Grain movement is starting to slow down

With the end of the crop year coming up on July 31st, we are starting to see a seasonal slowdownof grain movement.

CN's Assistant Vice President of Grain, David Przednowek says even with the seasonal decline, they have still registered just over half a million tonnes of grain movement per week over the past couple of weeks.

"We are seeing the demand for CN supply hopper cars for grain movement decline. You know, in the past couple of weeks we've seen orders for CN supply equipment in that 3334 car per week range. "

Man charged in Chestermere homicide

A man has been charged in connection with the murder of a Chestermere resident in 2020.

On April 6, 18-year-old Sahil Grewal died in hospital after an incident three days before.

"The complex five-year-long investigation has led to RCMP arresting and charging Mohit Sandhu, a 23-year-old resident of Conrich," wrote Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit.

"The investigation showed Sandhu delivered a noxious substance to the deceased, which he consumed."

Winter wheat advocate set to retire

Ducks Unlimited Canada agrologist has promoted winter cereals for decades and remains hopeful about the crop’s future

Winter wheat was a big deal on the Prairies from about 2006 to 2014.

Total acreage ranged from 800,000 to 1.3 million, with the lion’s share of the crop seeded in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Ken Gross, a Ducks Unlimited Canada agrologist who has promoted winter cereals for decades, described that period as the “second wave” of winter wheat on the Prairies.

Strathmore launches campaign to support local business

The Town of Strathmore has launched a campaign to help support local businesses.

Earlier this month, the town announced the launch of the Shop Local, Love Local campaign, which encourages residents to shop at businesses in town.

"Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, getting a haircut, or picking up a few groceries, every dollar spent locally helps build a stronger, more connected Strathmore," wrote the town in a news release.

Canadian Crop Hail Association following up on over 2000 hail claims in the Prairies

Rainfall across the prairies and even provincially has been quite variable this year.

Some areas have seen some pretty wicked storms bringing heavy rain, high winds and hail.

The Canadian Crop Hail Association says storm activity across the prairies in the last two weeks of June resulted in farmers filing well over 2000 hail claims.

According to the report mid-June thunderstorms dropped pea- to toonie-sized hail across Western Canada.  

Councillor Debbie Mitzner announces re-election bid

Strathmore town councillor Debbie Mitzner will be seeking re-election.

Back in May, Mitzner put in her bid to run, being the third candidate to do so.

Raised in Strathmore, Mitzner has volunteered with the outdoor rink, the Chamber of Commerce, and also served as a former member of the Assessment Review Board.

"In her free time, she pursues an interest in real estate and enjoys antiques and travelling," wrote the Town of Strathmore on its website.

The center of summer: what's happening under the Pavilion?

There are several events and activities happening at the Kinsmen Park pavilion throughout the summer.

1. Cornhole

The Mad Hatter's Cornhole Club is moving outdoors for the summer. 

Games take place every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., starting July 10 and running until Aug. 28 at Kinsmen Park, underneath the pavilion. 

The club was formed in August last year and welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. 

Big global wheat crop expected to pressure prices

World wheat stocks could climb to 271 million tonnes by the end of 2025-26, up from 264 million tonnes at the end of 2024-25

There will be plenty of wheat in the world in 2025-26, say analysts.

“As we enter mid-year Northern Hemisphere harvest, a larger-than-expected crop is expected to limit the upside in global wheat prices,” Dennis Voznesenski, agricultural economist with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, said in his recent Agri Commodity Weekly Alert.