Insights and Stories on COVID-19

Canada’s pork sector up to speed, aware of challenges

Apr. 3, 2020 at 2:02 pm CDT

They’re adding protective plexiglass shields, bringing in trailers to separate groups of workers, and boosting communication on biosecurity. It’s all part of an ongoing effort to ensure pork processing plants aren’t disrupted by COVID-19. “I’m very impressed by our packers, and for the workers for coming to work every day […]

Pandemic planning leads to staff cuts at Agropur

Apr. 3, 2020 at 1:58 am CDT

By GFM Staff

Alberta’s provincial meat inspectors to train for federal duty

Apr. 2, 2020 at 7:57 am CDT

By GFM Staff

CBOT weekly outlook: Pandemic drives Chicago prices lower

Apr. 1, 2020 at 8:07 pm CDT

By Glen Hallick - MarketsFarm

COVID-19 strains already-battered Ontario beef industry

Mar. 30, 2020 at 8:31 pm CDT

By Piper Whelan

Ottawa expected to ‘officially’ declare ag an essential service

Mar. 30, 2020 at 10:47 am CDT

Canada’s grain industry expects the federal government will soon officially declare agriculture an essential service. Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA), says that designation will have a practical application. “Hopefully it ends all confusion about grain workers at elevators, railway workers and anybody else required […]

By Allan Dawson

COVID-19 cases shut Olymel hog slaughter plant

Mar. 30, 2020 at 6:44 am CDT

The COVID-19 coronavirus has made its way into the labour pool at a major pork packing plant in Quebec’s Mauricie region, forcing a two-week shutdown. Olymel, the meat packing arm of Quebec-based Sollio Co-operative Group, announced Sunday it will temporarily close its hog slaughter and cutting plant at Yamachiche, about […]

By GFM Staff

Solid demand underpins Canadian organics amid global pandemic

Mar. 27, 2020 at 12:37 pm CDT

By Marlo Glass Glacier FarmMedia staff Demand for Canadian organics was solid before COVID-19 began dominating headlines, and remains strong as consumers stock up on staple foods. However, the uncertainty of the situation has kept some caution in the market. “As a grain milling company, business has been really good,” […]

By OrganicBiz

U.S. egg prices hit record levels as pandemic buying boosts demand

Mar. 27, 2020 at 1:32 am CDT

Washington | Reuters — Increased demand for eggs in the United States has sent egg prices soaring in recent weeks as consumers scramble to stock up on staples due to coronavirus shutdowns. Wholesale prices of “Midwest large” eggs hit an all-time high of $3.09 a dozen on Thursday, triple their […]

By Andrea Shalal

CFA seeks immediate cash for farmers

Mar. 27, 2020 at 12:29 am CDT

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture wants the federal government to provide immediate stimulus to farmers through business risk management (BRM) programs as part of its ongoing response to COVID-19. At a recent board meeting, the organization representing about 200,000 farmers across Canada passed motions calling for increased funding to the […]

By D.C. Fraser