Grain storage and handling systems need periodic maintenance to keep them in top condition — and to prevent in-season breakdowns.

Don’t forget year-end grain handling equipment maintenance

Clean up any grain spills and check leg and auger bearings for excessive wear

Many growers will be hauling grain to local terminals over the winter, which means they’ll be in and out of the bin yard many times — making it a good time for off-season inspections on their grain handling equipment. While it’s easy to remember to pull the big machines into the shop for that, don’t […] Read more

new holland tractor in service bay

‘Tis the season to reduce costs on regular maintenance, repair

Wintertime sees service programs and parts discounts from OEMs

After a hectic harvest season, there may be a temptation to park machines in the shed, close the door and forget about them until next spring. But that’s not a good idea. Performing regular maintenance of equipment now can help cut costs. Dealerships looking to keep their mechanics busy in the off season typically offer […] Read more


Farm trucks may be required to report for safety inspections when encountering roadside commercial vehicle inspections by authorities.

How to ace a roadside heavy truck inspection

Daily pre-trip inspections, knowledge and a good attitude are key

Every farmer has dealt with the frustration of a machine breakdown during peak seasons that stops field work in its tracks. But how much more frustrating would it be to have the farm truck put out of service on the roadside for an unrepaired defect that won’t pass a random spot check by police? Every […] Read more



Picketers with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) on strike at Gatineau, Que. on April 20, 2023. (Photo: Reuters/Blair Gable)

PSAC federal worker strike could hit at grain transport

Prolonged strike could cause grain shipment delays, lead to demurrage costs

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) strike is drawing fire from Canadian agricultural commodity groups — mostly concerned with how grain transportation could be disrupted. The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association issued a strongly worded press release on Tuesday after striking picketers targeted Vancouver’s Cascadia grain terminal, co-owned by Viterra and Richardson International. “A […] Read more



File photo of Black Sea port facilities at Odesa, Ukraine. (Leskas/iStock/Getty Images)

Russia denies slowing inspections for Ukraine grain ships

Ukraine alleges slow pace 'probably with intent'

Ankara | Reuters — Russia’s ambassador to Turkey said on Friday that Moscow sends its representatives to more ship inspections in Istanbul per day than mandated under the Black Sea grain deal, rejecting a Ukrainian accusation that Russia is slowing down the process. Ukraine’s grain exports have proceeded more slowly since a U.N.-brokered deal was […] Read more

Producers can ask the Canadian Grain Commission to do a sample analysis when they disagree with an elevator — but currently they have to be present when the sample was taken and must launch the dispute process at that time. (CGC photo)

Farmers may get time to dispute grain grade, dockage

Canadian Grain Commission proposes extended time frame

Prairie farmers seeking more time to dispute a grain elevator’s call on their grain’s grade and dockage — whether they’re present at delivery or not — may soon get that time under a new proposal from the Canadian Grain Commission. The CGC on Monday opened up proposed regulatory amendments to an 11-week public consultation period […] Read more


An eastward-facing view from the north edge of the crossing at Mile 98.14 of CN’s Ashcroft subdivision, where BCWS suspected the Lytton fire began. (TSB photo)

No evidence trains sparked Lytton fire, TSB says

Transportation Safety Board now stepping out of ongoing fire probe

There’s no proof the fire that largely destroyed a British Columbia village, damaged a key rail bridge and led to cuts in rail speed limits in high-risk areas was sparked by train traffic, the federal Transportation Safety Board says. The TSB on Thursday said its investigation, launched in early July, “has not revealed any evidence […] Read more

An undated photo from CN’s media gallery shows a locomotive travelling through the Ashcroft, B.C. area. (CN.ca)

CN, CP trains ordered to slow down against fire risk

Ministerial order in effect until Oct. 31

A new federal ministerial order calls for Canada’s big two railways to significantly cut their train speeds in any areas deemed to be at an “extreme” fire risk. “With extreme weather events occurring more severely and frequently in Canada due to climate change, it is important to have an adaptive regulatory system that responds to […] Read more