Author: Jennifer Hannan

When neighbours became a nation: The origins of Hay West

Willard McWilliams and his son Wyatt have spent their lives on the family farm in Navan, Ont., just east of Ottawa. For them, farming isn’t just about production; it’s about caring for the land, their animals and the wider agriculture community. In 2002, a severe drought gripped the Prairies and turned fields brown. Many cattle […]

Spring is coming: Get ready with Upcoming Events

More options, more learning. Spring is a sign of renewal. It’s the perfect time to improve your knowledge and start the new farming season off on the right foot. This month’s learning agenda shines a spotlight on the next generation.   Virtual Events March 10, 2026 Women at the heart of agricultural wellbeing Online Event […]

How to pay yourself without harming the farm

Paying yourself from the farm isn’t always straightforward, especially if your operation is incorporated. Draw too much, and you risk weakening the business. Draw too little, and you shortchange your family and security. Find balance using a mix of salary, dividends and other tools to give yourself a fair income while protecting the farm’s finances. Salary […]

Tradition and innovation: Dolbec’s winning recipe

Dolbec, a family farm located in Saint-Ubalde, in the Portneuf region of Quebec, has established itself as the largest potato producer and packer in Eastern Canada. They blend agricultural tradition with modern business practices to fuel their growth. The business’s success is built on the vision of co-owners Stéphan Dolbec and his spouse Josée Petitclerc, […]

Farm stronger: The Farm CEO Checklist

There’s no shortage of challenges in farming. Building business management skills and becoming a Farm Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is an effective way to navigate challenges and grow your business. Knowing where to start can be tough, though. FCC’s Farm CEO Checklist is designed to help farmers become effective CEOs by outlining priority actions to mitigate risk, […]

Stay on top of the latest strategies for your farm

Stuck inside? February is the perfect month to work on your marketing and business management strategies. Make entrepreneurship your priority for the new year and propel your business forward with some key learning opportunities. Check out these In-Person, Virtual and On-Demand Events. IN-PERSON EVENTS February 12, 2026 Business Management Workshop Listowel, ON Register now   […]

Top economic charts to monitor in 2026

As we begin 2026 with new challenges, including slower economic growth, geopolitical uncertainties and rising trade barriers, here are our top charts to help make sense of the economic environment for the agriculture and agri-food sector, from producers to consumers. What will be the major economic drivers for ag and food in 2026? Join FCC […]

Top Agricultural Insights of 2025 and Key Farm Events in Early 2026

As we move into a new year, staying informed and prepared is more important than ever for Canada’s farming community. From shifting farmland values to evolving trade opportunities and essential financial management tools, 2025 delivered valuable insights that continue to shape decision-making across the agricultural sector. Here’s a look back at some of the most […]

What will Canada’s economy, dollar and interest rates do in 2026?

After bringing down its overnight rate to 2.25% last October, the Bank of Canada suggested that its policy rate is now “at about the right level”. Markets have bought into the central bank’s argument, expecting no cuts to the policy rate through the whole of next year. We’re skeptical about that narrative given the significant […]

Farm equipment outlook 2026: used equipment and livestock support modest sales growth

The farm equipment market has been slowing for several years due to declining crop prices and rising operating costs, which have squeezed farm profits. Reduced profitability, combined with high equipment prices, has constrained equipment sales. The big question is: how long will the weakness persist and where are the opportunities? In this outlook, we look […]