Drainage policies increase farm risk The Saskatchewan government has released its midterm financial update, and it isn’t good news, with a deficit of $743 million, twice that of what was projected. The main reason? Higher crop insurance payouts because a hot July dried out fields and reduced crop yields. The minister of finance is quoted […] Read more
Opinion
Letters to the editor – December 19, 2024
Face the common challenges in early transition planning
On the long list of to-do’s for farm managers and families, transition planning is often near the bottom. This is a common challenge faced by farm families, especially early in the process. Knowing the challenge ahead of time, understanding that you aren’t alone in facing it, and having some tools in your back pocket to […] Read more
Coal mine proposal risks water, health effects
On Nov. 25, 1,957 of the 6,007 eligible Crowsnest Pass residents voted in favour of Northback’s Grassy Mountain coal mining project in southwestern Alberta. This non-binding referendum excluded the 2,416 taxpayers who do not live there full-time. The result will be used by the Crowsnest Pass Municipal District to lobby in support of the mine, […] Read more
Farm Land Security Board needs to do better
Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor has identified a number of shortcomings in how the Farm Land Security Board regulates the purchase of farmland by foreign, non-eligible entities. Unfortunately, rather than embracing the auditor’s recommendations, the newly re-elected Saskatchewan Party government seems oblivious to the concerns. Related story in this issue: Let’s start with a bit of history. […] Read more
Penny pinching goes to the next level
I’ve never been one of those people who are obsessed with getting a deal. If it means driving across town to save $4 on a toaster or three cents a litre on gas, I’m not interested. After all, my time is valuable and isn’t to be expended frivolously. However, after saying all that, you’ll never […] Read more
Federal gov’t scrambles to avert crisis
Ottawa has sprung into action. It had to. Following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, the Canadian government reacted swiftly. The stakes for Canada, which is heavily reliant on exports to the United States, couldn’t be higher. Approximately 97 per cent of Canada’s total oil […] Read more
Outstanding Young Farmers program invests in adaptation
After reading through all the stories about Canada’s latest crop of Outstanding Young Farmers earlier this year, I’m more convinced than ever of the OYF program’s value — not just to its immediate participants and alumni but to other farmers and everyone else. The program’s organizers say it’s meant to recognize young farmers (ages 18-39) […] Read more
More than just dirt: soil takes proper spotlight
There was a time when farmers and others in the agriculture industry didn’t give soil much thought. It was often taken for granted, even though the food we produce is literally grown in the ground beneath our feet. Many who have reported on agriculture over the decades can remember when talking about farming meant talking […] Read more
Vehicle classification can have impact on tax deductions
Vehicles are an integral part of any farm operation and contribute significantly to the overall efficiency of the agricultural process. As important assets, it is important to understand how vehicles are classified and dealt with for tax purposes. The following criteria outline the vehicle classifications to consider when buying a vehicle for the farm: Motor […] Read more
Agfinity leaves wide swath of unpaid farmers
In early October, I wrote a column about a grain broker in a financial squeeze leaving an undetermined number of producers unpaid for grain deliveries made many months earlier. At the time, I didn’t name the broker as being Agfinity because the owner, Joseph Billett, seemed sincere in his efforts to work his way out […] Read more
