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By Andrew Joseph, Editor; Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash On May 13, 2024, the Canadian federal government announced up to $5,733,852 to the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA) through the AgriScience program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to promote more diverse crop rotations on farms. The hope is that the Cropping Systems Cluster, led by CFCRA, will develop the characteristics and practices to encourage diverse crop rotations for soybeans, corn, and oats. Crop rotation is the practice of planting crops with diverse characteristics in sequence on the same field over time. It improves the ability of producers to manage the soil in a manner that optimizes soil health and nutrient use, prevents soil erosion, reduces pest infestations, and increases yields. “With climate change having a direct impact on producers, crop diversity is vitally important to keeping our agriculture sector healthy, productive, and competitive. This funding will help researchers explore the benefits of crop rotations and encourage producers to integrate soybean, corn, and oat crops into their farms,” stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The research aims to reduce business risk for farmers by developing crops that are resilient to climate change and weather stresses, protect against losses caused by diseases and insects, and are profitable for producers overall. This will be achieved by developing oat varieties with improved traits for eastern and western Canada, as well as improving soybean varieties for short-season production environments in Canada. Research activities will also explore how diverse crop rotations can play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and how better genetics, land management, and fertilizer use can improve nitrogen use efficiency to protect the environment. Soybean production generated $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023, making it the third-most valuable field crop in Canada. Canadian corn production has risen incrementally since 2010, increasing export revenue to a record of $941 million in 2021–22. In 2021–22, Canadian oat exports were valued at $558 million, with 93 percent of exports going to the US.

A human-sized chicken appeared in Toronto, Ont. last week. Chicken Farmers of Canada employed this kind chickens to help in the community as part of the organization’s “Raised Right” campaign. The friendly fowl opened doors, paid for coffees, helped people cross the street, picked up litter and performed other acts of kindness. These demonstrations of goodwill help highlight the work Canadian chicken farmers do to raise their flocks as best they can. "It's simple: these chickens are out doing good deeds because they were raised right, just like chickens raised by Canadian chicken farmers," JJ Hochrein, director of brand marketing with Chicken Farmers of Canada, said in a statement. "Canadian farmers are proud to raise chickens with care and without hormones or steroids. It's not easy, but they go out of their way every day to do it right – just like the chickens you may have encountered around your neighbourhood last week." Farms.com had contacted CFC for possible comment from the chicken.

By Andrew Joseph, Editor; Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash On May 13, 2024, the Canadian federal government announced up to $5,733,852 to the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA) through the AgriScience program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to promote more diverse crop rotations on farms. The hope is that the Cropping Systems Cluster, led by CFCRA, will develop the characteristics and practices to encourage diverse crop rotations for soybeans, corn, and oats. Crop rotation is the practice of planting crops with diverse characteristics in sequence on the same field over time. It improves the ability of producers to manage the soil in a manner that optimizes soil health and nutrient use, prevents soil erosion, reduces pest infestations, and increases yields. “With climate change having a direct impact on producers, crop diversity is vitally important to keeping our agriculture sector healthy, productive, and competitive. This funding will help researchers explore the benefits of crop rotations and encourage producers to integrate soybean, corn, and oat crops into their farms,” stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The research aims to reduce business risk for farmers by developing crops that are resilient to climate change and weather stresses, protect against losses caused by diseases and insects, and are profitable for producers overall. This will be achieved by developing oat varieties with improved traits for eastern and western Canada, as well as improving soybean varieties for short-season production environments in Canada. Research activities will also explore how diverse crop rotations can play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and how better genetics, land management, and fertilizer use can improve nitrogen use efficiency to protect the environment. Soybean production generated $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023, making it the third-most valuable field crop in Canada. Canadian corn production has risen incrementally since 2010, increasing export revenue to a record of $941 million in 2021–22. In 2021–22, Canadian oat exports were valued at $558 million, with 93 percent of exports going to the US.

A new tool being developed by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine will help pork producers and veterinarians assess the economics of their animal welfare practices. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine is conducting a study under which pork producers and veterinarians are being interviewed about management decisions that influence animal welfare and how that relates to business sustainability. Dr. Yolande Seddon, an Associate Professor Swine Welfare and Behavior with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare, says information gathered through this survey will be used to create a tool to support decision-making related to animal welfare. “What prompted this work was to help the global swine industry review the bigger picture on interactions between animal welfare, environmental emissions, and business sustainability, and profitability and market access and how they fit together in a business sustainability model,” Dr. Seddon said. “The outcome of this work is that we aim to produce a tool that will support on-farm decision-making surrounding decisions that will influence animal welfare but also with the knowledge of how it interacts with business profitability and environmental emissions and therefore overall business sustainability goals that could influence market access. Seddon said there have been calls within the industry to respond to some of the challenges of animal welfare and how improvements can be made

Sask Pork/Manitoba Pork) Our producer neighbours to the east of Saskatchewan are sending out caution after positive virus test results. Below is the producer alert sent out to Manitoba producers: Swine Delta Coronavirus (SDCV) has been confirmed in a Manitoba herd. SDCV belongs to the same viral family as porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE). The symptoms of SDCV are indistinguishable from those of PED or TGE, although tend to be less severe than PED. SDCV damages the lining of the gut in swine, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. It can cause piglet mortality in severe cases, but not to the same extent as that of PED. Given that the Manitoba sector is currently on high alert for PED, producers should take every precaution as outlined in the PED Elimination Plan if any of these symptoms are seen on-farm and contact their herd veterinarian immediately. SDCV is not a provincially reportable disease in Manitoba. While the disease is less of a risk to the sector, Manitoba Pork and the Chief Veterinarian’s Office will continue to provide coordination and support to assist with controlling and preventing the disease. Biosecurity remains our best defense against pathogens such as PED and SDCV. Manitoba Pork encourages all producers to review their biosecurity protocols and the PED Elimination Plan with their staff and herd veterinarian. For more information about swine health and biosecurity in Saskatchewan click

A potential strike between unionized employees at CN Rail and CPKC likely won’t happen on its original date. Earlier this month, almost 10,000 employees represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference votes to move forward with a strike with May 22 set as the earliest date one could start. But Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has stepped in, likely delaying any strike. On May 9, the minister announced on social media that he asked the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to “look into maintenance of activities agreements” between the union and workers. Under the Canada Labour Code, the minister can ask the CIRB to investigate and decide which activities need to continue if a strike or lockout occurs. During that process, parties are banned from striking or locking employees out. This means any work stoppage or strike on May 22 is unlikely. “It is unlikely a decision will come down by May 22,” Jean-Daniel Tariff, a CIRB spokesperson, said in an email, the Financial Post reported. “Written submissions alone will likely take longer.”

The first mention of anything related to agriculture, farmers or rural communities in question period last week happened on May 8. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre outlined how the Liberal government plans to “quadruple the (carbon) tax to 61 cents per litre on the farmers and truckers who bring us our food,” if re-elected. The prime minister’s response highlighted how the Canada carbon rebate supports families. “Families are already using that rebate to help pay their bills and plan their monthly budgets,” he said. In a follow-up question, Poilievre said since the government introduced the carbon tax on farmers and truckers, the price of food and food bank usage has gone up. The prime minister highlighted the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s (PBO) report that says eight of 10 families receive more from the Canada carbon rebate than they pay. On May 9, Jasraj Singh Hallan, asked the government about the carbon tax. He wondered if it was fair for the Liberals to increase the carbon tax when almost 70 per cent of Canadians, according to a Leger poll, opposed the April 1 hike.

The manager of the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network is warning pork producers of the need to report pigs that display signs of having or having had blisters and request rule out testing for foreign animal disease. Last spring the identification of blisters on culled sows heading from Canada to the U.S. for slaughter, triggered a series of foreign animal disease investigations and prompted the USDA to halt the import of culled sows until foreign animal diseases, such as African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease, were ruled out. Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network manager Dr. Jette Christensen says blisters on pigs must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Quote-Dr. Jette Christensen-Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network: Blisters or healed lesions that could look like what had been blisters were detected on culled sows going to the U.S. for slaughter and that created a chain reaction where there were too many suspicions for Seneca Valley virus or Foot and Mouth disease.So that made USDA have a lot of investigations that they needed to follow up on and so they started to push back and last summer we actually experienced quite a disruption to the cull sow flow from swine herds in Canada to assembly yards to slaughter in the U.S. and it took quite a bit of work from provincial governments, from CFIA, USDA and the assembly yards to come up with a surveillance plan and do extra surveillance to get the flow going again. So, there's still environmental samples taken to have monitoring going on especially at assembly yards to make sure that they control what ever is on the assembly yard.What happens in the U.S. is really difficult to guess.It depends on how many shipments will come down there with something that looks like blisters.If it's only one or two shipments we can hope that everything will flow but if it's too many they'll certainly put restrictions on the movements again, that's my best guess. Dr. Christensen stresses, if you see any skin lesions, you need to call your vet.

The Director of Swine Health with Manitoba Pork is advising pork producers to be paying particular attention to biosecurity at high traffic areas heading into the spring and summer.Last spring blisters identified on culled sows heading from Canada to the U.S. for slaughter, which were ultimately shown to be caused by Seneca Valley virus, triggered a series of foreign animal disease investigations prompting USDA to halt the import of culled sows until foreign animal disease was ruled out. Jenelle Hamblin, the Director of Swine Health with Manitoba Pork, says we have never seen a case of Seneca Valley virus on farm in Manitoba but it has popped up at high traffic areas. Quote-Jenelle Hamblin-Manitoba Pork: The main concern with Seneca Valley virus is how it mimics foreign animal disease.The clinical signs of Seneca Valley virus are the same and indistinguishable from foreign animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth disease and swine vesicular disease.You see lesions or vesicles on the nose and the coronary band of the feet. Being those symptoms are indistinguishable from very scary foreign animal diseases, we do need to ensure that those foreign animal diseases are not present. We do have lots of screening activities in place at our assembly yards to watch for Seneca.We're coming off of a more quiet time frame and getting our prevention and awareness campaign ramped up coming into spring and summer, being that's when we have seen it pop up in the past. Two years of experience and having this virus show up primarily in the spring and summer months does lead me to believe that its environmental stability is perhaps a little bit more enhanced in the spring and summer.Those warmer temperatures perhaps allow it to be more stable in the environment.Again, purely speculation. I have no data to support that, other than the fact of that that's really what we've seen in the past two years with clinical signs being more apparent starting in that June, July, August time frame, which is really why we are focusing on awareness and putting out information to our producers now, to build that awareness of what we need to be watching for come the spring. Hamblin says whether it's Seneca Valley virus, PED or any other infection, biosecurity is key.

Manitoba Agriculture reports the rain that has slowed spring seeding will give this year's crops a good start. Manitoba Agriculture released its weekly crop report Tuesday.Dennis Lange, a pulse and soybean specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and editor of the provincial crop report, reports planting is now approximately four percent complete across the province, behind the five-year average of nine percent but, with the warmer weather forecast for later this week, he expects those numbers to rise. Quote-Dennis Lange-Manitoba Agriculture: Across Agro-Manitoba they've received variable amounts of precipitation over the last five days.Amounts range anywhere from four millimetres all the way up to 37 millimetres and most of those regions, whether it's in central, eastern, interlake or northwest.Northwest was some of the drier regions that we did see some rainfall in, in the Pas area but areas like Ethelbert actually got upwards of 35 millimeters so the rainfall was pretty much widespread across the province this past week or so. That will do well to replenish some of the dugouts, the ponds for the livestock folk and also it'll make things pop out of the ground once we get warm weather and get more seeding done.We were on the drier side going into spring and now, with this rainfall, that will help out dramatically with how the crop is going to perform early anyway.A lot of areas are considered to be wet or in some cases very wet but we're getting close to field capacity in a lot of areas. I think we're OK.There's not a lot of standing water in various fields around the central region.In other areas some of those lower depressions might have standing water but, for the most part, I think this is going to be a good rain for Manitoba producers being able to get that crop off to a really good start. Now we just need some warmer weather to go along with that to get things to grow. Lange says planting of field peas is most advanced at this point at 11 percent complete across the province and on the cereal side spring wheat is about nine percent complete and some of the early seeded fields are already starting to emerge.

A multi-institutional team of scientists has identified a gene that breading companies can select for as an indicator of disease resilience in pigs. Researchers with Iowa State University, the Universities of Saskatchewan and Alberta and CDPQ, with funding from PigGen Canada, Genome Alberta, Genome Prairie and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are measuring the levels of stress hormones in the hair of pigs to evaluate the effect of stress on disease resilience. Dr. Jack Dekkers, a distinguished professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, says researchers have found that cortisol in hair has a heritability of about 25 percent. Quote-Dr. Jack Dekkers-Iowa State University: If you look at growth rate in pigs, heritability is a little bit higher at about 35 percent so 25 percent is a pretty good heritability and that means that there are measures that breeding companies can select for.We have also looked at some associations of cortisol levels in hair measured on the young healthy animals and their subsequent disease resilience and there are correlations we find there so there is an indication that cortisol levels in hair can be a predictor of whether an animal is more or less disease resilient. Interestingly for cortisol levels in hair, we find that it is affected by many genes that control growth rate.Same for cortisol levels but there is one gene that has a substantial effect.We call that a major gene.It explains about 40 percent of the genetic variation, the genetic differences.That's a gene called a glucocorticoid receptor which is known to be associated with cortisol release and production.That gives us a single gene that the breeding companies may be able to select for. Dr. Dekkers notes animals that are less resistant to disease require more veterinary treatments increasing the danger of pathogens developing resistance to antibiotics.

Manitoba's pork producers are calling for the creation of a provincially appointed task group to develop solutions to the algae problem in Lake Winnipeg. An article posted to the Manitoba Pork website and being circulated through Manitoba newspapers discusses the influence of modern agriculture on the environment and the contributions of agriculture being made to environmental sustainability through advancements in technology. Cam Dahl, the General Manager of Manitoba Pork, says farmers are prepared to participate in a broad effort to develop solutions to the challenges facing Lake Winnipeg and suggests, as a first step, we need to bring together expertise from all parts of the Lake Winnipeg basin to form a Lake Winnipeg Task Group. Quote-Cam Dahl-Manitoba Pork: There's no doubt there are challenges with Lake Winnipeg and the water shed is huge stretching out almost to Rockies and south into the U.S. into the Red River basin.I think, what we've seen in the past is individual segments in the water system of Lake Winnipeg tend to point fingers at each other and try to lay the blame for nutrient loading in lake Winnipeg somewhere else. The time really has come to bring together all of the interests around the table and have that open discussion looking for solutions instead of just pointing fingers.That includes the municipalities, including the City of Winnipeg. As most would know, there has been significant raw sewage put into the Red River and ultimately Lake Winnipeg, but other municipalities as well.We need to bring together the first nations around the lake and other resource users.We need to bring together the crop producers and livestock producers like pork and beef and other to really look at comprehensive ways of addressing those concerns of nutrient loading on Lake Winnipeg and not just trying to shift the blame somewhere else. Dahl notes the modernization of agriculture is making the application of manure more precise allowing farmers to maximize the benefits of this natural fertilizer while helping to minimize nutrient leaching into waterways, including Lake Winnipeg.

A veterinary pathologist with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine suggests biosecurity procedures in place on Canadian swine farms to protect against the introduction of foreign animal disease will help protect against other infections, including Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza. In March USDA reported Influenza A type H5N1 virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, was detected in milk and in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas and, since then, detections have been confirmed in dairy herds in other states, in baby goats and one dairy farm worker has tested positive for the virus. Dr. Susan Detmer, an associate professor with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says introduction of the infection has been attributed to migrating wild birds returning to North America. Quote-Dr. Susan Detmer-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: The dairy cattle are recovering and, as far as humans that are in contact with the infected cattle, right now they're looking at those humans and testing for antibodies and we'll have a lot of information in the next six months about the humans that have been in contact with dairy cattle.So far there have not been reports of people becoming severely sick from being in contact with dairy cattle. With pig production, we have pretty strong biosecurity.We've been dealing with PED for the last several years and a lot of what we're doing to keep PED out has upped their biosecurity game and that is going to keep other pathogens out as well. What they need to be concerned about is making sure they don't lose that good biosecurity, that they don't slip up, that they're constantly making sure that they're doing everything they can to protect what they have on their farm.Their vigilance has not dropped in the last few years because we're also still concerned about ASF or African Swine fever. Dr. Detmer stresses it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not make Avian Influenza easier to get into our human population.

Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern Multi-tools often lack quality, but they can be handy inside of a farmer’s pocket all day or in the glove compartment of their truck waiting for its next use. LoggerHead Tools refers to the multi-tool category as “Innovative Life Gear” with a fully sized, fully functionable, compact, convenient, innovative universal design. The ImmiX 10X™ is a steel-laminate constructed multi-tool that blends functionality of up to 34 full-sized tools. It is ready to take on any daily task or emergency on the farm that involves the use of nuts, bolts, or screws. What exactly does the ImmiX™ feature: 14 metric and standard wrench sizes 1/4”-9/16” sizes 7mm-14mm 10 of the most popular screwdriver heads (types/sizes) Slotted, Phillips, Torx, Robertson, and Allen 2 knife blades Serrated and Standard Handles lock Forms a powerful, ergonomic, magnetic bit driver Torque enhancing “pistol grip” Allows the farmer to comfortably and confidently apply the right amount of pressure to complete the work The ImmiX also features a series of LoggerHead Tools awarding-winning Bionic Wrench™ Technology creating versatility, productivity, and convenience. For farmers looking for the perfect multi-tool, LoggerHead Tools Immi 10X might just do the trick.

Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern Multi-tools often lack quality, but they can be handy inside of a farmer’s pocket all day or in the glove compartment of their truck waiting for its next use. LoggerHead Tools refers to the multi-tool category as “Innovative Life Gear” with a fully sized, fully functionable, compact, convenient, innovative universal design. The ImmiX 10X™ is a steel-laminate constructed multi-tool that blends functionality of up to 34 full-sized tools. It is ready to take on any daily task or emergency on the farm that involves the use of nuts, bolts, or screws. What exactly does the ImmiX™ feature: 14 metric and standard wrench sizes 1/4”-9/16” sizes 7mm-14mm 10 of the most popular screwdriver heads (types/sizes) Slotted, Phillips, Torx, Robertson, and Allen 2 knife blades Serrated and Standard Handles lock Forms a powerful, ergonomic, magnetic bit driver Torque enhancing “pistol grip” Allows the farmer to comfortably and confidently apply the right amount of pressure to complete the work The ImmiX also features a series of LoggerHead Tools awarding-winning Bionic Wrench™ Technology creating versatility, productivity, and convenience. For farmers looking for the perfect multi-tool, LoggerHead Tools Immi 10X might just do the trick.

Mother’s Day is this weekend (Amazon can probably deliver your package on time if you order now!), and Farms.com is speaking with ag moms to get their thoughts on parenthood and share memories they have with their own mothers. This Q&A features Julie McIntosh (JM), an egg and sheep producer from near St. Mary’s, Ont. She and her husband, Mike Ready, have two daughters – Ellie, who is turning five in June, and three-year-old Lena. “Ellie has the best little laugh and an eagle eye, she doesn’t miss a thing,” McIntosh told Farms.com. “Lena is miss independent and likes to do things her own way. She has a swing that she loves and could spend hours in it.” Farms.com: Where were you when you found out you were pregnant for the first time? How did it make you feel? JM: It was an answer to a dream. We always hoped to be parents and wanted to raise kids on our farm. Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time. JM: It’s an

Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) headquarters will remain in Western Canada. “To be absolutely clear, FCC is not moving its head office from Regina,” a statement from FCC says. “While FCC is a national organization with a national mandate, we value being a part of Regina and share a passion for this community.” FCC employs about 1,000 people in Regina. The Crown corporation issued the statement last week after Nadine Wilson, the MLA for Saskatchewan Rivers and leader of the Saskatchewan United Party, brought up this possibility during question period on May 2. “Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Farm Credit Canada is planning to close its head office in Regina and move it to Quebec,” she said. “This would be (a) disastrous result for Saskatchewan. Can the Premier confirm or deny this move?” Her party also put out a press release citing “high-level sources” that FCC’s head office would move east, local media reported. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer responded in the legislature, saying the government had no information on a possible move and therefore had no comment on the matter.

Two organizations dedicated to supporting the mental health of those in the Canadian ag industry received financial support recently. The announcements, one between AGCO and the Do More Ag Foundation, and the other with the federal government supporting the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, came during Mental Health Week. This year that week is celebrated between May 6 and 12. On May 8, the AGCO Agriculture Foundation announced a $150,000 commitment for three years in partnership with the Do More Agriculture Foundation. "By growing the farmer mental health initiative to the U.S. and Canada, we hope to further address the growing mental health crisis among farmers and provide them with the assurance that help is available,” Roger Batkin, chair of the AGCO Agriculture Foundation, said in a statement. The support will lead to QR codes farmers can use to access local mental health resources in Canada and the U.S. Presenting mental health workshops and training, as well as AGCO becoming the presenting sponsor for the #TalkItOut video series, are part of the agreement. AGCO’s support “aligns perfectly with our mission, enabling us to expand our reach and provide critical resources to even more farmers in need of mental health support,” Megz Reynolds, executive director of Do More Ag, said i

Image by Lucent_Designs_dinoson20 from Pixabay The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested over $4.4 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to 1,771 families, farms, and businesses in Wellington County, Ontario. In July 2021, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a historic agreement that will bring high-speed internet access to more than 280,000 Ontario households across the province through a joint investment totaling more than $1.2 billion. Providing better and faster internet service is key to allowing precision ag technologies to work optimally for those in the ag sector. “Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to continue growing from strength to strength in our increasingly digital world,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, the federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Wellington County that can now connect to essential services and enjoy the additional opportunities that come with high-speed internet.” The federal and provincial governments have partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to provide residents in the communities of Brucedale, Centre Inn, Everton, Oustic, Simpson Corners, Shands, Spier, Belwood, Eramosa, Orton, and Maple Leaf Acres with access to broadband infrastructure that will enable high-speed internet service. “Ontario continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, the Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “By installing new broadband infrastructure in Wellington County, we’re building Ontario and strengthening rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, allowing families to connect with online services, and making it easier for businesses to reach potential customers.” This announcement marks the completion of one more project under SWIFT and builds on the Ontario government’s plan to get the right infrastructure in the right places, ensuring people can live, work, and farm where they want. The contracts to expand broadband services in Wellington County were awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. “We’re pleased to see the significant impact of our collective efforts in bringing reliable high-speed internet to Wellington County. This investment not only enhances connectivity but also promises to enrich the social and economic landscape of rural communities, enabling residents and businesses to thrive in today's digital age. We would like to thank the governments of Canada and Ontario for their ongoing support as we continue to work together to bring greater connectivity to Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, Board Chair, of SWIFT. More than $25

Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) headquarters will remain in Western Canada. “To be absolutely clear, FCC is not moving its head office from Regina,” a statement from FCC says. “While FCC is a national organization with a national mandate, we value being a part of Regina and share a passion for this community.” FCC employs about 1,000 people in Regina. The Crown corporation issued the statement last week after Nadine Wilson, the MLA for Saskatchewan Rivers and leader of the Saskatchewan United Party, brought up this possibility during question period on May 2. “Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Farm Credit Canada is planning to close its head office in Regina and move it to Quebec,” she said. “This would be (a) disastrous result for Saskatchewan. Can the Premier confirm or deny this move?” Her party also put out a press release citing “high-level sources” that FCC’s head office would move east, local media reported. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer responded in the legislature, saying the government had no information on a possible move and therefore had no comment on the matter.