Canada's producers express confidence about the future Monday, January 16, 2012 by KAREN BRIGGS Canadian agricultural producers and agribusiness owners are optimistic about the future, according to a Farm Credit Canada survey released Tuesday. Of the nearly 4,500 producers and agribusiness and agri-food operators who participated in the annual national vision panel survey: 77 per cent said they were better off today than they were five years ago (up from 67 per cent in the FCC’s 2010 survey) 58 per cent said they plan to expand or diversify in the next five years 69 per cent said they would encourage a friend or relative to pursue a career in primary production, and 79 per cent said they would encourage another to pursue a career in an agriculture-related field 80 per cent think their farm or business will be better off in five years than it is now – the most optimistic response of the past five surveys. The survey also broke down attitudes province by province. Residents of Saskatchewan proved to be the most optimistic about the future, with 82 per cent expecting that their businesses will improve over the next five years. Ontarians came second at 81 per cent. Levels of optimism were lower in the Atlantic provinces and in British Columbia (74 and 75 per cent, respectively). By sector, levels of positivism were highest among dairy (84 per cent), crops (82 per cent), horticulture (81 per cent) and poultry (81 per cent). The least optimistic sector surveyed was hog producers, of whom only 75 per cent expected their next five years to be an improvement on their current status. Jean-Philippe Gervais, FCC senior agriculture economist, noted this year’s response registered the highest level of option since the survey was introduced five years ago. “What’s interesting is that there is not a lot of difference in the levels of optimism between regions of Canada and between agricultural sectors,” he says. “Overall there’s a lot of growth, and producers are excited.” Nevertheless, there remain concerns and challenges as well as factors beyond anyone’s control such as weather, he says. “But we’re experiencing a lot of innovation and growth that we weren’t seeing five or 10 years ago. The producers see a future.” BF Farm input expenses rise slightly in 2011's third quarter Spring wheat challenge winners announced
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
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Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online