Seed Growers offers online learning

Reading Time: < 1 minute The association representing seed growers says it is filling a void with a new online learning program designed for the sector. The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association recently launched CSGA Learn, which offers 10 comprehensive online courses developed by industry experts and based on the official Canadian National Occupational Standards for seed production. “CSGA Learn is […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill names new CEO

Former proteins boss to lead firm

Reuters — Cargill Inc. said on Monday Brian Sikes will take over as the global commodities trader’s new president and CEO effective Jan. 1. Sikes will succeed Dave MacLennan, who has served as Cargill’s CEO and chairman since 2013. MacLennan will now assume the role of executive chair of Cargill’s board of directors and will […] Read more


(Dave Bedard photo)

AAFC report sees another series of tweaks

MarketsFarm — As expected, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) avoided making any major revisions to its November supply and demand estimates, waiting until Statistics Canada issues its next production report on Dec. 2. AAFC released its latest monthly report late Friday afternoon. While AAFC tweaked its November supply and demand estimates from October, most of […] Read more

BNSF crews clear track near Lemmon, S.D., about 300 km northeast of Rapid City, in late December 2016. (BNSF.com)

Biggest U.S. rail union rejects tentative deal, raising threat of strike

Union digs in on paid sick time

Washington/Los Angeles | Reuters — Workers at the largest U.S. rail union voted against a tentative contract deal reached in September, raising the possibility of a year-end strike that could cause significant damage to the U.S. economy and strand vital shipments of food and fuel. Train and engine service members of the transportation division of […] Read more


Chickpeas. (CalypsoArt/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Chickpea prices rise amid tight supplies

Supplies still haven't recovered off 2021

MarketsFarm — Chickpea prices in Western Canada are on the rise due to tight supplies, according to one trader. Prices for Kabuli chickpeas rose five cents per pound from last month, with high-delivered bids ranging from 40 cents/lb. for the seven-millimetre variety to 55.5 cents/lb. for 10-mm, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. In comparison to […] Read more

File photo of a CN locomotive in Chicago. (Photo courtesy CN)

Third U.S. union rejects national rail contract deal

Two major unions' decisions due next week

Washington | Reuters — A third U.S. rail union voted on Monday to reject a tentative national contract reached in September, but expects to continue negotiating to reach a deal. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), which represents about 300 U.S. rail employees, rejected the agreement, said the union and the National Carriers’ Conference Committee […] Read more


Bridge Agri Partners’ Katrime, Man. facility is built around a former Manitoba Pool Elevators site that company divested in 2001 during the formation of Agricore United (now part of Viterra). (BridgeAgriPartners.com)

Andersons buys grains broker Bridge Agri Partners

Lethbridge business will keep existing name

Lethbridge grain marketing and handling firm Bridge Agri Partners has been taken up by U.S. grain and ag input firm The Andersons. Bill Krueger, president of The Andersons’ trade and processing arm, said in a release Nov. 1 it had bought the Prairie company for an undisclosed amount, its goal being “to expand our pet […] Read more

A freight train at Manchac, La., about 75 km east of Baton Rouge. (CN.ca)

U.S. railroads, union extend strike deadline until at least Dec. 4

Teamsters warn against 'blatant attempt to cause panic'

Washington | Reuters — A group representing major railroads and a union that voted to reject a new contract said Wednesday they had agreed to extend a potential strike deadline until at least Dec. 4. The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED) that represents 11,000 workers extended the current […] Read more


Green lentils. (Savany/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Price disconnect between lentil growers, destinations

Stronger loonie pressures prices

MarketsFarm — There’s something of a disconnect in green lentil prices, between what Canadian farmers have seen recently and to where those pulses are being sold, according to Toronto-based Marcos Mosnaim of Export Packers. Green lentils increased in price up until a couple of weeks ago, Mosnaim said. “It was a combination of farmers not […] Read more

The logo and trading info for Corteva Agriscience displayed on the New York Stock Exchange in New York.  Photo: Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Corteva third-quarter loss narrows on demand for agricultural products

Reuters – Agricultural chemical and seed company Corteva Inc CTVA.N on Thursday posted a smaller-than-expected third-quarter adjusted loss as farmers looked to maximize yields at a time of low global grain supplies. Operating loss was 12 cents per share in the July-September quarter, from 14 cents per share a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected […] Read more