If you’re looking for ways and means to step up your farm leadership skills and tackle the tough questions regarding moving the farm from one generation to the next, you’re not alone. Canadian farms are in the midst of significant business transition that’s set to continue well into the next decade. Farm Management Canada is… Read More
Grains this week fell significantly as harvest pressure starts to hit full tilt in the North American markets. Most of the northern half of North America and parts of Australia are experiencing some cold weather, which has the bulls frothing to see prices move higher, but the trend continues to head lower as bears are… Read More
Cargill’s AgHorizons farm customers now have the ability to sign a grain delivery contract online, the company announced today. Cargill is the first line grain company in Canada to offer the service. Fran Burr, assistant vice-president of marketing for Cargill Limited says, “..What we’re hearing right now is that (farmers) want simplified solutions when it… Read More
In a letter issued to customers by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) on July 29th, 2014, Crop Production Services (CPS) has notified FCC that it will no longer offer the FCC Crop Input Financing to CPS customers. The total amount of loans that was issued by FCC through CPS has not been publicly noted. One can assume… Read More
Last winter, Wyoming, Ontario, farmer Alfred Noorloos had a big decision to make. A neighbouring farm came up for sale and he wondered whether he should buy it. The beef and cash crop farmer was looking to expand, but was the timing right? Was his operation financially strong enough to justify the expansion? There were… Read More
Agri-Food Management Excellence (AME) Inc. and Farm Management Canada (FMC) have announced a new partnership to enhance the delivery of the Canadian Total Excellence in Agricultural Management (CTEAM) program, Canada’s only national farm business management training program. AME and FMC will be working together to conduct an in-depth analysis of the CTEAM program, assessing its… Read More
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced a Stay of Default for the 2013-14 Advance Payments Program (APP) affecting grain farmers in Western Canada. The Stay extends the current repayment deadline of September 30, 2014 to March 31, 2015 for cash advances issued by the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). “Many farmers have faced challenges selling… Read More
I’ve learned a few things about myself as my career in agriculture media has evolved — I thrive on face-to-face interaction, retain more information if I discuss a topic with someone else (or re-write notes) and that the more I learn about farming and the agriculture industry the more I feel there is to know… Read More
Bulk buying machinery can have huge cost savings, but if it means working with another operation, it can also come with a price. Whose land is priority, should all of it be ready at once? Who’s operating what? How do you manage fuel? Time? And how do you prevent conflict, in a transaction that’s all… Read More
By Terry Betker When the planets align and the growing season weather is perfect, and there are production shortfalls in other parts of the world and the markets respond positively, and when you’re able to price into market highs, life on the farm can be very rewarding. A possible scenario? Perhaps, but likely it’ll only… Read More
Maintaining good relationships should be a priority in any succession plan, but sometimes it’s hard to get past the financial and legal jargon associated with the process. For both reasons, a farm business should consider appointing a third party to mediate discussions. And, in the meantime, it doesn’t hurt to learn about some of your… Read More
The tide seems to be turning in the area of cattle feeder profitability with live cattle futures swinging upwards and feed prices trending downward. All of this will be for not if you do not manage your risk and lock in some profits. As Anne Wasko mentions in this weeks Beef Market Update, you need… Read More
What’s your risk management plan for your cattle business? If you don’t have one or would like to step up your understanding of price risk, managing returns and use of contracts, this free workshop may be for you. Beginning next week, Linus7, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s Cattle Price Insurance Program (CPIP) and RealAgriculture.com’s cattle market… Read More
It’s no secret that farm land prices across Canada have been red hot. Ontario has certainly reflected that trend, with sky-high prices in late winter this year leaving some very happy, and others more than a little concerned about the affordability of land. Ontario field editor Bernard Tobin spoke with Marleen Van Ham, appraiser and broker… Read More
A historic moment transpired last night. The Calgary Flames traded its leading scorer, captain and legendary player, Jarome Iginla, to the Pittsburgh Penguins for two marginal prospects and a late first-round draft pick in the 2013 entry. Long-time Calgary Flames fans are disappointed with the return for their greatest hero. Much of the sports media is critical… Read More