(File photo/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday May 19, 2020

May 19, 2020 | 10:49 AM

A number of local rural municipalities are under a fire ban, as strong wind and dry conditions continue.

The R.M.’s of Garden River, Torch River, Prince Albert, Nipawin, and Duck Lake are all under fire bans.

Open-air fires of any kind are forbidden.

Previously issued burning permits are suspended until further notice.

Lighting and discharge of fireworks is also prohibited.

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The uncontained English fire near Fort a la Corne has approached farmland in the area, spewing thick smoke.

There are currently 61 active R.M. fire bans province-wide, while 20 urban municipalities are also under fire bans.

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A new report indicates that nearly nine of 10 farmers say having a written business plan has helped to reduce stress.

Farm Management Canada, along with Wilton Consulting Group, has worked on the research for the past year, surveying over 1,700 farmers, and holding 14 focus groups and 72 one-on-one interviews.

The report shows that among farmers who use written business plans, 88 per cent claim it has contributed to peace of mind.

The report shows four different ways that Farm Management Canada, and the agriculture industry overall, can better support the mental health of producers.

That includes raising awareness around stresses and the impact of mental health for farmers, supporting mental health literacy for farmers, delivering business management advice, tools and training that focuses on risk management and preparedness, and advocating for farmer-specific mental health support services.

Farm Management Canada is an umbrella group for farm business management activity.

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Farm Credit Canada launched a $100-million venture capital fund, in an effort to support proven companies through COVID-19 and other business disruptions.

The Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund was launched in partnership with Calgary-based venture capital firm Forage Capital Inc.

The fund is set up to provide companies with stability and flexibility to rebuild their business models.

FCC president and CEO Michael Hoffort said the need for this type of venture capital fund is especially evident in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the need will exist beyond the current crisis.