Emery Huszka, NFU president.

Changing landownership driving rural depopulation: NFU

More non-farmer landowners spells trouble for rural Canada, the organization says

Rural Canada is losing population and communities are suffering because of changing farmland ownership patterns and it’s time for governments to correct the situation, says Emery Huszka, president of the National Farmers Union of Ontario. “Landownership in addition to consolidation now sees pension funds, investment professionals and non-farm investors gobbling up ground as if it

Ag Days ‘Under The Influence’

Speaker lineup features tips for telling your story, practical production advice and inspirational experiences

Agvocates rejoice. If you want to hear stories, build stories, tell and promote stories, then the 2017 Manitoba Ag Days lineup of speakers is certain to make you happy. “Sharing our story is important when it comes to agriculture and advocating agriculture in general,” says Kristen Phillips, Manitoba Ag Days general manager. “I am particularly


Farm and business groups back proposed changes to family transfers

Farm and business groups back proposed changes to family transfers

Groups say current rules make it easier to sell to a non-family member

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses have welcomed an NDP MP’s proposal to ease the transfers of business to the next generation. Quebec MP Guy Caron’s bill says the small business corporations including farms and fishing operations should be able to be transferred to younger family members without being

Editorial: Future non-farmers

The agriculture community spends a lot of time and energy worrying about the future of the next generation of farmers. Succession planning has become a cottage industry, governments and agencies fall over backward creating young farmer programs, and there’s constant fretting over how we might smooth their way. But the fact is most of your


“The bigger question is, who is going to own our land at the end of the day? Who is going to own agriculture at the end of the day? Is society comfortable having someone else own our land? Someone has to buy it and own it and operate it.” – Dan Mazier

KAP election priorities released

Money for agricultural research and innovation has dwindled in recent years, something that KAP hopes those vying for Manitoba’s top job will pledge to change

The Keystone Agricultural Producers is hoping to make the future of farming a higher priority in the run-up to the provincial election. KAP released its pre-election priorities document last week and it was full of items that emphasized the need to support and encourage young producers and new entrants to agriculture. “We talk lots about

Editorial: Hold the angry phone calls

At a time when governments are dealing with ballooning deficits, the Canadian Grain Commission is dealing with the opposite — a whopping surplus. As that surplus was accumulated on the basis of service fees, which are ultimately paid by farmers, many will consider that a problem. But there are a few things to consider before


Freer trade still comes with strings attached

Freer trade still comes with strings attached

Glacier FarmMedia Special Report: Industry officials say they must continue efforts to reduce or eliminate non-tariff trade barriers

Glacier FarmMedia assembled a team of reporters from its network of publications, which includes the Manitoba Co-operator, to examine the implications of Canada’s new trade deal with the European Union on Canadian agriculture and food processing. In coming weeks, watch for a series of articles that zero in on the challenge Canadian agriculture faces turning

Being involved in your community is a tremendous learning opportunity, says Elm Creek farmer 
Colin Penner. He became involved in KAP about a year ago.

Leaders needed — but harder to find

Delegates to the Keystone Agricultural Producers Young Farmer Conference 
were urged to consider volunteering as a rewarding investment

If you’re joining that committee or sitting on that board because ‘someone’s got to do it,’ Elm Creek farmer Colin Penner has some advice. Think about how you’ll benefit from it too. “Be a little selfish. You don’t have to get involved for strictly noble reasons,” he told some 60 delegates attending Keystone Agriculture Producers


The Van Camp family (l) and the Fox family.

Because I love you

Two widows discuss how forward planning helped their families carry on 
following the farm accidents that claimed their husbands

Jay Fox and Brian Van Camp both died in farm accidents involving loaders right before Christmas, leaving their families in shock and still trying to run their farms. Jay and Angie were Outstanding Young farmers in Manitoba and leaders in the cattle industry. Brian and Maggie were also leaders in their community and agriculture. Here’s

Jolene Brown

Business interests can’t be dictated by family interests

Protecting both family and business interests can only be accomplished 
through prudent planning and ongoing dialogue

Ask Jolene Brown when the best time to start planning for farm succession is and you get a one-word answer. “Yesterday,” said the professional speaker and Iowa grain farmer. “It is never too soon to begin planning for the future.” Without a plan, the death of a parent can leave siblings fighting on the way