Frankfurt | Reuters — German potash miner K+S vowed to increase earnings significantly this year, as it ramps up production at its new Bethune, Sask. mine and after temporary restrictions on waste water at its main domestic mine were lifted. Revenues would be tangibly higher and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) would […] Read more
K+S expects earnings gain from Saskatchewan mine
U.S. livestock: CME live cattle end higher but off morning tops
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle settled higher after Wednesday’s volatile session, supported by the uptick in wholesale beef values and futures’ discounts to this week’s cash prices, said traders. Futures slipped from session highs due to the looming seasonal bump in supplies and U.S. stocks’ tumble amid renewed trade war fears. […] Read more
China conditionally approves Bayer’s Monsanto deal
Beijing | Reuters — Bayer on Tuesday secured conditional approval from China’s commerce ministry for its planned acquisition of the world No. 1 seed company Monsanto, chalking up a victory in an onerous struggle to win over watchdogs across the globe. The ministry also ordered the German drug and crop chemicals maker to spin off […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cash prices halt CME hogs’ losing streak
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hogs on Tuesday snapped a four-session slide, helped by short-covering and firmer prices for market-ready, or cash, hogs, traders said. They said some investors bought deferred months as fears of a trade war eased. Futures drew support from expectations for only a slight seasonal increase in hog […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Supplies, trade nerves keep CME hogs on defensive
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures finished mostly lower for a fourth straight session on Monday, pressured by seasonal supply buildup and continued worries about potential trade disputes, said traders. Any trade war with the U.S. will only bring disaster to the world economy, China’s commerce minister said on Sunday. The […] Read more
U.S. livestock: CME live cattle snap back on bargain hunting
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle closed higher on Friday, after short-covering and bargain buying pulled contracts up from Thursday’s seven-week low, said traders. Bullish investors were further drawn to futures’ price value compared to this week’s prices for slaughter-ready, or cash, cattle. April live cattle closed 1.35 cents/lb. higher at 123.125 […] Read more
Trade bloc Mercosur, Canada launch talks for trade deal
Asuncion| Reuters — South American trade bloc Mercosur formally launched discussions for a trade deal with Canada on Friday, in a move officials said would signal an embrace of free trade at a time other countries are moving toward protectionist policies. For Canada, the talks with the group, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, […] Read more
U.S. livestock: CME live cattle down, but off seven-week lows
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle slid to a seven-week bottom on Thursday, led by fund liquidation, traders said. Futures’ discount to this week’s slaughter-ready, or cash, cattle prices freed contracts from session lows, they said. April closed 1.2 cents/lb. at 121.775 cents (all figures US$). June finished 1.55 cents lower at […] Read more
Smucker seen considering sale for Robin Hood, other baking brands
Reuters — J.M. Smucker is considering a sale of its baking brands, including Pillsbury and Robin Hood, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The unit could fetch as much as US$700 million (C$902.4 million), Bloomberg reported, citing one of the sources. A final decision to pursue a sale has not been […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Trade war jitters drag on CME hogs
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures on Wednesday hit a three-month low, partly rattled by talk of a potential trade war if the U.S. tacks higher tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, traders said. Wednesday’s U.S. stock market slumped as U.S. President Donald Trump appears poised to impose steep tariffs this […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
