Insights and Stories of Phil Franz-Warkentin

Hog sector braves financial storm, for now

Oct. 10, 2008 at 5:15 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — Financial uncertainty gripping the international markets could also take its toll on the Canadian hog sector, according to market sources, who noted that prices have declined over the past month. Lower feed grain costs and a weaker Canadian dollar are, however, helping boost the profitability of […]

PotashCorp, union agree to meet

Oct. 3, 2008 at 6:43 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Trade sees yields beating new StatsCan estimates

Oct. 2, 2008 at 12:58 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Credit crunch not yet hitting Canadian ag

Sep. 29, 2008 at 5:50 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Stocks report slightly bearish for canola

Sep. 10, 2008 at 6:15 pm CDT

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Prairies getting colder, but no frost yet

Aug. 25, 2008 at 3:18 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — Colder overnight temperatures are becoming more normal in Western Canada as the growing season draws to a close. Yet although temperatures just above the freezing mark were reported in northern Saskatchewan over the weekend, widespread frost damage was unlikely, according to a Canadian Wheat Board official. […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Late canola may hinder winter cereal seedings

Aug. 13, 2008 at 1:08 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — The western Canadian winter wheat harvest is just getting underway, and early signs point to an average crop, according to an official with Winter Cereals Canada. However, while Canadian farmers planted more winter wheat in 2007/08, the lateness of this year’s canola crop may hinder plantings […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

No progress seen in Viterra strike

Aug. 11, 2008 at 4:02 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — The ongoing labour dispute at grain handler Viterra’s Regina headquarters is entering its second month with no sign of any progress, according to the union representing the 200 striking office workers. “There hasn’t been any movement,” said Hugh Wagner, general secretary of the Grain Services Union […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

CFIA eyes funding cut for BSE sample tests

Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:42 am CDT

(Resource News International) — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has considered cutting funding to a BSE sampling program that provides reimbursement to farmers who submit suspected animals for testing. But a CFIA official stressed that the proposal was simply that, and will not be implemented any time soon. Freeman Libby, […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

Alta. crops look good, north needs rain

Jul. 15, 2008 at 12:04 pm CDT

(Resource News International) — Crops in Alberta are generally in good shape, according to a provincial crop specialist who said weather conditions were resulting in “lush” fields in most areas. However, parts of the northern growing areas and the Peace River district are dry, and could use some timely rains. […]

By Phil Franz-Warkentin