CN and CPKC railroads detail their plans to provide Canada’s agricultural communities with the best possible service. But a port strike and continued episodes of wet weather can derail those plans.

CN and CP have moved a lot of grain this season—but could they do better?

Increased grain exports are expected to be the key to the forthcoming port project.

National meeting keeps the ball rolling on grain industry-specific subjects that affect the Canadian grain supply chain and economy.

Synthesis Agri-Food Network began an extensive consultation process starting in November 2020, and wrapping up March 2021, to obtain feedback on the Responsible Grain draft Code of Practice.

Over 850 individuals registered to participate with over 92% of these being farmers, mostly from Western Canada. All participants were provided access to an online survey where they could review and comment on the Code practices in detail.

CAAR members may be interested in attending the US Sustainable Agronomy Conference designed for Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs), Agri-Sales Professionals, and growers which starts today, July 20, 2021.

According to statistics Canada, the results from the June 2021 Field Crop Survey conducted with 25,000 Canadian farmers showed that farmers planted more canola, barley, soybeans and lentils, but fewer acres of wheat, dry peas, corn for grain and oats this planting season.

Saskatchewan’s Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) and Blair’s Family of Companies (Blair’s) recently shared the news that the joint venture between the two parties (announced in February) is moving forward as it has successfully received regulatory approval.

Cleanfarms has announced the locations of its next regional events to collect unwanted, old agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock, equine and poultry medications to help farmers safety dispose of these agricultural materials in an environmentally friendly and responsible way. The products are safely disposed of through high temperature incineration.

Fertilizer Canada’s Anhydrous Ammonia Code of Practice has already been updated for January 2022 and is now available for download. The Ammonia Code provides uniform safety and security practices for the safe handling and storage of anhydrous ammonia at ag-retail facilities across Canada.

CAAR participated in Manitoba’s Pre-FPT Agriculture and Food Industry Meeting in June in preparation for the July 2021 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Agriculture meeting. FPT agriculture Ministers will be meeting again in September. 

Reminder, as reported in the last issue of the newsletter, Fertilizer Canada’s Anhydrous Ammonia Code of Practice has already been updated for January 2022 and is now available for download. The Ammonia Code provides uniform safety and security practices for the safe handling and storage of anhydrous ammonia at ag-retail facilities across Canada.

The Agrichemical Warehouse Standards Association (AWSA) has released a Revised COVID-19 Auditing Policy. Effective August 1, 2021 audits can be completed either virtually or in-person.

CAAR is alerting its members of an important issue. On June 14, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released a report regarding a small number of glyphosate-tolerant wheat plants found in Southern Alberta.

A Saskatoon-based company has developed a system designed to prevent people falling from grain bins.

Richardson International Limited announced on June 26 that the company has expanded its oat milling business through the acquisition of European Oat Millers.

Producers in southern Alberta who grow cereals and winter wheat are being advised to watch out for wheat streak mosaic virus in their crops.

The Canola Council of Canada, in collaboration with Cereals Canada, announced on April 7 that Pulse Canada has joined the Keep It Clean program.

SeCan has discovered that the majority of soft white wheat varieties grown in western Canada contain the Sm1 trait for midge tolerance and now require stewardship.

Richardson International Limited will be expanding its Richardson Pioneer retail crop input network across Canada. Construction will begin on three new crop input centres in Saskatchewan this fall and Richardson will be announcing new builds across the Prairies.

The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) is pleased to announce an investment of $720,625 in five research projects that will provide Western Canadian wheat farmers with innovative tools and solutions to improve crop performance and net profitability.

Many in the agriculture industry were surprised this week by news that the Port of Churchill would cease grain shipments, starting August 8th.

Members of Parliament unanimously passed a motion Wednesday to prolong for one year the rail transport provisions enacted temporarily in 2014 under the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act.

On Tuesday, the Canadian Grain Commission began consultations on its proposals to license producer railway car loading facilities, agents, and feed mills. These operations are currently exempted from licensing.

Pulse Canada encourages the Government of Canada to postpone the sunset provisions of the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act, which will take effect August 1, 2016.

Ceres Global Ag. Corp, a grain storage and commodity logistics corporation, has entered an agreement with Koch Fertilizer Canada for the handling of dry fertilizer products at a new storage facility in Northgate, Sask.