Farmer Vision Gets A Digital Upgrade

– CRTC “If you use an antenna to receive over-the-air signals on a TV set with only an analog tuner, you’ll need a digital-to-analog converter box.” Rural residents who rely on “Farmer Vision,” the three or four television signals that are available without subscribing to cable or satellite, will see changes to how they receive

U. S., Argentina set for corn export battle

“Our export estimations will probably have to be adjusted down, considering the effect that the drought is likely to have on production.” – Patricia Bergero, Rosario Grain Exchange The recent surge in U. S. corn sales could end soon as Argentina, the world’s second-largest exporter behind the United States, emerges with a new crop and


Mexico clears U. S. meat plants

USDA confirmed Dec. 30 that Mexico has approved 20 of 30 suspended U. S. meat plants to resume shipments to that country. The 30 meat plants, which produce beef, pork, and poultry, were suspended from shipping to Mexico the previous week due to sanitary issues like packaging, labelling, and transport conditions, USDA and Mexican officials

Americans use bully tactics at WTO

Lest there was ever any doubt, new text released by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Dec. 6 makes it glaringly apparent that the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is once again being attacked by the United States for nothing but political reasons. Let’s start with the facts. Despite 14 trade challenges and investigations launched by


As ethanol shipments grow, safety remains a concern

Surging U. S. ethanol production may force the industry to step up transport safety measures in the face of growing concern that communities are ill prepared to deal with the volatile, flammable liquid. Despite efforts to work with shippers to make sure cars are safely loaded and emergency responders know what to do if an

Weak dollar helps meat exports

Canada’s exports of pork and beef have been helped by the devaluation of the Canadian dollar, but the recent implementation of the U. S. government’s country-of-origin labelling law, or COOL, has negated some of the benefits, according to industry participants. “Canada’s pork and beef producers get paid in Canadian dollars and because all of the


Sustainability on NDP’s farm agenda

Panned by critics as a stand-pat plan, and short on plans to improve farm income, the Manitoba government’s throne speech Nov. 20 did draw some credit for plans to encourage farm and rural development. The NDP government’s speech, delivered by Lt.Gov. John Harvard, did note plans for a new Sustainable Agricultural Program as well as

U. S. election raises protectionist fears

Canadian agriculture officials fear an increased wave of U. S. trade protectionism following last week’s election of a Democratic president and a heavily Democratic Congress. Fairly or otherwise, Democrats are viewed outside the United States as much more protectionist than free -trade Republicans. The temptation to protect jobs at home becomes especially strong as the


Seek damages from U. S. over CWB: Easter

Canada should demand compensation from the U. S. for damages, legal bills and lost profits stemming from its government’s latest failed trade action against the Canadian Wheat Board, says federal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter. Easter, a Liberal MP from P. E. I., said last week he had written to the Conservative government’s newly appointed International

Corn prices drop 50 per cent, ethanol production still high

For three-times-daily market reports from Don Bousquet and RNI, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” at www.manitobacooperator.ca Grain and oilseed futures at ICE Futures Canada win Winnipeg closed the week ended October 31 mixed, with canola down. Canola declined despite the firm tone in the U. S. soy complex. The lack of fresh demand and a