ISSUE # 146 – December 2018
This update is designed to provide you with concise, up to date agricultural business information with links to where you can find the details.
This Issue:
- Business Strategy / Business Planning
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
Business Strategy / Business Planning
USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System
The USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System (ESMIS) contains over 2,100 publications from five agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These materials cover U.S. and international agriculture and related topics.
OMAFRA Statistics
Information appearing in the Statistics area of the OMAFRA web site are compiled by the Statistics and Economics staff, to serve as the source of agriculture and food statistics for the province of Ontario. Data are prepared primarily by Statistics and Economics staff, in co-operation with the Agriculture Division of Statistics Canada and various government departments and farm marketing boards.
New data added to County Profiles section>>
AgPal
AGPAL is a web-based discovery tool developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to help farmers and others in the agriculture and agri-business sector find the federal, provincial, and territorial agricultural information that specifically applies to them.
Canadian Agricultural Partnership program funding
Farmers – A targeted application intake is now open for eligible farmers to apply for cost-share funding to help offset the cost of testing for DON in corn. Additional details can be found on the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement’s website at: ontarioprogramguides.net/pc-en-phim-dn-h.
Sector Organizations and Collaborations – A targeted application intake is now open for eligible sector organizations and collaborations to support projects that will help the corn sector value chain address challenges caused by DON. Applications are being accepted from December 11, 2018 to January 10, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. More information can be found on the Agricultural Adaptation Council’s website at: adaptcouncil.org/program/cap/don
Farmers Working With Farmers: The Power of Groups
This Resource Guide deals with farm management groups as an effective approach to management. It is recommended reading for professionals who advise farmers and any farmer who wishes to know more about how group work can help them. The Guide is a collection of ideas, suggestions, and tools for producers who are thinking of starting a group, want to sustain an existing group, or are simply interested in learning about the power of groups.
Visit Farm Management Canada’s website to order this book and other publications: www.fmc-gac.com/publications/farmers-working-farmers-power-groups.
Please share your unique experiences and valuable insight
Producers : The survey focus is on your thoughts as to how regions can help to improve business development and opportunities for farmers and agri-food. https://www.wiltongroup.ca/localproduction
Processors : This survey is seeking input from the ON agri-food supply chain (food processors, manufacturers through to food service & grocery retailers), to identify the barriers & opportunities to local food production & supply in Ontario. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ontariolocalfoodsupply
The survey closes Christmas day. We hope you can find the time help shape our Ontario agri-food future even during this very busy season. No two operations are the same, the more surveys completed, the more complete our picture of Agri-food will become for everyone.
Financial Management
Farm Financial Difficulty
Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Ontario producers who are experiencing financial difficulty may qualify to access advisory services to complete a Farm Financial Assessment at no cost. The Farm Financial Assessment provides a review of the farm business’s past financial performance, provides an analysis of the current business climate, develops objectives and identifies options to meet profitability and sustainability goals.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) staff will determine a farm business’s eligibility under this financial difficulty provision on a case-by-case basis. For more information, either contact the AICC at 1-877-424-1300 or the program coordinator at (519) 826-3220.
Farm Financial Best Management Practices Website
Successful farm business owners know that financial management is an important part of managing a business. Financial management is particularly challenging in uncertain times. The Farm Financial Best Management Practices website provide resources to help farm business owners assess their financial situation and make the best decisions.
Human Resources
FCC Ag Knowledge Exchange
FCC Ag Knowledge Exchange events are free, farm management workshops and seminars presented across Canada. Get practical tips from industry experts on business, finance and sector-specific topics. Fuel your success with a workshop near you.
Mental Health Study
Farm Management Canada
Business practices help reduce stress by reducing risk and uncertainty. Through planning, farmers learn to set realistic goals. They assess the risks and opportunities they may encounter and put measures in place to mitigate and manage what is in, and outside of their control. They gain confidence by identifying potential problems before they’re problems. And when the going gets tough, they have a solid plan to fall back on. Planning also solidifies the farm team, creating a crucial support network including family, business partners, and advisors.
With the support of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, we’re excited to explore this connection further to gain insight into how better management can support mental health, and the critical path forward. We further seek to explore whether demographic differences exist between regions, production sectors, gender and age, and steps we can take to meet these individual needs.
To find out how you can be involved or to support this study please contact Heather Watson atheather.watson@fmc-gac.com.
Check out Farm Management Canada’s recent Agriwebinar® Presentations
RBC Presents: Farm Succession Planning – The Kitchen Table Discussion Part I
RBC Presents: Farm Succession Planning – The Kitchen Table Discussion Part II
FCC Presents: 2018 Trade Rankings: Navigating Trade Disruptions and Volatility
CAFA Presents: Ontario Farm Tax Update
Marketing
Hoof to Hook in Thunder Bay
While we are there in January; the average temperature may reach a daily high of -9 Celsius, but that won’t cool our spirits! Hoof to hook is being presented in conjunction with OMAFRA and local beef producers. Our workshop will provide insight on the value & grade of product literally from hoof to hook.
For more information please send an email Agri-Food Management Institute atami@takeanewapproach.ca.
Transition Smart offered in Simcoe County
Farmers to Processors Workshop – Agri-Food Management Institute
If you have a value-added idea to sell by processing your own amazing product…join us to get the knowledge you need to start the plan on how you can move towards processing on the farm and even selling directly to customers!
**Limited Seats available**
Contact AMI for details at charlotte@takeanewapproach.ca
Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
OMAFRA Dateline is an online resource for use by interested individuals and organizations across Ontario. Events may be hosted by OMAFRA or other groups. The events posted on this site are aimed at sharing information of interest to agriculture and regional economic development clients. Please check the calendar regularly for upcoming events, workshops, conferences and meetings.
CAP Workshops & Webinars
A variety of excellent workshops and webinars are offered at no cost by OSCIA as part of Canadian Agricultural Partnership to assist Ontario farm businesses in identifying strengths and weaknesses in a variety of areas that influence the farm’s profitability, productivity and sustainability. The workshops and webinars each have a different focus and different goals.
FCC Events
Make the most of your farm business
Practical tools, new perspectives and breakthrough moments – expand your ag knowledge at a free FCC learning event. We bring the best minds in agriculture to communities across Canada to inform, inspire and help you get the most from your business.
The 7 Practices of Top Farmers with Heather Watson, Farm Management Canada
FCC Ag Knowledge Exchange
January 16th, 2019
1pm – 4pm
The Festival Inn, 1144 Ontario St.,
Stratford, Ontario
FarmSmart Agricultural Conference 2019
January 19, 2019
University of Guelph campus
Our program for FarmSmart “FarmSmart 2019” is now available on our site with more session and speaker information.
Women in Grains Business Workshop
Coming to New Liskeard
Come out for two days of learning about financial management, whole farm risk assessment, grain marketing, discussion of mental health and much more
January 24 – 25 2019
Grant Ag Corp Office Meeting Room
863169 Uno Park Road, New Liskeard
Small Ruminant Lending & Advisor Seminar
Presented by: the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
This one day session will provide lenders and business advisors timely information about the sheep and goat sectors in Ontario, as well as the opportunities & challenges they face.
Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Location: Guelph, ON & via select WebEx locations
Registration details and the agenda will be released by late November, 2018. To be notified when more information is available please email Nancy Tasillo at nancy.tasillo@ontario.ca
Managing Investment Costs of Machinery – online course
The major objective is to give farmers the tools needed to construct and implement the optimum machinery management strategy for their farms, based on sound management decisions. A machinery management strategy includes how much equipment to have, how to choose the most favorable equipment option, whether it is owned and financed or leased, rented, and for how long it is held.
This program is planned as an interactive online workshop. Participants will receive an investment spreadsheet to document informed investment decisions.
Online Courses begin: February 19, 2019 or March 11, 2019
International Farm Management Association Congress
Growing Agriculture @ 41 Degrees South – excellence in farm management through innovation, diversification and integration with tourism.
The 22nd International Farm Management Association Congress will be held in Tasmania, Australia from March 3 to 8, 2019.
Thanks for reading the AgBusiness Update.
Questions or Comments: contact the editor, John Molenhuis at john.molenhuis@ontario.ca
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