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January-September Farm Cash Receipts Up Nearly 8%

Farm cash receipts through the first three quarters of 2023 were up from a year earlier as gains in crop and livestock returns outpaced a decline in government payments. 

Statistics Canada on Tuesday reported farm cash receipts for January through September at $72.5 billion. That is up 7.9% from the same period a year earlier but continues a downward trend from earlier in the year. Through the first quarter of this year, farm cash receipts were up almost 16% from the same quarter in 2022, a gain that cooled to less than 10% by the end of the second quarter. 

Crop receipts through the first three quarters of 2023 amounted to $41.4 billion, up 12.1% or $4.5 billion from a year earlier, while livestock returns climbed $2.2 billion or 8.9% to $27.2 billion. On the other hand, program payments declined $1.4 billion to $4 billion amid a fall in crop insurance payouts. 

Every province recorded a rise in total receipts. Saskatchewan posted the strongest growth, with total receipts up $2.3 billion to $16.5 billion, accounting for over 40% of the national increase. Alberta receipts climbed 7% to $17.5 billion, while Manitoba receipts gained 8.4% to $7.5 billion. At $15.5 billion, total farm receipts through the first three quarters of the year in Ontario were up 3.4% compared to the same period a year earlier. 

Higher marketings for canola (+40.1%), wheat (excluding durum) (+31.1%) and durum wheat (+73%) drove the increase in national crop receipts in the January-September period. The increase in marketings was due to a return to normal production levels in the 2022 crop year, following the severe drought in Western Canada in 2021, StatsCan said. 

However, crop prices were lower. In the first three quarters of 2023, prices fell 15.5% for canola, 8.9% for wheat (excluding durum) and 17.9% for durum wheat, although they were still higher than their respective five-year averages. 

Meanwhile, a $1.8-billion increase in cattle receipts to $9.8 billion contributed to more than 80% of the total increase in livestock receipts in the January-September period. Cattle receipts were up due to a rise in prices in both cattle slaughter (+28.2%) and international exports (+24%), StatsCan said. 

In contrast, an 11.8% decrease in price led to an 11.2% drop in hog receipts to $4.5 billion, despite a small increase in marketings.  

Supply-managed receipts grew 7.2% to $11.2 billion and accounted for just over 40% of total livestock receipts. Dairy receipts were up $312.2 million to $6.4 billion on the strength of higher prices driven by production cost increases. Both marketings and prices pushed receipts for chickens for meat up $286.4 million to $3.1 billion. 

Source : Syngenta.ca

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Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.