Bunge-Viterra deal ‘effectively ends competition’ says NFU

The National Farmers Union denounced the approval of the Bunge-Viterra merger in a statement released on Jan. 17. The NFU said the multi-billion dollar deal “effectively ends competition in Canada’s agricultural commodity sector,” as it creates the world’s largest agricultural commodity trader, and it will control 40 per cent of the Canadian grain market.






Only small changes in latest AAFC estimates

There were only small changes to the updated supply/demand estimates from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) released Nov. 19. All of the other data in the AAFC report were carried over from its October report.

Less canola, more wheat expected from Statistics Canada

Winnipeg | MarketsFarm – Canadian farmers will likely seed less canola and more spring wheat in 2019, but the extent of any acreage shifts remains to be seen as market participants await Statistics Canada’s first seeded area estimates of the year on April 24. Canola prices in Western Canada have dropped over the past few[...]


Quebec rye production on the rise

CNS Canada -- Rye production was up in Quebec in 2018, one reason being producers supplying hybrid rye for feed to the province’s hog industry. “Feed was coming from out west, but now we’re starting to produce the seed itself here,” said Andre Lussier, who farms near St. Hyacinthe, Que. and is a director with[...]

Malt barley outlook promising, but harvest quality will be key

CNS Canada – Many questions remain about Western Canada’s malt barley crop, but many analysts appear to expect at least an adequate harvest. Quality concerns and yield reductions will hit farmers in southern areas, but for those with good quality, prices should remain at least steady for the medium term. While analysts cautioned that forecasts[...]


Grain consortium lobbying hard for Australia's biggest wheat exporter

Sydney/Reuters – A consortium seeking to buy Australia's biggest wheat exporter, Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd (CBH), is stepping up lobbying for its offer amid concerns the deal may be snubbed and reports of a rival Chinese bidder. The Australian Grains Champion (AGC), which includes farmers and some former directors of CBH, wants to acquire and list[...]

Wheat crops excel in Ontario

CNS Canada -- Ontario wheat producers are having a great start to the season, with healthy crops doubling in acreage from last year, according to a provincial cereals specialist. "Winter wheat crop this year is looking excellent," said Joanna Follings, who works for the Ontario ministry of agriculture in Guelph. "We have some disease pressures[...]