A new economic analysis is putting a dollar figure on a problem Prairie farmers have known for years: when grain stops moving, the losses mount quickly.

The report, commissioned by the Agriculture Transport Coalition, found that a single week of rail and port disruptions during peak export season can cost Canada's grain sector as much as $540 million. Much of that money is never recovered, as missed sales and broken contracts often cannot simply be made up later.

For an industry that depends heavily on reliable transportation, the stakes are enormous. More than 70 per cent of Canada's grain production is exported, and the vast majority of those shipments move by rail before reaching port. Even the threat of a work stoppage can trigger losses, as buyers look elsewhere and exporters adjust their plans.

Farmers often bear the brunt of those disruptions. Delays can weaken basis levels, reduce cash flow and leave producers holding grain longer than planned. Exporters and grain handlers also face higher costs, but those expenses frequently work their way back down the supply chain.

The findings arrive as the industry continues to push Ottawa for reforms to Canada's labour relations framework. Grain groups argue that repeated transportation shutdowns damage Canada's reputation as a dependable supplier in highly competitive global markets. Once customers shift to other countries, winning them back can take years.

Recent global events have only added to the pressure. Conflict in the Middle East has already driven up fuel, fertilizer and shipping costs, tightening margins for producers across Western Canada. Supply chain disruptions, whether caused by labour disputes, geopolitical tensions or natural disasters, have become an increasingly costly reality.

For Canadian agriculture, efficient transportation is not just a convenience. It is essential infrastructure. When rail cars sit idle or ports shut down, the consequences ripple far beyond the terminal gates and straight onto the farm.