Resources for farmers

By Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

A farm business can experience financial pressures when market prices decline, a market ceases to exist, a disease reduces production, unexpected cost increases, or business arrangements fall apart. Dealing with these pressures is a challenge! The following is part 1 of a list of resources available to assist people to assess a farm business, examine alternatives, deal with issues, and make decisions.
Canadian Farm Business Advisory Services (CFBAS)
Tel: 1-866-452-5558; Website: www.agr.gc.ca/renewal
The CFBAS provides a range of advisory services to help producers set goals for their business and develop plans to meet their goals. One of these services is a Farm Business Assessment that provides eligible producers with up to five days’ worth of consultation services. This includes a financial assessment and action plan services. The producer pays a nominal fee of $100.
The Farm Line Support Service – Need Someone to Talk to?
Tel: 1-888-451-2903 (Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Website: www.thefarmline.ca
The Farm Line is a confidential telephone emotional support and referral service provided to farmers and farm families in Ontario. Trained telephone peer support staff talk to the caller, identify local resources and help determine steps to address the caller’s needs. A wide range of topics can be discussed, including financial difficulties, stress, grief, family problems, serious accidents and traumatic events.
Farm Debt Mediation Service
Tel: 1-866-452-5556; Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/index_e.php?s1=prog
The Farm Debt Mediation Service provides insolvent farmers and their creditors with mediation services, pursuant to the federal Farm Debt Mediation Act and Regulations, to help them arrive at a mutually satisfactory arrangement. The service is a private, confidential and economical alternative to the often costly, public and drawn-out process of resolving insolvency disputes in the courts.
Advance Payments (APP) & Commodity Loan (CLP) Programs
Tel: 1-888-278-8807; Website: www.accfarmersfinancial.ca
Both programs are a source of financing administrated by the ACC Farmers' Financial (ACC). The APP is available for eligible crops and livestock and the CLP is available for eligible crops only.
Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS)
Tel: 1-877-830-0200; Website: www.ontario.ca/cass
CASS provides eligible farmers and their spouses with opportunities to access skills assessment and training with the goal of improving their farm profitability and net family income.
More resources in next week’s article.

Dates to Remember
·Oct. 18 -20 – Large animal clinic dates for Dr. Stacey Angus. Call (204) 326-3955 to book an appointment.