CN unveils grain plan, forms ag advisory group

CN yesterday announced the publication of its 2019-2020 grain plan and the creation of its Agricultural Advisory Council.

The grain plan reviews CN's performance in the previous crop year, during which CN moved over 27.5 million metric tonnes of grain — a record for the Class I.

The plan also assesses the railroad's ability to move anticipated levels of grain during the upcoming year, as well as identify steps that CN is taking to ensure it has the capacity to move grain efficiently, company officials said in a press release.

For the second year, CN will update the plan monthly. Railroad officials used feedback from farm and commodity organizations as well as customers to develop the plan. CN also is soliciting comments on the plan through the company's website.

CN's new Agricultural Advisory Council will provide advice on the grain plan, as well as on the Class I's winter plan. It also will serve as a forum for discussion of agricultural policies, international trade, regulatory matters and other issues, CN officials said in a press release.

"After having the opportunity, over the past few years, of meeting with farm leaders and agricultural groups, the creation of an advisory council became an obvious way to keep the discussion going on how to better serve our agriculture partners," said Sean Finn, CN's executive vice president corporate services and chief legal officer.

The council is made up of 10 representatives from the agricultural sector, as well as CN representatives. It will meet every quarter.

As prairie crop yield potential is steadily trending upwards, CN will continue to increase capacity in order to meet this growing demand, CN officials said. As a result, CN is increasing its maximum sustainable supply chain capacity for CN supplied equipment by adding 150 car spottings per week in both winter and non-winter seasons, they added.