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 […]
You’re not just buying a piece of land with a house on it. You’re buying a business, a legacy, and a complex biological and financial asset. It’s a decision measured in acres and generations, and the single most important question isn’t about price per acre—it’s about who is guiding you through the purchase. Choosing between […]
Buying a hobby farm isn’t just a real estate transaction; it’s the purchase of a new lifestyle. It’s a dream of muddy boots, fresh air, and a deeper connection to the land. But turning that dream into a successful reality requires a different kind of due diligence. Unlike a typical home purchase, you’re evaluating not […]
The dream of owning land in Ontario is a powerful one. For some, it’s the vision of a thriving agricultural business—rows of corn stretching to the horizon or a state-of-the-art dairy operation buzzing with activity. For others, it’s the promise of a peaceful country lifestyle—a rambling farmhouse, a few acres for horses, and a garden […]
If you’re thinking about selling your farm, one question likely stands out above all others: “What is it actually worth?” It’s a question that carries the weight of years of hard work, investment, and family history. Get it right, and you secure your future. Get it wrong, and you risk leaving a significant amount of […]
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 […]
