The International Grains Council has cut its estimate of 2010 world wheat production to 651 million tonnes, a drop of 13 million tonnes from its estimate last month, mainly because of reduced crop prospects in Eastern Europe, the Former Soviet Union and Western Canada. However, the IGC sees carryover stocks at 192 million tones, down […] Read more
Lower world wheat production, but ample stocks
Insect watch enters critical period: Canola Council
The Canola Council of Canada’s latest Canola Watch says the insect watch has entered a critical phase. There has been spraying for lygus, bertha armyworm and diamondback moth larvae in some regions. Highlights: • Blackleg is widespread in southern Manitoba. • Alternaria is showing up in B. juncea canola. • Light stands encourage some growers […] Read more
BMO offers deferrals for flood-affected agricultural businesses
BMO Bank of Montreal says it has launched a program for its commercial customers affected by the extensive damage from flooding on the Prairies earlier this summer. Under the Financial Flood Relief Program, BMO customers can apply for deferred principal payments and/or a waiver of new loan application or renewal fees. BMO says the program is […] Read more
Report alleges misuse of U.S. beef checkoff funds
The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), the organization which administers funds collected on the $1 per head checkoff on U.S. cattle, has issued a statement citing improper use of checkoff funds by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the largest U.S. beef industry association. “An independent accounting firm tested charges from NCBA to the beef checkoff […] Read more
Viterra opens office in Italy
Viterra has opened a new marketing office in Naples, Italy and appointed Mauro Ambrosio as representative in the region. In a release, Viterra said Ambrosio would work with its International Grain Group and its orgination points in North America, Australia and New Zealand. “Throughout his career in the market, he has established strong relationships with […] Read more
Big spring wheat and durum crops seen in U.S.
Crop scouts on an annual Wheat Quality Council tour to assess U.S. spring wheat yields are reporting above-average yields. A Reuters report says a survey of four fields in southeastern North Dakota projected hard red spring wheat yields at 44 bushels per acre, down from 44.7 in 2009. The five-year average for the area is […] Read more
U.S. ends measures against Bunge canola plant
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has lifted restrictions against imports of canola meal from a Bunge Ltd. plant in Hamilton, Ontario. The FDA had placed the Hamilton plant on its online list of plants on import-alert status due to concerns about salmonella bacteria in animal feeds. The restrictions have been in place against the […] Read more
Alberta RFID tag discount at point of sale
The Alberta government says it is now offering its $3 point-of-sale incentive-discount to cow-calf producers at participating animal identification tag dealers across the province. The three-year program applies to radio frequency identification (RFID) tag purchases made between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012. Eligibility is based on the number of animals a producer has, […] Read more
CWB deadlines approach with end of crop year July 31
The Canadian Wheat Board is reminding farmers that the 2009-10 crop year ends on July 31, which is the deadline for several grain delivery, cash advance and Producer Payment Options programs. In its weekly bulletin, the CWB says farmers are encouraged to deliver their accepted tonnage on all classes and grades of wheat and durum. […] Read more
U.S. cattle herd smallest on record
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released two cattle reports on Friday July 23, confirming trade speculation that the U.S. herd would be the smallest since record-keeping began in 1973. USDA put the herd at 100.8 million head, down 1.2 per cent from a year ago. The reports confirmed that the cattle are being moved into […] Read more
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