Reading Time: < 1 minute Protein Industries Canada says it will receive up to $153 million in federal funding for its efforts to make Canada a world leader in the development of plant-based proteins. The consortium of more than 120 businesses, farm groups, universities, and other industry players is one of five groups sharing $950 million over five years from […] Read more
Late-summer launch for protein projects
Want to tap into the European beef market?
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association has resources for producers interested in exporting beef to Europe. That requires participating in Canada’s Growth Enhancing Product (GEP) free program, which also enables other market opportunities that require documented confirmation of the absence of growth-enhancing products. Concerns have been recently expressed by cattle producers that they are unable to identify […] Read more
Farm leaders again ask government to act
But with spring road bans and seeding season approaching, any moves are likely ‘too little, too late’
Reading Time: 3 minutes “Too little too late.” That comment from the president of the Grain Growers of Canada likely sums it up for many producers across the Prairies. “While western grain farmers are pleased to see that the government and railways have recognized the negative impact that poor rail service is having on farmers, it shouldn’t take a […] Read more
What was the real bottom line on your farm in 2017?
Cash accounting can save you taxes, but it doesn’t give you a true picture of profitability
Reading Time: 2 minutes Was your farm profitable in 2017? Now is the time to find out by converting cash statements to accrual income and expenses statements, says a provincial farm financial specialist. “The majority of farms still report their incomes and expenses on a cash basis via their annual income tax returns with the goal of avoiding or […] Read more
How a business plan helps get ‘cash flow rolling’
It’s easy to get sidetracked when starting a new venture so you need a plan to follow the money, says adviser
Reading Time: < 1 minute A written business plan is key to the long-term success of any business, especially a new venture. “Putting the plan to paper will show you how much startup cash you’ll need in order to generate income,” said new venture specialist Jan Warren. “If you don’t know the startup costs of your venture, you can easily […] Read more
Checkoff tax credits available for farmers
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Barley advises farmers that 17 per cent of their 2017 checkoff payment is eligible for the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit. Farmers must include Form T661 with their tax return along with either Form T2SCH31 (incorporated businesses) or Form T2038 (individuals). Farmers can learn more about the SR&ED program by visiting […] Read more
Plant protein supercluster makes cut for federal funding
Protein Industries Canada says becoming a world leader in using plant protein will create thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity
Reading Time: 3 minutes Plant protein is joining the ranks of artificial intelligence, big data, advanced manufacturing, and ocean-based energy in the federal government’s plan to drive the Canadian economy in the coming decades. Protein Industries Canada is one of the five ‘supercluster’ proposals selected earlier this month to share $950 million in federal cash over the next five […] Read more
Encouraging seed diversity is essential for the future
We should mourn the loss of diversity in older crop varieties and the concentration of seed ownership
Reading Time: 3 minutes One of the wonders of travel and of food is the vast varieties of plants that beautify our world. Many have medicinal and nutritional qualities and have been used for food or healing for thousands of years. Others are new hybrids that beautify the plate and add colour to our meal. They all have ancient […] Read more
Efficiency in sheep production measured in pennies
Reading Time: 3 minutes Some livestock producers think about saving a buck when feeding their animals. But for sheep producers, it comes down to cents. “With sheep, you’ve always got to think about costs,” said Paul Luimes, a livestock nutrition researcher at the University of Guelph. “You’ve got to look for pennies to save because there’s not a lot […] Read more
Big stakes and big risks in Trans-Pacific trade talks
Canola and beef sectors say there’s no middle ground — reaching a deal will be a huge win and failure will be ‘a really bad scenario’
Reading Time: 4 minutes Without a new Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, two ag sectors won’t just miss out on multimillion-dollar opportunities — they’ll take a major hit in key Asian markets, say canola and beef officials. “There are some really clear benefits for Canada here in terms of growth potential, but also some very serious consequences if we don’t move […] Read more
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