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By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday December 11, 2019

Dec 11, 2019 | 10:02 AM

Canada joined the United States and Mexico in formally agreeing to changes to the new free trade deal first reached last year.

The amended deal comes after years of intense and at times bitter negotiations to update the 25 year old North American Free Trade Agreement.

The three countries said the deal heralds a new era of North American prosperity.

Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance president Dan Darling said it looks forward to receiving confirmation that the changes won’t negatively affect its members.

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The drought in Australia could create opportunities for Western Canadian farmers.

MarketsFarm weather and market analyst Bruce Burnett said eastern Australia faced a significant drought last year, but the West was able to produce an average crop, which was where most of their exports originated.

The conditions are now dry for both regions and Australia is buying Canada product.

Burnett said this poses opportunities not only for wheat producers but also for growers of pulses, canola, and barley.

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Farmers from Prince Edward Island and Quebec are this year’s top winners in the Outstanding Young Farmer competition.

Justin and Laura Rogers are seventh generation farmers in P.E.I. and operate a mixed farm with pedigreed seed, forages and beef cattle. The 75 head beef herd is being converted to a dairy operation.

Simon Michaud and Mylene Bourque operate a dairy farm in Quebec and are planning to diversify into potatoes.

There were seven regional finalists in the competition, including Jason and Jenna Ranger from Shellbrook.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF