2015 Canadian agricultural outlook released Thursday, February 12, 2015 by MIKE BEAUDIN Cattle producers will see record profits in 2015 while grain and oilseed producers will see a slight decline in profits, according to the 2015 Canadian agricultural outlook. Continued high prices and a tight supply market will drive improved cattle profits. A 2014 bumper grain crop in the United States will drive prices lower but profits will remain above the average over the past five years, said senior officials from Agriculture Canada who released the outlook Friday. Officials said net farm incomes for 2014 will reach a record level of $14 billion with the average net operating income per farm forecast to be about $78,000, also a record high. For 2015, the preliminary forecast suggests farm incomes will be down moderately, but remain historically high at $13 billion. Growing strength in the cattle and hog industry, strong crop sales resulting from high carry-in stocks despite softening grain prices and stable input costs will continue to sustain the farm economy in 2015, said the outlook. Grain and oilseed prices will also feel the pinch of high global supply in 2015 but a falling dollar makes Canadian products more competitive and will ease some of the declines in crop prices. A drop in fuel prices resulting from lower oil prices will also add to farm income although the full impact is difficult to forecast because the crude oil market is so volatile. Key findings in the report include: In the latter part of 2014, grain and oilseed prices declined following an unprecedented U.S. corn and soybean harvest, but Canadian sale volumes remained strong. Grain and oilseed sales increased as farmers carried forward a large portion of their record 2013 crop into 2014. A larger than average 2014 harvest also supported grain and oilseed sales. Global prices for grains and oilseeds are projected to increase over the medium term. Horticulture will see stable receipts overall. Lower apple, cranberry and grape receipts will be offset by stronger blueberry sales in 2014. In 2015 receipts for most horticulture crops will stay the same with some growth in greenhouse receipts over the two years. Cattle and hog sectors enjoyed record prices in 2014 due to low North American supplies. Lower feed grain prices also contributed to higher incomes. Cattle receipts will continue to benefit from tight markets and higher prices in 2015. An increased availability of slaughter hogs in North America in 2015 will soften prices and lead incomes to return to longer-term average levels following an income surge in 2014. Incomes in the dairy and poultry sectors will remain at high levels compared to other sectors and will not show significant growth in 2015 as prices and costs hold steady. Average total income of farm families, which includes the family’s share of net operating income from the farm and other family income, is projected to reach $131,595 in 2014 and $134,931 in 2015. Average net worth per farm is expected to set new records of $2.0 million in 2014 and $2.1 million in 2015. Exceptional market incomes over the past several years have contributed to lower program payments in 2014 and 2015 compared to previous years. BF Canada's beef industry waits for more information about BSE case Province begins to tackle climate change strategy; discussion paper warns farmers will have to rethink their crop strategy
BASF introduces Surtain herbicide for field corn growers Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Field corn growers in eastern Canada have a new crop protection product available to them. After about 10 years of research and trials, BASF has introduced Surtain, a residual herbicide for corn that combines PPO inhibitor saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) in a premix... Read this article online
We Didn’t Start the Fire! Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Corn Monday, September 16, 2024 Assistant Professor of Corn Production at Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Daniel Quinn, PhD. recently provided fascinating insights into the impacts of fire on major corn producing areas, many of which have been impacted by smoke from wildfires. Quinn was the keynote... Read this article online
New home for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has announced it has moved into its new office building in Ingersoll. Located at 274620 27th Line in Ingersoll, the new office will serve as the hub for CFFO’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and support Ontario’s Christian farmers.... Read this article online
Canadian Ag Youth Council Welcomes new Members Saturday, September 14, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the latest members to join the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). This update introduces nine fresh members alongside thirteen returning youths, marking a significant step towards involving young voices in agricultural... Read this article online
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online