Opinion

Low Reform Expectations Realized

I have written frequently about problems farmers have experienced with rail service. Though my friends who work for the railways are quick to tell me I’m unfair to them (what else would they say?) I have always maintained the problem is not the railways.

Cheap food not good answer

I recently saw a story about farmers reducing fertilizer use in response to high prices. The story warned that this was dangerous, as farmers should not be reducing inputs in

“If the Railway Wins, We Are All Finished”

Most farmers are too busy this time of year to pay much attention to the level-of-service complaint an Alberta-based grain company has levelled against CN. Me too. But a chance remark by a friend shook me out of my preoccupation with pre-working and cost me a few sleepless hours.

Assistant Commissioner Role Misunderstood by Government

Changes to the Canada Grain Act and its child the Canadian Grain Commission have been under discussion for some time. More than a year ago, an Ontario consulting company, Compas

Questioning the Process Doesn’t Make You Arrogant

Agriculture columnists and commentators have declared that the debate over barley marketing is over. Agriculture Minister Strahl's plebiscite results are in, and we should accept them and get over it. One commentator threw down the gauntlet by declaring "anyone suggesting that voters are too stupid, simple or ill informed to make the proper choice is just being arrogant."

Producer Cars at Risk in CWB Change

RGV Loaders is a small producer car loading facility with a big success story. Located in the village of Golden Prairie, it sits at the end of the 17.8-mile Hatton subdivision. This branch line runs off CP's main line north of Maple Creek. The key to RGV's remarkable success lies in its geography. RGV stands for Richmound, Golden Prairie and Fox Valley.

Much confusion around WTO

There has been a torrent of news reports lately about the World Trade Organization talks and the role they may play in a variety of agricultural issues. The so-called Doha Round of these talks is supposed to reach agreement on agriculture at its Hong Kong meeting in December. The chances for such an agreement are fast fading as countries of all sorts bicker about what should happen.