The federal government has rolled out its new Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund, which includes a federal commitment of up to $333 million in public funding over the next decade to help dairy processors across Canada increase processing capacity for a growing surplus of solids non-fat (also known as SNF.) The program, which was previously… Read More
Category: Ag Policy
Persistent drought has been hard on the Saskatchewan cow herd, but the lack of workable business risk management programs will be harder on it still. Jeff Yorga, first vice president with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, says that ranchers in the province are still waiting for the the federal government to finalize details on the… Read More
The carbon tax, that “price on pollution,” as the Liberal government calls it, is supposed to encourage Canadians to move away from fossil fuel use by making diesel, gas, natural gas, and propane more expensive. What the government has done or plans to do with the tax proceeds is a post for another day, but… Read More
It’s time to breakdown the hottest political topics here at home and with our neighbours to the south with D.C. policy analyst for Pro Farmer, Jim Wiesemeyer. In this podcast, Wiesemeyer and Haney jump in to a myriad of cross-border issues, shedding light on current political situations in both Canada and the U.S. (scroll to… Read More
The shouts to preserve farmland were not enough to reverse course on the breakup and development of southern Ontario’s Greenbelt, but it appears several scathing reports of misdoings and resignations of ministers was. Late last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford held a press conference (CTV clip below) to not only announce a pull back on… Read More
Agricultural exports from Canada are once again facing uncertainty due to geopolitical events, as the temperature of the relationship between the Canada and Indian governments has rapidly risen over the past week. Potash fertilizer and red lentils — both mainly produced in Saskatchewan — were Canada’s second and third largest exports to India in 2022,… Read More
I have a message for every farmer in Manitoba, no matter what crop they grow, or type of animals are under their care — now is the time to engage with all local candidates. Governance matters. On October 3rd, Manitobans will elect 57 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Every one of them will influence,… Read More
Egg Farmers of Canada has announced the hiring of a new CEO. Drew Black will be joining the national egg producer organization as of November 6, 2023. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Black as our CEO. He brings a wealth of knowledge and in-depth experience from working within the agriculture sector for many years…. Read More
Year-over-year, farmers aren’t necessarily more concerned about inflation; however, a large majority of those who answered the latest RealAgristudies survey on the topic feel strongly that government policy has contributed to inflation. The survey, which wrapped September 8, 2023, of over 500 farmers from across Canada, took the pulse not only on how farmers feel… Read More
The bill that would remove the federal carbon levy from natural gas and propane used on farms would result in nearly a billion dollar reduction in carbon tax collected from farmers by 2030, according to a new report published by the Parliamentary Budget Officer. The PBO issued updated analysis on Friday of Bill C-234, which… Read More
After years of forward momentum on a trade deal with India, it seems progress has stopped, at least for now, as there are reports the Canadian side has paused negotiations. What exactly has transpired over the last few weeks is perhaps only known by those in the room, but the outcome — one of continued… Read More
The governing Liberals are coming off a rather tumultuous week where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s less than stellar visit to India ended with him stranded for an extra two days in the country. Conversely, the Conservative Party is coming off of a well-attended and energetic convention held last week in Quebec City. Both parties are… Read More
National cattle and meat industry organizations find themselves in a strange predicament, calling on the Canadian government to delay its approval for a trade deal. The Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Meat Council, and National Cattle Feeders’ Association — normally in favour of new trade agreements — launched a campaign called “Say No to A Bad… Read More
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are reporting a record-breaking level of payments under the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. Total 2023 program indemnities paid have totalled $60.4 million across SCIC’s 17 forage risk zones. A forage rainfall claim is triggered when the precipitation at a selected weather station is below… Read More
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) says its disappointed with the ruling handed down by a dispute settlement panel on September 5 regarding New Zealand’s challenge of Canada’s dairy import rules. The dispute panel sided with New Zealand on two key issues in the decision, agreeing that Canada’s pooling system for allocating dairy tariff rate quotas… Read More