Ranching and farming dying out in high plains, USA Monday, April 6, 2015 A heavily researched demographic study, published in the journal Rangeland, predicts there will be no ranchers and farmers under the age of 35 in the state of Wyoming by 2033.Published by the Society For Range Management, the article could not be more pessimistic about the future of agriculture in the High Plains of the Western United States.A county by county examination of demographic trends from nearly 100 years of census information shows there's often no one for aging operators to pass the farm to. Currently, more than half of farm operators are older than 55; fewer and fewer people 34 years of age and younger are attracted to the business.The study can be read online at: www.srmjournals.org/doi/full/10.2111/Rangelands-D-14-00035.1"The relative proportions of younger operators are dwindling rapidly . . . We face a fundamental challenge in inspiring young agriculturalists to take up residence in the state to help replace those of retirement age."The "prohibitive" cost of generational land transfer is cited as one reason to sell out rather than pass on. In the United States, "in the United States, farmers with a new inheritance often owe more in taxes than they have in liquid assets." Corporatization would still allow for farming, but the writers note that 24 million acres of farmland in the United States has been "urbanized" between 1982 to 2010: an astounding 1.64 acres per minute. Sounds a bit like Ontario? BF Ag Canada teams up with NASA Swede midges 'last straw' for northern canola growers
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