Farmers’ realized net income dropped by over eight per cent in 2022 as expenses outpaced the rise in cash receipts, a new Statistics Canada report says. Realized net income is the difference between cash receipts and operating expenses, minus depreciation and plus income in kind. When cannabis is included, realized net income dropped by nearly
Net farm income down in 2022 despite high commodity prices: StatCan
Hike in farm fuel, fertilizer and feed costs is the largest in nearly 50 years
The trade take on CFIA’s gene-editing decision
Canada joins many countries friendly to GE crops, but some regions and organic markets will continue to opt out
When it comes to grain trade, systems that provide transparency and choice for customers will likely continue to be important as more gene-edited crops hit the market. “We’re working proactively on some of these approaches,” said Krista Zuzak, director of crop protection and production with Cereals Canada. WHY IT MATTERS: Trade impacts from the CFIA’s gene-editing decision are vastly different on either
Grim hunger conditions remain in Somalia
Cuts to the federal aid budget are a step in the wrong direction amid immense need, aid organizations such as the Canadian Foodgrains Bank say
Hunger among people in Somalia is rampant after years of drought and conflict, and the care offered by relief groups is life-saving, according to a Canadian Foodgrains Bank staff member who is fresh off a trip to the region. “It’s absolutely critical that we can provide this kind of support in this setting,” said Stefan Epp-Koop,
Pulse Growers releases research cluster results
Insights will push forward root rot research, variety development
Results from a five-year cluster of research will advance work on issues like root rot and develop locally adapted pulse varieties, according to the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG). The group recently released the results of studies it co-funded through the Pulse Science Cluster. MPSG contributed just over $1.4 million to eight projects within
Bison in the blood
Faces of Ag: Erin and Jason Boily started a bison cow-calf operation from scratch before the pandemic forced them to pivot
The plan was to grow slowly. When Erin and Jason Boily of Iron Head Bison Ranch bought the farmstead that once belonged to his grandparents, they took a year to tear down old fences, put up new ones, clear brush and generally lay the groundwork for their bison herd. When their first animals arrived in
Rural kids fall short on nutrition
U of M study suggests unhealthy diets are prevalent in rural teens
Rural kids are more food secure than their counterparts in urban and northern Manitoba and more likely to eat meals with family, but when it comes to nutrition, they’re not exactly pulling ahead, according to a recent study from the University of Manitoba. “The [study] shows there is urgent need to improve the overall diets
Gardening for a lower food bill
If there was ever a year to maximize garden yields, food price inflation suggests this is it
Although snow in the third week of April suggests otherwise, Manitoba is only weeks away from gardening season. And while the large farm garden is an institution in rural areas, the memory of soaring lettuce prices and food costs in general may have Manitobans everywhere looking for a little extra from their growing space. Why
Pork sector shows cross-border anxiety on meat labelling
American pork producers also nervous on VCOOL, U.S. industry reps say
Hog producers in Iowa and Minnesota aren’t pleased with U.S. changes to meat labelling that could have spillover effects into Manitoba, representatives told Manitoba Pork’s gathered membership in mid-April. “As pork producers, we love the trade,” said Aaron Juergens, an Iowa hog farmer and director with the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Why it matters: Manitoba’s
Values lead on public trust
Most Canadians are happy to eat meat if animals are treated humanely, but aren’t sure about farmer practices, survey shows
The agriculture industry may be answering the wrong questions when addressing concerns about animal welfare. “We’ve been providing answers to ‘can we?’ The public is asking ‘should we?’” said Amy te Plate-Church, a speaker with the U.S.-based Centre for Food Integrity and guest of honour at the Manitoba Pork Council’s annual meeting April 13. While
Canola demand equal to winter canola influx
Biofuel markets are on the rise and there’s probably more than enough demand to go around
Rising demand for oil due to the biofuel market will likely swallow any influx American winter canola might produce, experts say. “I think we’ll need all the supply that we can get,” said Curtis Rempel, vice-president of crop production and innovation with the Canola Council of Canada. Why it matters: Winter canola is being promoted
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
