Farm Credit Canada says it plans to help its farmer clients in Atlantic Canada work around financial pressures following Hurricane Dorian’s passage through the region over the weekend. “We won’t know the full extent of damage for some time, but we’ve already heard that some customers will likely be facing some financial hardship as a […] Read more
FCC to offer flexibility in hurricane-battered areas
USDA to reopen all farm agency offices
Washington | Reuters — The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it will reopen all Farm Service Agency offices on Thursday to offer services to farmers and ranchers during the partial government shutdown. Some Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices had been providing limited services since Jan. 17, but the move means all of the agency’s […] Read more
Maximums for loan guarantee program doubled
Feeder association members can get up to $2 million from loan guarantee program to finance calf crop
Reading Time: < 1 minute The maximum loan limit for the provincial Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program has been doubled to $2 million. The increase, which applies to both individual and joint membership loan limits, will allow feeder associations to distribute their fixed costs across a greater number of livestock and provide increased access to capital. The provincial government is […] Read more
As loans and aid dry up, U.S. farmers face fresh challenge from shutdown
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. farmers, already battered by the U.S.-China trade war, are facing increasing anxiety as the partial government shutdown nears the two-week mark, leaving crucial aid and loan payments in limbo. The shutdown has blocked assistance for many farmers, who at this time of year apply for federal loans as they pay […] Read more
Provincial lender triples its loan maximums for farmers
In addition to the new $15-million limit, the Crown corporation is making terms more flexible
Reading Time: 2 minutes The Agricultural Financial Services Corporation is upping the amount of money it will loan producers. The move comes after a two-year review that included public consultation and meetings with producers and industry groups. “The review found that there is strong need for AFSC’s financial support across Alberta aimed at encouraging rural development and meeting the […] Read more
Canada to U.S.: Explain that farm spending war chest
Chicago/Geneva | Reuters — Canada wants the United States to explain why its lawmakers have made an additional $30 billion available to support U.S. farmers hit by trade woes, and how Washington might distribute the money, according to a document published by the World Trade Organization on Thursday. The questions come amid growing trade tensions […] Read more
With interest rates on the rise, is it time to lock in?
Variable rates have been a winner for decades, but a fixed rate is an option worth considering
Reading Time: 2 minutes Is it time to lock into a fixed long-term mortgage? “Since 1975, the majority of the time the variable interest rate has been the better option and has saved producers money,” said provincial farm financial specialist Rick Dehod. However, the Bank of Canada recently increased its prime rate by a quarter of a percentage point […] Read more
Brazil police probe loans to JBS
Brasilia | Reuters — Brazil federal police are investigating suspected fraud in loans by state development bank BNDES to JBS SA, a police source said on Friday, sending shares of the world’s largest meat processor lower after a series of scandals. Separately, police said earlier on Friday they would detain 37 people for questioning and […] Read more
Answer these tough questions before asking for a loan
Looking for a loan or an increase in your line of credit? Here are five key questions you should be able to answer before talking to your lender.
Up your odds of getting a loan
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Agriculture is encouraging producers to make use of a three-part fact sheet on obtaining financing. Successful loan applications have many elements, said new-venture specialist Kathy Bosse. “Asking for funding is not unlike a job interview,” she said. “Be prepared to address holes or weaknesses in your plan to show you also recognize obstacles but[...]
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