New StatsCan Tool Shows Daily Movement of Grain by Rail

May 12, 2023

Statistics Canada on Thursday released a new interactive tool that will allow users to track grain movement by rail.

The so-called Grain Supply Chain Dashboard displays in map form the daily movement of grain, detailing estimates of tonnage flows per unit of time, along segments of the railway network, stations, and ports. The dashboard brings together data from multiple sources and displays three main indicators: the number of cars entering, enroute, and exiting at the corridor level; a railcar's daily last known station; and 48-hour or more dwelling time of cars.

Developed in partnership with the Ag Transport Coalition, the dashboard is part of a broader effort by Statistics Canada to provide real-time statistical information about issues affecting supply chains in Canada, the federal agency said. The Ag Transport Coalition represents the coalition of agriculture associations that have come together to jointly fund a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the agriculture supply chain.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.