Grain markets headed into the Easter holiday weekend on a bit more volatility, helping most futures stay in the green. Oats were the big winner, rebounding up 4.15% since last Friday, closely followed by 3.5% and 3.15% by soymeal and corn respectively. The U.S. dollar was the big loser of the week, down 0.6%, which supported… Read More

Iguassu (or Iguazu, Iguacu) Falls borders Argentina and Brazil, its name originating from the Tupi or Guarani language meaning “big water.” With a width of 2.7 kilometers and heights between 60 and 82m, it certainly is big water. They’re taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide. And it’s not just the falls that are uniquely spectacular…. Read More

One of the few Latin American countries to expand agricultural production since the mid-1900s, Brazil’s deforestation has long been in the limelight of global scrutiny. The vast topographical change is concerning, but with the agricultural industry so important to the Brazilian economy, it’s easy to see there are incredible economic incentives fuelling the destruction. Commodities grown in Brazil vary… Read More

We’re about to embark on our third adventure in Brazil with Rob Saik, host of Agri-Treks and founder of Agri-Trend. We’ve explored Brazil’s Carnaval celebrations in São Paulo and Rio De Jainero, the favelas in Rio and now, we will experience the Port of Paranaguá. Located in the state of Paraná, the Port of Paranaguá has a long history, dating back to colonial times, as it was through Paranaguá that settlers first… Read More

In the last episode of Saik’s Agri-Treks, we toured Carnaval celebrations in São Paulo and Rio De Jainero and the statue “Christ the Redeemer.” We also learned of Carnaval’s significance to the favelas, where many of the samba schools are formed. Favelas are areas typically located on the periphery of large cities in Brazil, where those who could not afford housing within the… Read More

Every year, Brazil’s Carnaval kicks off the Friday before Ash Wednesday, which signals the beginning of Lent. The celebration is impressive, involving street festivals, masquerades and parades across the country. Perhaps the most notable Carnaval celebration occurs in Rio de Janeiro, with nearly 500 000 foreign visitors alone. The Carnaval is a celebration that involves all walks of life, ignoring cultural and sexual… Read More

At the Tiffin Conference at the Lethbridge College, one of the most popular speakers was Ryan Kasko from the Kasko Cattle Co. Ryan talked about his 2008 trip to Brazil and what some of his observations were.  Ryan travelled to Brazil and visited ranches and feedyards.  Ryan talks about the fact that Brazilian beef tastes… Read More