Export Markets will be Important for Volume Driven Revenue in Commodities

Farm Credit Canada's Chief Economist says, opening export markets will be important for the growth of Canada's agriculture industry.

J.P. Gervais says, he doesn't think the growth will come from higher prices and high margins like it did in 2005 to 2015, instead revenue for commodities will be driven by volume.

Gervais says, when volume is driving revenue, it becomes a matter of where to ship the product.

He says, that's why agreements like the the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership are very important for agriculture.

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Mental Health Resources for the Ag Sector

Farming and ranching can be a very rewarding life, however it also has its share of overwhelming stress and challenges.

Saskatchewan farmer, Kim Keller, helped spark the mental health conversation in the ag sector last year after hearing about a farmer suicide.

She has co-founded the Do More Foundation to connect farmers with mental health resources.

"It's awareness education and breaking the stigma that exists today," she said. "Secondly it's creating a community where those who are impacted and affected can come to connect. But they can also find resources if they're looking for help or there if they just want more information."

A Guelph University survey of mental health in Canadian producers shows 35 per cent meet the definition of depression, 45 per cent report having high stress while 40 per cent says they wouldn't seek counseling due to the stigma associated with mental health and illness.

The Foundation was launched earlier this week at FarmTech in Edmonton.

 

A Look at the Pea Market

Errol Anderson with Pro Market Communications in Calgary says, the pea market may be showing some movement going into the spring market.

Amid pulse tariffs, Anderson says, India is open for business.

He says, if our exports start to flow to India once again, yellow and green pea bids could firm up into the April time period.

 

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