Ruthless rains in the Midwestern United States prevented corn and soybeans from planting, while on the Canadian prairies a little northwest, dry weather delays the growth of canola and wheat crops.

Although contrasting adverse weather on both sides of the border has led to much-needed price increases, the prospect of a smaller crop is the last blow to farmers in both countries involved in protracted trade disputes with China.

Canada and the United States believe that the cessation of purchases from both countries by China, the largest importer, has boosted canola and soybeans prices to record highs.

The United States and China are involved in a growing tariff struggle that has been going on for almost a year. And China and Canada are in a diplomatic and trade quarrel, as a result of which China is blocking the import of canola seeds from two Canadian companies.

In the United States, a $ 16 billion compensation package to help American farmers from losing sales to China will encourage farmers to sow everything they can, even in adverse weather conditions.

The USDA, Monday, June 3, stated that only 67% of the corn crop was sown, which is the lowest ever recorded. Soybean crops were the slowest.

According to Scott Irwin, an economist at the University of Illinois, final corn crops are likely to eventually grow 10-15 million acres this year compared with the March USDA forecast of 92.8 million, as farmers have rained too long inactive.

In Canada, according to the Federal Department of Agriculture, rainfall over the past 30 days has been less than 40% of normal in most of Saskatchewan, the canola and wheat production center in Canada.