Wheat Growers Calls For End To Rail Blockades

Feb 17, 2020

The Western Canadian Wheat Growers say they are increasingly concerned over the blockades in Ontario and B.C. that are stopping rail traffic across Canada.

CN Rail announced that it will be forced to shut down significant parts of its Canadian network imminently unless the blockades on its rail lines are removed. A public statement from the individuals blocking the lines explained that their actions are in solidarity with the pipeline opposition movement and are unrelated to CN's activities.

In a news release, the Wheat Growers states that all Canadian citizens have the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and assembly, but they must also obey the law.

“The blockades that are stopping rail traffic have far reaching impacts. Grain farmers depend on the movement of their grain to export markets all around the world and our markets depend on the timely arrival of our grain,” said Director Daryl Fransoo.

Wheat Growers is calling upon the federal and provincial authorities to enforce the injunctions to get grain moving on the rail lines. The organization adds that farmers also need to be certain that their fertilizer and machinery will arrive on time as they plan for spring seeding.

Click here to see more...

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.