John Sitilides, who specializes in U.S. government relations, geopolitical risk and international affairs, has been following Donal Trump’s actions since the mid-1980s when he first met him. Photo: Greg Price

Tariffs called part of long game with trade negotiations

U.S. trade deficits with Canada and Mexico have more than doubled folowing transition from NAFTA to CUSMA

As the clock continues to tick to midnight April 2 on U.S. president Donald Trump’s month-long exemption on blanket tariffs to Canada that has left many ag industries at a standstill, one U.S. insider gave his thoughts at the 2025 Alberta Beef Industry Conference in Calgary on what he believes is the end game for the trade war.



Cattle prices in western Canada tried to recover from tariff-driven shocks in the week ending March 14.

Feeder market recovers from tariff discounts

Many cattle were moved to U.S. feedlots to avoid tariffs, which may have resulted in higher risk tolerance

As cattle markets recovered from the effect of short-lived tariffs in the week ended March 14, western Canadian feeder markets were trending higher.

Photo: keeperofthezoo/Getty Images Plus

Transition to drought expected to be swifter this year

Fractions of a degree of change in ocean tempartures impacts weather patterns for ag producers in caring for their livestock and crops

Agriculture across the globe is closely linked to La Niña and El Niño when it comes to setting the weather stage for the next growing season.