⛏️ Blurry deals

Farmers and agribusiness seek a leg up by slashing tariffs on key exports

Morning folks! Another day, another dollar. Let’s dive into the news that keeps your conversations in the coffee room interesting. Enjoy! ☕️

— TDY team

COMMODITY & MARKET SNAPSHOT

📈 Grain market roundup

  • Corn: March futures have rallied, surpassing the $5.00 mark, with gains of 4 to 7 cents across most contracts.

  • Soybeans: Trading with 3 to 6 cent gains, soybeans are holding steady despite a lower-than-expected NOPA crush report.

  • Wheat: The wheat complex is on an upward trajectory reflecting a strengthening market across various wheat varieties.

  • Canola: March futures closed at 661.90, down 1.60. while May futures closed at 673.40, a change of -1.10.

📊 World indices

  • S&P 500: The index edged up by 0.2%, closing at a record high of 6,117.89.

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: The Dow experienced a slight uptick, rising 0.02% to close at 44,484.47.

  • Nasdaq Composite: The tech-heavy Nasdaq saw a modest increase of 0.07%, ending at 19,927.15.

  • Canada-US Exchange Rate: The Canadian dollar (CAD) is trading at approximately 0.7043 USD.

🔗 Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin: Currently at $95,490, down 0.36% today.

  • Ethereum: Trading at $2,668.91, a 2.85% drop.

  • Litecoin: Bucking the trend at $128.75, up 4.91%.

*All prices are from market close Friday February 14th, 2025. Information displayed here within is not financial advice and The Daily Yield holds no responsibility for investment decisions made using this information.

AG-TECH & INNOVATION

🎯 Should you be investing in precision ag:

If you’re dreaming of a more sustainable future, precision ag tech isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the MVP. The best part? For the average farmer, it’s not just about saving the planet, it’s about bigger yields, less waste, and keeping more money in the bank. Sustainability and profitability in one package? Now that’s what we call a win-win!

What’s the big deal?

  • It’ll boost yields: Apply fertilizers and pesticides only where needed, ensuring every seed reaches its full potential.

  • Cost savings: Less waste means more money in your pocket.

  • Eco-friendly farming: Reduce runoff and protect the environment. Mother Nature will thank you.

“When you start talking about things like reduced overlap, and the more precise application of fertilizer and crop-protection inputs. The sustainability benefits grow exponentially with precision ag.”

— Curt Blades, AEM Senior VP

📲 Time to get tech-savvy: Start small with soil sensors or GPS-guided equipment.

📚 Educate yourself and the team: Attend workshops or webinars on the latest in precision ag.

🤝 Collaborate with your neighbours: Network with fellow farmers to share insights and experiences.

Farming smarter, not harder is the idea. Continued investment in precision ag in your operation in a necessity for improving efficiency and maximizing your margins.

INDUSTRY & POLICY UPDATES

🏆 Ag win for Canadian free trade

Indigenous women protesting in Ecuador.

Canada and Ecuador have shaken hands on a fresh free trade agreement. This deal is set to give Canadian farmers and agribusinesses a leg up by slashing tariffs on key exports like grains, oilseeds, cereals, meat, and pulse crops. In plain terms, your products could soon waltz into Ecuador with fewer hurdles, opening doors to a market hungry for quality Canadian goods.

What does this mean for producers?

  • Bigger Market Access: With reduced tariffs, your products become more competitive in Ecuador, potentially boosting sales.

  • Diversified Revenue Streams: Tapping into Ecuador's market means not putting all your eggs in one basket.

  • Strengthened Trade Relations: This agreement fosters a robust partnership between Canada and Ecuador, paving the way for future opportunities.

In a nutshell, it's a golden ticket for Canadian agriculture to thrive on a new stage. BUT, what does the other side have to say about this? Ecuadorians, especially Indigenous groups have been raising some concerns.

Key concerns:

  • Indigenous Rights: The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) argues that the FTA could exacerbate human rights abuses, particularly in regions where Canadian mining companies operate.

  • Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS): The agreement includes an ISDS mechanism, allowing corporations to sue governments over policies that might affect profits. Ecuadorians voted in a 2024 referendum to ban ISDS in future trade deals, fearing it undermines national sovereignty and public interest.

  • Environmental Impact: There's apprehension that the FTA could lead to increased resource extraction in ecologically sensitive areas, threatening biodiversity and the rights of nature.

While the FTA aims to boost trade, many Ecuadorians fear it might prioritize corporate interests over Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

AGRONOMY TIP OF THE WEEK

🔬 Microbial activity & soil structure

Don't fight the soil, work with It: Healthy soil isn’t just dirt, it’s a living, breathing powerhouse that can make or break your yields.

Why It Matters:

  • Over-tilling crushes soil life and leads to compaction nightmares.

  • Cover crops and reduced tillage keep soil microbes thriving, boosting nutrient cycling.

  • Balanced soil biology means better water retention and less input dependency.

🌾 Actionable Takeaway:
Reduce or outright ditch the aggressive tillage when possible and think of your soil as an underground livestock operation, feed it, protect it, and let it do its thing.

📸 MEME OF THE DAY
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The more we grow, the better we get, just like a well-fertilized crop! 📈

BRAIN ACTIVATOR

🔎 Ag riddle of the day

I have hands but cannot clap,
I measure time but never nap.
Farmers watch me every day,
To know when to work and when to stay.

What am I?

The best fertilizer for a farm is the footsteps of the farmer."

- Anonymous

Riddle answer: A clock

Reply

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