Chinese demand for Canadian soybeans has been non-existent.

Canadian dollar cushioning soy, corn prices

Oilseed crush has favoured canola over soybeans in Canada

Ontario wheat, corn and soybean prices are relatively unchanged, compared to two weeks ago. It’s that time of year where the grain and oilseed markets are focused on demand and South American growing conditions. Quick look Soybeans: Global soybean futures functioning to encourage demand. Corn: Local markets are encouraging corn imports. Wheat: Risk premium in […] Read more

One of the challenges with the tax is that it is on volume and Canadians are used to paying a tax on value. So, even though natural gas was less expensive, they paid about 21 per cent of their gas bill in tax.

Carbon cost increases concern farmers

Farmers in Ontario felt the pain of a new carbon tax on grain drying in a tough year. But the real concern is when the carbon taxes continue to grow over the next two years

Ontario grain farmers spent more than $12 million to pay the federal carbon tax to dry their grain in 2019, mostly drying corn. Grain Farmers of Ontario calculated that the cost was close to double in 2019 compared to a normal year, due to the high moisture levels in the corn crop this year. Why […] Read more

Maple Leaf Foods is building a new poultry processing plant in London.

Being Canadian and competitive can be challenging

Maple Leaf Foods official says Canadian scale and regulation hinder global competitiveness

Glacier FarmMedia – A senior official at Maple Leaf Foods says Canadian policies, programs and regulations are hurting economic growth and competitiveness. Rory McAlpine, senior vice-president, government and industry relations, made the remarks during a speech at the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society policy summit held in Ottawa from Jan. 23 to 24. Why it matters: […] Read more

Daniel Chiappetta has focused on renting land and hiring custom work done to make his farming experience work so far.

The challenge of starting a farm from scratch

A young farmer continues to find ways into farming – driven by sound economics

Daniel Chiappetta has had to be creative in making his way into farming and that route has included investing in quicker return areas outside of agriculture and in targeted farm-related rental agreements and purchases. Chiapetta, an account manager for TD bought his first farm two years ago. And then he sold it because it made […] Read more

A cargo ship at the Argentinian port of Rosario.

Global export taxes affecting soybean markets

Export taxes are a significant part of Argentinian government spending

The United States Department of Agriculture and the department’s attaché in Buenos Aires differ widely on predictions for Argentina’s 2019-20 soybean ending stocks. Why it matters: Argentina is a significant soybean producer so its ending stocks could have implications for prices on international markets. Although dry conditions have continued to be a concern, especially in […] Read more


German and French farmers planted less winter wheat than previous years which will affect 2020 ending stocks.

Ending stocks drop driving long-term wheat market optimism

The Huawei executive trial could influence the Canadian soybean market

Ontario wheat, corn and soybean prices are relatively unchanged from early January. Ontario soft red winter wheat stocks will be historically tight at the end of the 2019-20 crop year, which has been supportive for domestic wheat prices. Quick look Soybeans: Ontario soybean prices supported by lower imports from the U.S. Corn: Strong northern U.S. […] Read more

“It’s not only about working with NPK, it’s working smartly around plant nutrition.”

Soil health products part of new entrant’s offering

Fertilizer stabilizers among products coming from Timac Agro

A French company is bringing its unique model and crop technology to Ontario. Timac Agro Canada, a division of international agriculture company The Roullier Group, offers fertilizer products, especially stabilizers and treatments than can help with nutrient efficiency in soils. The company started in France when the founder discovered that there were opportunities to use […] Read more

Soybean prices rise due to South American uncertainty

Soybean prices rise due to South American uncertainty

Ontario corn yield was down almost eight bushels per acre in 2019

Statistics Canada’s November crop survey released on Dec. 6 was considered neutral to bullish for Ontario corn, soybean and wheat markets. Production for all three crops came in below year-ago levels and below prior estimates. Quick look Soybeans: Ontario soybean production declined by five million tonnes in 2019. Corn: Total Ontario corn production was only […] Read more


Darci Vetter says American policy is harsh on farmers there.

American trade policy remaking world economy

Many parts of it will be detrimental to American trade over the long term, says former negotiator

There are several ways the United States is losing by focusing on a nationalist trade agenda and balancing trade in every way, says a former U.S. chief agriculture trade negotiator. Darci Vetter, who is now vice chair, Agriculture, Food and Trade with Edelman, told the recent Arrell Food Summit that that’s borne out in the […] Read more

Farm acquisitions can be more challenging tax-wise than succession plans.

Accessing Ontario’s small business tax rate

Both passive and active income can change your tax rate, which can be a surprise for some farms

Farms are typically small businesses entitled to the small business tax rate each year. But farm finance experts say even relatively small farms can lose access to small business tax rates through several means. Why it matters: Under current rules, even small farms can lose access to small business tax rate in some circumstances. As […] Read more