Saturday, November 21, 2009
CPC to Track Success of Hog Industry Loan Loss Reserve Program
Farmscape.ca – Pork producers who apply for loans under the Canadian Hog Industry Loan Loss Reserve Program are being encouraged to outline their experiences to the Canadian Pork Council. The Canadian Hog Industry Loan Loss Reserve Program is part of a national pork industry restructuring plan which offers government guaranteed loans through participating financial institutions.
Bruce Cochrane with Jurgen Preugschas
Canadian Pork Council president Jurgen Preugschas told those on hand yesterday for Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium 2009 the organization needs to be able to provide the government an indication of how well the program is working. [ more....]
No tags for this post.Syngenta Farm – Canola Crop Size to Determine Impact of Chinese Import Restrictions
The full impact of China’s decision to restrict Canadian canola shipments will ultimately depend on the size of this year’s crop, according to an Agriculture Canada oilseed analyst. (more…)
No tags for this post.Altona Sunbelt plant a no-go – Altona Sunbelt plant a no-go
Winker Times – By Greg Vandermeulen - Sunbelt Prairie Products closed its doors only weeks before they were due to open their Altona plant. The company entered into receivership, along with all of owner Makhdoom Abbas’ holdings. Sunbelt Development Group general manager Jim Spencer confirmed on Monday that Amanat Nawaz Rice AB has declared bankruptcy. That was the Swedish company started in 2004 by Abbas, also the owner of Zeb Rice Ltd. in Pakistan.
“Makhdoom Abbas has gone broke,” he said.
Also affected is ANR Foods Inc. in Belleville, Ontario, which opened in June 2008. (more…)
No tags for this post.Friday, November 20, 2009
U.S. stock market overvalued, headed for drop_English_Xinhua
Matthew Rusling — WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) — Despite a flagging economy and growing indications of a weak recovery, U.S. stocks continue to climb at a steady clip. But analysts said the market is overvalued and headed for a drop. (more…)
No tags for this post.Pipeline to West Coast gains backing – The Globe and Mail
Posted by Les Routledge – ”For sure, the U.S. isn’t going to like it,” Ms. Cooper said. “But that’s good, because it gives us more leverage with the U.S. For example, it makes it more difficult for the U.S. to threaten us with comments about dirty oil.”
Hopefully this time we learn from the experience of the meat sector that reliance on the US market is a losing bet for Canada. This pipeline should be built as soon as possible and an extra 100% of capacity should be put in place as trade bargaining leverage with the US on oil and other trade files like agriculture and forestry. If the US does not like that situation, their money can always go to Venezuela where they will use it to undermine US interests throughout the Americas.
Les Routledge lesroutledge@yahoo.ca 204-721-0439
Enbridge expects ‘solid shipping commitments’ for Gateway
Last updated on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 – Commercial support is building for a new pipeline to carry oil sands crude on its way to Asia, as Canada’s energy industry seeks diversification from the U.S. market and an escape valve from potentially punitive climate-change regulations. (more…)
No tags for this post.PembinaValleyOnline.com – Altona Mayor Says Closure Devastating
The sun sets on Sunbelt plant - It will rise again says Klassen
Local civic leaders are reeling from the closure of the Sunbelt Prairie Products plant near Altona.
The facility was put into receivership this week.
Altona mayor Melvin Klassen says news of the closure was devastating, in light of the fact that the plant was so close to being completed and ready for operation.
Klassen says they have been unable to make contact with the owner of Sunbelt Prairie Products, Makhdoom Abbas.
[ more....]
ANR Foods Inc. goes into receivership – Belleville Intelligencer – Ontario, CA
HS: The new plant in Altona never opened before Access Credit Union forced it into receivership..
Posted By W. Brice McVicar The Intelligencer - One of the Belleville’s newest employers has closed its doors.
ANR Foods Inc. — a subsidiary of Sweden-based Amanat Nawaz Rice AB — has gone into receivership a little more than a year after the 40,000 square foot plant opened in June 2008. ”We’re very disappointed that things haven’t worked out well for this company,” said Belleville’s manager of economic development, Karen Poste. “Definitely we wished things would have worked out better for them.” (more…)
No tags for this post.Obama faces congressional anger about economy – washingtonpost.com
Angry Congress lashes out at Obama - ECONOMIC WOES TAKING A TOLL House Republicans call on Geithner to resign
By Brady Dennis, Zachary Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, November 20, 2009 Growing discontent over the economy and frustration with efforts to speed its recovery boiled over Thursday on Episodes in both houses of Congress exposed the raw nerves of lawmakers flooded with stories of unemployment and economic hardship back home. (more…)
No tags for this post.The Business of Farming – Truth About Trade and Technology
Friday, 20 November 2009 — Farming is a business. It’s my business. Success requires sound business practices. That’s why I choose to plant GM corn and soybeans–and why I’m so appalled by a new activist-sponsored study that questions my ability to make sensible decisions for my own farm. (more…)
No tags for this post.Copenhagen, South Korea & Health Care
AFF Sentinel Intelligence Briefing-Nov. 18, 2009
Colorado Springs, CO Nov. 18, 2009 — Sometimes things move faster on multiple fronts than we can generate full-blown background or actions columns for you. This is an AFF Intelligence Briefing to alert you regarding several developments in the last few days. We also have some new delivery methods in the works for AFF contributors and readers. Good news and hanging swords have figured in the news already this week.
First, the December Copenhagen climate change summit, touted as the follow-up to the Kyoto Treaty, finally “solving” the climate change “crisis” and binding all major countries, has been downgraded to a stepping stone. Secondly, President Obama revealed to Major Garrett (Fox News, 11/18/09) in an interview prior to Wednesday’s meetings with South Korean leaders, that he now favors the South Korean Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has been languishing in the Senate since June 2007. Thirdly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is set Wednesday to reveal the version of the health care bill he has crafted to Senate Democrats, along with the first Congressional Budget Office numbers. (more…)
No tags for this post.Maize Cell Wall Genes Identified, Giving Boost to Biofuel Research
11/19/09 OMAHA (DTN) — Purdue University scientists have helped identify and group the genes thought to be responsible for cell wall development in maize, an effort that expands their ability to discover ways to produce the biomass best suited for biofuels production, according to a news release from Purdue. (more…)
No tags for this post.Thursday, November 19, 2009
Pig Progress – News: Norway: pigs with H1N1 were infected by humans
19 Nov 2009 – Norwegian researchers suspect that the high number of pig herds infected with the pandemic influenza A virus (H1N1) is related to contact with humans.
In their online paper, Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1)V: Human To Pig Transmission in Norway?, published by Eurosurveillance, the researchers tried to find clarity as to the origins of the virus as found on 23 herds throughout Norway by October 26th. (more…)
No tags for this post.Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wind farm to be smaller than promised – Winnipeg Free Press
Les Routledge – The comments to this article represents a decent start to the topic Has anyone noticed that the cost of taxes is a big chunk of the operating expenses of a wind farm? I wonder how much PST, property taxes, and income taxes Manitoba Hydro pays on existing and new northern dams? Oh that’s right, they don’t pay any of those taxes! Now that is a nice apples to grapefruit comparison.
*** I have stated several times in the past that wind power does not make a lot of sense for Manitoba Hydro to own because it is not exposed to the taxes and tax benefits associated with that type of asset. If Hydro had to construct new dams as private instead of crown corporations, the cost comparison between hydro and wind would be very different. Constructing new dams as stand alone private corporations that do not have public guarantees of its debt and prevents losses from being recovered from rate payers would also significantly change the cost comparison calculation. Has anyone asked what the cost of debt would be for a stand-alone hydro dam? That is one method to strip out the public subsidy that Hydro currently enjoys and all of us will pay for sooner or later.
The validity of the whistle blower’s complaint is quite uncertain because neither party (Hydro or the Consultant) will consent to having all relevant information released in a public manner. Failing that type of action, the only review that I would trust is having a combination of an out-of-province Auditor General (say the federal AG) and Utilities Board (say the National Energy Board) conduct a full independent review without limitations to the scope of the investigation. Perhaps Kevin Page, the federal Parliament Budget Officer could also be brought in as an independent authority.
I have zero trust in the current provincial auditor to conduct an appropriate review and Hydro has demonstrated that it is not prepared to work constructively with the PUB. It is time to refer this matter to trusted sources who are not influenced by Hydro, the Finance Minister responsible for Hydro, or the Premier’s Office. There is way too much money at stake for a lesser course to be followed.
Winnipeg Free Press Staff Writer 18/11/2009 – THE province’s new wind farm will be less than half the size the NDP government promised. At a hearing at the Manitoba Legislature Tuesday night, Manitoba Hydro boss Bob Brennan revealed the wind farm near St. Joseph will produce only 138 megawatts instead of 300 megawatts. (more…)
No tags for this post.Meatingplace.com – JBS pork plant can continue operating in Butchertown
By Tom Johnston on 11/17/2009 – A Louisville zoning board voted Monday night that a JBS USA pork plant can continue to operate in Butchertown, Ky., even after it began an expansion project before obtaining a work permit, according to a report by the Louisville Courier-Journal. (more…)
No tags for this post.Pork producers, bankers face challenges | Brownfield
November 17, 2009 by Ken Anderson – A University of Missouri ag economist says the financial crisis facing hog producers is likely to get worse before it gets better. Ron Plain says until pork production is scaled back, the situation will not improve. He says farmers must cut production 15 percent from the peak for hog prices to return to break-even. Plain went on to warn that bankers will begin forcing the issue. Under their financial rules, Plain says, bankers don’t have much wiggle room and they will not be renewing many hog loans.
Plain made his comments at the annual Swine Institute in Columbia, Missouri. [ more...]
Corn woes help soya market……
HS: This line caught my attention....
Quote: Buying of soybean meal futures was supported by ideas of increased demand to replace distillers’ dried grains because of mycotoxins in corn.
Sosland Morning brief - Wheat, soybean and soybean meal futures continued their impressive march upward, corn prices eased slightly and soybean oil edged higher on Tuesday. Pressure from a firmer dollar was more than offset by fund buying in all markets. Lower crude oil prices also weighed on corn and soybean oil. Buying of soybean meal futures was supported by ideas of increased demand to replace distillers’ dried grains because of mycotoxins in corn. (more…)
No tags for this post.CTV News | Harper wraps up Indian tour, visits Sikh Golden Temple
HS: When I spotted Chandra Shekhar, my journalist friend from India online the day PM Harper spoke at a luncheon meeting in India, I had a Google Talk chat with Chandra.
Chandra: Hello. yes, of course. I had lunch with right Honourable Stephen Harper today: Impressive speaker.
Chandra:I was not at the head table though.
Harry: Wow thought you would be there but not that close. I saw some pictures on newspaper front pages and I was looking for you.. Are you writing a piece on his visit?
Chandra: hahaha . . . No, his speech was more general. I didn’t find any storyline. I have in the past spoken both in India and Canada about trade and investment opportunities in areas as diverse as agribiz, oil and gas, non-conventional energy, fertilizer, tourism, entertainment etc. Honestly, my friend, I am now left with feeling that Canada needs India more than ever before for trade diversification. wonder what your thoughts are.
Harry: You are absolutely right. Our producers continue to grow big crops. The market south of us, the mighty USA isn’t so mighty, meaning their people in the Obama admin would rather shut borders than expand trade.
Chandra: yes, very true.
Harry: We need to put together some kind of trade mission or interaction because the WTO isn’t going anywhere, our country is more concerned with bi-lateral trade than world trade…..
Chandra: Canadian provinces are now opening trade offices in India. it is good. but guess, Canada’s efforts will be more comprehensive if provincial efforts are dovetailed by your federal government.
Harry: Yes i would think so… but i know BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are working together.. Our socialist premier in Manitoba didn’t really get in on it..
CTV.ca News Date: Wed. Nov. 18 2009 – Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrapped up his three-day visit to India Wednesday with a visit to the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar. Harper was surrounded by a massive crowd during the hectic visit to the temple, said CTV’s Graham Richardson, who is travelling with the prime minister.
No tags for this post.Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Report Says 14.6% Of US Households Low On Food – Staying Healthy News Story – KMGH Denver
November 16, 2009 – A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says 14.6 percent of U.S. households — or about 49 million Americans — are low on food, the highest number since 1995 when the government began its “food security” report. (more…)
No tags for this post.Monday, November 16, 2009
H1N1 doses expire as people wait – Winnipeg Free Press
Officials up against 24-hour shelf life By: Alison Auld 16/11/2009 – Some health authorities across the country have tossed out hundreds of doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine because of miscalculations over how many of the time-sensitive dosages are needed at community clinics. (more…)
No tags for this post.A free trucking forum for purebred cattle
Kevin Hursh – Here’s a great idea for saving money on the movement of purebred cattle. Helge and Candace By of By Livestock in Regina have started a website called Cowpool.ca. The name is a take-off on car pooling. You often see a cattle trailer hauling only half a load or you see it running down the highway empty because it doesn’t have a backhaul. (more…)
No tags for this post.There’s a Glimmer of Hope
Author: Jim Long President – CEO Genesus Inc. November 09, 2009 We are usually accused, and rightfully so of being optimistic. We are guilty! We can’t help it that is what we are. Anyway, the following is a roundup of optimistic items in the swine industry.
U.S.A. consumer’s pork demand is year over year up 4% (January – September 2009). Pork is up while chicken is down 2.9% and beef is down 2.3%. (more…)
No tags for this post.Big Sky’s Manitoba hog plants to stay open – Winnipeg Free Press
Larry Kusch14/11/2009 A large Saskatchewan-based hog production company that sought creditor protection this week vows that its Manitoba operations are not at risk. Big Sky Farms Inc., once a would-be investor in the failed OlyWest pork plant initiative in Winnipeg, said it plans to maintain its two production facilities near Melita and Boissevain. (more…)
No tags for this post.Saturday, November 14, 2009
New report supports cap-and-trade | Brownfield
November 11, 2009 by Ken Anderson – The USDA, EPA and several organizations have all released their own analyses of the impact of various climate change legislation proposals being discussed in Congress. Now a new analysis is being offered by the organization called the 25x’25 Alliance.
The 25x’25 group worked with the University of Tennessee’s Bio-based Energy Analysis Group on the study. Their conclusions—under a “properly constructed” cap-and-trade program, income from offsets and from market revenues is higher than any potential increase in input costs including energy and fertilizer. It shows that net returns for virtually all major crops are positive, up to 13 billion dollars per year. (more…) No tags for this post.
Combine, tractor sales continue to soften | Brownfield
November 11, 2009 by Ken Anderson – Sales of combines and four-wheel drive tractors continue to soften.
According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, combine sales declined more than seven percent during October, compared to October of 2008. However, for calendar year 2009, combine sales are still up 18 percent over the first 10 months of 2008. [ more...]
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Meatingplace.com – USMEF urges exporters to use caution under new Taiwan protocol
By Tom Johnston on 11/9/2009 — With the most recent revision to USDA’s export requirements for Taiwan, the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said late Friday it will certify some beef products slaughtered on or after Nov. 2 for export to Taiwan. Earlier last week FSIS put a hold on certifying all U.S. beef shipments slaughtered on or after Nov. 2, the official start date for a new beef trade protocol with Taiwan, until receiving clarifications about what U.S. beef products Taiwan would actually import. (more…)
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