Joe Dales's Blog – March 2013 Archive (2)

Drought Reaches Record Levels Across U.S. Midwest - What's the Outlook for the Summer?

The Midwest and Upper Midwest face record-breaking drought conditions, with 77 percent of the U.S. mainland affected. Rainfall forecasts remain uncertain, as key weather models diverge.

Weekly Hog Market Facts: Ontario Prices Hold Steady While Futures Pull Back

Ontario hog prices remained relatively stable heading into the week ending May 22, 2026, even as U.S. futures markets softened and slaughter volumes trended lower. The latest Weekly Hog Market Facts report highlights a market that continues to balance solid fundamentals with growing uncertainty surrounding summer demand and futures direction. The Ontario 100% Base Formula Price finished the week at $226.40/cwt, up slightly from the previous week’s $224.69/cwt. While prices remain respectable historically, they continue to trail year-ago levels, when the formula price stood at $232.27/cwt. Ontario market hog sales came in at 108,262 head, representing 95% of the previous year’s volume and reflecting a noticeable tightening compared to earlier May numbers. Average dressed weights also continued to edge lower at 106.43 kg, which may signal seasonally tighter market-ready supplies. Meanwhile, feeder pig values held relatively firm. Ontario weaned pig values climbed modestly to $58.86 pe

Ontario Invests in Innovation and Protection for Agri-Food Sector

The Ontario government is continuing to strengthen support for the province’s agri-food sector through new investments focused on innovation, resiliency, research, and long-term competitiveness. Recent announcements tied to Ontario’s agri-food strategy and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership programming include funding aimed at: advancing agricultural research, accelerating technology commercialization, improving sustainability, strengthening food supply chains, and helping producers remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. The investments support a wide range of initiatives across Ontario agriculture, including research infrastructure, biosecurity innovation, market diversification, and precision farming technologies. For the pork sector, the continued focus on innovation and resiliency aligns closely with industry priorities surrounding: biosecurity, production efficiency, labor challenges, sustainability, and technology adoption. Programs supporting comm

Farmers beware of Bass Farm Equipment

This farm equipment dealer appears to be fraudulent

CPKC trains operating during IBEW strike

About 300 employees went on strike on May 31