Other & Farming Articles - Manitoba Co-operator

New rule on farm transfer tax treatment put off to 2022

Farm groups protest delay

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News July 14, 2021

Rule changes passed in a federal bill to standardize tax treatment for sales of family-owned farms and small businesses will be delayed to the start of 2022, to the dismay of several farm groups. Bill C-208, a private member’s bill spearheaded by western Manitoba Conservative MP Larry Maguire with amendments to the federal Income Tax

The agriculture industry must ensure that all international workers know that they have a right to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how they can access the distribution process.

Comment, Op/Ed, Other

Comment: Farmers support worker vaccination

Doing everything we can to protect these essential workers is the right thing to do

By Paul Gregory July 13, 2021

Despite some reports, producers in Manitoba are not blocking international workers from getting vaccinated. We value them and the contributions they make to our farms and communities. It is an understatement to suggest that keeping international workers healthy and safe is critical to the success of Manitoba’s agricultural industry. As a beekeeper, I rely on

The World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on Oct. 28, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Denis Balibouse)

News, Other

Multi-partisan committee calls for special measures to protect farmers

MPs release list of recommendations and priorities for WTO reform efforts

By D.C. Fraser July 13, 2021

A federal International Trade committee recommends Canada implement special measures to protect farmers. In its latest report, MPs on the committee released a list of recommendations and priorities for reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). During witness testimony, members from the major parties heard about challenges experienced at the WTO. Officials from Global Affairs said

Nearly 40 per cent of Manitoba’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation.

News, Other

Council tells province to boost biofuels, electric vehicles, public transit

The province is considering recommendations from the expert advisory council

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff July 12, 2021

The province will “strongly consider” expert advice including increased use of biofuels, boosting alternatives to diesel vehicles in agriculture and trucking, and more widespread public transit as it puts together its green transportation strategy. “We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors,” said Sarah Guillemard, minister of conservation and climate in a

An undated photo from CN’s media gallery shows a locomotive travelling through the Ashcroft, B.C. area. (CN.ca)

Crops, Other, Weather

CN, CP trains ordered to slow down against fire risk

Ministerial order in effect until Oct. 31

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News July 12, 2021

A new federal ministerial order calls for Canada’s big two railways to significantly cut their train speeds in any areas deemed to be at an “extreme” fire risk. “With extreme weather events occurring more severely and frequently in Canada due to climate change, it is important to have an adaptive regulatory system that responds to

Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme announces the discovery of the unmarked graves of hundreds of people, June 24, 2021.

Op/Ed, Opinion, Other

Opinion: Truth and reconciliation efforts can’t stop

The story of farmers and First Nations is a long and complex one

By D.C. Fraser July 9, 2021

It is a privilege to write in this space, and this week I thought it was appropriate to amplify a strong First Nations voice, while providing a bit of historical context. Days before having to address the nation, and press from across the globe, Cadmus Delorme was touting the grain farm on Cowessess First Nation.

Editorial, Op/Ed, Other

Editor’s Take: What comes down must (eventually) go up

By Gord Gilmour July 8, 2021

It was the fall of 1981. Pierre Elliot Trudeau was once again in Sussex Drive after the brief prime ministership of Joe Clark. Ronald Reagan was just settling into the White House. And down the road, at the U.S. Federal Reserve, legendary central banker Paul Volcker was targeting inflation with high interest rates. From the

High prices can skew cost of production, and if inflation returns in earnest, so could higher rates.

Farmit Manitoba, Markets, Other

Price spikes can bring input cost risks

History highlights what can happen if market events suddenly make the current debt-to-income ratio untenable

By Matt McIntosh July 8, 2021

Commodity prices have been strong for the past eight months. It’s been a boon for growers, though prolonged periods of decent returns can skew the cost of production. Canadian growers could be open to significant financial hardship if they see sustained price reductions or major production challenges like those experienced in the 1970s and 1980s,

If inflation returns in earnest, so could higher rates.

Farmit Manitoba, News, Other

Interest rates biggest farm finance risk

Farm Credit Canada says the pace of debt growth has slowed but farmers need to have an interest rate risk management plan

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff July 8, 2021

The expansion of Canada’s farm debt continued, but at its lowest pace in six years. Meanwhile Farm Credit Canada’s chief economist says that the potential for higher interest rates is the “darkest cloud” in that otherwise optimistic picture. Statistics Canada data showed outstanding Canadian farm debt increased by 5.9 per cent to $121.9 billion as

Other, Weather, Weather Vane

Weather: Hot, dry weather looks to continue

Forecast covering the period from July 7 to 14

By Daniel Bezte July 8, 2021

I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how strong the western ridge of high pressure, or the “heat dome,” would become in our last forecast period. The ridge dominated the weather and, due to the strength of the ridge, moved slower than forecasted. This kept our region mostly dry, with temperatures going from warm

Daily Network News

Health Canada stops sales of coccidiosis medication Deccox on procedural issue

Canadian cattle herd sees first annual increase since 2018

Olymel parent company sees increased earnings in 2025

Other