At many meetings that I attend across the country, there are hallway discussions that include someone saying, “why do we have so many farm groups?” It’s a question that we will likely hear more often as time goes on. This is not the same as questioning the value of farm groups (they are valuable!), this… Read More
Author: Shaun Haney
In 2008, I started RealAgriculture.com as a hobby that has turned into a dream come true. Getting a chance to see agriculture across Canada, talking to farmers involved in all facets of agriculture makes me a very lucky person. Along with writing for RealAgriculture.com, I also host RealAg Radio on Rural Radio 147 every weekday at 4:30pm est.
It was one year ago this month that Canada disclosed the finding of an atypical case of BSE. While the finding didn’t impact most markets, it did create trade frustrations with China that are still not rectified. Unlike classical BSE cases, atypical BSE appears spontaneously in older cattle, even in countries where no classical BSE… Read More
A few hundred people, passionate about Canadian agriculture, gathered in Ottawa this week for the Grow Canada conference. This event is always one of the highlights of the year, as it brings together several industry groups, farm groups, government department reps, and stakeholders, under a positive vision for forging a path forward. I was fortunate… Read More
As we look back on all that has happened in the agricultural commodity markets over the past three years, there’s plenty to digest. Depending on where you farm, farmers have felt regret, moments of luck, angst, and joy over decent margins during these turbulent times. The question for me is always, now what? Where do… Read More
Creating good policy is difficult at the best of times. In the current world of social media, tribalism, issue zealots, and partisanship, the ability to create policy that achieves the goals of all sides is rare. Politicians talk about unity, but what they really mean is unity of their side not connecting with the other… Read More
Every growing season requires different skills, strategies, and ideas to solve the problems that are thrown the farmers’ way. To say that people are kept on their toes by each and every growing season is an understatement. This week on the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio, I asked the panelists about an agronomic lesson… Read More
As expected, the Bank of Canada raised its key rate seventy five basis points on Wednesday morning. Heading into the announcement, a majority of financial analysts felt this would be the likely move, to trim the impact of inflationary pressure. This is the fifth rate hike in 2022 and brings the key rate to 3.25%… Read More
Fertilizer pricing and supply continues to occupy the mental space of farmers across North America. There are still as many questions about the future of fertilizer prices as there have been since they skyrocketed following the summer of 2021. Supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine have created volatility, and many are watching the… Read More
The topic of trade has been tumbling around my brain for quite some time. There is something not sitting well with me regarding how Canada seems to view trade, and how it is being enabled. Canada is a country of about 38 million with vast resources and a land mass that was made to produce… Read More
If the best offence is a good defence, the reverse is also true. Momentum is a wave that’s always better to ride when it’s working in your favour. Since the fall of 2020, it has paid major dividends to grow and hold. Crop inventory has been in very tight hands and for very good reason…. Read More
As the calendar flips to June, farmers are urgently trying to complete planting or seeding across Canada. No matter the reason, whether you are feeling behind or there’s poor weather on the horizon, we all tackle the logistical challenges of planting and seeding in different ways. Some farmers are solo artists, while others have large… Read More
Farmers in Canada continue to face challenges of supply disruption related to fertilizer, parts, and crop protection products. After a 25% price increase in fall of 2021, BASF Canada has increased the price of its glufosinate-ammonium containing products which includes Liberty 150 SN by another 40%. According to the company, this price increase is a necessity… Read More
Fertilizer pricing and supply have been real challenges for some growers across the country heading into the 2022 growing season. Farm and industry groups have been pushing governments to remove potential barriers, as many farmers are within a month of putting seed in the ground. Whether it has been the pandemic, shipping congestion, production failures,… Read More
A lot is being made of this week’s NDP/Liberal supportive arrangement. It’s a sort-of coalition government, though not officially. The idea is that the Liberals will be supported in confidence motions and budget approvals by the NDP, and in return the NDP will gain support for its pharma and dentistry plans. The result, if the… Read More
We depend on just-in-time delivery for just about everything. From printer ink, to fresh produce, to agriculture inputs, we’ve become accustomed to the convenience of perpetually stocked shelves and overnight delivery of online orders. If I need it and order it, it shows up on my doorstep tomorrow. That was, until the last two years,… Read More