FarmCash Applications Open for Fall Advances

3 weeks ago - Alberta Seed Guide

Applications are now open for post-harvest FarmCash advances, the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC), says in a news release on Sept. 1. Alberta producers of more than 50 agricultural commodities, including crops, livestock and honey, can apply for free through an online application and receive funds in three to five business days upon completion of their application.

“FarmCash is more than a cash advance to get above the red line during unforgiving seasons. It allows producers to invest long-term into their crops, farms and herds,” Todd Hames, AWC chair, says in the release.

Producers are able to receive cash advances up to $1 million with the first $100,000 interest free, and the remainder available at a low interest rate of TD Prime minus 0.75 per cent, the release notes.

The online application process allows producers to save by time by having the ability to accept e-signatures, an automatic calculator and a document uploader. There is also a support team available five days a week over phone or email.

Alberta producers can apply online at farmcashadvance.com or call 1-855-376-2274.

FarmCash is a competitive Advance Payments Program option under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the release notes. The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan program administered by the Alberta Wheat Commission.

Campaign Launched to Highlight Canada’s Food Supply System

4 months ago - Alberta Seed Guide

The following piece is from our sister publication, Spud Smart.

A national campaign to connect consumers with the Canadian food system called It’s Good, Canada has been launched, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), says in a release on May 27.

The campaign will feature personal stories about Canadians working in the food supply system from across the country on both the front and back lines. It will also provide credible resources for Canadians to find fact-based information about the Canada’s food supply system, the release notes.

“This campaign will initiate a substantial conversation regarding the Canadian food system, we will discuss topics such as jobs, food pricing, science and technology, climate change, exports – topics that are of interest to Canadians,” John Jamieson, CEO of CCFI, says in the release.

Canada’s food system has consistently been ranked as one of the safest in the world, the release notes. The campaign will provide details on the industry’s assurance programs that have been developed to support health and safety in Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.

For more information visit the campaign’s website at Itsgoodcanada.ca or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under the #ItsGoodCanada hashtag.

Grain Dryer Components and the FEAP Program

2 years ago - Alberta Seed Guide

The Farm Energy and Agri-Processors (FEAP) Program continues to share costs with producers who are upgrading components of their grain dryers to high-efficiency models. Katherine Rogers, energy extension coordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, clarifies what is eligible for funding through this program.

The program includes sharing costs for components of a new dryer or when retrofitting components of an existing dryer.

“For retro-fit grain dryer components,” says Rogers, “Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. You must include detailed quotes, specifications, and if possible, calculations showing the energy savings of the upgrade.”

Eligible retrofits may include:

• • Hopper covers.
  • Automatic moisture controllers.
  • New high-efficiency burners.
  • Variable speed drives (VSD) for electric motors.
  • PTO to electric motor conversion.
  • Insulated plenums.
  • Exhaust air recirculation systems or secondary heat exchangers.
  • Gravity-fill roofs that replace powered leveling augers.

As for new grain dryer components, Rogers explains what funding may cover. “Upgrade options on new dryers are considered if they are an optional upgrade from the standard new dryer configuration. Only cost of the options is eligible, not the cost of the standard dryer. The application must include detailed quotes or invoices, specifications or calculations demonstrating energy savings.”

Eligible new components may include upgrade options such as:

• • Heat exchangers.
  • Preheat systems utilizing exhaust air.
  • Optional high-efficiency burners.
  • Variable speed drives (VSD) for electric motors.
  • Optional automated moisture controllers.
  • Gravity-fill roofs used in place of powered leveling augers.

Rogers adds that components considered “business as usual,” are not covered, including bins, conveyors, legs and aeration fans.

The program is retroactive to April 1, 2016, so any upgrades or new construction projects done since that date may be eligible for funding. Go to www.agriculture.alberta.ca/feap to see the full funding list, application form and other eligibility requirements.

Outreach officers are available to answer questions about the program and can provide assistance with the application process:

• • Northern Alberta – Amber Kenyon, 780-307-7849.
  • Southern Alberta – Vern Steinborn, 403-894-0050.
  • Eastern Alberta – Rongrong Xiang, 780-853-0222.

For further information, call the Alberta Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).

Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry