The Canadian economic outlook for 2025 is challenging. Canada’s GDP is expected to grow by only 1.1% this year, held back by the U.S. trade war and weak business investment. Exports are falling, productivity remains low, and structural issues continue to limit growth. Yet there is some good news. The Bank of Canada has room […]
The following fictional case study was created by BDO. Brian and Louise knew from an early age that their children, Isaac and Emma, aspired to be the seventh generation of their family to farm. They also knew the existing operation was not large enough to support three families if both children chose to farm full time. […]
Farming is stressful, and poorly managed stress could cost life or limb. Some years, the stresses faced by Canadian farmers are quite manageable, but other years, the obstacles seem insurmountable – drought, floods, fires and disease. “All of these things just add to the stressors that farmers already have,” says Gerry Friesen, founder and mediator […]
Biofuel production and consumption have fluctuated over the past century, dating back to when Henry Ford’s Model T could run on ethanol. Although biofuels have periodically declined in popularity, the Renewable Fuel Standard in the U.S., implemented in 2007, sparked a renewed phase of building biofuel production facilities. Biofuel production also supports the demand for […]
Canada’s agricultural sector stands at a pivotal moment, as global food demand intensifies, profit margins tighten and climate pressures mount. Ag tech innovation offers a powerful solution, but research alone isn’t enough. We must accelerate commercialization of these technologies and create an investment environment that attracts venture capital. Innovation, boldness and ambition are urgently needed. […]
Agritourism Ontario has announced a new partnership with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), an Ontario-based health and safety association. The collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to fostering a safer environment in Ontario’s growing agritourism sector. As a result, WSPS and Agritourism Ontario will work together to raise awareness, share resources, and address […]
As farms grow and rural lifestyles continue to change, maintaining a sense of community is an integral part of supporting your mental health. The importance of connection Humans are wired for connection, and farm operators are no exception. Bonnie Taylor, a registered social worker and psychotherapist based in Kitchener, Ont., says humans are wired for connection, […]
We asked Rick Van Beselaere, a partner with the Regina-based law firm Miller Thomson LLP. With more than 30 years of experience in banking and finance, Rick shares his insights on farm succession planning. Does fair always mean equal? Rick: Many people assume that being fair to their children means treating them equally. This often […]
Over the past six months, grain and oilseed producers have faced a mix of challenges and opportunities. Global supply chain news, shifting U.S. trade policies, and unpredictable weather all played a role. Yet, prices have generally been stronger than expected. Since January’s outlook, crop margins have improved, although for many producers they remain close to […]
The following fictional case study was created by BDO. Brian and Louise knew from an early age that their children, Isaac and Emma, aspired to be the seventh generation of their family to farm. They also knew the existing operation was not large enough to support three families if both children chose to farm full time. […]
