Physical challenges used to be the toughest obstacle facing farmers. But thanks mainly to automation and other forms of technology, that’s no longer the case. Still, there’s a sense of stress and anxiety on many farms, even though food production should be getting easier. Why is that? Well, a few theories exist, starting with isolation.... Read More

Grains finished the last full week of trading in September in the green thanks to some unfavourable weather conditions in Europe and Asia, and better-expected-export numbers for U.S. sales. While crop progress reports in North America continue to show that things are ahead of schedule & crop quality is relatively decent, some good buying strength... Read More

The role of a provincial agriculture minister is complicated. On one hand, they’re supposed to be loyal to their party and leader and on the other, there’s an expectation that they stand up for farmers and the agriculture sector. It’s easy to point a finger at the flaws and mistakes of a provincial agriculture minister,... Read More

Even with other major stories percolating — sex education in schools and the federal election among them — the Syrian refugee crisis has thankfully not been nudged off the front pages. Noble and determined efforts are underway everywhere to help the estimated Syrian refugees find new homes. Last week, the Ontario government pledged $10.5 million... Read More

Grains this week were relatively mixed as a combination of various weather forecasts and new production reports had the trade flip-flopping all over the place. Corn and soybeans were lower with good growing conditions and South American planting starting up. The strength of the U.S. dollar has been waning a bit as expectations were confirmed... Read More

It’s an interesting market for beef producers. While fed cattle are still struggling to find their market low, feeder animals are well above last year’s prices. And cow/calf producers may be feeling relieved, but will good margins be enough to persuade herd expansion? We hand Shaun Haney a bar of soap for this mid-September edition... Read More