By far the biggest lender to U.S. farmers, ranchers and rural businesses is the Farm Credit System, whose four banks and 56 associations hold nearly 50 per cent of all debt in rural America. What’s more, the largest lender within the massive FCS is CoBank. In mid-2024, CoBank reported an “average loan volume” of US$149.9 […] Read more
Opinion
What to do when an ally turns into a serious threat?
It’s been a hard realization over the past few weeks that Canada’s most significant strategic ally is morphing into an existential threat. When U.S. president-elect Donald Trump first mused that Canada should become the 51st state, it was largely brushed off as a negotiation tactic or simply trolling prime minister Justin Trudeau. However, it’s growing […] Read more
Understanding key aspects can make GST less challenging
The Goods and Services Tax may seem straightforward, but the complexities surrounding it can leave many of us confused. Farmers often find themselves in a net refund position when filing for GST. However, scenarios such as cash renting farmland, selling equipment or purchasing land can create a variety of GST filing outcomes. The regulations are […] Read more
Most cropping options fail to cover total costs
Manitoba Agriculture has released its 2025 cost of production analysis for crops, and as one would expect, the picture isn’t rosy. Saskatchewan Agriculture is expected to release its 2025 Crop Planning Guide shortly, and it will similarly show limited profit potential. In the Manitoba analysis, all 16 crops show a return over operating costs, but […] Read more
Bison rescue required drastic action
Bison farming has become an important part of livestock agriculture in North America. These animals are not as plentiful as their beef cousins, but many producers have had great success meeting the public’s demand for this meat. However, their presence on the Great Plains of North America also serves as a reminder of how close […] Read more
The world needs more from Canada
As 2024 drew to a close, I reflected on the year and the conversations that dominated the grains sector in Canada and around the world. The highlights? Innovation, sustainability and the future of our global food systems. From climate-related challenges to geopolitical shifts, the need for forward-thinking approaches to agriculture and technology has never been […] Read more
The arts can help encourage personal reflection in agriculture
In the Australian play entitled Kick Off Ya Boots, the actors and characters are farmers who talk about the farm with love and humour while finding their own path within their own fence lines. One deeply moving scene starts with farmer Harry: “Sometimes it’s like I’m driving a truckload of cattle down a road. And […] Read more
Potential pesticide struggle in the U.S. worth watching
A power struggle is potentially looming in the United States within president-elect Donald Trump’s administration that could have implications for Canadian farmers. In one corner of the ring is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for health secretary. Kennedy is best known in many circles for his less-than-orthodox views on issues such as vaccines, fluoridation […] Read more
Steps can be taken to make succession plan sustainable
Where will your farm be in 20 years? Who will be farming? Who will own the land? Most importantly, what are you doing today to make sure that this plan is sustainable? In our Dec. 3 article, “Estate plan tips to recognize farming, non-farming kids,” we covered land planning from the parent’s perspective. In this […] Read more
Are carbon offsets more about greenwashing?
Carbon offsets have become big business as more companies make promises to protect the climate but can’t meet the goals on their own. When a company buys carbon offsets, it pays a project elsewhere to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on its behalf – by planting trees, for example, or generating renewable energy. The idea is […] Read more
