Uncollectible loans and unsustainable agriculture Sunday, April 3, 2011 The Nova Scotia government wrote off $16.2 million in bad loans from 2008. The loans included more than $1 million in uncollectible student loans, and smaller amounts for pharmacare premiums and unpaid fees. But by far the majority of the uncollectible loans had been made by the Nova Scotia agriculture department. "This unusually high amount is due to defaulted hog loan accounts under the Farm Loan Board," said a ministry of finance press release."For many years, hog farming in Nova Scotia was heavily subsidized by government," the release went on. "When government support was discontinued in 2007-08, many hog farmers were unable to sustain their business due to low pork prices and rising production costs."The Canadian Pork Council's public relations manager, Gary Stordy, says the Nova Scotia industry has collapsed. There are six pig farms left, compared to more than 80 four years ago.Many provinces offer loans to producers of various commodities, Stordy says. Another pork example is Big Sky Farms Inc. in Saskatchewan. The province now has a stake in the embattled company. BP Inconsistent reports on red meat The 'bacon bubble' that didn't burst
Saskatchewan Pulse Research Gets Major Boost Saturday, January 17, 2026 Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has announced major new funding to support pulse crop research across the province. Through co-funding with Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund, more than four million dollars will be invested in research that strengthens the pulse industry and supports... Read this article online
Ag community wanted for cover crop survey Saturday, January 17, 2026 Researchers from Manitoba and Ontario are looking for members of ag communities from Alberta to Ontario to participate in a questionnaire about cover crops. The confidential survey is open to any farm type and size whether the operation has ever grown cover crops. “We don’t just want... Read this article online
Elyce Simpson Fraser Wins Pulse Promoter Award Friday, January 16, 2026 Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has named Elyce Simpson Fraser as the recipient of the 2025 Pulse Promoter Award. She is being recognized for her strong leadership in expanding value-added pulse processing and for her ongoing efforts to promote Saskatchewan pulses within local... Read this article online
SARM Welcomes Pause on Livestock Traceability Rules Friday, January 16, 2026 The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities has welcomed the federal government’s decision to pause the publication of proposed livestock traceability regulations. The organization says the pause isan important steptoward developing a system that works for cattle producers and rural... Read this article online
RFA Supports Canadas Clean Fuel Regulations Update Friday, January 16, 2026 The Renewable Fuels Association has shared its comments with Environment and Climate Change Canada in support of Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations. The organization also offered its views onpossible changesthat could strengthen the program while keeping its main goal of reducing greenhouse gas... Read this article online