The 2024 crop year is the gift that keeps on giving. For many producers in Western Canada, there was a distinct optimism coming out of the seeding window and into the summer months. In fact, right up until mid to late July, even the markets were reacting to what most thought would be a “bumper” […] Read more
Evan Shout
Stories by Evan Shout
When family no longer wants to farm
What happens to the family farm when the lineage stops? Sale is the easy answer, but how about a different approach? In an environment where land values continue to outrun the stock market, why would retiring farmers ever sell? Currently, there is a consistent two to three percent return on rental values and the original […] Read more
Panic won’t help in a drought disaster
We’ve all heard the forecast — more hot, dry weather is in store for the month of August. As an accountant, you might expect me to advise conserving cash, tightening down the balance sheet and halting capital and financing decisions. Although these all come into play, I believe that mindset and attitude are most important. […] Read more
Sustainability a two-way conversation
As an agriculture consultant who has equity ownership in a large-scale grain farm, I get the benefits of seeing the forest through the trees. This may not make me the most loved professional by all farmers, but it does allow me to step back and provide additional perspectives. “Sustainability” in agriculture has become a buzzword. […] Read more
Effective recruitment strategies not to be overlooked
Primary agriculture production has grown exponentially over the last decade. Farm business is no longer family-run enterprises. Instead, it is being replaced by complicated financial structures with numerous moving and living parts. This has required owners of family farm businesses to look externally for additional hired work. However, issues have arisen as the search for […] Read more
Farming and the risk of insolvency: why cash is king
Grain farmers are in a time of unprecedented wealth. Increased land valuations and strong commodity prices have created a decade of compounding equity that has led many small enterprises to returns not usual in the farming industry. This being said, one factor that has not improved in the past decade is working capital. An industry […] Read more
