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
Livestock Safety Depends on Clean Water Tankers Monday, March 30, 2026 Agricultural experts warn that using inappropriate tankers for hauling water during emergencies can threaten livestock health and survival. During events such as wildfires, floods, and extreme weather, animals often lose access to clean drinking water, forcing farmers to rely on any... Read this article online
Canada’s Farm Show 2026 Drives Global Ag Innovation Monday, March 30, 2026 Canada’s Farm Show 2026, held in Regina, Saskatchewan,earlier in March,successfully brought together farmers, industry leaders, and exhibitors from across Canada and several international markets. The three-day event focused on innovation, collaboration, and growth in the agriculture... Read this article online
Will the USDA Acreage/Stocks Report provide a Market Surprise? Monday, March 30, 2026 On the weekly with Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino, he shared that the markets moved in unexpected ways during the week of March 23 to 27, as traders closely monitored the upcoming USDA planting intentions and grain stocks reports for potential surprises.... Read this article online
Avi Lewis wins federal NDP leadership Monday, March 30, 2026 The federal New Democratic Party (NDP) has a new leader after seven months of campaigning. Documentary filmmaker and former journalist Avi Lewis won 56 per cent of party support on the first ballot at the NDP’s national convention in Winnipeg, Man. “Canada, mark your calendar. The NDP... Read this article online
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Monday, March 30, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online