Joe Dales's Blog (72)

Premier Weighs In On Potential Strikes At Both CN And CPKC

Close to 10 thousand workers with CN and CPKC were planning to hit the bricks next Wednesday if the companies didn't deal with their concerns. The number one issue, according to the Teamsters is an adequate amount of rest time between shifts. It's possible, a strike won't happen next Wednesday. That's because the federal labour minster asked the Canada Industrial relations board to study the impact of a strike and whether it could lead to safety concerns. Until the board makes a ruling, a strike can't happen. There's no timeline for the board to issue a decision, it could tomorrow,.it could happen next month. The Teamsters says it will abide by that. This week, Premier Danielle Smith said while she appreciated the federal government intervened by asking for this report, she says the government must ensure there is a lasting solution to this dispute. Andre Harpe with the Grain Growers made it clear, the impact of a strike by both railways at the same time right in the middle of seedin

Ottawa Announces $9.6 Million for ASF Prevention, Preparedness

The federal government on Friday announced a multi-million dollar investment in African Swine Fever prevention and preparedness. The more than $9.6 million in funding will support 29 African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program (ASFIPP) projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Ottawa said in a release. The money will be earmarked for ASF research, improved biosecurity measures, wild pig management activities, retrofits of existing abattoirs, and regional preparation for the welfare depopulation and disposal of healthy hogs. Funding will also go toward sector analysis, engagement and education tools, and ensuring the domestic hog sector is prepared should a case of ASF be detected. “This initiative, and its proactive approach, underscores our commitment to invest in advanced technologies, rigorous training, and collaborative partnerships to fortify our defenses against African Swine Fever and other potential threats,”

‘Important Share’ of Soy Production from Flood-Impacted Brazilian State to be Lost: USDA FAS

Unprecedented flooding in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul could take a hefty toll on country’s total expected 2023-24 soybean production, says a new report from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Released Thursday, the report – which is based on estimates from the Association of Technical and Rural Extension Enterprises of Rio Grande do Sul (EMATER/RS) - said the afflicted state was poised to harvest a total soybean crop of 22.3 million tonnes, a new record high. But with the harvest only about three-quarters complete by the time the floods hit in late April, that left approximately 5.3 million tonnes of crop still out in the field, representing over 20% of EMATER/RS’s output estimate for Rio Grande do Sul and up to 4% of Brazil’s forecasted national soybean production. Perhaps not all that production potential will be written off, but the report said market analysts agree that an ‘important share’ of the Rio Grande do Sul’s expected soybean output w

Alberta Seeding of Major Crops About One-Third Complete

Despite significant precipitation in parts of the province last week, Alberta producers still had about one-third of major crops in the ground as of Tuesday. The latest weekly crop report on Friday pegged the planting of major crops (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, and dry peas) at 32.5% complete, up from around 16% the previous week, and ahead of the five- and 10-year averages of 28% and 27%, respectively. Seeding is the most advanced in the South Region at about 50% complete as of Tuesday, although that slightly lags the region’s five-year average of just over 51%. On the other hand, seeding in the Peace Region was nearly 41% done – far ahead of the five-year region average of 17%. The Central region was at 29.5% complete, up from the average of 28%, while the North East and North West were at 22% and 19%, compared to 18% and 17% on average. Across the province, an estimated 45% of the spring wheat crop was seeded, with barley at 33% and oats at 15%. The canola crop was 15%

East Gen Launches Registration For 2024 Atlantic Showcase

With over 30 years of success in Atlantic Canada, the East Gen Showcase is scheduled for the Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill, for July 2-4, 2024.  Registration is now open, and we are excited to welcome dairy and beef participants for three days of learning, friendships, and showing cattle.