(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

COVID-19 aid ‘falls short,’ farm groups warn

Aid package includes AgriRecovery for cattle, hog sectors

Ottawa — Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying more money will be provided if needed, the agriculture sector continues to criticize Ottawa’s $252 million in COVID-19-related financial aid offered to producers and processors. “If we have to add more, we will,” said Trudeau, after announcing new funding and programming. The federal government is offering an

(AWSeebaran/iStock/Getty Images)

P.E.I. plans AgriStability top-up, AgriInsurance discount

Province also pledges potato storage funding

Prince Edward Island’s response to COVID-19 includes plans to pump up its farmers’ coverage level under the federal/provincial AgriStability income stabilization program. The P.E.I. government on Thursday announced a support package for farmers including $8.8 million over two years in additional business risk management (BRM) program funds. That includes paying the provincial portion of the


blaine pedersen

Crop insurance: What’s new in 2020?

The organic sector, farmers with extended grazing and high-value crop growers can all expect more insurance options this year

Crop insurance coverage is poised for another increase in 2020, according to Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. (MASC). AgriInsurance coverage will hit $3 billion this year, with similar premiums to 2019. Why it matters: Better production knowledge has yields, and coverage, trending up, while the organic sector and producers with extended grazing will get more safety

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Hay disaster benefit kicks in for Manitoba growers

Eligible Manitoba forage growers can expect to share in a $5 million hay disaster benefit (HDB) for the 2019 crop year. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. (MASC), the provincial crop insurance agency, announced Friday that the HDB has been activated and benefit payments to eligible forage producers on about 1,500 claims will begin “shortly.” The HDB,


Lots of talk, few actions at ag ministers meeting

Action on AgriStability shortcomings could come by the end of the year

The annual meeting of Canadian agriculture ministers concluded with lots of talk — but no immediate changes along the lines recommended by a coalition of farm organizations. The ministers’ closing statement said they discussed trade disputes, support for dairy and poultry producers, labour shortages, fixing business risk management programs and preventing African Swine Fever from

Crop insurance deadline coming up

Crop insurance deadline coming up

Crop dollar values are generally slightly higher, while premiums on average are down seven per cent

The deadline for making crop insurance changes for the coming season, or enrolling for the first time, is nearly here. The March 31 deadline is a Sunday this year so Manitoba farmers have until Monday, April 1, says David Van Deynze, vice-president of insurance operations at the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), which administers the


Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced consultation on a protein strategy for the province and higher crop insurance coverage in 2019 at a lower cost.

Protein consultations, higher crop insurance coverage coming

News from Ag Days 2019: Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler spoke about both at Ag Days

Manitoba’s agriculture minister had some good news for farmers at Manitoba Ag Days Jan. 22. Ralph Eichler announced consultations on a strategy to make Manitoba North America’s plant and animal protein supplier of choice. He also announced higher crop insurance coverage for Manitoba farmers this year and lower premiums. “We are in a great position

Province announces locked-in funds with MASC trusts

The province says the new trusts will keep funds cycling back to the farm

AgriInsurance and hail insurance funds will be handled a little differently in the future, and the provincial government says that will keep those funds going back to farmers. The province announced two new trusts Sept. 21 to feed into the two insurance streams. The trust for AgriInsurance will include provincial, federal and paid-in funds from


Services available for producers affected by dry conditions

Pastures and forage crops diminished by lack of rain

Manitoba Agriculture is reminding agricultural producers affected by dry conditions of the programs and services available to livestock producers to manage forage shortages. To date, low levels of precipitation and soil moisture have affected the growth of pastures and forage crops in parts of Manitoba. Manitoba Agriculture provides a number of tools and resources for

Jared Munro, who has worked in various positions at the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, 
is its new CEO.

Jared Munro new Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation CEO

The 10-year veteran of the corporation knows first hand a lot about its workings

Jared Munro, the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) new chief executive officer, has worked for the Crown agency since 2008 and has been acting CEO since Neil Hamilton retired from the job last June. “I’ve had an interesting career here so far,” Munro said in an interview March 15. “I’ve been involved in lots of