Ontario beef farmers receive extension for repaying federal advance payment loans Tuesday, May 13, 2014 by JIM ALGIE Recent adjustments to extend the repayment period for federal advance payment loans should help Ontario cattle farmers, a recent Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) newsletter says. Administered by the Guelph-based, Agricultural Credit Corporation, the federal advance payments program provides growers with up to $400,000 in operating capital. The first $100,000 of such loans is free of interest cost with the remaining balance up to $300,000 at bank prime rates. Changes announced March 19 include a single, stream-lined, application process, quicker approvals and new repayment rules for cattle farmers with constant inventory. A BFO newsletter published last Friday says “advances can now be repaid up to a year after issuance rather than upon the sale of cattle.” The changes followed recommendations by BFO, said the newsletter article that was attributed to that organization’s communications manager LeaAnne Wuermli. It means farmers “can realize more savings by extending their interest-free portion of the loan to a full year versus paying back on their first sales of cattle,” the newsletter says. The program for cattle farmers opens annually, April 1, and remains open to applications between April and the following March. Loans are available on current inventory held for sale during the current program year. Advance loans for livestock require that borrowers be enrolled in the federal Agristability program which provides insurance against large margin declines. Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) is a not-for-profit farm organization formed in 1992 by a coalition of farm organizations now including 19 producer groups. Since it began, the corporation has loaned more than $4 billion to Canadian farmers, a statement on the ACC website says. BF Few details available about impact on Ontario farmers of most recent food processing plant closure Projects receive Greenbelt funding
Canada Packers Posts Strong Volume Growth and Profitability in First Year as Standalone Company Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Canada Packers Inc., recently split off from Maple Leaf Foods, reported its financial results earlier this month for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2025, highlighting increased hog volumes, steady sales growth and disciplined financial execution. In the fourth quarter of 2025,... Read this article online
Canada’s Real Seasons (According to Farmers Who Actually Live Here) Monday, March 16, 2026 According to a chart that’s been making the rounds on social media, courtesy of The Weather Network—the Canadian calendar has officially been updated. Apparently, we no longer live by the simple rhythm of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Instead, we now rotate through such crowd... Read this article online
Ontario Equine Industry Drives Rural Economy Monday, March 16, 2026 A new economic study has revealed the major contribution of Ontario’s equine agricultural sector to the province’s economy and rural communities. The Ontario Equine Agricultural Economic Impact Study Report provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the industry since 2010 and offers... Read this article online
Julia Montgomery Named OVC Dean Monday, March 16, 2026 The University of Guelph has announced the appointment of Dr. Julia Montgomery as the new dean of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).She will begin her five-year leadership term on June 15, 2026.The appointment marks an important step for one of Canada’s most respected veterinary... Read this article online
Canada Seeks Agriculture Champions for Hall of Fame Sunday, March 15, 2026 The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association is inviting nominations for individuals who have made lasting and meaningful contributions to the agriculture and food industry in Canada. The organization is seeking candidates for the 2026 class of inductees, with nominations accepted... Read this article online