The Bank of Canada took a step to attempt to soften the blow of COVID-19 on the economy by dropping its key rate by another 50 bps to 0.75 per cent — the second cut in as many weeks. The Bank of Canada also took additional measures with banker acceptances to keep the short term... Read More
Category: News
As schools, parliament, businesses, and entire sports leagues shut down, the concern over supply chain interruption grows. Health concerns aside, what production-level concern worries you most for agriculture during this COVID-19 outbreak? Have your say!
Editor's note: Bill C-4 received Royal Assent Friday (see below). In the interest of expediency in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak, Canada's House of Commons tabled a single motion to: adopt four bills, an opposition motion, cancel all committee meetings, and adjourn. The motion passed. Included in the list is Bill C-4, the bill... Read More
In the move towards slowing the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, several agriculture events have been cancelled or postponed. Here is a shortlist of what we've been informed about, and we will update it as more information becomes available. The following have been cancelled or postponed: The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan's (APAS) Policy Conference... Read More
Machinery sales for 2020 have started off on a much weaker tone than 2019, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The current agricultural profitability outlook is bleak due to market access concerns, a bearish tone to commodities in the face of trade disruption, and rising protectionism elsewhere in the world. Without extra disposable income... Read More
Manitoba-based earthmoving equipment manufacturer K-Tec Earthmovers Inc. has announced it is merging with another scraper-maker based in Wisconsin. K-Tec is joining forces with Ashland Industries, which also makes scrapers for the agriculture, construction, and mining markets. The company will be headquartered in Rosenort, Man., with manufacturing and service operations in both Rosenort and Ashland, Wisconsin.... Read More
The Canadian meat industry has made a $50,000 donation to the Red Cross to support the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China. “We see daily what an impact this virus has had on our customers in China and are aware of all the efforts made on the part of the Chinese to... Read More
Fast-food chain A&W has announced a commitment to sourcing 100% Canadian beef — with the added twist that the beef must be grass-finished and raised without the use of growth promotants. A&W says the move marks their commitment to regenerative agriculture and protection of Canada's grasslands. The Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association says that it's glad... Read More
Reduced slaughter capacity, tanked prices, and capped risk management programs have beef farmers in Ontario going public asking the federal and provincial governments to do more to #HelpBeefFarmers. Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) says producers are at a "tipping point" and facing economic crisis. The group says market and trade disruptions have caused average weekly... Read More
If ever there was an example of how to alienate an entire portion of your customer base, A&W's 2013 "Better Beef" campaign was it. Not only did the marketing ploy raise the ire of Canadian ranchers, but the claim of "no added hormones or steroids" also got the back up of just about every conventional... Read More