A bump in gross revenue from grain handling helped to improve first-quarter results for both of Canada’s big two railways. Canadian National Railway (CN) on Monday reported overall net income of $704 million on $3.098 billion in revenue for the quarter ending March 31, up from $623 million on $2.693 billion in the year-earlier period. […] Read more
CN, CP book higher grain revenues in Q1
Oliver budget boosts capital gains exemption, trade funds
A higher lifetime capital gains exemption on sales of farm property, accelerated capital cost allowance for food processing equipment and, further out, more money to boost agrifood exports are among the offerings for farmers in Tuesday’s federal budget. Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver on Tuesday described his 2015 Economic Action Plan as “a balanced budget, just […] Read more
U.S. EPA strikes deal on biofuel blending targets with oil groups
Washington | Reuters –– Oil refiners who have complained that U.S. federal regulators missed deadlines to issue rules on blending renewable fuels into the nation’s supply of gasoline and diesel fuel are set to get long-awaited targets from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under a deal the EPA announced Friday with two oil industry groups […] Read more
CN grain train derails near Calgary
Reuters — Twenty-four grain cars on a Canadian National Railway (CN) train derailed northeast of Calgary on Friday morning without injury or dangerous goods involved, RCMP said. The derailment on the 104-car train took place near the village of Kathyrn and Highway 9, at 10 a.m. MT, RCMP from nearby Beiseker said in a release, […] Read more
CWB’s new laker boat opens St. Lawrence Seaway
The first of CWB’s new laker vessels marked the official opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway for 2015 on Thursday, passing through the South Shore Canal’s St. Lambert Lock near Montreal. The seaway navigation season’s official opening had previously been set for March 27, but officials opted in early March to put off the opening […] Read more
Sask. environmental farm planning options sweetened
A list of beneficial management practices (BMPs) for which Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers can get funding through the federal/provincial Farm Stewardship Program has been expanded. The provincial and federal governments on Wednesday announced five new BMPs and “enhancements” to seven already-eligible BMPs available through the program. Among the new BMPs, for example, are rollers for […] Read more
Diesel prices expected to see pressure in second quarter
CNS Canada — The spring thaw may bring lower diesel prices to farmers in North America, according to a New Jersey-based oil expert. “A lot of new refining, worldwide, is coming on for diesel,” said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service. Compared to other fuels such as gasoline or jet […] Read more
Ont. poultry packer back under hidden-camera spotlight
Canada’s biggest poultry processor is back under animal welfare activists’ scrutiny with hidden-camera footage alleging more mishandling of birds at one of its packing plants. Maple Lodge Farms, which in September 2013 was convicted under the federal Health of Animals Act over birds’ exposure to cold weather during transport, said Saturday it’s paying “prompt attention” […] Read more
Railways’ mandatory minimum grain handles ending
Canada’s big two railways can resume moving grain at their own pace as the federal government’s order in council setting mandatory minimum grain traffic quotas is set to expire unrenewed. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Transport Minister Lisa Raitt announced the federal government won’t renew the mandatory minimums, which are due to expire Saturday. The […] Read more
Alta. cuts ag spending slightly, boosts fuel tax
Alberta’s bid to stabilize its public-sector revenue and spending will include slight cuts to its farm programs budget, plus an increase in provincial fuel tax from which farmers won’t be exempt. Finance Minister Robin Campbell on Thursday released a 2015-16 budget that pegs expenses for Alberta’s agriculture and rural development department at $931 million, down […] Read more
