The system consists of an air lock under the bin or a meter where the grain flows through into the airstream and then a blower that pneumatically moves the air to the bins. A moveable distributor at ground level channels the grain to different bins. The initial cost of this pneumatic grain-handling system was $60,000, but the Neufelds believe it has been worthwhile. (see more photos below)

Grain Handling: A better way to move that corn

A pneumatic grain-handling system adds efficiency to grain handling on the family farm

The Neufelds have been growing corn on the family farm, Maple Creek Acres, since the 1990s, but when they decided to significantly expand their corn acres a few years ago they had a few issues to resolve in terms of corn drying and storing. “We were spending a bunch a time in the morning and […] Read more



(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill books higher profits, warns of tough markets

Reuters — U.S. agricultural commodities trader Cargill on Thursday reported a rise in third-quarter profit on stronger results in food ingredients and grain handling, but warned about headwinds from oversupplied grain markets and low commodity prices. The privately-held company is exiting lower-margin operations, including its U.S. pork business, and expanding deeper into food ingredients and […] Read more

grain terminal at dawn

Canada’s ever-changing grain scene

Understanding Market Bulls and Bears: Keep your eye on the changes underway in Canada’s grain and ag retail industries

There are a lot of changes underway that will have significant impacts on the future of our grain buying and ag retail business. This is my second column on the Canadian grain scene. Viterra/Glencore We know the history behind Viterra/Glencore’s evolution from the days of the Prairie Pools to today’s corporate entity known as Viterra. […] Read more


Harvest Aerial View

The new G3’s cross-Canada future

Understanding Market Bulls and Bears: Brian Wittal sees the new CWB as a strong competitor in the Canadian grain industry

In 2012 the CWB’s monopoly powers were stripped away. Over the next couple of years the new entity purchased or entered into joint ventures with producer-owned grain handling facilities and built a number of new concrete facilities across the Prairies to try to remain a relevant player in the grain handling and marketing business in […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill Q1 profit jumps despite commodities slump

Chicago | Reuters — Global commodities trader Cargill Inc. effectively navigated tumbling commodities markets and volatile currencies to turn in a 20 per cent gain in first-quarter profit, the privately held company said Wednesday. The Minnesota-based company’s grain and oilseed supply chain and energy businesses were standouts in the quarter ended Aug. 31, in stark […] Read more


(CPR.ca)

Grain freight minimums beneficial, but not seen as best solution

CNS Canada –– The Canadian government’s decision to extend its order-in-council requiring a minimum tonnage of grain shipped by the two major railways each week will benefit the ag industry — but it’s not the best solution out there, according to some participants. “Extending the minimum volume requirements through the coming winter and spring season […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Mandatory minimum grain handle extended

A new order-in-council will extend the federal government’s mandatory minimum weekly grain handle for Canada’s big two railways through March, just as the previous order expires. Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz on Saturday announced the mandatory minimums, which expired Saturday, are extended until March 28, 2015. The new order, however, adjusts the […] Read more


Perverse incentives in the system

Speakers at the Grain Handling and Transportation Summit discussed 
incentives, regulations and grain transportation system bottlenecks

Perverse incentives” within the transportation system make solutions unlikely under current regulations, a farmer told industry at a recent grain transportation summit. Currently there’s no one with an interest in collective service issues that affect farmers, Ian McCreary told delegates at Saskatoon’s Grain Handling and Transportation Summit in March. McCreary farms near Bladworth, Sask., and […] Read more