CPKC Update

May 07, 2024

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference announced the results of its strike vote this week, with 98 percent of members voting in favor of a strike mandate.

Negotiations have been taking place this week with CPKC for its Train and Engine, and Rail Traffic Controllers

In a statement on the CPKC website they emphasize that they don't want to see a work stoppage and remain focused on reaching a balanced and responsible agreement through the collective bargaining process.

While discussions continue at the bargaining table, grain movement has been strong for this time of the year.

Elizabeth Hucker, CPKC's Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bulk, says normally during the shoulder season they'd start to see a decline for demand in rail services for grain as farmers head to the field.

"Over the last month, we've seen strong grain shipments for this time of year. Actually, in the week that began on April 21st, we moved approximately 525,000 metric tonnes to markets like Vancouver, Thunder Bay, the U.S. and other Eastern Canadian destinations."

She says they've also seen some strong fertilizer shipments into Western Canada to support the seeding efforts.

To hear Glenda-Lee's conversation with CPKC's Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bulk Elizabeth Hucker click on the link below.

Source : Pembinavalley online

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.