China's overall grain production down 6.1 million tons in 2016.

Both companies focus on barley and wheat breeding.

FarmDirect will primarily be available for milling quality wheat and feed barley.

The corporation also expanded its regional presence with the addition of new offices across Australia.

The event brought together growers, breeders and scientific experts from the barley industry.

Fewer wheat imports are expected due to higher production coupled with fewer export volumes.

Corn shipments estimated to rise by 1.3 million tonnes.

Many crops expected to be near-record level.

The funding is geared toward a range of issues affecting Manitoba's agriculture industry.

Transaction would bring together two strong, local Australian-based plant breeding companies.