While people age 55 and over still make up the fastest-growing segment of farmers in Canada, the latest Census of Agriculture shows slightly more producers under age 35 for the first time in five censuses. Statistics Canada’s 2016 Census of Agriculture, released Wednesday, counted 271,935 farm operators — that is, people who make management decisions […] Read more
Ag census logs more younger and female farm operators
B.C. ag minister, ag critic hang on in election
British Columbia’s incumbent agriculture minister and opposition agriculture critic have both held onto their seats in the legislature so far through the province’s harrowing election Tuesday. Complete results aren’t expected to be available until after the final count starting May 22, but preliminary results put the province’s governing Liberals in minority status with 43 of […] Read more
More PED cases turn up in southeastern Manitoba
A hog finisher operation and a sow operation in Manitoba’s southeastern “hog alley” have been confirmed with cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), both within close range of the province’s first case in over seven months. According to Manitoba Pork, the province’s chief veterinary officer on Monday confirmed positive test results for PED at a […] Read more
Farm sales to co-ops to count for small business deduction
Changes to federal tax law that were meant to block “multiplication” of the small business deduction for corporations won’t apply to farmers’ sales to co-operatives. The federal government on Friday released draft amendments to the Income Tax Act, which would allow qualifying farmers and fishers selling to agricultural and fisheries co-operatives to be eligible for […] Read more
Response seen curbing PED spread from Manitoba case
The “quite early” catch and quick response for Canada’s latest outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), in a sow barn in Manitoba’s “hog alley,” are expected to keep a lid on the virus’ spread beyond the one site. The province’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) on Tuesday confirmed PED-positive tests at the southeastern Manitoba farm, and […] Read more
Sobeys, Safeway parent seeks cost-cutting ‘leverage’
Empire Co., the parent firm for about 1,500 grocery stores across Canada, plans to restructure from a regional to a “largely national” operation cutting $500 million in annual costs by the end of 2020. Nova Scotia-based Empire — whose stores operate under brands including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton’s — on […] Read more
Glacier Media strengthens weather, ag technology team
Glacier Media, a leading Canadian business information news, insights and data supplier, has appointed Jonathan Neutens as president of its Weather Innovations Consulting (WIN) group. Neutens, who has more than 20 years experience in North America’s agribusiness sector, will lead the team at WIN to scale its business in the ag technology space, building on the existing […] Read more
Farm groups weigh options after hog truck verdict
Officials with Ontario farm groups plan to “discuss next steps” following the dismissal of charges against an animal welfare activist who gave drinks to hogs aboard a livestock trailer. Justice David Harris of the Ontario Court of Justice on Thursday dismissed a charge of criminal mischief against Anita Krajnc of the self-described “grassroots, animal rights, […] Read more
Farm, ranch work still exempt from Alberta helmet rule
Farm and/or ranch work remain exempt in the final version of Alberta’s new law requiring off-highway vehicle users to wear helmets while riding on public land. Provincial Bill 36, which passed in December, takes effect May 15, requiring an approved helmet for anyone “driving, operating, riding in or on, or being towed by” an off-highway […] Read more
Weather, ‘economic challenges’ drag on A+W sales
Canadian burger chain A+W cites “poor winter weather” in most regions and “economic challenges” in its Alberta and Saskatchewan markets for flat sales in its first quarter. The Vancouver-based burger and root beer chain on Tuesday booked total sales of $245.16 million for the quarter ending March 26, up 0.6 per cent from $243.8 million […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
