Big payday for Schmidt if Viterra sells

Viterra CEO Mayo Schmidt will earn millions of dollars if Glencore buys Viterra, according to the Globe and Mail. Citing security filings the Globe says Mayo Schmidt will be paid an estimated $37.5 million through “a combination of the value of his stock holdings and of the fully vested value of his outstanding options and

Maggots eyed as animal feed

Reuters / Families tucking into a Sunday roast dinner may not relish the idea of animals fattened on maggots, but a British entrepreneur in South Africa believes they’re a viable protein-rich animal feed alternative. AgriProtein Technologies plans to set up the world’s first large-scale factory in South Africa to produce “Magmeal,” an organic and sustainable


U.S. farm co-op buying Canada durum

The largest U.S. grain co-operative, CHS Inc., is buying Canadian durum and looks to bulk up on other crops there to seize the “phenomenal” opportunity left by the end of the Canadian Wheat Board marketing monopoly later this year, a CHS executive told Reuters Feb. 27. In mid-December, a Canadian bill became law that will

U.S. farmers, ranchers out $100 million

U.S. farmers and ranchers who had accounts with failed broker MF Global have got back the bulk of their money, but are still owed about $100 million. The $100 million is believed to be part of MF Global customers’ $1.2 billion in funds that remain missing after the chaotic flame-out of the broker. Thousands of

MBP Votes Thumbs Down On MCEC Checkoff

Co-operator staff / brandon The Manitoba Beef Producers has given a thumbs down on the $2-per-head voluntary checkoff for the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council. A resolution to eliminate the checkoff aimed at supporting beef slaughter capacity in the province was passed by a narrow margin of 24-21 after a vigorous debate at the recent MBP


ADM To Build Canola Biodiesel Plant In Canada

briefs reuters / U.S.-based agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland Co. said Nov. 14 that it would build a 265-millionlitre biodiesel plant in Lloydminster, Alta. The plant would crush canola, Canada s second- biggest crop after spring wheat, and boost ADM s North American biodiesel production capacity by 50 per cent. ADM said it would start building

Buhler Industries Entering Combine Market

I would like to see the next 100,000 before I retire, said a smiling Dmitry Lyubimov, who became president of Buhler Industries when the Russian combine manufacturer Rostselmash bought a majority stake from Manitoba entrepreneur John Buhler in 2007. The company, which has been shipping the Canadian-made tractors to Russia since the acquisition, is now

Harper Orders Wheat Board Out Of The Way

Canada s Conservative government will pass legislation very soon to end the Canadian Wheat Board s monopoly on marketing western wheat and barley for milling or export, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Oct. 7, strongly warning the board to get out of the way. Harper, in Regina, Saskatchewan for the announcement for construction of Western


U.S. Listeria Death Toll Hits 18

news reuters Eighteen people infected with listeria have died so far in the deadliest foodborne outbreak in the U.S. in more than a decade. One hundred people in 20 states have been infected with one of the four listeria strains involved, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria monocytogenes is a frequent

Goodale Critical Of Delays In Rail Service Legislation

Legislation to give grain shippers railway service contracts is taking too long, says Liberal MP Ralph Goodale. This is just not acceptable, Goodale said in an interview Sept. 22. I think the stalling you see… proves the railway lobby is working. The railways are trying desperately to paralyze this whole situation and make it go