A man is seen outside the house damaged by Russian shelling, Odesa Region, southern Ukraine. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/Sipa USA)

What is war fatigue?

If the West is 'tired' of the war in Ukraine, consider the reality of Ukrainians

As we approached the end of December, my mood, like that of most Ukrainians, was not at all Christmassy. The heroic achievement of 2022, when our lives hung in the balance and our defenders managed to repel the enemy, was replaced by the bloody routine of 2023.


Grain is loaded onto ships for export at a port on the Parana River near Rosario, Argentina on Jan. 31, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Marcos Brindicci)

Bulk ocean freight rates fall from highs despite uncertainty

Container rates have climbed higher as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have caused diversions

The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), a major indicator of bulk shipping rates, has dropped sharply over the past month after hitting 18-month highs in early December. Meanwhile, container rates have climbed higher over the same period as attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea have caused many shipping companies to divert their vessels.




Photo: Thinkstock

Speculative short position hits new record in canola

Soybeans hit largest net short position since March 2020

Speculators were back adding to their large net short position in canola to start 2024, taking the bearish bet to a new record, according to the latest Commitments of Traders report from the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).


ethanol production plant in western manitoba

Picks and shovels for the alternative energy industry

The dominant players in the biofuels sector today are the traditional grain handlers and processors

It’s said that the big money, in gold rushes of yore, wasn’t in the gold miners but in those who supplied the picks and shovels. Vendors of sins, booze and brothels also did well. With this issue we’ll have a look at companies that, while not wholly reliant on alternative energy, stand to benefit from […] Read more

Periodic summertime inspections of a bin are recommended to confirm the roof is free of debris and the filler cap is functioning properly. Before making the climb, producers should make sure bin stairs are secure and safe.

Grain upkeep begins with the bin

Two experts provide tips on how to effectively store grain on-farm

Planning is integral to the success of any grain farm, whether preparing for seeding or determining the best use of resources at harvest time. The same holds true for on-farm grain storage, says Derek Johnson, regional sales director for AGI, one of the largest manufacturers of grain bins in Canada. He says planning for grain […] Read more