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AgriStability: comparing the optional and default reference margins

A new reference margin option is being introduced to AgriStability. Starting with the 2025 program year, participants will be able to choose how they want their reference margin to be calculated – either as the optional reference margin or the accrual adjusted reference margin. The optional reference margin (ORM) simplifies reporting for the reference period as accrual and inventory details are not required. The farm income reported for tax purposes, along with accrual, and inventory details for the program year are still required but only if the participant is in a claim position. Participants have until April 30 to select the optional reference margin. As accrual adjusted reference margin (AARM) is the default method for the program, participants who do not select ORM will automatically have their reference margin calculated using the accrual adjusted reference margin. Choosing your reference margin Both the optional reference margin and the existing accrual adjusted reference ma

Manitoba Crop Alliance elects officer positions for 2025-26

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is proud to introduce its new board executive for the upcoming year. Earlier this week, Jonothan Hodson was elected as chair, Sally Parsonage was elected as vice-chair and Doug Martin was elected as secretary. Hodson is a fifth-generation farmer from Lenore with a keen interest in on-farm research. His mixed farm features a wide variety of crops in any given year – including spring wheat, canola, soybeans, grain corn, barley, yellow peas and some forage crops – as well as a Black Angus cow/calf operation. Prior to becoming chair, Hodson served as MCA vice-chair for the last three years. He has been an MCA director since 2020 and was a director for one of MCA’s founding organizations (Manitoba Corn Growers Association) prior to the amalgamation. He is also a past director of the Manitoba Angus Association and a current director with the Valleyview Co-op. “It’s an honour to be elected as chair by my peers on the board,” Hodson says. “MCA is spearheading va

Applications Now Open for the 2025-26 Beef Researcher Mentorship Program

Engaging researchers who study cattle, beef, genetics, feed or forage production with the Canadian beef cattle industry is mutually beneficial; it allows researchers to be better informed of industry needs and more likely to share their findings with a practical, solution-based focus. Facilitating and encouraging their attendance to industry events and networking with industry professionals, especially for new beef researchers from non-Canadian agriculture backgrounds, is extremely valuable. The Beef Researcher Mentorship Program is an initiative to facilitate greater engagement of upcoming and new applied researchers with Canada’s beef industry. It provides researchers with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the needs of the beef industry in a practical and meaningful way. The program is designed to: align research interests with those that are practical and beneficial to Canada’s beef industry, build the skills, network and confidence necessary to participate in or le

Beef Farmers Welcome Minister Trevor Jones to Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Portfolio

The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) extends a warm welcome to Minister Trevor Jones who has been named as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness by Premier Ford this afternoon. Minister Jones comes to the role with a strong understanding of farm and rural issues with his previous experience as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from 2022 to 2024.

Trevor Jones appointed ag minister in Premier Ford’s cabinet

Trevor Jones takes on the agriculture file