Where do you start with data management on crop farms? Three farmers who use data extensively say to start with what you can manage and make sure that the system is set up from the start to supply quality data into whatever system you choose to manage it. Why it matters: Sensors and better recording […] Read more
Lessons from farm data innovators
Seed Synergy project gets federal funding
The project has brought together six organizations representing the seed sector
The federal government is investing $760,000 in Canada’s seed sector, to help modernize seed regulations and enhance global marketing. Much of the funding will be used to continue the work of the Seed Synergy Collaboration Project which is currently creating a new vision for seed sector regulation in Canada. Why it matters: Canada’s seed production […] Read more
U.S. grains: Chicago wheat sharply lower in technical sell-off
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Board of Trade wheat fell nearly two per cent on Thursday in a technical sell-off amid outlooks for rain in the parched U.S. Plains crop belt, traders and analysts said. Disappointing weekly U.S. wheat export sales added to headwinds, with CBOT May wheat dropping 10 cents to $4.78-3/4 per bushel, […] Read more
K+S expects earnings gain from Saskatchewan mine
Frankfurt | Reuters — German potash miner K+S vowed to increase earnings significantly this year, as it ramps up production at its new Bethune, Sask. mine and after temporary restrictions on waste water at its main domestic mine were lifted. Revenues would be tangibly higher and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) would […] Read more
Walmart patents hint at future where its drones tend the farms
New York/Chicago | Reuters — Walmart’s patent filings hint that it may see a future where farmers use its drones to not only spot crop problems but selectively apply chemicals or even disperse pollen to bring shoppers the freshest and cheapest food possible. The world’s largest retailer applied for six patents last year on drones […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soy tumbles on acreage outlook
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago soybean futures tumbled on Wednesday, pressured by technical selling and outlooks for record-large U.S. plantings this year, traders and analysts said. Chicago Board of Trade May soybean futures dropped 16-1/2 cents, or 1.7 per cent, to $10.32-1/4 per bushel (all figures US$). Prices accelerated declines at late-morning after advisory service […] Read more
Enjoy stable diesel market while you can, analyst says
CNS Canada — The short-term outlook for the diesel market in North America calls for current prices to remain largely untouched through spring planting — but it could change drastically after that. According to Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service in New Jersey, prices for diesel could even get higher than crude oil. […] Read more
U.S. grains: Corn hits seven-month high on exports
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. corn futures climbed to a seven-month high on Tuesday, buoyed by robust export demand amid drought conditions in No. 3 global shipper Argentina, traders said. Soybeans also rose as rains forecast this week in Argentina were likely to provide only limited relief for soy and corn plants damaged by months […] Read more
U.S. farm group targets Trump with free-trade ads
Washington | Reuters — A farm lobbying group is spending US$500,000 to air television ads on channels near U.S. President Donald Trump’s home in Florida to encourage free trade, with the group worried recent metal tariffs could result in retaliation against U.S. agricultural goods. Farmers for Free Trade, a bipartisan group, on Tuesday said it […] Read more
China conditionally approves Bayer’s Monsanto deal
Beijing | Reuters — Bayer on Tuesday secured conditional approval from China’s commerce ministry for its planned acquisition of the world No. 1 seed company Monsanto, chalking up a victory in an onerous struggle to win over watchdogs across the globe. The ministry also ordered the German drug and crop chemicals maker to spin off […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
