Reading Time: 3 minutes Words of advice from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, and Tom Brady could be ruining your health or the health of the people around you. This was the message from Tim Caulfield, author, law professor and research director of the University of Alberta’s Health Law Institute during a seminar at FarmTech. “I really do […] Read more
Celebrity advice could have a negative impact on your health
We have more good science and information than ever — and more people believing in ‘ridiculous bunk’
Want to give back? Mentors wanted for female agri-food entrepreneurs
The Success for Women in Agri-Food program is searching for mentors across the province willing to share their experience
Reading Time: 4 minutes When faced with a problem at work, most people head straight to their boss’s office for advice. But what happens when you are the boss? That was Bryanna Kumpula’s challenge when she became executive director at the Agriculture and Food Council of Alberta four years ago. And when that happened, she turned to her mentor […] Read more
Canada’s competition watchdog clears Syngenta takeover
Canada’s farmers aren’t likely to see less competition for their crop chemical dollars if the owner of Adama Canada buys Syngenta, the Canadian antitrust watchdog has ruled. The Competition Bureau on Tuesday issued a “no action” letter for the takeover of Syngenta by China National Chemical Corp. (ChemChina), saying the deal is “unlikely to result […] Read more
Despite Trump talk of ‘tweaking’ NAFTA, Canada could still be hurt
Ottawa | Reuters — Although U.S. President Donald Trump says he only wants to tweak trade ties with Canada, his pledge to renegotiate NAFTA to focus on Mexico is almost impossible and Canada will not emerge unscathed, Canadian officials and trade experts said Tuesday. Trump had warm words for Canadian trade following a meeting with […] Read more
Here are some emerging trends that we need to pay attention to
The development of meat alternatives, stores without checkouts, and Career Farmer Barbie are all important
Reading Time: 3 minutes When one of the largest meat-processing companies in the world announces focused research into the development of alternative proteins, I’m paying attention. Tyson’s allocation of US$150 million to a venture capital fund to research meat alternatives allows us a glimpse into the future of traditional meat and poultry protein sources. The idea is not new […] Read more
Grainews editor, investment columnist Andy Sirski, 73
Memorial services will be held Friday in Winnipeg for Andy Sirski, the ag rep turned farm writer who encouraged Prairie producers to expand their views of financial planning beyond the farm gate. Sirski was best known to farmers in his role as editor of Grainews from 1995 to 2006 and as the farm journal’s “Off-Farm […] Read more
The top global weather stories of 2016 had a common theme
Whether you look at temperatures, ice at the poles, air quality, or the Fort Mac fires, the evidence of a warming planet is clear
Reading Time: 3 minutes It seems that a new list of the top global weather stories of 2016 comes out every day. So I thought I would go through some of these lists and pick the top stories that are shared by all of the lists. Of course, I might have a slight bias towards Canadian stories. I don’t think […] Read more
Ocean freight rates pointed down, but well off year-ago lows
CNS Canada — Ocean freight rates are trending down, but are still well off the record lows seen exactly a year ago. The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), compiled daily by the London-based Baltic Exchange, provides an assessment of the price of moving major raw materials by sea, including grain. The BDI was quoted at 702 […] Read more
Snow, avalanches, rain delay grain movement to U.S. ports
Chicago | Reuters — Severe winter weather has slowed rail deliveries of crops to shippers in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, sending freight rates soaring and prompting Asian buyers to seek fill-in loads as they wait for the backlog at ports to clear. Blizzards, avalanches and heavy rain in recent weeks have hit transport of corn, […] Read more
Agrium forecasts less profitable year than expected
Reuters — Fertilizer maker Agrium, the world’s biggest farm retailer, on Thursday forecast a less profitable year than expected and said its quarterly profit plunged. The Calgary-based company said after normal trading hours that it expects to earn $4.50-$6 per share in 2017. The midpoint of $5.25 fell below analysts’ average estimate of $5.45, according […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
