Melbourne | Reuters – Drought is expected to cut eastern Australia’s crop production this year to less than half the average over the past 20 years, with New South Wales to be worst hit, the country’s agricultural commodities forecaster said on Friday. While some regions are facing the worst conditions in memory, the Australian Bureau […] Read more
Drought to cut east Australia crop output in half from 20-year average
Canadian canola could make its way into Australia
CNS Canada — A potential shortage of canola on Australia’s east coast has the oilseed industry there musing about the potential of importing Canadian canola to keep processing plants going. A story Tuesday on the Australian website Farm Online quoted Australian Oilseeds Federation CEO Nick Goddard as explaining the potential for Canadian canola to make […] Read more
Have you been affected by drought?
Reading Time: < 1 minute Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is currently collecting information on conditions and impact of the drought in Western Canada. It’s asking producers to take an online survey, which takes about three minutes to complete. “This information helps justify and document the necessity for programs such as Livestock Tax Deferral,” it said, adding the results will be […] Read more
Rain, rain don’t go away: How to capture more moisture on your land
When it comes to retaining rainfall, seeing is believing — and new infiltration tool does just that
Reading Time: 3 minutes Drought is a four-letter word in Alberta right now — but also proof that it’s critical to make the most of any moisture we get. “If we’re getting the types of rain we normally get, water infiltration probably isn’t that big of a deal,” said Ken Lewis, conservation co-ordinator with Red Deer County. “But in […] Read more
Wheat trade hoping for big export year
CNS Canada –– Canadian wheat growers could find themselves popular with international buyers this winter, as world wheat stocks hit lows not seen for a decade. Marlene Boersch, managing partner at Mercantile Consulting Venture, said the present 26-day wheat supply available to world markets, once China’s stockpiles are removed from the equation, should boost prices […] Read more
The situation is grim for many ranchers, ABP warns province
Provincial officials will need to quickly roll out assistance programs if drought continues, says Charlie Christie
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta’s main cattle group is warning the provincial government to stand ready as a severe feed shortage could soon lead to a major culling of herds. Many ranchers depleted their hay stocks after a cold spring delayed pasture growth, and have seen only meagre production this summer in the face of dry, hot conditions, said […] Read more
Drought slashes EU wheat, export surplus to be cut
Hamburg | Reuters – Drought and a heatwave that scorched fields in northern Europe may cut the European Union’s wheat export surplus and the bloc will need to consume more of its own grains, experts said on Friday. French analysts Strategie Grains forecast a 10 percent smaller EU soft wheat harvest this year, with northern […] Read more
Alberta crop conditions decline, hay in short supply
Alberta crop conditions as of July 31, 2018
Reading Time: 2 minutes Provincial crop condition ratings declined a further 1.2 percentage points on the week. The South and Central areas are significantly below the provincial average at 39.6 and 51.6 per cent respectively. The Northwest area is on par with the province at 65.9 while the Northeast and the Peace conditions are bringing up the average at […] Read more
Drought cuts into Australian chickpea prospects
CNS Canada – Expectations for Australia’s chickpea crop have been drastically cut to one-third of last year’s production. The dry growing season will limit the crop’s potential this year to about 300,000 tonnes, according to a report from Pulse Australia. Nick Goddard, chief executive officer of Pulse Australia, told a local news outlet that important […] Read more
Heatwave ravages European fields, sending wheat prices soaring
Paris | Moscow | Hamburg | Reuters – Searing heat has devastated wheat fields across northern Europe while a combination of dry conditions and extreme rain in the Black Sea have hit output estimates, with prices soaring on fears of further crop damage. Evidence of serious harm to crops is growing as harvesting heads north in […] Read more