Kochia has become a serious problem
The fight against weeds, particularly kochia, seems to be a losing battle. As you travel through southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, particularly in areas challenged by dry growing conditions, the magnitude of the problem is easy to see. Some fields, especially those with pulse crops had terrible kochia infestations this year. In some cases, it was …
Crop insurance can’t save everyone
Contrary to prevailing public opinion, a farmer with a horrible crop or no crop at all might not be any worse off financially than a farmer with a below average crop. Assuming the farms in both scenarios are in crop insurance, and the majority of producers are enrolled, the crop insurance guarantee puts both farms …
Shifting grain price expectations
Significant price shifts have occurred in various grains as compared to what was expected at the beginning of the calendar year. Crop Insurance prices can be used as a base for the changes. Crop Insurance prices in each of the three Prairie Provinces were set based on expectations at the end of 2024 and early …
Good time to consider government support for private crop insurance
Farmers and their organizations regularly call for improvements in business risk management programs, the farm safety nets that include AgriInsurance (crop insurance) and AgriStability. One way to do that may be allowing government support for private insurance products. Global Ag Risk Solutions has for many years offered private insurance to crop producers based on an …
Concessions will be required on supply management
“Elbows up” is a great slogan capturing the sentiment of many Canadians in response to American trade and sovereignty threats. However, in a hockey game, being too aggressive with your elbows typically leads to a penalty. Canada needs to be smart with its use of elbows. In agriculture, the upcoming game will likely be centered …
Chinese tariffs could be solved
It was back in October when a 100 per cent Canadian tariff was announced on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) along with a 25 per cent tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum. China subsequently proclaimed an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola. However, it came as a surprise when China announced 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian …