Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez applaud during his first State of the Nation Address, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, July 25, 2022.  Photo: Aaron Favila/Pool via Reuters

Philippines’ Marcos lays out ambitious policy agenda with farm sector in focus

Manila | Reuters – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Monday outlined ambitious plans for his six-year term in office that focus on fiscal management, infrastructure upgrades and turning the long-neglected farm sector into an engine of growth. The Philippines is beset with numerous challenges, from soaring prices, food shortages, poverty and inequities in education, but Marcos, the […] Read more



After denying he had a drinking problem, Devin Dreeshen drew more criticism for posting this picture on social media. Critics said perching his iPad on a drinks cooler wasn’t amusing and others pointed to what appears to be a wine bottle under the desk on the right-hand side of the photo. Dreeshen resigned as ag minister Nov. 5.  Photo: Twitter

Alberta ag minister resigns among allegations of heavy drinking

Admitting he has a problem with alcohol, Devin Dreeshen resigned as Alberta’s minister of agriculture and forestry this morning. He has been replaced by Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner. “This morning, I offered Premier Jason Kenney my resignation as minister of agriculture and forestry and he has accepted,” Dreeshen said on Twitter on Nov. 5. “I […] Read more

Security wear face masks at the Greeley, Colorado, JBS USA meat packing plant where two staff members had died of COVID-19, April 8, 2020.   Photo: REUTERS/Jim Urquhart/File Photo

Coronavirus infections at U.S. meat plants far higher than previous estimates, House subcommittee hears

Cases and deaths from COVID-19 among workers at the leading U.S. meatpacking plants were three times as high as previously estimated, according to a report by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis seen by Reuters. The subcommittee surveyed major meatpackers Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, National Beef , and Smithfield Foods, which together control over 80 percent […] Read more


Marie-Claude Bibeau speaks during a sitting of the House of Commons in May 2020.  Photo: REUTERS/Blair Gable

Bibeau keeps role as federal ag-minister, Canada gets a new environment minister

Canada’s 44th Parliament was sworn in today in a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled a number of his ministers from their previous roles, and today’s cabinet shuffle is a result of the federal election held on Sept. 20. Marie Claude-Bibeau maintains her role as federal Minister of Agriculture, a […] Read more

Montecitorio, house of italian parliament, Rome. Italy.  Photo: masterlu/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Italy vetoes sale of seed producer to Chinese-owned Syngenta

Rome | Reuters – Italy has prevented Chinese-owned group Syngenta from buying vegetable seed producer Verisem, government officials said, underscoring Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s commitment to shield key assets from unwanted foreign bids. The decision, made at a cabinet meeting on Oct. 19 but not yet made public, marks the first time Italy has vetoed […] Read more


Photo: iStock

Biden transition team holds talks with biofuel groups -sources

New York | Reuters – U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team has held calls with biofuel groups on topics including compliance with U.S. biofuel blending laws and Biden’s low-carbon climate vision, according to two sources familiar with the conversations. The discussions with biofuel trade groups as well as POET, a top company in the cellulosic […] Read more

It’s important that best management practices like budgeting and cash flow projection keep pace as your farm expands.

Superforecasting: When politics meet farm financials

Farm Management: Use financial forecasts for long-term business planning

Forecasting is all around us. From the weather to next year’s kindergarten enrolment to the U.S. presidential election. No matter how accurate past forecasts are, many seek out new information to make decisions. Anticipating what the future might hold helps with preparedness and planning. Philip Tetlock and Dan Gardner researched and co-authored the book Superforecasting: […] Read more