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

Horrible harvest could impact fertilizer prices
Prices are already rising, but the late harvest is limiting the ability to apply or buy fertilizer now

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

Pulse prices feel pressure from rising ending stocks
CNS Canada – Increasing pulse ending stocks are going to continue to play into pulse crop prices in Canada, according to the latest update from Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) ag economics team. “We’re still expected to see ending stocks increasing. So as we continue to see that ending stocks increase, that stock-to-use-ratio that we’d see […] Read more
Do More Ag to offer mental health first aid training
Reading Time: < 1 minute A $50,000 grant will allow a new non-profit to provide mental health first aid training for producers and agriculture industry professionals in select communities across Canada. The Do More Agriculture Foundation was set up this winter to provide support and mental health resources to farmers. The grant from Farm Credit Canada will fund a pilot […] Read more

Farmland prices double in last five years
Many farmers thought prices were out of whack in 2013, but time has proven they were wrong
Reading Time: 5 minutes How expensive is Alberta farmland? Try double what it was just five years ago. “Over the last five years, we’ve seen cash farm receipts going up across the country and especially in Alberta,” said Joel Bokenfohr, manager of business structures and financial policy with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “We have a strong farm economy where […] Read more