Now that inauguration day has come and gone in the U.S., many Canadians are now wondering what impacts the Biden administration will have on Canada. Top of mind for the agricultural sector is most likely, what will trade relations look like? Narrowing it down even more, what will Biden’s approach be to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement… Read More
We’re starting this Beef Market Update off on a positive note: retail demand. Retail sales are looking really strong as we head into the last week (?!) of January — and about a month out of the holiday season, notes Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange. As she explains, there is usually a bit… Read More
The federal government has announced $162.6 million in additional funding for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) over the next five years, and $40 million per year in added funding for the agency on an ongoing basis after that. The funding boost, announced by Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Health Minister Patty Hajdu on Friday, follows… Read More
If you know about mental health battles, you know. However, if you don’t, understanding what your partner or someone close to you is going through can be tricky. Knowing what they need can sometimes be a bit of a battle. And if you are someone that faces mental health difficulties, feeling misunderstood can be isolating…. Read More
As of this week, the Ontario government is expanding its workplace safety COVID-19-compliance blitz to more businesses, including farms. The campaign began last week focused on big-box retail stores. More than 300 provincial officers will now be focusing on retail, restaurants providing take-out, gas stations, and farms, among other essential businesses. Officers will enter businesses to… Read More
With consultations underway for the Responsible Grain code of practice, farmers are expressing varied levels of support and frustration towards the concept. Echo chambers have developed on both sides of the issue, with what I perceive to be the majority of farmers in the middle looking for facts and understanding of what Responsible Grain is… Read More
Evaluating different generations and demographics can be extremely difficult. Part of understanding our behaviours and how the world works depends on trying to have a grasp on these very things. In the agriculture sector, this is no different. We are constantly evaluating how behaviours and personalities impact sales, consumption, and more. Today’s focus however, is… Read More
Many of us are familiar with 4-H in the Canadian agricultural space, and the learn to do by doing pledge. But what REALLY is it? What does the not for profit organization do that makes them special? Liz Jarvis, of 4-H Canada, says what stands out about the program is that it truly is a… Read More
Consultations are in full swing for the Responsible Grain code of practice, and the process is facing some bumps in the road. While the initiative is similar to what the beef industry went through with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, it’s not the same; and many farmers are expressing concern over whether or not this… Read More
Provincial agriculture ministers have been given a deadline of the end of January to indicate whether they want to pursue the federal government’s proposal to enhance the AgriStability business risk management program, according to high-level sources familiar with the file. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau offered to drop the reference margin limit and increase the compensation… Read More
Blue Monday — the third Monday in January — is said to be one of the most depressing days of the year. Theories from across the world say that this is because it’s one of the coldest times of the year, we are still recovering from financial strain after the Christmas holidays, and we’re struggling… Read More
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) flash reports that come out every month are a handy way to see how equipment sales are trending in Canada and the U.S. “Equipment sales numbers are a pretty good indication, or tells a lot of things about the economy,” says Curt Blades, senior vice president, agricultural services with AEM…. Read More
The new virtual Ontario Agricultural Conference received strong reviews during the first week in January, and Ontario certified crop advisors have picked up the education baton and delivered another win this week for ag extension. Ontario Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) chair Deb Campbell says it’s tough to replace the face-to-face interaction and learning that farmers… Read More
What is an authentic conversation, and why is it important we focus on having them with consumers at this point in time? Crystal Mackay of Loft32 says that an authentic conversation is focused around the point that we are all real people — no matter our position, job title, or industry. Even more importantly, it’s… Read More
Lakeland College is offering Canada’s first degree in agriculture technology, for the fall of 2021. The college says the degree will enable students to keep ahead of the curve of the rapidly evolving world of agriculture technology. Starting in September 2021, the two-year, post-credential program consists of full-time studies at the Vermilion, Alta., campus and… Read More
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