Federal gov. to create national soil strategy
The federal government has committed to creating a national agricultural soil health strategy.
Agriculture Minister Heath Macdonald made the announcement on Thursday alongside Senator Rob Black. Black led a study of Canadian soils, which was published in 2024.
The strategy will involve collaboration between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Soil Conservation Council of Canada. Input will also be sought from farmers, Indigenous communities, provinces and territories and other groups.
Black also championed Bill S-230, which calls for a national soil strategy. That bill was set to be passed in the Senate on Thursday, and will inform the strategy.
Bill S-230 closely follows recommendations laid out in Black’s 2024 report – “Critical Ground.”
These include – recognizing soil as a national asset; providing ways to increase knowledge about the status of Canadian soil; Sharing how healthy soils impact all Canadians; and supporting education on effective soil management practices.
Dairy and poultry payments slashed in AAFC reductions
Dairy and poultry producer and processor payment programs are being cut as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada looks to cut 650 million dollars from its budget in the next three years.
That’s according to the department’s plan for 2026 and 2027.
Cuts to the Dairy Direct Payment Program and Egg On-Farm Investment Program, plus reductions to the Youth Employment and Skills Program, represent about 131 million dollars.
The dairy and poultry programs were part of funds the government committed after part of the domestic market was negotiated away in several trade deals.
Along with well-publicized plans to close research stations and farms across Canada, Agriculture Agri-Food Canada is also planning to cut 168 workers from its internal services department.
FCC report shows strong growth of land values in much of Canada
Farmland values continued rising on the Prairies in 2025. In Ontario, values stagnated.
Farm Credit Canada reported that land values rose by more than 12 per cent in Manitoba, by 11.4 per cent in Alberta and 9.4 per cent in Saskatchewan.
FCC said the market was supported by farmland’s long-term investment appeal, tight supply, and strong competition.
Increases on the Prairies drove the year’s average increase, which was 9.3 per cent across Canada.
In Ontario, average cultivated land values rose by 2.2 per cent. In some regions prices didn’t rise at all.
FCC said Ontario farmers are becoming picky. They’ll pay top prices for excellent land and avoid marginal properties.
A Saskatchewan realtor says the vibes on the Prairies have shifted since 2025. Farming giant Monette put 1 billion dollars worth of farmland on the market across North America in January.
Realtor Ted Cawkwell said that may have shifted the mindset for farmers and lenders, making them think more about debt management, and less about expansion.
