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
Black Sea Peace Prospects Influence Global Grain Prices Monday, September 7, 2026 Grain and oilseed markets remained closely tied to geopolitical developments, weather conditions and export expectations during the week ending September 4, 2026. Corn futures were largely unchanged, while soybeans posted a new contract closing high and soybean meal also strengthened.... Read this article online
Canada invests $3.1M in swine health surveillance Monday, September 7, 2026 Recognizing that infectious disease is one of the major risks to swine production, the Government of Canada is helping industry further develop the tools needed to safeguard animal health, strengthen sector resilience, and support future growth. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath... Read this article online
Heads Up Plant Protectants Unveils New Brand Identity Friday, September 4, 2026 Saskatchewan-based Heads-Up Plant Protectants unveiled a refreshed brand identity at the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, introducing a new logo, updated visual design, revised messaging, and a redesigned website. The rebrand reflects the company’s continued focus on supporting... Read this article online
Canada Expands Livestock Tax Relief for Producers Friday, September 4, 2026 Canadian livestock producers continue to face growing challenges as extreme weather events affect forage supplies and day-to-day farm operations. Drought, flooding, and excess moisture can reduce feed availability, making it difficult for ranchers tomaintainhealthy breeding herds and sustain... Read this article online
Saskatchewan Expands AgriStability Support for Farmers Friday, September 4, 2026 Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit have announced changes to the 2026 AgriStability Program to provide additional support for producers affected by excess moisture and localized flooding across Saskatchewan. The... Read this article online