Uncollectible loans and unsustainable agriculture Sunday, April 3, 2011 The Nova Scotia government wrote off $16.2 million in bad loans from 2008. The loans included more than $1 million in uncollectible student loans, and smaller amounts for pharmacare premiums and unpaid fees. But by far the majority of the uncollectible loans had been made by the Nova Scotia agriculture department. "This unusually high amount is due to defaulted hog loan accounts under the Farm Loan Board," said a ministry of finance press release."For many years, hog farming in Nova Scotia was heavily subsidized by government," the release went on. "When government support was discontinued in 2007-08, many hog farmers were unable to sustain their business due to low pork prices and rising production costs."The Canadian Pork Council's public relations manager, Gary Stordy, says the Nova Scotia industry has collapsed. There are six pig farms left, compared to more than 80 four years ago.Many provinces offer loans to producers of various commodities, Stordy says. Another pork example is Big Sky Farms Inc. in Saskatchewan. The province now has a stake in the embattled company. BP Inconsistent reports on red meat The 'bacon bubble' that didn't burst
Western wrapping up filming in rural Alberta Thursday, July 9, 2026 A new movie scheduled for a 2027 release uses rural Alberta as its backdrop. The Horseman, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Barry Pepper, is wrapping filming this week. Alberta’s branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), says the project began... Read this article online
Rigas Karamanos Wins Les Henry Award Thursday, July 9, 2026 Dr. Rigas Karamanoshas been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Les Henry Award, an honor that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to soil and water science and their practical application in agriculture across Western Canada. The award celebrates leadership,... Read this article online
Canada Boosts Beef Market Growth Thursday, July 9, 2026 The Government of Canada has announced an investment of more than $4 million to support the growth of the country's beef sector. The investment will help increase market opportunities for Canadian beef producers, strengthen trade relationships, and promote Canadian beef products in Canada... Read this article online
Cdn. beef sector receives $4 million from Ottawa Thursday, July 9, 2026 Additional markets for Canadian beef and veal is the goal of federal funding distributed to the livestock sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald announced $4 million in support for Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association during the Calgary Stampede on July... Read this article online
Ontario Plowmen's Association Vows to Keep 2027 International Plowing Match in Lambton County on Track Thursday, July 9, 2026 The Ontario Plowmen's Association (OPA) says it remains fully committed to hosting the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in Lambton County, despite recent reports that the local volunteer committee has withdrawn from the event following unsuccessful negotiations with... Read this article online