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
Grain Traders Monitor China Summit and Crop Estimates Monday, September 21, 2026 Grain and oilseed markets showed mixed movement during the week of September 18, 2026, as traders focused on U.S. yield revisions, Black Sea export disruptions, Canadian production estimates, crop conditions in Western Canada, and expectations surrounding the upcoming U.S.-China summit.... Read this article online
Federal government invests in farm safety Monday, September 21, 2026 The federal government is investing in an organization dedicated to farm safety. Ben Carr, the MP for Winnipeg South Centre, on Sept. 20 announced a federal investment of more than $1 million over two years for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) to help the organization... Read this article online
Ag Minister MacDonald Tours Southern Ontario Monday, September 21, 2026 Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector received a strong vote of confidence during a recent southern Ontario tour by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald. Throughout the visit, the Minister met with farmers, food processors, agribusiness leaders and community organizations... Read this article online
Harvest Weather Alert: Midwest Rain Risks Rise as Super El Nino Strengthens Monday, September 21, 2026 As summer gives way to autumn, farmers across the U.S. Midwest and parts of Canada are watching a weather pattern that appears poised to become increasingly active during the heart of harvest season. According to Nutrien Ag Solutions meteorologist Eric Snodgrass, recent atmospheric... Read this article online
U of G Launches Powering Food Futures Initiative, Invites Farmers to Shape Canada’s Agri-Food Future Monday, September 21, 2026 A new national initiative is inviting farmers, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to help shape the future of Canada’s agri-food sector at a time when food security, climate resilience and global competitiveness are taking on heightened importance. Powering Food Futures, a... Read this article online