File photo of an Ontario cherry orchard. (UpdogDesigns/iStock/Getty Images)

Ontario extends lost-labour production insurance

COVID-related coverage held over for 2021 program year

A temporary expansion of Ontario’s AgriInsurance program, to cover losses caused by COVID-19-related short-handedness on the farm, will be held over. The province and federal government on Dec. 22 announced the expansion of coverage will be extended to cover the 2021 program year — and that it will insure production of “additional commodities.” Further details […] Read more

(Graphic courtesy Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Longer-range forecast points to warmer-than-normal winter

MarketsFarm — Warmer-than-normal temperatures are in the long-range forecast across all of Canada for the next three months, according to the latest outlook from Environment Canada. The latest seasonal forecast from the government agency, released Thursday, calls for a 40 to 70 per cent chance of above-normal temperatures from January through March for the western […] Read more


CBOT March 2021 soybeans with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Soy rally extends into 2021

South America soybean supply fears continue; corn ends mixed

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures extended a rally to 6-1/2-year highs before trimming gains on Monday as dry crop weather and disruptions to exports in South America continued to unsettle investors at a time of brisk Chinese demand, analysts said. Wheat closed modestly higher, while corn ended mixed, as both commodities pared gains […] Read more



Morris’ Quantum Air Drill had its first public appearance at Canada’s Farm Progress Show and its formal launch at Ag in Motion in 2018. (Grainews photo by Scott Garvey)

Court approves Morris Industries’ sale to Rite Way

Yorkton plant, not included in deal, to close

Seeding equipment manufacturer Morris Industries has been approved for sale to another Saskatchewan manufacturer — minus its Yorkton manufacturing plant, which is not part of the sale and is now expected to close by year’s end. Judge Shawn Smith of Court of Queen’s Bench in Saskatoon on Friday approved the sale of Morris to a […] Read more

Doug Chorney. (Manitoba Co-operator file photo by Allan Dawson)

Former KAP president promoted at CGC

KAP GM to replace Chorney as CGC's assistant chief

The acting chief commissioner for Canada’s grain handling regulator has formally levelled up to the chief’s role, while the GM of Manitoba’s general farm group replaces him at the second seat. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Monday appointed Doug Chorney — an agricultural engineer and grain and oilseed grower at East Selkirk, Man. — […] Read more


CBOT March 2021 soybeans with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Soybeans touch six-year high on Argentina strike, weather

Grains complex rebounds after stepping back on news of new coronavirus strain

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybeans climbed to six-year highs on Monday as weather and export troubles in Argentina outweighed concerns of a new coronavirus strain hitting Britain. Corn and wheat futures traded near even as soybeans supported the grains complex. Chicago Board of Trade most-active soybeans gained 23-1/2 cents to $12.47-1/2 per bushel, after […] Read more

The World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on Oct. 28, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Denis Balibouse)

Ban on food aid restrictions blocked at WTO

WTO says outcome 'disappointing' in difficult year

Geneva | Reuters — World Trade Organization members were at odds on Friday over a proposal that would ban countries from restricting food aid deliveries, potentially complicating the response to a feared COVID-fuelled humanitarian catastrophe next year. The proposal was one of two related to the pandemic that failed to make headway at a three-day […] Read more


CBOT January 2021 soybeans with Bollinger (20,2) bands. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Soybeans touch 6-1/2 year high

Corn follows as traders eye South American crops

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures surged to their highest in 6-1/2 years on Friday as the rain outlook in key South American growing areas remained uncertain, threatening harvest prospects as global demand strengthens, traders said. Forecasts of low U.S. soybean inventories and strong demand from U.S. processors and importers like China have made […] Read more

CBOT March 2021 corn with Bollinger (20,2) bands. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Corn, wheat, soybeans rally with exports in focus

CBOT March wheat passes US$6 mark

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Board of Trade soybean and corn futures rose on Thursday, with soybeans soaring past the US$12 a bushel mark and hitting a fresh 4-1/2-year high after a strong weekly export report sparked a rally, traders said. The good demand for U.S. supplies highlighted concerns about potential harvest shortfalls in South […] Read more