariff deadline, an American restaurant group has sent a letter to U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer expressing concerns and urging for continued exemptions under the CUSMA trade agreement. Legality of Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs questioned in Washington appeals court.



Butcher Brett Marley holds freshly ground beef at Casey's Market in Western Springs, Illinois, April 25, 2012.

U.S. tariff on Brazil could increase meat prices

U.S. companies buy beef from Brazil to make hamburger, but threatened tariff expected to disrupt that business

U.S. president Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 50 per cent tariff on goods from Brazil will likely raise prices for beef used in American hamburgers, traders and analysts said.