Insights and Stories on Crops

AAFC to maintain research work at Que. farm

Mar. 14, 2009 at 11:18 am CDT

Research work will continue at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Normandin, Que. research farm after its lead researcher retires in 2011, the federal government pledged Friday. Federal revenue minister and local MP Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced Friday that AAFC’s contract with Normandin crop researcher Raynald Drapeau would be extended for two more […]

Canola jumps “major hurdle” with EU clearance

Mar. 14, 2009 at 2:15 am CDT

U.S. funding approved for St. Lawrence work

Mar. 14, 2009 at 1:07 am CDT

Wittal: Fertilizer sales a cat-and-mouse game

Mar. 13, 2009 at 7:08 pm CDT

By Brian Wittal

WGRF’s 2008 tax credits announced

Mar. 13, 2009 at 12:46 am CDT

Viterra takes $28M bath on fertilizer in Q1

Mar. 13, 2009 at 12:27 am CDT

An inventory writedown on fertilizer has led Canada’s largest grain company to kick off fiscal 2009 with a quarterly net loss of $32.95 million. Regina-based Viterra on Wednesday posted the loss on gross revenues of $1.38 billion in its first quarter ending Jan. 31, down from a $41.22 million net […]

Sask. to back rural power, roads, pest control

Mar. 12, 2009 at 7:48 pm CDT

Cost-share power line relocations, pest control rebates and an expanded municipal roads program are among the pledges the province has made this week to rural Saskatchewan residents. Premier Brad Wall on Wednesday announced funds to revive, renew or enhance several rural programs, during a presentation to the Saskatchewan Association of […]

Que. farmers rip Ritz over “flex” consultations

Mar. 12, 2009 at 7:20 pm CDT

An eastern Canadian grain growers’ group says federal Ag Minister Gerry Ritz’s plans to consult farmers on a new “flexibility” program are turning out to be an “illusion.” Ritz on March 4 said he would hold roundtable meetings with producers in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba to discuss the design […]

Ruling unionizes AU workers in Sask.

Mar. 12, 2009 at 6:59 pm CDT

Former Agricore United (AU) workers at grain handler Viterra’s Saskatchewan elevators or Regina head office who are in the same scope as the company’s unionized workers are now also union members. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) made an interim ruling to that effect Tuesday while it plans a major […]

Wittal: Grains rise on financial, export numbers

Mar. 12, 2009 at 4:24 pm CDT

Our online grain markets columnist Brian Wittal welcomes feedback and information on market conditions in your area, such as current offering prices, basis levels, trucking premiums and special crops contracts. Contact Brian today. March 12 — The financial markets were up solid today, with the Dow Jones up over 250 […]

By Brian Wittal