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Should Rail Freight Be Considered An Essential Service?

The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions says although they’re relieved the CN Rail strike has come to an end, it underlines the need for a new approach to dealing with strikes affecting grain movement.
 
The union representing over 3,000 CN Rail conductors, trainpersons and yard workers announced on Tuesday, November 26 they’ve reached a tentative agreement with CN Rail.
 
In a statement, the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions say it’s time to consider applying essential service provisions to rail service affecting grain movement.
 
“Canada’s longshoremen are already prevented from engaging in strikes that would impact the loading of grain vessels and the commissions believe those same provisions should be extended to rail,” the statement reads.
 
They say as of the latest report, 35 grain ships were waiting at the Port of Vancouver to load grain, where some of these will eventually incur demurrage penalties, ultimately charged back to farmers
 
“We still get questions from international customers about the grain backlogs of 2017-18,” Alberta Wheat Commission Chair, Gary Stanford said in a release. “We need to have a national conversation about how we can assure them that we have a reliable supply chain.”
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Demco Dual Aguer Grain Carts — Fire Safety Systems, Right or Left-Handed Unload, and More!

Video: Demco Dual Aguer Grain Carts — Fire Safety Systems, Right or Left-Handed Unload, and More!


Demco's dual auger grain cart is designed for unloading efficiency, operator visibility, and safety in the field.

This dual-auger design features both an unload auger and a floor auger for enhanced grain cleanout and consistent flow, and the 22-inch unload auger is capable of moving up to 600 bushels per minute.

Farmers can also choose between right or left-handed unload options—right-handed unload improves visibility from the tractor cab. A new design allows both vertical and horizontal movement for precise grain placement during unloading.

Another key feature is the built-in fire safety system; a 300-gallon onboard water tank with a hose reel that provides field-ready fire suppression capability.

These dual auger grain carts are available in 1100, 1300, 1500, 1700, and 2200 bushel sizes.