(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

CFIA funded to build up inspection corps against COVID-19

Short spells of disruptions still to be expected at food plants

Ottawa — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is spending $20 million to hire, train and equip additional staff members to limit disruptions resulting from COVID-19. With meat packers and food processing plants considering extended hours as they adjust to taking extra measures to combat the pandemic, CFIA was in need of a response to



CBOT May 2020 wheat with Bollinger (20,2) bands. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Chicago wheat stabilizes

Corn steady after lows; soybeans continue to slip

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago wheat futures rose on Friday, as traders wrestled with conflicting signals — from concerns over export demand of U.S. crops to the potential of weather risks. Corn futures edged higher on bargain shopping, consolidating above a 3-1/2 year low this week, while soybeans fell slightly, traders said. The modest gains

A canola field near Pincher Creek, Alta. (Laughingmango/E+/Getty Images)

Ag industry a potential ‘bright spot,’ post-pandemic

Agriculture could lead economic rebuild, ATB official says

Alberta’s ag sector will be key in rebuilding the province’s economy once the pandemic is over, says the director of research for economics at ATB Financial. “Overall, I think one of the bright spots in a really dark economic situation in the province is our agriculture and agri-food sector,” Rob Roach said. “It’s still producing.


CBOT May 2020 wheat with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Wheat slumps after Egypt again passes on U.S. product

Soybeans slip on low exports, livestock feed worries

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. wheat futures retreated on Thursday as worries over favourable weather dissipated and demand concerns resurfaced after top importer Egypt passed on U.S. wheat in a purchasing tender for a second straight day. Soybean futures sagged on weaker-than-expected export sales and worries of diminished livestock feed demand, while corn firmed after

(Alexey Rezvykh/iStock/Getty Images)

‘So far, so good,’ fertilizer sector says

Fertilizer Canada says vast majority of members have sufficient supplies in place or en route

There shouldn’t be any problems in supplying farmers with fertilizer this spring, says the organization representing manufacturers and distributors. “Our members are set to go,” Fertilizer Canada president and CEO Garth Whyte said in a news release Wednesday. “COVID-19 plans were quickly established at facilities, in conjunction with being declared an essential service, there was


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Farmers to know soon whether new wage supports work for them

Top-up also en route for low-wage essential workers; CERB also tweaked

Ottawa — Agricultural employers may soon find out whether changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program, and other new federal supports on the way, will result in more workers for the sector. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Wednesday said officials are reviewing requests from employers to see which ones will qualify to have 100

CBOT May 2020 corn with Bollinger (20,2) bands. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Corn futures set 3-1/2 year low as ethanol output tumbles

Soy futures consolidate after 3-1/2 week low

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. corn futures dropped to their lowest level in about 3-1/2 years on Wednesday as weekly ethanol output set a record low, reflecting weak demand for the crop during the coronavirus outbreak. Soybean and wheat futures also fell at the Chicago Board of Trade. Demand for corn-based ethanol has suffered as


Bayer’s cross symbol hangs in a terminal at Frankfurt International Airport. (Typhoonski/iStock Editorial/Getty Images)

Proxy advisers split over endorsing Bayer management

Chemical giant to host AGM April 28

Frankfurt | Reuters — Shareholder advisory groups are divided over whether to endorse the management and directors at German drugs and pesticides company Bayer, according to recommendations submitted by proxy voting firms. Bayer is due to host its annual general meeting on April 28 but the company still faces potentially huge litigation risks stemming from

File photo of a small greenhouse operation in Quebec. (ManonAllard/E+/Getty Images)

Increased federal support for TFWs welcomed

Ottawa — The Canadian Horticultural Council says Monday’s federal announcement offering $50 million to help cover the extra costs associated with importing foreign workers this year is welcomed support. “We are finding that there are a lot of increased costs this year with COVID-19 and bringing in the employees, so having the extra money will