Dairy has become the first issue under the new NAFTA to be challenged with potential enforcement action. As expected, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on Wednesday announced it is seeking consultations with Canada regarding the allocation of the dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs) for market access negotiated in the USMCA. “Canada’s measures violate its commitments... Read More

If you've been watching the feed market, it's been quite fascinating to say the least. Despite reaching record levels of production of barley in 2020, we are seeing feed barley as high as $6 in Southern Alberta. The numbers we are seeing are in the range of 50 cents higher than malt prices, and feed... Read More

Since the spring, packing plants and their workers have been under the microscope in dealing with COVID-19. Early on, plants scrambled to get ahead of the virus while workers attempted to follow new protocols to keep themselves safe. The Canadian Meat Council, which represents federally licensed meat packers and processors, is now asking for essential... Read More

Sixty-inch spacing for corn is sure not for everyone, but the math and soil conservation rewards can work for farmers who have limited rotations and can benefit from extended grazing for livestock on well-established cover crops. That's Sunderland, Ontario, farmer Ed Hanson's takeaway from the first year of growing corn in 60-inch rows on his... Read More

The U.S. government is preparing to challenge how Canada has implemented its dairy market access under the new North American trade agreement, which took effect on July 1, 2020. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer could announce the enforcement action as early as Wednesday, December 9, according to a U.S. industry source familiar with the matter.... Read More

While provincial agriculture minsters are reviewing Ag Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau's business risk management proposal, the Canadian beef industry sees potential in the offer. The beef industry has been pushing for removal of the reference margin, changes to the trigger/compensation percentages, and raising the payment cap limit. The proposed deal includes some — but not all... Read More

Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers Program is hosting its virtual conference on December 4, starting with their annual meeting and featuring guest speakers focused on looking ahead to what the next big opportunities and challenges are for Canadian agriculture. RealAgriculture's Shaun Haney is also a part of the event as a keynote speaker, presenting on "5... Read More

The federal government has announced long-promised compensation for the supply-managed poultry and egg sectors, as well as new details and an updated timeline for dairy compensation. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said $691 million will be directed to the egg, chicken and turkey sectors over the next decade as compensation for market access that was conceded... Read More