Author: Jennifer Hannan

2025 Rental rates outpaced by cultivated farmland values yet again

If you’ve been watching land prices recently, you’re not alone. The latest FCC Farmland values report shows average farmland values rose another 9.3% last year – matching the pace seen in 2024. FCC has also been tracking Canadian farmland rental rates for years to better understand their relationship to farmland values. Rent to price ratios, however, did […]

Current farmland values are anything but ‘dirt cheap’

The term “dirt cheap” was first recorded in 1819 according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary and is defined as being extremely inexpensive. While this idiom may have accurately described soil, dirt, or land prices centuries ago, farmland today plays a significant role by supplying food, feed, fuel, and fiber globally. Moreover, for most grain and oilseed […]

Spring is here and so are on-demand events

As you get ready for the busy growing season, catch up and stay inspired by exploring an on-demand event library. You won’t want to miss the new Young Farmer Summit virtual series, now available to watch: FCC Young Farmer Virtual Summit Part 1: Navigate farm transition Part 1 of the Young Farmer Summit as we […]

4 steps that turn farm family conflict into collaboration

Conflict happens. It’s a guaranteed part of the human experience. Sparks may fly when opinions collide but if a culture of respect, open communication and shared values is fostered on a farm, those differing viewpoints can instead fuel the flames of innovation. The Keddy family, like most farm families who live and work side-by-side, know this firsthand. […]

What to know when buying or selling farmland

The decision to buy or sell farmland is multi-layered, with several angles to consider before deciding whether to put the property on the market or take the plunge and purchase it. Interest rates can impact land price – lower interest rates mean lower overall cost for the land. Chartered accountant Lance Stockbrugger says interest rates […]

How supply and demand drives production and marketing decisions

Supply and demand dynamics are ever-present and changing, but you can use them to achieve higher profits. The foundation of earning profit through supply and demand is to make the right decisions about what to grow and when to sell it. Justin Shepherd, an FCC Senior Economist, says farmers usually choose what to grow based on […]

Farmland values held strong again in 2025

Canada’s national average farmland value rose 9.3% in 2025, matching last year’s overall pace of growth. This annual change falls between the 5-year average of 9.5% and the 10-year average of 8.6%, placing current growth in line with the longer-term trend. This post highlights trends in cultivated land, pastureland, and irrigated land. Provincial trends Our […]

Your accountant wants to be part of your management team

Dependable accountants are key to planning success. A do-it-yourself mentality can be good for a lot of things. When it comes to financial planning, though, it’s likely not the best approach. Dependable accountants are the key to planning success, according to Dick Wittman, a farmer and veteran farm finance expert based in the United States. A […]

How will the commodity price surge affect Canada?

As if there weren’t enough uncertainties to navigate through, the world economy now has to deal with a new war in the Middle East. The resulting jump in commodity prices, if sustained, is largely positive for Canada, although there are offsetting factors which should not be discounted. We unpack all of that in this edition […]

What responsibilities should my child start with on the farm?

Start by asking: Where does my child feel confident, and where do they still need to grow? I sometimes see situations where the next generation feels stuck. This isn’t because they lack ability, but because they’re not yet trusted with decisions. Meanwhile, parents might hesitate to let go. Bridging that gap starts with an open […]