Fuel relief for farmers, truckers seen coming soon

Production increases and the re-opening of the Suncor refinery plant in Edmonton may soon provide relief from the headaches Western Canada’s diesel shortage have given farmers and truckers in recent weeks. Ted Stoner, vice-president of the western Canadian division of the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute, said problems with western Canadian diesel supply started in October. […] Read more

High chickpea prices seen ending in 2012

Don’t expect Prairie chickpea prices to climb any further before the end of 2011 from their current level. In fact, values will start to fade beginning in early 2012, according to an industry participant. "We are at the high point as we move through the Christmas period," said Darren Lemieux of Simpson Seeds at Moose […] Read more


Fertilizer prices higher, but relief may come

Fertilizer prices across Western Canada are considerably higher than earlier this year, but some price relief may be on the way. "Fertilizer prices have really stayed high all through the season," said Doug Chorney, president of Manitoba farmer group Keystone Agricultural Producers. Prices over the past 12 months in Manitoba have increased for some nitrogen […] Read more

Tight canaryseed supply may not meet demand

Despite issues with Canada’s largest canaryseed customer, the small supply of canaryseed this year may not be able to meet other world exports, an industry official reports. “There’s a whole lot of stuff going on with different facets people are trying to sort out,” said Kevin Hursh, executive director of the Canaryseed Development Commission of […] Read more

Risk of frost midweek for Prairies, damage unlikely

Colder temperatures are bringing the risk of frost in Western Canada from Sept. 13 to 15, according to Environment Canada, although an agronomist predicts severe damage to crops is unlikely. A northern cold front, swooping into the Prairies, is expected to increase the chances of frost over the next few days. Natalie Hasell, a warning […] Read more