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We are hearing a lot about the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the impact on world wheat markets. Ukraine is a significant producer and exporter of wheat. Both production and distribution are being disrupted by the are. While the degree and length of disruption is not yet clear, there is worry and this is reflected in the rapid increase in wheat prices. Given Canada is a large producer of wheat, many are asking whether Canadian farmers can make up the gap in whe

The simple answer is NO. In recent days we have heard about shortages in grocery stores and the potential for stores to close because of a lack of workers. We've heard how a vaccine mandate for truckers will dry up supplies of imported goods. We have seen disruptions caused by extreme weather events (rain and flooding in British Columbia and significant snow fall in Ontario). I've seen words like chaos and anarchy and predictions of imminent collapse of our entire food syst

The COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions which included the food sector. Some of these disruptions were short term - lack of buffer inventory and plant closures due to employee outbreaks - and have largely resolved. There are have been some longer term impacts due to things like slower movement through ports which has constrained shipping capacity and led to ongoing supply chain issues which are reducing or slowing supply and increasing prices. These supply ch

The COVID pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated long standing issues with respect to labour in the food system - both on farms and in food processing. This is often presented in the context of a threat to food security but in reality the issue is more critical for farm security than food security - that is we are not seeing issues with respect to food access for Canadians (or North Americans) but there is pressure on farm viability and profitability. While the food secur

One of the greatest myths of Canadian agriculture is that the family farm is dying. If family farms could talk, they’d likely echo Mark Twain’s quote that “the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” I see frequent reports that the family farm is disappearing and “corporate farms” are taking over. It is true that agriculture is changing, but the changes are a reflection of changing technology more than a fundamental change in ownership. There are clearly fewer farms in

After impatiently waiting for an opportunity to make significant progress with this year’s planting, a window of dry weather in late June allowed most Ontario farmers the chance to finish planting. Still, there remain significant pockets throughout the province where planting is significantly delayed. Even after Agricorp extended the final planting date for corn in area A, B and C until June 17th, this still won’t allow for some producers to finish planting corn. Other areas

It has been an extremely wet and cool spring in Ontario this year. For those of us who don’t farm, that’s been inconvenient. The mosquitos are horrific. The grass gets too long before you can mow it. There have been fewer pleasant days to sit outside. We watch the weekend forecast to see if perhaps rain will wreck our plans. However, for those that do farm, this is extremely stressful and has the potential to at least reduce crop yields and at worst, to prevent the planting o