freight Archives - Grainews

This photo was taken following a Dec. 8, 2020 collision at an uncontrolled intersection east of Winkler, Man. — the first of two vehicle-versus-train collisions in the same RM that afternoon involving the same westbound CP train.

Farm safety includes being rail-safe

By Canadian Agricultural Safety Association March 8, 2024

With nearly 45,000 kilometres of active railway tracks and roughly 40,000 railway crossings from coast to coast, many Canadians encounter trains daily. That’s especially true in rural areas, where many farms are located near railway tracks. “In 2022 there were 232 incidents between trains and vehicles or people in Canada that resulted in 66 fatalities […] Read more

General

CN closes deal on Iowa railway

The agreement will link about 275 track miles to the carrier's U.S. rail network

By Geralyn Wichers, GFM Network News December 11, 2023

Canadian National Railway (CN) has inked a deal to buy an Iowa railway and connect it to its U.S. rail network, the company announced Dec. 6.

Container ships pass through locks on the Panama Canal in this file photo. (CIA.gov)

General, Markets, Reuters

Panama Canal drought to delay grain ships well into 2024

Wait times more than doubled between October and late November, prompting some shippers to reroute

By Reuters, GFM Network News December 11, 2023

Bulk grain shippers hauling crops from the U.S. Gulf Coast export hub to Asia are sailing longer routes and paying higher freight costs to avoid vessel congestion and record-high transit fees in the drought-hit Panama Canal, traders and analysts said.

General, Markets

Baltic Dry Index at 18-month high

Restrictions at the Panama Canal and congestion at Brazilian ports behind rate hike

By GFM Network News December 5, 2023

The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), a major indicator of bulk shipping rates, has climbed sharply higher over the past few weeks to hit its highest level in 18 months.

A vessel is seen arriving at Odesa in southern Ukraine under the Black Sea Grain Initiative on April 12, 2023. (Photo: Yulii Zozulia/Nurphoto via Reuters Connect)

Crops, Markets, Reuters

Loss of Black Sea grain deal not seen as threat to global supplies, for now

Alternate routes exist but would be more expensive

By GFM Network News May 16, 2023

Geneva | Reuters — The end of the Black Sea grain deal would not pose an immediate threat to the world market as Ukraine would still be able to export supplies, although at such a high cost that production in the war-torn country would likely fall even further. Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations […] Read more

A freight train at Manchac, La., about 75 km east of Baton Rouge. (CN.ca)

Crops, Machinery, Reuters

U.S. railroads, union extend strike deadline until at least Dec. 4

Teamsters warn against 'blatant attempt to cause panic'

By GFM Network News November 10, 2022

Washington | Reuters — A group representing major railroads and a union that voted to reject a new contract said Wednesday they had agreed to extend a potential strike deadline until at least Dec. 4. The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED) that represents 11,000 workers extended the current […] Read more

Barley, Crops, Markets

Feed weekly outlook: Freight costs could determine grain availability

By GFM Network News October 13, 2022

MarketsFarm — There are very good prices for feed barley and wheat in Alberta, according to Susanne Leclerc of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton — but two factors could limit their availability. Leclerc said there is good demand for feed wheat in the province, “but prices are slightly up because we’re not seeing a lot […] Read more

File photo of Highway 363 near Moose Jaw, Sask. (Mysticenergy/iStock/Getty Images)

General, Machinery, Weather

Spring road bans coming into effect across Prairies

By Phil Franz-Warkentin, GFM Network News March 15, 2022

MarketsFarm — Warming temperatures and melting snow across Western Canada may cause some disruptions to grain and livestock movement over the next few weeks as seasonal spring road restrictions come into effect across the Prairies. Annual spring road restrictions set axle weight limits for vehicles moving on certain roads, in an effort to reduce the […] Read more

FCL’s Co-op Fertilizer Terminal at Brandon. (Photo courtesy Federated Co-operatives Ltd.)

Crops, Markets, Weather

Fertilizer prices to remain high for now

By GFM Network News January 8, 2022

MarketsFarm — There are two factors to consider when it comes to fertilizer. One is the cost as it’s to remain quite expensive at least through the first quarter of 2022, according to Chris Lawson, head of fertilizers for the CRU Group. The other is its availability, said Todd Lewis, president of the Agricultural Producers […] Read more

Crops, Forages

CFA’s Hay West program up and running

Program website now online

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News September 20, 2021

A revival of the “Hay West” initiative, aimed at shipping feed from Eastern Canada to supplement drought-dented supplies in the West, has gone live. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture on Friday announced its Hay West 2021 initiative is “now operational and seeking applicants to both receive and supply hay.” Applicants interested in either supplying or […] Read more

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

GFM Network News