Reading Time: 3 minutes Canada’s battle to renegotiate a free trade deal with the U.S. appears to be over, but global trade wars rage on — and that means producers can expect volatile markets for some time to come. But in the long run, it should all work out fine, says a new analysis by Farm Credit Canada on […] Read more
There’s light at the end of the trade war tunnel
Prices will return to normal and ag exports will continue to grow
Drive Away Hunger food drive surpasses target
Reading Time: < 1 minute Farm Credit Canada’s annual Drive Away Hunger initiative has provided more than 9.5 million meals for food banks and feeding programs nationwide. To mark the 15th anniversary of the program, teams drove tractors through various communities to collect food and donations for 15 days this fall. The effort in Alberta generated more than 570,000 meals. […] Read more
Lender willing to ease loan payments
Reading Time: < 1 minute The country’s biggest ag lender says it will offer “flexibility” for customers hit by snow and rain this harvest. “FCC will work with customers to come up with solutions for their operation and will consider deferral of principal payments and/or other loan payment schedule amendments to reduce the financial pressure on producers impacted by wet […] Read more
Horrible harvest could impact fertilizer prices
Prices are already rising, but the late harvest is limiting the ability to apply or buy fertilizer now
Reading Time: 4 minutes Poor harvest conditions this fall could drive up fertilizer prices next spring. “For many producers right now in Alberta, fertilizer isn’t top of mind. They’re focused on getting the harvest off,” said Craig Klemmer, principal agriculture economist at Farm Credit Canada. “So when we look at the pricing side of things, demand wasn’t as strong […] Read more
Trade certainty doesn’t translate to higher loonie
CNS Canada — Even with more certainty around trade with the U.S., Canadians shouldn’t expect to see the dollar flying in value. “It’s hard for me to see the Canadian dollar gain value against the U.S. dollar in the short term, unless the Bank of Canada totally revises its stance towards interest rates,” said J.P. […] Read more
Farms in financial good shape, says Farm Credit Canada
Reading Time: < 1 minute Although total farm debt in Canada now tops $100 billion, the sector is “well positioned to thrive in the current economic and financial environment,” says the chief economist with Farm Credit Canada. “The current debt-to-asset ratio in agriculture remains lower than the 10-year average… and farm liquidity remains healthy,” said JP Gervais. A relatively low […] Read more
Hog producers continue struggle toward profitability
CNS Canada — Hog prices might have regained some value in recent days, but many producers are still a long way from profitability, according to the chair of Manitoba Pork. That’s why lenders such as Farm Credit Canada, who show they understand the needs of producers who are dependent on commodity markets, are appreciated, said […] Read more
Drive Away Hunger campaign underway
Reading Time: < 1 minute People wanting to contribute to the FCC Drive Away Hunger campaign can drop off donations of food or cash at Farm Credit Canada offices across the province until Oct. 18. It’s the 15th year for the campaign by the Crown ag lender, which is marked by “tractor tours” across the country. In Alberta, these will […] Read more
Seventeen Alberta community projects receive grants
Reading Time: 2 minutes Seventeen Alberta communities have received grants for projects such as fire and rescue equipment, play structures, and facility repairs or upgrades. Farm Credit Canada’s AgriSpirit Fund is donating $1.5 million to 84 groups across the country. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, are aimed at enhancing the lives of rural residents or contributing to […] Read more
Funding offered for ‘mental health first aid’ courses in farm communities
Course teaches people how to help those suffering from depression and anxiety or contemplating suicide
Reading Time: 2 minutes A new foundation focused on promoting mental wellness for farmers is offering funding for communities willing to put on ‘mental health first aid’ workshops. The two-day course offers training on how to help “a person having a panic attack, support someone who lives with depression and anxiety, and intervene when signs of suicidal ideation are […] Read more
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