Photo: Reuters/Ben Nelms/File

Global crop yields have not kept up with increasing demand 

Sluggish production blamed on adverse weather conditions and high input costs that lead to reduced fertilizer use

The global stocks-to-use ratio for the major crops, excluding China, has been trending down since 2018, Jason Newton, Nutrien’s chief economist, told delegates attending the 24th International Farm Management Association Congress in Saskatoon.



 Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Buyers tasting feeder cattle prices for fall run

For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.  




(Geralyn Wichers photo)

New Canadian feed regulations released

Long-awaited feed regulation update offers more flexibility, risk-based approach, focus on food safety

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released their long-promised update to national feed regulations. Formally referred to as the “Feeds Regulations, 2024,” the final version of the framework was registered June 17 and published for public view July 3 in part 2 of the Canada Gazette.






(Dave Bedard photo)

Agreement reached at Guelph Cargill plant

Nearly 1,000 unionized employees at Cargill Dunlop in Guelph ratified a new collective agreement on Saturday July 6. The workers, represented by Local 175 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW), began strike action after turning down a deal on May 26.