GFO Newsletter for October 2015
GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL PREMISES REGISTRY
Established in 2008, the Provincial Premises Registry (PPR) registers unique parcels of land in Ontario associated with agri-food activities. Being able to trace your products as they move through the supply chain on their way to the customer is beneficial because it can protect your reputation in a food safety incident and open new market opportunities.
Registering with the PPR is the only way to obtain a Premises Identification Number (PID) in Ontario. Possession of a PID also qualifies you to participate in various agricultural programs. Registering your premises is quick, easy, and free. Simply fill out the online application form at www.ontarioppr.ca or call Angus GeoSolutions Inc. (AGSI is the official Registrar of the Ontario PPR), at 1-855-697-7743 to register in English or French.
You will be asked to describe the agricultural or agri-food activities that occur on your premises, to provide emergency contact information for your business, and to accept the PPR consent statement. Once registered, producers should keep their information up-to-date.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS UPDATE
Grain Farmers of Ontario was in court on September 28 to request a stay of the seed treatment regulations brought into law July 1, 2015. Grain Farmers of Ontario firmly believes these regulations are not workable and is highly concerned about how they will negatively impact the future of grain farming in this province. To find out the latest information on the court proceedings, go to www.gfo.ca.
grain farmers of ontario annual report
If you were unable to make it to Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Annual General Meeting in September, the Annual Report is available online at www.gfo.ca or by calling the office at 1-800-265-0550 and requesting a copy be mailed to you. The financial statements are included within the following pages of this GFO Newsletter for your convenience.
ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS
Grain Farmers of Ontario is beginning to plan for the 2016 January District Grain Committee Meetings. Be sure to check our website, www.gfo.ca, for updates to the date and location of your district’s meeting. Details will also be published in the GFO Newsletter of upcoming issues of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine as they are finalized.
The Annual District Meetings are called to elect voting delegates and directors for the coming year. Updates on the organization and grain industry issues are also provided at these meetings. All barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat producers are welcome and encouraged to attend.
MARKET COMMENTARY
by Philip Shaw
The August 12 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report was widely anticipated by both the grain trade and farmers. Many people were leaning on the U.S. crop getting smaller based on early spring weather. However, the USDA shocked the market by pegging corn production at 13.69 billion bushels with the average yield at 168.8 bushels per acre.
Soybeans were pegged at 46.9 bushels per acre with a total crop of 3.92 billion bushels. The market was caught leaning the wrong way and prices declined aggressively on the announcement.
In Ontario, Statistics Canada is projecting a final corn yield of 157.9 bushels per acre of corn. Soybeans are projected at 42.9 bushels/acres. The Canadian dollar remains in the 75 cent U.S. range boosting Ontario cash grain values and boosting basis values. •
