Optimism shines in ag survey Monday, January 17, 2011 by KRISTIAN PARTINGTONA nationwide Farm Credit Canada survey released Monday concludes there are healthy signs of optimism sweeping through the Canadian agriculture industry. More than three-quarters (76 per cent) of respondents believe their businesses will improve over the course of the next five years and two-thirds of respondents say they are better off today than they were five years ago. The annual survey sought the opinions of 4,900 producers and agri-business owners who participated through in the national agricultural lender’s panel, which consists of more than 9,000 individuals with ties to all aspects of agri-business. In an interview Tuesday, FCC Western Ontario Vice-President Barry Smith said that the survey’s participants were not necessarily FCC customers or clients.Smith said favourable commodity prices are among the factors that have helped create the positive outlook. In his region farmers have had high quality crop yields. Agri-business owners are also confident in the ability of new technologies to advance growth in emerging markets such as India and China, he said. Closer to home, society is more supportive of the industry. That support boosts morale. “The alertness of a healthier lifestyle is taking hold, he said. "People are more concerned about where their food comes from and they even want to be more connected to who is providing that food.”“The whole industry, whether it be in Western Ontario or across the country, is trying to keep economies of scale in mind and will continue to consolidate and land values continue to increase. That’s driven by optimism.”Optimism breeds optimism, he said, and “for lenders, it’s fun. You’re dealing with people who are keen about the industry and the business they’re in and it’s much more fun than lending in tough times.” In Monday’s news release, Smith noted “for cattle and hog producers, it’s not as favourable,” and described those producers as “cautiously optimistic.”Farm Credit Canada is Canada’s leading agriculture lender and this fourth annual survey will be used as basic knowledge in the management of its $20 billion portfolio, Smith said. BF Too soon to end SRM compensation warn farm groups, processors Case DC 4 This Year's Farm Show Model
Updates to Case IH RB566 Round Baler Wednesday, October 29, 2025 The Case IH RB566 round baler has been redesigned with a strong focus on serviceability, dependability, and efficiency, offering farmers a more advanced and reliable baling experience. According to Brian Williams, livestock product specialist with Case IH, the latest improvements... Read this article online
22 young leaders graduate from Rural Ontario Institute’s Change Makers Program Tuesday, October 28, 2025 The Rural Ontario Institute () has marked a milestone in rural leadership development with the graduation of 22 participants from its () program. The private ceremony, held this October, celebrated a year of learning, collaboration, and community impact. “We are excited to... Read this article online
Demco-Welker Farms Collab Delivers Big Buddy Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Demco recently introduced the Big Buddy grain cart, a product of collaboration with Big Equipment, the makers of Big Bud tractors, Titan Tires, and the well-known Montana-based Welker Farms. The project began when the Welker family decided to rebuild and modify their iconic Big Bud... Read this article online
New MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header Monday, October 27, 2025 Case IH continues to expand its innovative harvest equipment lineup with the launch of the MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header, a new series designed to provide farmers with smoother, cleaner, and more efficient harvesting. Available in multiple widths — 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and even 61... Read this article online
Lots of news from the Ontario Pork Congress Monday, October 27, 2025 The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) took place on October 20, 2020, at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Ontario, with over 50 attendees. At the event, Arnold Drung, President of Conestoga Meats, was honoured with the . Drung has been a dedicated supporter of the OPC for over 23... Read this article online