Intelligence Brief
Record Grain Flows and Dairy Friction Highlight Value Tensions
May 5, 2026
Grain-Logistics-and-Trade-Friction Farmer-Margins-and-Value-Distribution Regenerative-Incentives-and-Land-Stewardship Agritourism-Strategies-and-Rural-Diversification Climate-Accountability-and-Emissions-Gaps
Record April grain movements and rising U.S. dairy exports underscore a sector navigating robust export volumes alongside intensifying trade friction and persistent value chain imbalances. Divergent economic signals persist as farmers confront margin squeezes and inflation debates, while supply chain incentives for regenerative agriculture and strategic agritourism development highlight emerging avenues for rural diversification and ecosystem stewardship.
CN, CPKC report record April grain movement
CN and CPKC railways reported new April records for Canadian grain movement last month.
U.S. dairy exports to Canada increase
U.S. dairy shipments to Canada are climbing, but U.S. politicians and dairy exporters believe Canada is not living up to its CUSMA commitments
Great Lakes Grain launches regenerative farming program
A new Great Lakes Grain program will allow Ontario corn growers to access $35 per acre premiums. The post Great Lakes Grain launches regenerative farming program appeared first on Farmtario.
New National Farmers Union Report: Fair Food Prices?
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has released a new report, Fair Food Prices? The Declining Farmers’ Share and Food Inflation. “This report identifies the causes of food price inflation by examining the farmers’ share of retail food prices in relation to consumer inflation,” the NFU explains. “The e…
Home on the range: why rangeland connectivity matters to beef producers
A look at how continued grassland conversion threatens biodiversity and why keeping land in forage and cattle production is essential to preserving Canada’s natural ecosystems. The post Home on the range: why rangeland connectivity matters to beef producers appeared first on Canadian Cattlemen.
Now accepting applications for third round of nourish to flourish grants!
Sustain is now accepting applications for the third round of nourish to flourish grants, in partnership with Farm Boy and Farm to Cafeteria Canada! In this third call for applications, “nourish to flourish” will award $184,000 in one-time grants of between $1,000-$10,000 to an estimated 59 schools a…
Town of Stouffville Agritourism Strategy and Toolkit
The Town of Stouffville, in partnership with York Region, is undertaking a research project to better understand agritourism regionally, including current activities, growth opportunities, and barriers. Community input will help shape a strategy and toolkit to support agritourism in a way that stren…
ON Farm Fun app connects users to Ontario agritourism
The ON Farm Fun app connects users with agritourism experiences across Ontario, supporting local farms and rural tourism. The post ON Farm Fun app connects users to Ontario agritourism appeared first on Farmtario.
Wars destroy lives and the climate. Why aren’t we counting military emissions?
When delegates gathered for COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November 2025, they scrutinized various sectors of the global economy for their contributions to rising greenhouse gases. Agriculture, aviation, steel, cement — all were on the table. One topic not discussed was war. This isn’t a minor oversight.…