Editorial: Canada’s election forgoes agricultural issues

There hasn’t been much to get excited about in the current federal election, especially if you’re interested in agriculture policy. Political parties have concentrated on their opponents more than on selling themselves. Agriculture has received little time in the greater discussion. In fact, as I write this, we still don’t even know the Conservative platform, […] Read more

Glacier FarmMedia opens bureau in Ottawa

These days I am becoming more thankful to those who do thankless work. About a month ago, I settled in Ottawa. I claim “the west” as home to those here who ask. Most of my growing up was in Calgary and the bulk of my journalism career up until now has been in Saskatchewan. Now […] Read more

Chicken farmers are looking for market development funding after trade deals resulted in the loss of some of their market.

Chicken, egg farmers still looking for trade package

A package for dairy farmers was announced before the current federal election

Chicken and egg farmers continue to wait for a trade compensation package, which they had hoped to see before the current federal election. Their supply management cousins in dairy got the announcement they were looking for with a $1.75 billion package that will pay out $345 million in the first year of the seven-year program. […] Read more

From top left: Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal Party of Canada, Luc Berthold, Conservative Party of Canada, Alistair MacGregor, New Democratic Party of Canada, and Kate Storey, Green Party of Canada.

Trade, climate, farm programs part of agricultural leaders’ debate

Agriculture minister has to defend Liberal record on trade deals

The national election debate on agriculture tackled many of the major issues in the sector including trade, climate change, labour and risk management programs. The debaters included: Luc Berthold of the Conservative Party Marie-Claude Bibeau of the Liberal Party Alistair MacGregor of the NDP Kate Storey of the Green Party The debate, hosted by the […] Read more

The U.S.-China trade war is getting the most attention these days, but Stefane Marion of the National Bank of Canada says 
the free trade environment of the last 20 years is under threat around the world.

International trade disputes a threat to global economy

Numerous trade disputes have broken out around the world, causing uncertainty

Glacier FarmMedia – Hearing all the grim talk about slowing global growth and seeing alarming signs from the bond market, it’s understandable that many believe the world is fated to fall into recession soon, acknowledges the chief economist of National Bank of Canada. But unless some wild cards get played, the actual chances of a […] Read more


Provincial government looking into consumer harassment

More protection from trespassers needed

Recent trespassers on a Southern Alberta turkey farm continues to raise the question to farmers within Ontario and Canada as to when this type of harassment will be stopped. Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs and Premier Doug Ford recently spoke to Farmtario at the Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show about this […] Read more

Ontario soybean crops have been most affected by current trade disputes, but as it isn’t directly targeted by China, it’s harder to get government attention.

Agriculture support programs inadequate in new trade environment

Agriculture groups are concerned existing programs won’t measure up while other countries pile billions into support for their farmers

Farm leaders are worried the current suite of government risk management programs are ill-prepared to help Ontario farmers through tough times brought on by trade wars. Solid farm income over the past decade means reference margins will really have to dive in order to trigger payments from existing programs, industry sources say. The programs were […] Read more



Trade Wars or Summit Concept

An economic reality check for Canada’s farm sector

Chaotic trade and financial environments dominate first half of 2019

Many analysts predicted market uncertainty for 2019 and so far, those predictions have come true. With trade wars, mixed-result political dealings, and an overall unstable global economy, the situation for Canadian farmers continues to be concerning – though not inherently dire. Why it matters: Uncertainty about markets, politics and the global economy are causing anxiety […] Read more

Closeup shot of a glass of milk on a dairy farm with cattle grazing in the background

Editorial: Dairy compensation plan announcement ill-timed

Governments can be ham-fisted and tone deaf, a symptom of their huge, creaking architecture. They throw new coats of paint out to different areas of the economy just before elections. That lack of tact was in full display recently when Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s minister of agriculture and agri-food, announced a $1.75 billion, eight-year program for […] Read more