04/15/2010 - Russia, Russian Service and Nike trivia tidbit Russia has gone from a wheat importer to a wheat exporter. This marketing minute looks at this change and how it affects world wheat markets. It also talks about the way Russia changed food service as well as a Nike trivia tidbit. ... MORE
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04/09/2010 - April USDA Supply and Demand and the first Canadian Football League Mascot The USDA released their April Supply and Demand report on April 9th. The report showed a mixed story for soybeans and corn. The report may be the start of the turn around for wheat production and stocks as it lowered world wheat ending stocks. This report also looks at Gainer as well as the first CFL mascot. ... MORE
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04/08/2010 - Chinese Import Restrictions and Baby's Hair Don't be fooled by what the official reasons for Chinese import restrictions and ancient Chinese customs regarding baby's hair. ... MORE
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03/25/2010 - CWB March Pool Return Outlook, origin of the word Easter and are you one of the 76%? The Canadian Wheat Board released their March Pool Return Outlooks (PRO) for both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 crop years on March 25th. March PRO values were down for wheat, durum, malting and feed barley. This marketing minute also looks at the origin of the word "Easter" as well as wonders if you are one of the 76%? ... MORE
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03/18/2010 - Is Canada too dependent upon too few customers to buy our agricultural exports and why desiring more cows maybe fighting words. Canada may be too reliant on too few foreign customers to buy it's grain, oilseeds and pulses ... MORE
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03/11/2010 - Why a crop failure in one country will only have a small impact on world wheat prices and why buying a 3D TV for your horse is a waste of money There is so much wheat around that even if there was a crop failure in one of the major wheat exporting countries, prices would not necessarily skyrocket upwards.
Also find out how long the blood vessels in your body are and why buying a 3D television for your horse is a waste of money. ... MORE
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03/04/2010 - European barley intervention stocks, sugar coated fries, fortune cookies did not originate in China and how to increase the value of potatoes. This week's marketing minute looks at European barley intervention stocks, sugar coating fries, how a potato can increase it's value 200 times and where do a large portion of the world's almonds end up. The marketing minute also points out that fortune cookies are an American invention. ... MORE
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02/25/2010 - CWB February Pool Return Outlook, Chris Pronger, Olympic Gold, Germany and Norway This marketing minute notes the significance of Chris Pronger in Team Canada's Hockey lineup, the German and Canadian hockey rivalry, Norway's Olympic prowess and the astonishing fact that there are sports other than ice hockey at the Olympics!!!! Go figure. It also discusses the February Pool Return Outlook that the Canadian Wheat Board released on February 25th. ... MORE
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02/18/2010 - PIGS, WOMEN AT THE OLYMPICS AND GRAIN EXPORTS This marketing minute discusses the relationship between the PIGS financial crisis and Canadian grain exports. It also looks at what the founder of the modern Olympics thought of women competing in the Olympics. ... MORE
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02/11/2010 - Market Sentiment and Why It Pays To Be Either a Teacher or Pet on Valentine's Day The US Department of Ag's January Supply and Demand report changed the psychology of the futures markets. The USDA's February Supply and Demand report reinforced the bearish tone to the markets. Is there any hope for a recovery? Also learn why it pays to be a pet or a teacher on Valentine's Day. ... MORE
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02/04/2010 - Statistics Canada December 31st Stocks Report This marketing minute reviews Stats Canada's December 31st stocks report and explores where the word "robot" came from. ... MORE
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01/28/2010 - CWB January Pool Return Outlook, long distance flying in 1903 and when black is really orange The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) released their January Pool Return Outlook (PRO) on January 28th. Malt and feed barley values were unchanged. Wheat PRO's were unchanged to down $5 per tonne. Durum PRO's ranged from unchanged to down $15. This marketing minute discusses the factors behind the January PRO's. Also find out how far long distance flying was in 1903 and why black is now orange. ... MORE
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01/21/2010 - World Wheat Stocks Keep Growing and Why Empty Handed Self Defence Is Popular In Japan World wheat supplies keep getting larger and next year is setting itself up to produce the third biggest wheat crop ever recorded. ... MORE
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01/14/2010 - Exports, the only 15 non-repeating letter English language word and clearing a misconception about the true Irish language. The US grain and oilseed export pace has implications for Canadian prices. This marketing minute looks at those implications. The marketing minute also reveals the only 15 letter word in the English language that does not have a repeating letter. It also clears up a HUGE misunderstanding about the Irish language. ... MORE
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01/07/2010 - USDA Market Reports and the relationship between New Year's Day, April Fools Day and Canada Day. The USDA releases a number of reports on January 12th. Due to the late harvest in the US, the January USDA reports will come under more than usual attention. This marketing minute also looks at the relationships between January 1st and October 1st as well between New Year's Day, April Fools Day and Canada Day. ... MORE
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01/05/2010 - Weather and does eating 12 rid oneself of 108? Some key market areas weather conditions are reviewed and find out how eating 12 may rid oneself of 108. ... MORE
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12/17/2009 - Scare tactics to prevent the exporting of non-processed products and another reason to feel sorry for people on the West Coast at Christmas. There have been some scary stories about the horrors of sending non-processed grain, pulses and oilseeds outside of the country. This marketing minute debunks those stories. Find out what is the best selling Christmas song of all time (hint: the person who wrote it is not a Christian) and why we should feel sorry for people on the West Coast at Christmas time. ... MORE
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12/11/2009 - El Nino This marketing minute discusses the impact of El Nino on world crops as well as notes that it there are more than enough candy canes produced each year in the US to prevent anyone in Canada or the US from having to suffer from candy cane denial syndrome. ... MORE
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12/03/2009 - Flax and why seeing red in Mexico on New Year's Eve can be a good thing The European GMO flax issue has ground Canadian flax exports to a halt and there is no sign that they will be resuming soon. Also find out why red is lucky on New Year's Eve in Mexico. ... MORE
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11/26/2009 - Canadian and Aussie wheat, durum and barley trends plus a free recipe for making diamonds. The Canadian Wheat Board released their Pool Return Outlook on November 26th. What is interesting is the trend is very similar to the Aussie Wheat Board's estimated pool returns. This Marketing Minute explores that that issue. The Marketing Minute also includes a free recipe for turning graphite into diamonds. ... MORE
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11/19/2009 - CWB contract acceptances and farm productivity The Canadian Wheat Board contract acceptances were a bit of shock to some farmers. This marketing minute looks at this as well as notes how efficient farmers have become. ... MORE
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11/12/2009 - Vomitoxin, Blackleg and a Food Lover's Trivia Factoid This week there were 2 news stories related to food safety. One was the discovery of vomitoxins in dried distillers grains made from corn and the other was an update on the blackleg in canola destined for China. This marketing minute looks at both of these stories. Also find out why your mother knew best when she said to chew your food twenty times before swallowing it.
... MORE
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11/05/2009 - Crop Conditions and Why North American Politicians Should Be Grateful They Are Not Aussies The late harvest in the US and Canada has meant that not only will final production numbers be delayed but quality will be affected. Also find out why North American politician should be thankful that they are not Aussies. ... MORE
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10/29/2009 - International versus Canadian feed barley values, parental honesty and halloween trivia International feed barley values are pitiful but should that matter to Canadian feed barley users and sellers?
Also find out how honest parents are at Halloween, why pumpkin pies are not the main uses for pumpkins and what Halloween figure's name means wise one. ... MORE
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10/22/2009 - CWB Pool Return Outlook, Divine Beverages and the Rule of Thumb The Canadian Wheat Board released their Pool Return Outlook on Oct. 22nd. This marketing minute looks at the Outlook. It also talks about how beer is a nectar of the gods according an Imperial Chinese edict and how beer lead to the expression "rule of thumb". ... MORE
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10/15/2009 - US Ethanol Production and How Drinking Pop Supports Corn Prices Ethanol use is increasing in the US. However, after rising in June, July and August, ethanol demand down south dropped sharply. Is this a one time event or the start of a trend? Also find out how many bushels of corn it takes to sweeten 400 cans of pop. ... MORE
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10/09/2009 - USDA OCTOBER SUPPLY AND DEMAND REPORT AND WHY AIR FRANCE IS NOT POPULAR AMONGST TURKEYS The USDA released their October supply and Demand Report on October 9th. It showed that US crop production is getting larger, world soybean production is getting bigger but world corn production is lower than what was anticipated in September. Also find out why Air France is not popular among turkeys. ... MORE
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10/02/2009 - Stats Canada October Production report and the connection between barley and shoe sizes Stats Canada came out with their September production estimates on October 2nd. With the exception of oats, production estimates were higher than the July Stats Canada forecasts. However, the trade was expecting bigger numbers. This marketing minute looks at the Stats Can report and how it stacked up against the trade forecasts. Also find out the connection between barley and shoe sizes. If your child is a size 13 barley kernels what is your child's shoe size? ... MORE
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09/24/2009 - CWB SEPTEMBER POOL RETURN OUTLOOK AND WHY THE TITANIC SHOULD HAVE SAILED IN SAKSATCHEWAN The Canadian Wheat Board released their September Pool Return Outlook on September 24th. With the exception of the higher protein milling wheat, the Pool Return Outlook values on wheat, durum, malting barley and feed barley were were lower than August's forecasts. Also find out why Lake Manitou in Saskatchewan would have been a better choice fo the Titanic to sail on. ... MORE
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09/17/2009 - Prices 6 month ago as compared to now and as fast as light from the moon to Weyburn, Saskatchewan There seems to be a turn around in prices in the last 6 months. This marketing minute looks at these changes. Also find out what was the first fruit ever eaten on the moon and how long does it take light to get from the moon to downtown Weyburn, Saskatchewan? ... MORE
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09/11/2009 - USDA SEPTEMBER SUPPLY AND DEMAND REPORT AND THE STAMPEDE DIET The US Department of Agriculture released their September supply and demand report on September 11th. This marketing minute looks at this report's high (and low) lights. This marketing minute also wonders if the Calgary stampede breakfasts are Palm Beach Diet friendly. ... MORE
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09/08/2009 - Indian government moves force down pea prices The Indian government introduced some anti-hording measures that have depressed the pea market. Also find out why peas should be eaten on Thursdays. ... MORE
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08/20/2009 - STATS CANADA PRODUCTION REPORT Statistics Canada released their first Canadian crop production report today. This marketing minute summarizes this report. Also find out which produces more booze - carrots or potatoes. ... MORE
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08/14/2009 - Wheat and Claws The Canadian Wheat Board reduced it's estimate of the size of the Canadian wheat crop. So what is the rest of world up to? Also find out why it is not a good idea to get caught in the claws of a cheetah (that is not slang for cheater either). ... MORE
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08/10/2009 - Peas and Convicts There has been a price tug of war in the pea market. This marketing minute looks at the factors pushing down and pushing up pea prices. It also looks at the Alberta population mix and what ex-convicts in Alberta are supposed to get when they leave prison. ... MORE
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07/31/2009 - ETHANOL AND DANCING LESSONS FOR PEANUTS Reports of the US ethanol industry's death have been greatly exaggerated. This marketing minute looks at how the US ethanol industry is expanding and is not keeping up with demand. The marketing minute also discusses dancing lessons for peanuts. ... MORE
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07/23/2009 - CWB JULY 2009-10 POOL RETURN OUTLOOK The CWB released their 2009-10 Pool Return Outlook on July 23rd. With the exception of feed barley all the PRO's were down. This marketing minute discusses the July PRO as well as offers as a free Gaelic and a free Cree word. ... MORE
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07/17/2009 - Peas and a Free Spanish Lesson The pea crop is 10 - 14 days behind it's normal crop development and the first full moon of the harvest season is early this year. Is this a reason to worry? Also find out about the calcium content of carrots and why being called a carrot in Spanish is not always a compliment. You can also find out how you can get your calcium requirements by eating garlic if you don't like carrots. ... MORE
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07/02/2009 - How much room for error? Impact of weather on crop yields and is 22 pounds enough??? The markets are going to start looking at yields and the impact weather will have. For some crops as little as a 2 bushel per acre reduction in yield from the expected yields will push the 2009-10 carryout to almost zero. Also find out why eating chocolate could be a patriotic act to boost per capita consumption and make us a world leader in that field in the process. ... MORE
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06/25/2009 - Canadian Wheat Board June 2009-10 Pool Return Outlook and why raincoat sellers in parts of Chile go broke. The Canadian Wheat Board released their June Pool Return Outlooks on June 25th. For the most part the projected pool returns were up. This marketing minute discusses the reasons for the higher values as well as why raincoats are not big sellers in parts of Chile. ... MORE
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06/18/2009 - Crop reports, weather, futures markets and bull trout This marketing minute talks about crop reports, the weather and the futures markets. It also wonders how 5,000 bottles of syrup can be consumed so quickly in a province whose official fish is the bull trout. ... MORE
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06/11/2009 - Changes to the Winnipeg ICE barley futures contract and why the smell of fresh cucumbers can ruin your day The Winnipeg ICE barley futures contract will start to see changes as of June 22nd this year. The Marketing Minute will discuss those changes as well as give an important scent tip for those who are near snakes. ... MORE
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06/04/2009 - Brazilian Wheat Markets and Blame It on the Ancient Romans Brazil could be in the market for 2 to 2.5 million tonnes of wheat this year. That is a great opportunity for Canadian wheat. However, both the Russians and US also want to sell wheat to the Brazilians. Learn about it in this week's Marketing Minute and find out why some people wish the ancient Romans had a little more imagination about what to do with all the dead sheep they encountered on their invasions. ... MORE
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05/28/2009 - CWB 2009-10 Pool Return Outlook This marketing minute looks at the Canadian Wheat Board Pool Return Outlook for the 2009-10 crop year. It also reveals where most of the greenery on the planet resides. Do you know where? Hint - It is not in Rama, SK or at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa or in a grow op in British Columbia. ... MORE
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05/22/2009 - Weather markets It is silly season again. Weather forecasts are driving prices up and down. Tis the season to be friendly with an weather forecaster. Who cares if they are right just as long as the market believes them. Also find out why July 5, 1937 was a great day to be selling sun tan lotion in Yellow Grass and Midale, Saskatchewan. ... MORE
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05/14/2009 - End of the economic recession or a false signal? Some time ago we pointed out we felt that increasing ocean freight rates might be heralding an end to the economic downturn. Ocean freights are climbing so is the end of the recession near?
Also find out the relationship between the full moon, sunrises and sunsets. You could be amazed to find out that this week's marketing minute does look at this but does NOT discuss the relationship between a full moon, increased crime or the belief that Chicago will win the Stanley Cup. ... MORE
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05/08/2009 - Stats Canada March 31st Stocks Report and River Rafting in Saudi Arabia Stats Canada released their March 31st stocks numbers. Given the size of the 2008 Canadian crop it was not surprise that overall stocks were up. Record stock sizes were set for canola and peas. However, the canola number was actually bullish!!! Also fnd out why river rafting is banned in Saudi Arabia. ... MORE
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05/01/2009 - Ethanol, corn and barley prices This week's marketing minute looks at corn production, ethanol production, dried distillers grains and barley to see if there is something to keep an eye or two on. Also find out about what some McDonald's Hamburger shops are doing in a country where beef is taboo. ... MORE
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04/24/2009 - Stats Canada Planting Intentions Report and Why Kids Often Taller Than Their Parents Stats Canada's planting intentions report is reviewed. You can also find out why parents over 30 are often smaller than their offspring. Not noted is that shrinkage in the report refers to height and not waistlines. ... MORE
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04/17/2009 - European Biodiesel and Canadian Canola - A bright future together? The expanding canola crush capacity in Canada has been based in part on the biodiesel market in Europe. This marketing minute looks at the state of the European biodiesel market.
The MM also looks at why a chocolate bar may be healthier for you than a banana. ... MORE
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04/11/2009 - Ethanol and California Market The good news is that California is considering lower the carbon standards for gasoline. The bad news is that California may consider ethanol made from corn to be a worse carbon house gas emitter than gasoline made from petroleum.
Are you an average laugher? Find out this week's marketing minute. ... MORE
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04/02/2009 - CHINESE MEAT CONSUMPTION, GRAIN REQUIREMENTS AND OSCAR WINS Chinese meat consumption has been growing at about 12% per year for the past 13 years. That has increased the grain required to support that eating habit from 150 million tonnes to 350 million tonnes. Trivia question: Who has won the most Oscars as an individual.
Hint: The answer has nothing to do with Beijing opera. ... MORE
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03/26/2009 - CWB PRO's AND PINOCCHIO IS NOT THE ONLY ONE The Canadian Wheat Board released their 2009-10 pool return outlook on March 26th. There were mixed signals.
Also find out what it is that you and Pinocchio may have in common. ... MORE
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03/19/2009 - SEASONAL PRICING AND FREE TRIVIA WINNING FACTS Grains and oilseeds tend to follow seasonal patterns. While they are not sure bets they are handy to know when it comes time to price products.
Following up on the idea that the best things in life are free are some trivia facts that should reap large rewards in a crowded bar in Moscow (Russia that is not Idaho). ... MORE
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03/13/2009 - THE FOLLY OF THE CHINESE MARKET How many times have you heard someone say that if only the Chinese were to consume one more of something that there would not be enough of that product to go around? This week's marketing minute looks at why this is a myth.
You can also find out what Pilipino hunting weapon is now a popular toy. ... MORE
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03/05/2009 - FOREIGN CURRENCY MOVES A commonly head belief is that the Vancouver Canucks are a team bound for destiny and that a weaker Canadian dollar is good for Canadian exporters. So has a weaker Canadian dollar made Canadian exports more competitive against our arch-rivals on the agricultural export front - the Aussies and Europeans? Nope. Find out why in this marketing minute. ... MORE
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02/26/2009 - CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD FEB. 2009 POOL RETURN OUTLOOK The CWB released their Feb. Pool Return Outlook on Feb. 26th. Outlook prices were unchanged except for a hike in the feed barley PRO. China's power in the button and umbrella markets are noted as well as the odds of that a recalled toy in the US will be from China. ... MORE
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02/19/2009 - CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION POLICY CHANGE NEGATIVELY AFFECTS FARMERS The Canadian Grain Commission is planning to end grain inspections on the prairies. This is BAD news for farmers.
Also find out why you should not invite everyone who shares the same birthday as you in the world to a birthday bash in your one room apartment. ... MORE
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02/12/2009 - WORLD WHEAT TRADE OPPORTUNITIES This article looks at the opportunities in the world wheat market and also explains why picking #13 in the Italian lottery is not a good bet. The author of this article is of the firm believe that it is unlucky to be superstitious. ... MORE
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02/05/2009 - THE DROUGHT IN THE CHINESE WHEAT BELT This marketing minute takes a close look to see what the implications are for wheat prices as a result of the drought in the Chinese wheat belt.
The article has found an answer to the age old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg? ... MORE
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01/29/2009 - POSITIVE NEWS IN THE WORLD WHEAT MARKET SOME POSITIVE NEWS ITEMS IN THE WORLD WHEAT MARKET.
ARTICLE LEAVES UNANSWERED THE QUESTION OF DOES 90 SECONDS APPLY TO BRAIN CRAMPS FOR THE WRITER OF THIS ARTICLE???? ... MORE
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01/23/2009 - CWB JANUARY POOL RETURN OUTLOOK A review of the Canadian Wheat Board Pool Return Outlook and the reason that hummingbirds should have rear view mirrors. ... MORE
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01/15/2009 - CHINA AND CANOLA AND PREDICTION TRIVIA This week's Marketing Minute outlines China's reasons for buying canola. Also learn who has a worse track record in predicting events than the weather people. That brings up the question - if the people making predictions noted in the Marketing Minute are so bad about the events coming in are they just as bad on the events going out? Feedback is always welcome and we look forward to your comments. ... MORE
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01/09/2009 - BRAZILIAN WEATHER AND SOYBEANS Separating the wheat from chaff (no pun intended) with regards to the hype on the state of the Brazilian soybean crop. Also learn why Friday is a popular day to withdraw money from a bank. ... MORE
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01/07/2009 - WORLD WHEAT MARKETS Factors influencing wheat prices and the most popular beverage in the world is not wheat tea. The answer to what is the most popular beverage in the world is included in this marketing minute. ... MORE
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01/02/2009 - THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN 2009 Some things to consider for the upcoming year and a thing to be thankful that we are not ancient Persians. ... MORE
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12/18/2008 - CWB POOL RETURN OUTLOOKS The Canadian Wheat Board lowered the pool return outlook projections and find out which commodities are the top 2 selling commodities in the world. If you guessed cookies and beer you would have guessed wrong. ... MORE
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12/11/2008 - RUSSIAN WHEAT A plan by the Russians to increase their wheat exports may lower world wheat prices for everyone. Find out why ant colonies offer their workers retirement packages once they hit 10 years old. ... MORE
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12/04/2008 - THINGS ARE LOOKING UP IN THE CANOLA MARKET Some positive news for canola. Which would you rather be around: a honey bee or a poisonous snake? Your answer could be deadly. ... MORE
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11/27/2008 - Strange things in marketing land due to ocean freight rates Falling ocean freight rates have lead to unusual market events. Also find out why coffee is so important in Saudi Arabia on this US National Listening Day Marketing Minute. Have you heard about National Listening Day?????? ... MORE
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11/20/2008 - CWB PRO's, Acid and Girl's Best Friend A summary of the Canadian Wheat Board's November Pool Return Outlook as well as some facts on acid and a girl's best friend. ... MORE
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11/13/2008 - WORLD BARLEY MARKETS Canadian barley is not competitive on world barley markets and even though it is bad luck to be superstitious, this week's marketing minute will show you how to determine if a month will be lucky or not. ... MORE
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11/06/2008 - CANOLA Factors in canola markets and why black widow spiders don't make good pets in hospitals. ... MORE
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10/30/2008 - INTERNATIONAL GRAINS COUNCIL WHEAT MARKET REPORT Summary of the IGC wheat market report, a look ahead to next year's wheat acres and the reason orange and black are Halloween colours. ... MORE
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10/23/2008 - CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD OCTOBER POOL RETURN OUTLOOK ... MORE
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10/17/2008 - SPREADS ... MORE
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10/06/2008 - USDA SUPPLY AND DEMAND REPORT ... MORE
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10/02/2008 - LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR ... MORE
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09/26/2008 - THE CWB POOL RETURN OUTLOOK ... MORE
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09/19/2008 - WHEN IS A CONTRACT A CONTRACT? ... MORE
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09/12/2008 - USDA SUPPLY AND DEMAND REPORT ... MORE
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09/05/2008 - OCEAN FREIGHT AND COMMODITY PRICES ... MORE
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08/29/2008 - CWB PRO’S ... MORE
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08/22/2008 - STATISTICS CANADA PRODUCTION ESTIMATES ... MORE
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08/15/2008 - THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE MARKET ... MORE
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08/08/2008 - IS THERE ANY GOOD NEWS IN THE MARKET? ... MORE
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08/01/2008 - THE CURRENT STATE OF THE MARKETS ... MORE
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07/25/2008 - US LEGISLATION AND THE MARKETS ... MORE
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07/18/2008 - THE PEA MARKET ... MORE
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07/11/2008 - THE USDA SUPPLY AND DEMAND REPORT ... MORE
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07/07/2008 - FUTURES ... MORE
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06/27/2008 - CORN AND WHEAT MUSINGS ... MORE
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06/20/2008 - CANOLA MARKETS ... MORE
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06/13/2008 - THE PEA MARKET ... MORE
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05/30/2008 - CHINA AND MALT BARLEY ... MORE
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05/23/2008 - OCEAN FREIGHT ... MORE
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05/16/2008 - WHEAT TIDBITS ... MORE
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05/09/2008 - USDA MAY SUPPLY AND DEMAND REPORT ... MORE
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05/02/2008 - PEAS ... MORE
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