Rising food prices have been drawing the ire of the Canadian public, but the bulk of that frustration and anger is not directed at farmers. Not yet, at least. Food retailers are viewed unfavourably, but farmers remain one of the most trusted demographics in the food system. That trust is at risk. Why it matters: […] Read more
Tag Archives economy
Canadians trust farmers despite high food costs — for now
How farmers have maintained, and could risk, public trust
Report aims to show animal agriculture’s interconnections
CAPI hopes to broaden policymakers' perspective
A new report for the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute seeks to educate policymakers about the impact of animal agriculture on economic, social and environmental levels. The report, titled Forces Impacting Animal Agriculture In Canada: A Synthesis, delves into the issues surrounding cattle, dairy and poultry production in the country and how it is interconnected within […] Read more
Farm revenues should rise in 2023, but so will costs
Annual FCC Economic Outlook focuses on predicted global economic slowdown
Food price inflation and labour market volatility remain the post-pandemic factors to watch, Farm Credit Canada finance specialists said during the agency’s annual economic outlook Jan. 24. Although challenges like supply chain disruptions and fluctuating input costs have eased somewhat, they will likely have an effect on farm costs and profitability in 2023. Held the […] Read more
Increasing interest rates put pressure on national debt obligations
Shifts continue in global policies and politics, says commodities economist
Trying to predict the course of commodity prices from one year to the next is a complex task. It requires a broad understanding of global monetary and geopolitical influences that can be confusing and contradictory. Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist with StoneX Group, gave attendees at the recent Ontario Agricultural Conference a robust overview of […] Read more
Chronic labour shortages increase national food security risk: study
Labour shortages trigger lost sales, lost contracts and decreased services
Labour shortages are a global issue across every sector, including Ontario’s agri-business, according to a recent survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “We found that almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of agri-business owners turned to their existing employees to work more hours due to lack of staff,” said Jasmin Guenette, the federation’s vice-president […] Read more
Used farm equipment to remain pricey
Strong farm cash receipts, weakening U.S. exchange rate underpins farm equipment values
Glacier FarmMedia – The price of new and late model farm equipment will continue to be high in 2023. As the loonie’s value falls in relation to the American dollar, assets manufactured outside of Canada cost more. “Especially when you’ve got a piece of equipment that you put on order, at some point they’re (dealers) […] Read more
Ontario farmland values nearly double national average
Interest rate effects are present, but delayed
High commodity prices and pent-up demand for Ontario property continue to raise farmland values despite higher interest rates. Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) recent mid-year land values report again highlights across-the-board increases in average farmland values, but Ontario figures are nearly double the national average. FCC analyses highlight an 8.3 per cent increase in farmland values […] Read more
China to step up investment in rural infrastructure
Beijing | Reuters – China will accelerate investment in rural infrastructure to improve its ability to ensure food supply while also stabilizing the economy, according to a plan published by the agriculture ministry on Tuesday. The plan, backed by eight ministries and government agencies, comes amid slowing growth in the world’s second-biggest economy, due to […] Read more
Opinion: One-size-fits-all policies no longer work
Canada’s agriculture industry has been undergoing significant changes over the past 45 years. Since the 1970s, the number of farms has been steadily declining, but not all farms have been impacted equally — mid-size farms have been hit the hardest, as the number of small and large farms increases. The mid-size farm category used to cover the majority of agricultural operations. […] Read more
Machinery market remains hot, but sales cool
Machinery makers face shortages of parts, supply chain delays, rising costs for labour and transportation as COVID disrupts business
Glacier FarmMedia – Farm equipment sales are down for Canada and United States, with Canada showing significant reductions from last year on the largest gear. This year, four-wheel drive tractors and combines in Canada saw sales fall 22 per cent from last season at this time. American numbers were better, but followed the same trend, […] Read more