Saskatchewan grain transport threatened as CP Rail employees vote yes on strike

Apr 09, 2018

There could be a strike at CP Rail later this month, which would cause major grain transportation problems.

94% of CP Rail conductors and locomotive engineers have voted in favor of strike action, meaning workers could be walking off the job as soon as April 21st.

Ian Boxall, Vice President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, says operations desperately need to keep moving forward.

“Any disruption, in any rail service in western Canada, is a complete disaster,” he warned. “The backlog we already have, they’re not fulfilling car orders to date.”

Boxall said any strike could just make this entire situation even worse.

Source : CKRM

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.