A man is seen outside the house damaged by Russian shelling, Odesa Region, southern Ukraine. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/Sipa USA)

What is war fatigue?

If the West is 'tired' of the war in Ukraine, consider the reality of Ukrainians

As we approached the end of December, my mood, like that of most Ukrainians, was not at all Christmassy. The heroic achievement of 2022, when our lives hung in the balance and our defenders managed to repel the enemy, was replaced by the bloody routine of 2023.

Grain is loaded onto ships for export at a port on the Parana River near Rosario, Argentina on Jan. 31, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Marcos Brindicci)

Bulk ocean freight rates fall from highs despite uncertainty

Container rates have climbed higher as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have caused diversions

The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), a major indicator of bulk shipping rates, has dropped sharply over the past month after hitting 18-month highs in early December. Meanwhile, container rates have climbed higher over the same period as attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea have caused many shipping companies to divert their vessels.



Chickpeas. (CalypsoArt/iStock/Getty Images)

USDA confirms larger U.S. lentil/pea/chickpea crops

Edible bean production down slightly with lower seeded area, yield

Final production estimates for the past growing season from the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed larger lentil, dry pea and chickpea crops in the country in 2023/24 compared to the previous year, as yields improved for all three crops. However, edible bean production was down slightly as both yields and seeded area were down for the crop.



Photo: Thinkstock

Pulse weekly outlook: Pulse Canada looking for success in 2024 

Despite a smaller crop last year, lentil demand remained strong, especially from India

Greg Northey, vice-president of corporate affairs said crop production bounced back in spite of challenging growing conditions in some areas. Chickpeas and edible beans saw increased production in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, while lentil and dry pea production declined.