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Global Food and Ingredients (GFI) is ceasing operations. The company announced it would begin an “orderly wind down” of its business operations in a May 7 release. The company has between 51 and 200 employees, its LinkedIn page says. The Toronto-headquartered company purchased peas, lentils, chickpeas, and other crops from farmers, and shipped products to 37 global markets. It also had four grain elevators in Western Canada – in Lajord, Sedley and Zealandia, Sask., and in Bowden, Alta. In its May 7 statement, GFI listed multiple reasons for its decision. “The wind-down is a result of recent macro-economic events, which have caused GFI to experience challenges in purchasing adequate supplies of raw material inputs for its processing assets, which has resulted, and is expected to continue to, result in a material decline in the Company’s sales and gross profit until new raw material supply becomes available from the fall 2024 Canadian harvest,” the company’s statement says. These factors make it “near impossible” for GFI to service its debts. And after working with financial advisors, a winddown is the most appropriate course of action, the statement adds.

A Canadian researcher is in the process of developing a network to support emissions reductions in agriculture. Dr. Karen Foster, a professor in Dalhousie University’s department of sociology and social anthropology, received $1.9 million in funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to lead this national research network. “It’s a network of primarily social scientists and humanities researchers,” she told Farms.com. “AAFC keeps bumping into questions about emissions reductions that are very social, or political or cultural, and not the things they’re working on with natural scientists.” The researchers will try to understand the barriers of shifting to less carbon-intensive ag systems, including cost and benefit distribution. The network is called the Common Ground Canada Network. “It’s called this because we’re looking to establish some common ground about what we know, what we don’t know, and what we need to understand better to advance emissions reductions in agriculture,” Foster said. In terms of what researchers already know, it’s that there’s a general acknowledgement from the ag community that farms need to be more sustainable. But barriers like policy and finances exist, she added. The development of this research network is still in the beginning.&

By: Farms.com The Canadian government announced a $5.7 million investment to support research on diverse crop rotations. This initiative, led by the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA), aims to develop new practices for growing soybeans, corn, and oats. As farmers know, crop rotation is an agricultural practice where different crops are planted in the same field over a series of seasons. This approach offers several benefits, including improved soil health, reduced pest and disease problems, and increased crop yields. The research will focus on developing new crop varieties with improved disease resistance and adaptability to various weather conditions. This should help farmers manage risk and improve the overall sustainability of their operations. "With climate change impacting our producers, crop diversity is crucial for a healthy and competitive agricultural sector," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay. "This funding will explore the benefits of crop rotations and encourage integrating soybeans, corn, and oats into Canadian farms." The project will also examine the role of diverse crop rotations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers will explore how improved genetics, land management practices, and fertilizer use can contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system. The Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance welcomes this investment. "This funding allows scientists to focus on issues important to farmers and develop systems that benefit all of Canada," said CFCRA president Wade Hainstock. By developing new crop rotation practices, farmers can improve their bottom line while protecting the environment for future generations.

Global Food and Ingredients (GFI) is ceasing operations. The company announced it would begin an “orderly wind down” of its business operations in a May 7 release. The company has between 51 and 200 employees, its LinkedIn page says. The Toronto-headquartered company purchased peas, lentils, chickpeas, and other crops from farmers, and shipped products to 37 global markets. It also had four grain elevators in Western Canada – in Lajord, Sedley and Zealandia, Sask., and in Bowden, Alta. In its May 7 statement, GFI listed multiple reasons for its decision. “The wind-down is a result of recent macro-economic events, which have caused GFI to experience challenges in purchasing adequate supplies of raw material inputs for its processing assets, which has resulted, and is expected to continue to, result in a material decline in the Company’s sales and gross profit until new raw material supply becomes available from the fall 2024 Canadian harvest,” the company’s statement says. These factors make it “near impossible” for GFI to service its debts. And after working with financial advisors, a winddown is the most appropriate course of action, the statement adds.

The Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) in Humboldt, Sask. is receiving $5 million over five years from the provincial and federal governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The organization works to develop innovative solutions in industries like agriculture, mining, and transportation. In ag, for example, PAMI specializes in areas including automation, process management and agri-food processing. The government investments will help support this work. “This funding will help them continue their great work, and ensure farmers remain on the cutting edge, so they can keep producing top-quality food for Canadians and folks around the world,” Lawrence MacAulay, the federal ag minister, said in a statement. One example of PAMI’s work is research on sectional control. PAMI conducted in-field testing during the 2020 growing season of sectional control technologies such as sowing, seeding, and planting equipment. The study mea

A human-sized chicken appeared in Toronto, Ont. last week. Chicken Farmers of Canada employed this kind chickens to help in the community as part of the organization’s “Raised Right” campaign. The friendly fowl opened doors, paid for coffees, helped people cross the street, picked up litter and performed other acts of kindness. These demonstrations of goodwill help highlight the work Canadian chicken farmers do to raise their flocks as best they can. "It's simple: these chickens are out doing good deeds because they were raised right, just like chickens raised by Canadian chicken farmers," JJ Hochrein, director of brand marketing with Chicken Farmers of Canada, said in a statement. "Canadian farmers are proud to raise chickens with care and without hormones or steroids. It's not easy, but they go out of their way every day to do it right – just like the chickens you may have encountered around your neighbourhood last week." Farms.com had contacted CFC for possible comment from the chicken.

Workers at the Port of Vancouver, which in 2020 handled about 35 million metric tonnes of grain, could be headed towards a strike or a lockout. The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 (ILWU Local 514), have been negotiating a new deal affecting about 730 workers since September 2023. But talks have seemed to hit an impasse, as on May 10 the BCMEA announced it filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. “Despite the BCMEA’s best efforts, ILWU Local 514 has been protracting negotiations, putting Canada’s supply chain and our global trade reputation further at risk,” the organization said in a statement. Both parties are legally in a strike or lockout position. But as of May 14, neither party has received notice of any disruptions. Politicians are watching the situation closely. Prior to the BCMEA’s complaint, on May 6, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau urging his government to be ready to respond to this situation, and the looming strike at CN and CPKC.

By Farms.com The University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources has received a significant $25 million funding commitment from the federal and provincial governments. This investment, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aims to reinforce the college's strategic research initiatives in crucial areas such as crop genetics, livestock development, and environmental sustainability. Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, emphasized the importance of this funding for maintaining Canada's leading edge in agricultural innovation. He expressed confidence that the research conducted would directly benefit farmers and the broader agricultural sector by keeping them at the forefront of technology and sustainable practices. David Marit, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the investment's role in strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the province's agricultural sector. He noted the importance of evidence-based research in driving economic growth and stability. Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn, dean of the College, pointed out the broader implications of the funding, which not only supports academic research but also contributes to the sustainability and success of agriculture across Saskatchewan. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership represents a broader commitment of $3.5 billion by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to support the agri-food sector in Canada over five years. This partnership includes significant funding allocations designed to foster innovation and competitiveness in agriculture across the nation. This strategic investment in USask is expected to yield advancements in agricultural methods and technologies, ultimately benefiting the entire food production chain from farmer to consumer.

The Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) in Humboldt, Sask. is receiving $5 million over five years from the provincial and federal governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The organization works to develop innovative solutions in industries like agriculture, mining, and transportation. In ag, for example, PAMI specializes in areas including automation, process management and agri-food processing. The government investments will help support this work. “This funding will help them continue their great work, and ensure farmers remain on the cutting edge, so they can keep producing top-quality food for Canadians and folks around the world,” Lawrence MacAulay, the federal ag minister, said in a statement. One example of PAMI’s work is research on sectional control. PAMI conducted in-field testing during the 2020 growing season of sectional control technologies such as sowing, seeding, and planting equipment. The study mea

Workers at the Port of Vancouver, which in 2020 handled about 35 million metric tonnes of grain, could be headed towards a strike or a lockout. The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 (ILWU Local 514), have been negotiating a new deal affecting about 730 workers since September 2023. But talks have seemed to hit an impasse, as on May 10 the BCMEA announced it filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. “Despite the BCMEA’s best efforts, ILWU Local 514 has been protracting negotiations, putting Canada’s supply chain and our global trade reputation further at risk,” the organization said in a statement. Both parties are legally in a strike or lockout position. But as of May 14, neither party has received notice of any disruptions. Politicians are watching the situation closely. Prior to the BCMEA’s complaint, on May 6, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau urging his government to be ready to respond to this situation, and the looming strike at CN and CPKC.

By Andrew Joseph, Editor; Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash On May 13, 2024, the Canadian federal government announced up to $5,733,852 to the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA) through the AgriScience program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to promote more diverse crop rotations on farms. The hope is that the Cropping Systems Cluster, led by CFCRA, will develop the characteristics and practices to encourage diverse crop rotations for soybeans, corn, and oats. Crop rotation is the practice of planting crops with diverse characteristics in sequence on the same field over time. It improves the ability of producers to manage the soil in a manner that optimizes soil health and nutrient use, prevents soil erosion, reduces pest infestations, and increases yields. “With climate change having a direct impact on producers, crop diversity is vitally important to keeping our agriculture sector healthy, productive, and competitive. This funding will help researchers explore the benefits of crop rotations and encourage producers to integrate soybean, corn, and oat crops into their farms,” stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The research aims to reduce business risk for farmers by developing crops that are resilient to climate change and weather stresses, protect against losses caused by diseases and insects, and are profitable for producers overall. This will be achieved by developing oat varieties with improved traits for eastern and western Canada, as well as improving soybean varieties for short-season production environments in Canada. Research activities will also explore how diverse crop rotations can play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and how better genetics, land management, and fertilizer use can improve nitrogen use efficiency to protect the environment. Soybean production generated $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023, making it the third-most valuable field crop in Canada. Canadian corn production has risen incrementally since 2010, increasing export revenue to a record of $941 million in 2021–22. In 2021–22, Canadian oat exports were valued at $558 million, with 93 percent of exports going to the US.

Risk Management Intern Since early May, some regions in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, the 3rd largest soybean producer have received heavy rain as much as 3 feet of rain in 1 month. In some cases, it was a month’s full of rain in just 3 days! With 22-24 percent of the 23/24 harvest yet to be completed many farmers have gone as much as 20 days or more without the ability to harvest flooded soybeans. The remaining supplies will exhibit poor quality. Many of the pods have split open and the seeds have sprouted and are turning moldy. Grain bins and silos that are flooded as well and will also turn into mush as there is more rain in the forecast through May 20th. The losses in soybean production from some analysts are from 3-5 mmt and production in Rio Grande do Sul will be down from 22 mmt to 17 or 18 mmt. Agronegocios estimates that in a worst-case scenario the 23/24 Brazil soybean production could be as low as 140 mmt. This compares with CONAB (the Brazil government agency like the USDA) at 147.684 and the USDA at 154 mmt. The situation in Brazil has prompted analysts at AgResource to revise their production forecast downwards. Previously estimated at 145.46 million metric tons, the latest projection now stands at 144.59 million metric tons. This downward revision accounts for the anticipated losses due to flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, estimated at 1.78 million metric tons but this estimate could be too conservative. Moreover, the persistent wet conditions in Argentina further compound the production projections. If the soybean crop in Argentina, a key producer, falls short of expectations due to continued rainfall, the total South American soybean production could dip even lower, potentially reaching sub 200 mmt vs. last year’s total at 185 mmt. These headline grabbing weather conditions have prompted the funds to cover their short positions from a record short at the end of February at -160,653 to -41,453 short as of May 7, 2024, resulting in the nearby daily soybean futures chart to createa double bottom formation -- a potentially bullish chart pattern. A weekly break above the celling/resistance at $12.50 could attract further fund buying and test the 200-day moving average at $12.857/bu. A close above $12.95 would trigger another long-term buy signal for a summer top of $14.25 in 3-5 weeks.

To mark Mental Health Week 2024, the AGCO Agriculture Foundation has announced a new partnership with The Do More Agriculture Foundation. This collaboration, featuring a $150,000 commitment over three years, aims to support farming communities in the U.S. and Canada by connecting farmers with mental health resources and promoting awareness of their benefits. Key initiatives of the partnership include: #TalkItOut Video Series: As the presenting sponsor, AGCO Agriculture Foundation will support this series to foster open discussions on mental health issues relevant to farmers. Mental Health Support Stickers: Co-branded stickers equipped with QR codes will link farmers to instant local mental health resources. Mental Health Workshops and Training: These sessions will raise awareness, address challenges, and provide farmers with tools to manage stress and improve overall mental well-being. Megz Reynolds, Executive Director of Do More Agriculture, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "The AGCO Agriculture Foundation's commitment to supportin

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), in collaboration with the North Carolina and Virginia Pork Councils, recently showcased modern agriculture at the "Celebration of Modern Agriculture" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event, themed "The Future of Food and Farming," was hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and highlighted advancements in farm equipment and sustainable practices. This platform allowed NPPC to address critical issues in the agriculture industry and educate the public, policymakers, and media about modern pork production. Event Importance: The event was significant for NPPC as it provided an invaluable opportunity to share the story of modern pork production, focusing on key issues for pork producers. The attendance of several key members of Congress and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai underscored its importance in shaping future agricultural policies. NPPC at USDA’s ‘Farm to Fork’ Meeting: Dr. Ashley Johnson, NPPC’s director of food policy, played a crucial role at the USDA’s 2024 “Farm to Fork” meeting. This meeting brought together representatives from various livestock industries and government agencies to discuss food safety and health. Key topics included preharvest food safety trends, pathogen reduction strategies, and a One Health approach to enhance coordination among stakeholders. Importance of ‘Farm to Fork’: The "Farm to Fork" meeting allows the agricultural industry to communicate directly with state and federal agencies about food safety concerns, influencing policy. NPPC's active involvement emphasizes its commitment to science-based practices that ensure operational freedoms for producers. U.S. Pork Exports Performance: March 2024 saw a mixed performance for U.S. pork exports, with slight increases in volume and value compared to March 2023. First-quarter exports, however, were significantly higher than the previous year. Highlights: March Performance:

By: Farms.com Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, and Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture, David Marit, jointly announced a $25 million investment in 15 strategic research chairs at the University of Saskatchewan's (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources. This funding, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, supports critical areas like crop genetic improvement, livestock development, food and bioproducts, and soil and environmental studies. "The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to funding evidence-based research initiatives to better serve our agriculture sector. Providing stable funding to attract and retain leading scientists in key strategic areas increases the competitiveness and resilience of Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector and our provincial economy along with it." - David Marit, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister This investment will empower researchers at USask to drive advancements in agricultural practices, addressing key challenges and opportunities in crop production, livestock management, and sustainable food systems. “This investment in USask research is an investment in the success and sustainability of Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector. USask researchers are advancing innovative solutions that meet the needs of farmers, industry and consumers.” - Angela Bedard-Haughn, Dean, USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources Through strategic research funding, the collaboration between the federal and provincial governments demonstrates a commitment to supporting cutting-edge research that benefits farmers, industries, and consumers. The $25 million investment signifies a significant boost for agricultural research in Saskatchewan, highlighting the importance of partnership and innovation in driving growth and resilience in the agriculture industry. This initiative underscores the shared vision of governments to strengthen Canada's position as a leader in sustainable agriculture, fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.

In March 2024, Canadian farm prices experienced notable shifts across various agricultural sectors according to Statistics Canada. Wheat prices in the Prairie provinces continued a downward trend, largely influenced by increased Russian wheat exports leading to global market pressures. Manitoba saw the largest year-over-year decrease at 25.5%, followed by Alberta (-24.6%) and Saskatchewan (-24.5%). Corn prices also declined due to global supply increases, particularly from Argentina. Year-over-year, corn prices fell by over 27.6% across all Canadian provinces. Barley prices continued their decline for the fifth consecutive month in the Prairie provinces, with Manitoba experiencing the largest month-over-month decrease at 6.2%. Year-over-year, barley prices dropped by at least 23.8% in all Prairie provinces due to weak Canadian exports and competitive American corn prices. Soybean prices decreased across Canada in March, with Manitoba seeing the largest decline at 4.8%. Year-over-year declines were significant, especially in Manitoba (-27.6%), influenced by ample global oilseed supply. On a positive note, slaughter cattle prices rose across all provinces in March, with Quebec experiencing the highest increase at 6.9%. Year-over-year, cattle prices were at least 15.1% higher nationwide, driven by a shrinking cattle herd. Feeder cattle prices varied by region, with the western provinces recording gains, particularly in Saskatchewan (+5.4%), attributed to lower feed prices increasing profitability for livestock producers. Slaughter hog prices increased in every province, with Nova Scotia and British Columbia leading at an 11.1% rise. Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba saw their third consecutive month of price increases for slaughter hogs. These trends reflect the dynamic nature of agricultural markets, influenced by global supply, export competition, and domestic herd sizes.

By: Farms.com The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) proudly introduces the inaugural Kids FarmSafe Week, running from May 13th to 19th. This campaign, themed "Nurturing the Future of Agriculture," aims to bolster awareness around child and youth safety on farms, urging stakeholders to #KeepKidsFarmSafe. Andrea Lear, CASA’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes the urgency of this initiative, citing troubling statistics from the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) data. Over three decades, 435 children and youth succumbed to agriculture-related incidents, highlighting a pressing need for change. Kids FarmSafe Week spotlight's daily themes, tackling crucial safety aspects concerning children and youth on farms. These themes include youth mental health, machinery safety, kids' health, preventing falls, farm animal safety, and drowning prevention. A webinar offers valuable insights into safeguarding children on farms, accessible via kidsfarmsafe.ca. BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions, a longstanding safety advocate, serves as the presenting sponsor for Kids FarmSafe Week. Leta LaRush, Vice President of Business Management at BASF, underscores the collective commitment to farm safety within the agricultural community. BASF's partnership with CASA extends beyond this event, encompassing initiatives like the Safety Scouts program and online safety resources for farm families. Kids FarmSafe Week stands as a crucial milestone in promoting safety culture within Canadian agriculture. Through collaboration, awareness, and education, stakeholders endeavor to protect the future generation of farmers, ensuring their well-being on farms across the nation.

By Andrew Joseph, Editor; Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash On May 13, 2024, the Canadian federal government announced up to $5,733,852 to the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA) through the AgriScience program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to promote more diverse crop rotations on farms. The hope is that the Cropping Systems Cluster, led by CFCRA, will develop the characteristics and practices to encourage diverse crop rotations for soybeans, corn, and oats. Crop rotation is the practice of planting crops with diverse characteristics in sequence on the same field over time. It improves the ability of producers to manage the soil in a manner that optimizes soil health and nutrient use, prevents soil erosion, reduces pest infestations, and increases yields. “With climate change having a direct impact on producers, crop diversity is vitally important to keeping our agriculture sector healthy, productive, and competitive. This funding will help researchers explore the benefits of crop rotations and encourage producers to integrate soybean, corn, and oat crops into their farms,” stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The research aims to reduce business risk for farmers by developing crops that are resilient to climate change and weather stresses, protect against losses caused by diseases and insects, and are profitable for producers overall. This will be achieved by developing oat varieties with improved traits for eastern and western Canada, as well as improving soybean varieties for short-season production environments in Canada. Research activities will also explore how diverse crop rotations can play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and how better genetics, land management, and fertilizer use can improve nitrogen use efficiency to protect the environment. Soybean production generated $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023, making it the third-most valuable field crop in Canada. Canadian corn production has risen incrementally since 2010, increasing export revenue to a record of $941 million in 2021–22. In 2021–22, Canadian oat exports were valued at $558 million, with 93 percent of exports going to the US.

A human-sized chicken appeared in Toronto, Ont. last week. Chicken Farmers of Canada employed this kind chickens to help in the community as part of the organization’s “Raised Right” campaign. The friendly fowl opened doors, paid for coffees, helped people cross the street, picked up litter and performed other acts of kindness. These demonstrations of goodwill help highlight the work Canadian chicken farmers do to raise their flocks as best they can. "It's simple: these chickens are out doing good deeds because they were raised right, just like chickens raised by Canadian chicken farmers," JJ Hochrein, director of brand marketing with Chicken Farmers of Canada, said in a statement. "Canadian farmers are proud to raise chickens with care and without hormones or steroids. It's not easy, but they go out of their way every day to do it right – just like the chickens you may have encountered around your neighbourhood last week." Farms.com had contacted CFC for possible comment from the chicken.

By Andrew Joseph, Editor; Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash On May 13, 2024, the Canadian federal government announced up to $5,733,852 to the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA) through the AgriScience program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to promote more diverse crop rotations on farms. The hope is that the Cropping Systems Cluster, led by CFCRA, will develop the characteristics and practices to encourage diverse crop rotations for soybeans, corn, and oats. Crop rotation is the practice of planting crops with diverse characteristics in sequence on the same field over time. It improves the ability of producers to manage the soil in a manner that optimizes soil health and nutrient use, prevents soil erosion, reduces pest infestations, and increases yields. “With climate change having a direct impact on producers, crop diversity is vitally important to keeping our agriculture sector healthy, productive, and competitive. This funding will help researchers explore the benefits of crop rotations and encourage producers to integrate soybean, corn, and oat crops into their farms,” stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The research aims to reduce business risk for farmers by developing crops that are resilient to climate change and weather stresses, protect against losses caused by diseases and insects, and are profitable for producers overall. This will be achieved by developing oat varieties with improved traits for eastern and western Canada, as well as improving soybean varieties for short-season production environments in Canada. Research activities will also explore how diverse crop rotations can play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and how better genetics, land management, and fertilizer use can improve nitrogen use efficiency to protect the environment. Soybean production generated $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023, making it the third-most valuable field crop in Canada. Canadian corn production has risen incrementally since 2010, increasing export revenue to a record of $941 million in 2021–22. In 2021–22, Canadian oat exports were valued at $558 million, with 93 percent of exports going to the US.