Insights and Stories of Rod Nickel

May. 30, 2017 at 1:39 pm CDT

Winnipeg | Reuters — A Canadian shipment of pig feet to China, produced by meat packer Olymel, has tested positive for residues of banned growth drug ractopamine and may curb future trade, Canadian government and industry officials say. China views the tainted shipment as a “systemic failure” of Canada’s program that […]

By Rod Nickel

May. 23, 2017 at 5:31 pm CDT

Winnipeg | Reuters — Heavy rain forecast for the soggiest parts of the Prairies this week is likely to further delay seeding in the world’s biggest canola-exporting country, meteorologists say. The rain, forecast to hit Alberta and Saskatchewan on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, would be the latest blow to farmers […]

By Rod Nickel

May. 18, 2017 at 3:59 pm CDT

New York | Reuters — BHP Billiton’s Canadian potash mine will use advanced, cost-saving technology, giving it a competitive edge in a currently oversupplied fertilizer market, the executive in charge of the business said on Thursday. Australia-based BHP aims to start potash production at Jansen, Sask., about 70 km southeast […]

By Rod Nickel

May. 17, 2017 at 5:12 pm CDT

New York | Reuters — The owners of several new potash mines that are adding fertilizer to an already oversupplied market are banking on better times, bucking industry thinking that the projects may snuff a modest price recovery. The drive to build new mines began when potash prices were higher, […]

By Rod Nickel

May. 10, 2017 at 6:04 pm CDT

Winnipeg/Rome | Reuters — Italy has this week formally asked the European Commission to allow it to require country-of-origin labels on pasta sold there, raising alarms for Canadian durum wheat exporters who fear the move will dampen sales. Italian Agriculture Minister Maurizio Martina said on Twitter on Monday that Italy […]

By Isla Binnie, Rod Nickel