For decades, everybody looked at a piece of land before they bought it. Farmers wanted to see the terrain and the bluffs of trees, understand how the field would drain and maybe even touch the soil. Today, more buyers are purchasing farmland based on the images from a screen. “Certainly, the world has changed when […] Read more
Tag Archives COVID-19 virus
What to know about federal COVID-19 response benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many programs and subsidies that can be used to help farms survive through these testing times. All farms have been affected differently, whether they have seen changes in commodity prices or decreased demand for products. It is important to have a quick summary of the changes in deadlines and […] Read more
U.S. bison association asks for financial aid
The United States bison industry is asking for help. A considerable amount of bison meat is consumed at restaurants but sitting down for a bison steak or bison brisket is not an option now because of restaurant closures caused by COVID-19. As a result, bison producers are worried about sales and their finances. “Restaurants and […] Read more
Canadian farmers scolded for U.S. aid complaints
The man responsible for delivering farm aid to American farmers and ranchers says Canadian farmers need to look inward before casting outward dispersion about subsidies. John Hoeven, chair of the United States Senate agriculture appropriations subcommittee, said the latest announcement of US$19 billion of aid is within the rules. “We do try to provide assistance […] Read more
Pork sector’s calls heard but not yet answered
A spokesperson in federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau’s office said late last week the government is working “around the clock” to respond to the pandemic’s impact on farmers and agri-food businesses. But there was no commitment to the direct support Canadian pork industry officials said is necessary to carry the sector through the current crisis […] Read more
Manitoba potato growers reach breaking point
Some potato growers in Manitoba have reached a breaking point and not just because of COVID-19. Manitoba’s potato industry has been suffering for more than 18 months. There was a difficult harvest in 2018, a much worse harvest in 2019, potatoes rotting in storage this winter and production cuts this spring. The personal stress has […] Read more
Farm Progress Show postponed
Canada’s Farm Progress Show has been postponed due to COVID-19. This was to be a year of change for the show, held by Regina Exhibition Association Ltd., as it intended to move to a Tuesday-to-Thursday schedule. It was scheduled for June 16 to 18. The show advisory board and exhibition association decided to postpone but […] Read more
Sask. increases interim payments from AgriStability
Provinces are beginning to make changes to get AgriStability money into producers’ hands sooner. Following last week’s move to extend the deadline to enrol in the business risk management program, Saskatchewan announced April 22 that it would bump up interim payment amounts from 50 percent to 75 percent. This applies to estimated final 2020 benefits. […] Read more
Stampede cancellation will hit Alberta hard
Cancellation of the 2020 Calgary Stampede will deal a blow to the Alberta economy and also to the summer plans of professional cowboys, chuckwagon racers, volunteers and tourists. The annual showcase of western culture was officially cancelled April 23. Last year’s event had an economic impact of an estimated $540 million in the Calgary region, […] Read more
COVID-19 likely to affect meat supply: analyst
Concerns about beef availability in the marketplace continue to sizzle like steak on a barbecue. As slaughter plants in Canada and the United States reduce line speeds, shifts or effect temporary closures to deal with COVID-19 concerns, analysts say supplies are likely to be affected. Market analyst Kevin Grier said Canadian slaughter is likely to […] Read more
