Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for farmers, seed-growers, fertilizers, ranchers, cattlemen and cattlewomen, and their upstream suppliers and downstream .buyers.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-23
End Date: 2025-03-29

Top Headlines

Main Stories

AgriStability Program Enhancements Announced

Minister Kody Blois announced updates to the AgriStability program, raising the compensation rate from 80% to 90% and doubling the payment cap to $6 million for 2025. These changes aim to provide farmers with quicker access to support amid new tariffs and trade uncertainties.

Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com

Regulatory Amendments for Agricultural Marketing Programs

The Canada Gazette published amendments to the Agricultural Marketing Programs Regulations, adjusting the interest-free limit to $250,000 for the 2025 program year. This regulation aims to improve cash flow management for agricultural producers facing price fluctuations and geopolitical challenges.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Farm Operating Revenues and Expenses

StatsCan revised data shows a 7.5% increase in average operating revenue for agricultural operations, reaching $760,886 in 2023, while expenses grew by 7.3% to $618,420. The net operating income rose by 8.2%, amounting to $142,466.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Oilseed Crushing and Grain Deliveries Statistics

February saw oilseed processors crush 882.6 thousand tonnes of canola, producing 373.4 thousand tonnes of oil and 518.6 thousand tonnes of meal. This data underscores ongoing production trends in the oilseed sector.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Alberta Investment in Bakery Expansion

Crust Craft invests $51 million in Edmonton bakery expansion, creating jobs and boosting Alberta's agriculture and food manufacturing sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta's Budget for Career Education Programs

Alberta government proposes over $100 million for career education programs, including agriculture, to equip students for future careers.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Robert Black on North Perth Agricultural Initiative

Senator Robert Black tweeted about participating in the OAFDC North Perth meeting, highlighting the organization's impact on Ontario agriculture.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher on Fertilizer Use

Senator Stan Kutcher tweeted about manure use as fertilizer, providing a nod to agricultural practices.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC News: Ottawa doubles AgriStability payment cap amid tariffs on canola and pork.
• The Globe and Mail: Pure Hedge on livestock and grain market dynamics.