A U.S. loan forgiveness program aimed at giving minority farmers a leg-up came under fire recently. Although the long history of discrimination they’ve faced has is widely acknowledged, a group of white farmers from four states are suing the Biden administration. They say their skin colour shouldn’t prevent them from being able to participate. It seems the road to righting past wrongs is still filled with plenty of potholes. Photo: nytimes.com

The Grain Farmers of Ontario recently surveyed young people to get a sense of their thoughts about eating grain. About 43 per cent of 18-34 year-olds reported looking for whole grains when making purchasing decisions. But 35-54 year-olds seemed to be less likely to be listening to Canada’s Food Guide recommendation that half of daily grains consumed be whole grains.

Rural areas face will face greater challenges in resuming economic activity following the pandemic. The lack of rural amenities, education and infrastructure – although high speed internet is finally coming – will continue to make it tough to attract and keep skilled labour. A more targeted approach with greater industry – community action may be part of the solution. Photo: infrastructurecanada.ca

Five years ago, research at the U of G revealed just how poorly many farmers were coping with tough conditions on and off the farm. Since then, there’s been a flurry of mental health programs rolled out and destigmatizing discussions in the media? Have they helped? A new survey aims to find out. Photo: Ruralhealthinfo.org

Animal activists in Colorado are pushing for a state ballot that could devastate livestock production in that state. Their proposals regarding minimum livestock lifespans and banned artificial insemination promise to raise meat prices through the roof and threaten gains made in healthier, better producing animals through decades of careful breeding.
Photo: denverpost.com

The outlook for Canada’s food and beverage processing industries is optimistic says Farm Credit Canada. But it’s a different story for the institutional food sector where hired help is hard to find. Farmers in Norfolk County are also experiencing labour problems with new local public health requirements for temporary international workers, just as they start to arrive. Photo: cbc.ca

It’s hard to understand how anyone can still deny climate change when so many respected scientists confirm the fact. Just ask a farmer about the warmer temperatures and extreme weather events they’ve witnessed. Kudos to federal Conservative leader Erin O’Toole for telling it like it is, in the face of opposition.
Photo: environmentalleader.com

Rail transport of freight has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and it looks like Canadian Pacific Railway Is about to ride that trend further. The company is about to become is the first rail network to link Canada, U.S. and Mexico, which has huge implications for agriculture in all three countries. Photo: CTVNews.ca

Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations, but research shows that agricultural journalists are better at reporting the unfortunate results of such danger – rather than how to prevent it.