16/09/2013: Foodbank wants your grain; US biofuels mandate; CBH moves into US grain market

Companies in the grain sector are supporting the industry commitment to donate 3000 tonnes of grain a year to Foodbank. Grain Producers Australia, Viterra, Cargill and Emerald Grain are donating to the cause.

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) announced the initiative at the Australian Grain Industry Conference in Melbourne last month.

A Grain Consultative Group that comprises representatives from all sectors of the industry has been set up to help facilitate donations. 

Read more...

An ethanol trade group and a cattlemen's organisation have differing opinions with regards to the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). 

The ethanol trade group is standing by its claim that RFS is working, but according to the cattlemen's organisation, federal volume mandate puts the beef industry on an unlevel playing field for the finite amount of corn that is produced.

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Australia's main grain marketer, the CBH Group has opened a new international office in Portland, Oregon, USA. 

Jason Craig, marketing and trading general manager said that trading grain out of Portland will allow CBH to offer US and Canadian wheat to key customers in the Asian region, to compliment Australian wheat grades in their flour milling process.

“CBH currently has a strong advantage in the Asian region and has well established relationships with end-users. We have offices in Hong Kong and Japan and key investments in the flour milling industry through Interflour,” said Craig.
Read more...

CBH grain Silo - Kwinana, Western Australia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

18/09/12: pressures on EU milling; New Cargill canola plant; winter wheat

Hello,

• This article about the demands on the EU milling industry is a fascinating read.  It clearly and concisely outlines the key pressures modern millers face including competition from outside the EU, falling household consumption of flour and a stagnating population.  Read the full piece on farminguk.com here.

• Cargill is to build a new canola refinery at its Clavet, Saskatchewan, canola processing facility. The world is expected to be completed in time for the 2014-15 canola harvest.  Read more...

• It seems like we've only just left the summer behind but believe it or not, farmers in the US are already turning their attention to winter wheat crops.  In this article, Jeff Wolheter of kpcnews.com explains why winter wheat can be beneficial, not just financially but also for the land.

Canola Field in Saskatchewan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

FDA recalls pet food and horse feed

The FDA is recalling certain brands of pet food and horse feed for possible salmonella and rumensin contamination. Merrick Pet Care recalled Jr. Texas Taffy Pet Treats and Manna Pro recalled Family Farm Complete Horse 10 Horse Feed.

Merrick Pet Care, of Amarillo, Texas, is recalling all batches of Jr. Texas Taffy Pet Treats because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Manna Pro Family Farm Complete Horse 10 horse feed is being recalled because certain lots contain monensin sodium or Rumensin.

Rumensin is a medication that has been approved for use with livestock and poultry, but can be fatal to horses. Products in question were sold between January 11, 2011 and January 21, 2011 in California, Nevada and Oregon.

This blog is written by Martin Little The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine from Perendale Publishers.