Saskatoon | Reuters — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday he wanted a good NAFTA deal as soon as possible, but did not answer directly when asked if he agreed with Washington that the end of September was the final deadline for talks. Canada and the U.S. are struggling to settle differences over access […] Read more
Trudeau says good NAFTA deal wanted soon, hazy on deadline
Britain outlines post-Brexit farm policy in bill
London | Reuters –– Britain will introduce legislation on Wednesday for agricultural policy after it leaves the European Union that will link support for farmers to the provision of public benefits such as tackling climate change or preserving beautiful landscapes. The Agriculture Bill, primarily covering England, will provide the basis for policy in a sector […] Read more
Russia meets grain traders, sees no need to limit exports
Moscow | Reuters — Russia’s agriculture ministry does not see a need to impose an export duty on grains or to curb grain exports in any other way, it said in a statement after a meeting with exporters on Monday. Chicago wheat prices — a global benchmark for grains — were supported last week by […] Read more
U.S. maps out tariff-related direct payments to farmers
Chicago | Reuters — The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Monday its farm aid package would include US$4.7 billion in direct payments to farmers to help offset losses from retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports this season. The bulk of the payments, $3.6 billion, would be made to soybean farmers (all figures US$). That amounts […] Read more
U.S. livestock: CME lean hogs sag on uncertainty over trade talks
Chicago | Reuters –– U.S. hog futures sagged on Wednesday for a third straight session on a perceived lack of progress in U.S. trade negotiations with key pork consumers China and Mexico, traders said. CME Group live cattle futures followed hogs lower, with burdensome supplies adding pressure. Most-active CME October lean hog futures settled down […] Read more
Russian ag minister sees no need for wheat export duty, for now
Moscow | Reuters — Russia’s agriculture minister sees no reason for now to introduce an export duty on wheat and is not considering one, he was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Tuesday. A meeting at the agriculture ministry on Friday fuelled speculation among traders that Russia could consider grain export curbs once […] Read more
Wendy’s sells stake in Arby’s owner
Reuters — Hamburger company Wendy’s Co. ended its decade-old ties with Arby’s as it sold its 12.3 per cent stake in the sandwich chain’s parent for US$450 million on Thursday, giving it a boost as it battles larger rivals McDonald’s and Burger King. Wendy’s will sell its stake to Inspire Brands, owned by Roark Capital, […] Read more
Quebec offers aid to lessen brunt of U.S. tariffs
Montreal | Reuters — The Quebec government on Wednesday said it would spend $863 million over five years to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on companies and the province’s agriculture sector. The plan would provide direct financial aid to some companies affected by the tariffs and would support investments to improve productivity, worker training […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Slumping cash prices extend CME hogs’ losses
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange hogs closed lower for a second day in a row on Friday, hit by downward-trending prices for market-ready, or cash, hogs amid plentiful supplies, said traders. Hog numbers are at a record high due to affordable feed and farmers adding to herds to satisfy four new U.S. plants […] Read more
U.S. livestock: CME hogs stumble on lower cash, pork prices
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange hog futures ended lower on Thursday after packers paid less money for market-ready, or cash, hogs as prices for pork at wholesale eased, said traders. Packer interest in raising hog bids waned in the midst of plentiful supplies and while Smithfield Foods closed some of their plants to […] Read more
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