Irrigating precious crops equals jobs Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Almond, stone fruit, grape and citrus owners once paid $70 an acre foot to irrigate their orchards in Kern County in California's central valley. Now they are paying as much as $1,300 an acre foot, more than 18 times as much, with very little retail increase in their products, says the December newsletter of the national crop insurance program. Yet California agriculture is surviving only because of "massive but unsustainable over pumping" according to a study published by the Pacific Institute, which describes itself as an independent global water think tank.Farm revenue remains strong even though acreage is down by 640,000 acres. The Pacific Institute says some losses have been offset as farmers fallowed their land and sold water rights to growers of high-value crops. The study is available at http://pacinst.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2015/08/ImpactsOnCaliforniaDrought-Ag.pdfAccording to the study, a California acre of fresh tomatoes, melons, squash or cucumbers supports more than 160 jobs. BF Appeal lost for obstructionist farmers Grow-ops cause Pacific power blowouts
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Thursday, April 2, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online
Agricultural Educator and Industry Leader Dr Tom Funk Remembered for Lasting Influence Thursday, April 2, 2026 The agricultural education community is mourning the passing of Dr Tom Funk, a highly respected Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph whose influence spanned more than three decades of teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Dr Funk dedicated over 35 years to teaching... Read this article online
What Distributed Energy Resources Mean for Canadian Producers Thursday, April 2, 2026 As energy costs rise, many Canadian farms are looking for ways to take greater control of their electricity use. One term that farmers are hearing more often is distributed energy resources, often shortened to DERs. While the phrase may sound technical, the concept is highly practical, and... Read this article online
Western Fair District Wins Agribusiness Award 2026 Thursday, April 2, 2026 Western Fair District has been named the winner of the 2026 Business Achievement Award in Agribusiness by the London Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes the organization’s strong efforts in supporting agriculture, innovation, and community development. A key part of this... Read this article online
Government Extends Interest Free Farm Loan Support Thursday, April 2, 2026 The Government of Canada has announced that it will extend the $250,000 interest-free limit under the Advance Payments Program (APP) for the 2026 program year. The decision has been welcomed by farm groups as an important step to support farmers during uncertain times. “This is a... Read this article online