Machinery sales for 2020 have started off on a much weaker tone than 2019, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The current agricultural profitability outlook is bleak due to market access concerns, a bearish tone to commodities in the face of trade disruption, and rising protectionism elsewhere in the world. Without extra disposable income... Read More
Category: News
Manitoba-based earthmoving equipment manufacturer K-Tec Earthmovers Inc. has announced it is merging with another scraper-maker based in Wisconsin. K-Tec is joining forces with Ashland Industries, which also makes scrapers for the agriculture, construction, and mining markets. The company will be headquartered in Rosenort, Man., with manufacturing and service operations in both Rosenort and Ashland, Wisconsin.... Read More
The Canadian meat industry has made a $50,000 donation to the Red Cross to support the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China. “We see daily what an impact this virus has had on our customers in China and are aware of all the efforts made on the part of the Chinese to... Read More
Fast-food chain A&W has announced a commitment to sourcing 100% Canadian beef — with the added twist that the beef must be grass-finished and raised without the use of growth promotants. A&W says the move marks their commitment to regenerative agriculture and protection of Canada's grasslands. The Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association says that it's glad... Read More
Reduced slaughter capacity, tanked prices, and capped risk management programs have beef farmers in Ontario going public asking the federal and provincial governments to do more to #HelpBeefFarmers. Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) says producers are at a "tipping point" and facing economic crisis. The group says market and trade disruptions have caused average weekly... Read More
If ever there was an example of how to alienate an entire portion of your customer base, A&W's 2013 "Better Beef" campaign was it. Not only did the marketing ploy raise the ire of Canadian ranchers, but the claim of "no added hormones or steroids" also got the back up of just about every conventional... Read More
Alltech's ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference scheduled for May 17-19 at Lexington, Kentucky, has been transitioned from in-person to a completely online platform for 2020. The company says the risk of COVID-19 is too high for convening a conference of more than 3,500 attendees from 70 countries. "Our first priority remains the health and safety... Read More
If the empty space on grocery store shelves that used to hold toilet paper and hand sanitizer are any indication, consumer panic has set in regarding the potential impact of coronavirus. While stocking up on essentials may be a predictable response, the effect this disease may have on domestic and international food supply chains is... Read More
Manitoba's government has revived its plan for a flat $25/tonne carbon tax, which will coincide with a one per cent drop in the provincial sales tax (PST) to take effect on July 1st. Premier Brian Pallister made the surprise announcement, referring to the carbon tax as a "Green Levy," on Thursday — a few days... Read More
Mainstream news is one hundred percent focused on the coronavirus and how much it will impact consumer demand and economic growth. One of the big unknown factors is how it will restrict supply chains that involve components being sourced from China. The supply chain concerns are derived from areas of China being virtually shut down... Read More