After months of speculation and several attempts at consolidation in the agricultural chemical and crop input industry, two of the major players are reportedly in "advanced merger talks." Nothing has been announced or finalized, but both the Wall Street Journal and Reuters are reporting that Dow Chemical Co and DuPont are working on a merger... Read More
Category: Eastern Canada
If you look back 35 years, there have been plenty of changes in Canadian agriculture and the environment in which farmers and agribusinesses operate. There are fewer farms now than in 1980, and they make up a smaller portion of eligible voters. While the societal contributions of farmers are no less important, governments tend to... Read More
Canadian cattle producers have a new pain control option for their animals thanks to a Calgary-based company. Solvet has formally launched Meloxicam Oral Suspension, a liquid formulation that is administered orally to treat pain resulting from injuries, illness, calving and surgical procedures, including castration. The release coincides with the implementation of new pain management requirements... Read More
The P&H Milling Group, with support from the Ontario government, is building the first flour mill in Ontario in 75 years. Ontario Minister of Agriculture Jeff Leal made the announcement on Monday at Parrish & Heimbecker’s Hamilton Harbour location, where the new bulk mill is expected to commence operation in 2016. The expansion will allow... Read More
The World Trade Organization has given Canada and Mexico the go-ahead to retaliate against the U.S. for the discrimination caused by American country of origin meat labeling rules. The arbitrators’ decision issued Monday gave Canada permission to implement retaliatory tariffs worth up to C$1.055 billion per year. While the approved figure is less than the... Read More
In the day-to-day operation of a farm it can be a challenge to set aside time to chat about what the next generation expects in taking over the business. “Hey Mom/Dad/Uncle… I want you to know this is important…” sort of discussions are important because they help establish expectations, which are needed to begin a... Read More
As the Bill 6 debate continues in Alberta, Real Agriculture is taking a look at how other provinces regulate farm labour, health and safety. Are there lessons to be learned from how other provincial legislation was developed and how it’s constructed? Let’s take a look at Ontario. In June 2006, Ontario agriculture was brought under... Read More
I’m not surprised that Alberta farmers railed against Bill 6. Usually, the status quo is easier to live with than change, particularly imposed change. And in the case of Bill 6, change would occur in everything from farm culture to the bottom line. It still might. But hopefully, not to the same extent. In response... Read More
It’s the time of year for holiday traditions, which for some families means heading out to pick a Christmas tree. Today is recognized as “Christmas Tree Day.” The occasion is official in Ontario, as Bill 16, which was passed by the province earlier this year, bestows the title of on the first Saturday of December.... Read More
While grains ended the month of November with little fanfare, the first trading week of December proved to have some push to the upside despite a number of reports that didn’t really change any fundamentals. Soyoil led the complex with a 10.5% gain for the week, which helped support canola prices (+2.25% for the week)... Read More