Cargill CEO Urges Commodity Trading Sector to Embrace Transparency

Apr 16, 2013

U.S.-based Cargill, the world’s largest agricultural trading house – chief executive Greg Page recently spoke at the FIT Global Commodities Summit in Switzerland. Page’s key message was this: “price is one of the most powerful signals on earth, and to be a communicator or disseminator of that price means we must accept huge responsibility.”

Cargill’s own Greg Page urges the commodities industry that trading houses must embrace ethical and transparent business practices or could risk losing public trust. “There are lessons to be learnt from the banking sector, and the forced legislation it prompted and is continuing to prompt,” noted Page.

"The term “trading” has become wrapped-up and confused in the public perception with speculation, hoarding, market fixing, monopolies, cartels and bad practices,” explains Page. Page also made a clear distinction between volatility and turbulence, noting that “outsize price reactions” can have consequences for consumer goods such as food.

While Page stopped short for calling for regulation he said "Better than self-regulation, is the self-realization that our long-term best interests - and society's - are served by good behavior and good transparency." Regulation is one of the hot topics being discussed at the conference.

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.