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BiosecurityEmployee Training Supports for Agri-Businesses
Article In response to COVID-19, the Agriculture Training Support Program helps employers in the food supply chain provide necessary training to new domestic employees.
Visit SiteRecruitment and Retention Practices used in Primary Agriculture
CAHRC representatives visited and interviewed a number of agricultural employers across Canada. During the visits, the CAHRC representatives asked about the strategies and/or practices that the agricultural employers were using to attract and retain workers. The representatives also talked to a sampling of workers at each location to hear about recruitment and retention practices from the worker’s perspective.
Open PDFCOVID-19 How to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community
Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus.
Visit SiteFood Safety
This page covers common questions about COVID-19 and food safety.
Visit SiteCOVID-19 Farm Programs and Concerns
BDO put together a task force of agricultural advisors from across Canada to identify the highest priority concerns from our clients. We want to help you through these changing times, so you can focus on ensuring quality Canadian food continues to be produced.
Visit SiteConnecting Manitoba Business with programs and resources during COVID-19
Many businesses and not-for-profits in Manitoba are facing significant challenges due to COVID-19. If you're one of them, the Manitoba Economic Support Centre is here for you.
Visit SiteUnderstanding Farm Financial Statements
BDO’s team of agriculture accountants have standardized the farm financial statement to serve farmers’ best interests. Efforts to streamline this process allowed us to develop a set of financial benchmarks as a way for clients to compare their results year over year to plan better for the future based on specific areas of focus.
Read ArticleBudgeting Farm Machinery Costs
This factsheet provides a framework for calculating the total annual cost of farm machinery so that you can determine whether it makes economic sense for you to own a machine. The best source of information to budget farm machinery costs is your records.
Open PDFMachinery Cost Calculator
The Machinery Cost Calculator is an excel worksheet that contains a machinery cost calculator, cost charts, a factsheet on machinery budgeting, and a comparison worksheet that looks at machinery replacement options including purchase, repair, lease and custom hire. It also has a simple cash basis lease worksheet.
Visit SiteManaging the impact on global supply chains
This webinar covers: - How EDC is monitoring the impact of the virus and its effect on global supply chains - How the virus outbreak will impact the global economy and which countries will be most affected - How to protect your company against the risk of not getting paid if your suppliers or customers don’t pay - How to get more working capital from your bank
Access WebinarCOVID-19 disruptions bring opportunities and challenges to food supply chain
The Canadian economy has been under a lot of stress. The first quarter Gross Domestic Product declined by 8.2% YoY, and the unemployment rate reached 13% in April. And there’s likely more negative economic data coming in the second quarter and household income will be pressured.
Read ArticleAgriRecovery
The AgriRecovery Framework is part of a suite of federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Business Risk Management (BRM) tools under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. AgriRecovery is an FPT disaster relief framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters. The core BRM programs are, in part, designed to help producers deal with the income and production losses they experience when disasters occur. AgriRecovery cannot duplicate or replace the assistance provided by these programs.
Visit SitePromoting Wellness in the Workplace
Living with mental illness means not only making the effort to manage it personally, but finding ways to cope with how it can affect those who are in our lives. Some do not find the support they seek in the workplace and in certain cases, may even stop working due to the impact of stigma. This Workplace section aims to provide both employees and employers with the information and guidance they need to promote and support positive Mental Health in the Workplace.
Visit SiteHealthy Minds, Healthy Farms
Over the past year, Farm Management Canada has been working with Wilton Consulting Group on ground-breaking research that seeks to explore the connection between Mental Health and Farm Business Management. The findings from this research reveal a positive correlation between mental health and farm business management and inform recommendations to support farm business management activities that positively influence farmer mental health as well as mental health supports that positively influence farm business management activities.
Access the ReportMental Health Resources for Your People During a Pandemic
Half of Canadians report that their mental health has worsened, according to a survey by the Angus Reid Institute, and one in 10 says it has worsened “a lot.” Almost half (44%) say they are worried, and 41% report feeling anxious. The question for business leaders: how can they support their people to stay not only productive but also mentally healthy?
Visit siteCOVID-19 Challenges Push Forward Innovation and Strategy
The agriculture and food production industries continue to face their fair share of challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic pushes changes in everyday tasks to produce food. However, many are also proving that necessity is indeed the mother of invention.
Read ArticleHow to effectively manage your covid-19 risks
This is a time of rapid change. Drastic ad hoc actions are being made to address challenges to operations, safety, supply chains, technology, data security, communications, and cash flow management. Ad hoc strategic actions pose major risks and the evaluation of risk with each action is critical
Read ArticlePivoting your Farm Production and Marketing Plan During COVID-19
The Pivoting your Farm Production and Marketing Plan During COVID-19 webinar will provide growers with a framework for identifying their risks and making plans for their production and marketing. We will discuss how these changes can be used to help mitigate risk. Content will include using cost of production analysis to understand impacts of crop choices and opportunities for accessing alternate marketing outlets. This webinar is most applicable to small- and medium-sized farm operators.
Access WebinarA Guide for Direct Sales to Consumers During COVID-19 and Beyond
During these unprecedented times, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) recognizes that it is not ‘business as usual’. We hope to provide some support and guidance to help you continue to market and sell your agricultural products.
Open PDFAgriShield
AgriShield® is the first Canadian platform to offer a 360° vision to assess and manage risks on the farm. This platform guides farmers through 6 families of risks that they may encounter. It also helps to leverage existing risk management tools and professional services offered to farmers. With AgriShield®, producers are be able to put an action plan in place to minimize threats and maximize opportunities for their business.
Visit SiteWhat's Your Emergency Plan?
It’s more than COVID-19. Here’s why having an emergency plan ready for action is more important — and more achievable — than ever.
Read ArticleDecision Making Process
Management is decision making, or more precisely, it is determining which alternative will most likely allow the decision makers to achieve their goals. But as this page describes, decision making is more complex than that simple description. The purpose of this page is to consider whether a person can enhance their decision making or managerial skills by thoroughly exploring how decisions are made and implemented.
Visit Site10 Steps to a solid business plan
A business plan is a key tool that can set you up for business success. It helps you focus on your goals and provides the answers you need to make your financing and loan process easier. Here are 10 things you should include as well as some resources to get started.
Read ArticleCertificate Course in COVID-19 and the Economics of World food and Agriculture
This timely certificate course was designed to help participants to process and interpret all of that information through the lens of agricultural economics. Drawing upon information from around the world, we considered the links between COVID-19 and our agri-food system, both the direct links between the disease and the food system, and the indirect links between our risk management behavior and the food system.
Visit SiteRisk management basics: What every farmer needs to know
Agricultural producers make decisions in a risky environment every day. With the coronavirus pandemic currently sweeping the globe, producers are faced with decisions that could have major impacts on their farm operations. There are three primary risks associated with COVID-19 that all farmers should consider at this time. They are: Disruption of income, Impact on food and farm safety, Impact on human health.
Read ArticleManaging the Agricultural Challenges Brought on by COVID-19
Hear from agriculture experts leading the charge to integrate drone technology into their fields. Expect to learn how DroneDeploy can be used to: enable eyes on the field with automated stand counts, evaluate early-season crop emergence, spot areas that need to be replanted and assess potential machinery issues.
Access WebinarCanada FarmSafe Plan
Good planning can help a farm become and stay successful. Farmers develop business, marketing and environmental plans to ensure the success of their farm; so why not plan for safety?
Visit SiteSmooth out decision-making with process and a plan
A fictional case study by MNP
Read ArticlePandemic (COVID-19) Tip Sheets
Follow the guidelines provided in these free tip sheets to help you with your activities during a pandemic, such as the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). Each document provides health and safety advice and best practices, for employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector.
Visit SiteCOVID-19 and Food Security
How is the pandemic affecting food systems, food security, and agricultural livelihoods? What role if any do animals play in transmitting the disease? These questions and more are covered in these answers to frequently asked questions, which are being updated as new information and analysis becomes available.
Visit SiteAttract and keep the best employees
A typical retention strategy might include a series of perks and benefits – everything from profit-sharing to bonuses to vacation and housing incentives – but that’s often not enough to keep top talent, says Winnipeg-based HR consultant Michelle Painchaud, president of Painchaud Performance Group.
Read ArticleLeading through uncertainty
How do we effectively lead when there’s no playbook for what we’re experiencing? Psychologist and leadership expert Dr. Georges Sabongui offers insight to help you navigate leadership during a pandemic.
Access the RecordingHow advisors add value to your farm management plan
Experts in various fields can help farmers better understand the nuances of farm management. Consulting with one or more farm advisors in aspects ranging from farm transition to animal care gives farmers focused advice from specialists.
Read ArticleUnderstanding and managing cash flow
A cash flow budget is an estimate of all cash receipts and expenses expected to occur during a specific period. Cash flow examines money movement, not net income or profitability, but it’s an essential part of financial management.
Read ArticleCOVID-19 Safety Plan
Employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This tool will guide you through a six-step process to help you create your plan. The tool is provided as a fillable PDF you can download and save with the details of the plan for your workplace.
Visit SiteDid COVID-19 disrupt trends in Canada ag and food trade?
The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic extend to all sectors of the economy. For ag and food trade, the long-term effects could be important as the COVID-19 pandemic has exemplified the fragility of food supplies that depend on imports. In response, several countries are developing their ag and food sectors to become more self-reliant.
Read ArticleFinancial Ratios
Forming a clear financial picture of your operation is important. One way to get the information you need is to calculate your operation's liquidity, solvency and profitability – three measurements that will help you evaluate your financial situation.
Read ArticlePreparing your farm for agriculture technology
There are considerable benefits to using ag tech, but advantages come from asking questions, coming up with a plan for the farm and understanding how agricultural technology can empower a farm’s unique needs.
Read ArticleEstablishing a Floor Price by Buying Put Options Video
This video explain the basics behind the many risk management strategies available that offer price protection for short hedgers involved in producing or selling grain and oilseed products. Farmers, merchandisers, grain elevators and exporters understand the impact that a decline in prices could have on their business. It is important that they at least familiarize themselves with various alternatives for mitigating this risk and protecting their bottom line.
View VideoList of Canadian Crisis Centres
A list of crisis centres across Canada
Visit SiteList of Mental Health Resources
A list of mental health resources, crisis lines and websites across Canada
Visit SiteThe Working Mind Program
The Working Mind (TWM) is an evidence-based program designed to promote mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace.
Visit SiteWorkplace Mental Health
This Workplace section aims to provide both employees and employers with the information and guidance they need to promote and support positive Mental Health in the Workplace.
Visit SiteBusiness Risk Management Programs
Business risk management (BRM) programs help farmers manage risks that threaten the viability of the farm. They provide protection against different types of income and production losses.
Visit SiteCOVID-19 Financial support for farmers and food processors
A list of financial support resources from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic
Visit SiteManaging your business during COVID-19
A list of resources for managing your farm business from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic
Visit SiteResources on COVID-19
CFA has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it relates to Canadian Agriculture. We will be providing our members with weekly updates on the virus as information emerges. Please check this page regularly for resources on the virus.
Visit SiteInformation and Tips on COVID-19
Information and Tips on COVID-19 from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council
Visit SiteOnline Farm Safety Training
Online farm safety taining resources from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
Visit Site10 ways to connect people in your workplace
A common theme emerged across our group of Finalists this year: the importance of connecting people in the workplace. We know from our recent exploration of the employee engagement gap that making connections to people, purpose, work, and culture are important to creating engaged employees and happy workplaces.
Read ArticleGuidance for the Manitoba Food Processing Sector
Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) is aware of the concerns and challenges our food industry is facing to continue delivering a critical service to Manitobans for uninterrupted access to safe food.
Visit SiteTapping into the Local Labour Force During COVID-19
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has once again partnered with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) to host a webinar focused on human resource (HR) management during this pandemic, more specifically, the tools and resources to tap into the local labour force.
Access the webinar seriesWorkplace Safety & Prevention Services Guidance on Health and Safety for Agricultural Supervisors During COVID-19
This document proposes a set of resources, tips and best practices to help employers and employees prevent the spread of COVID-19 and work together to reopen the province.
Access PDFFarm & Food Care
Farm & Food Care brings farmers, agricultural professionals, related businesses, government organizations and other groups together with a mandate to provide credible information on food and farming.
Visit SiteBDC - 8 steps for planning your emergency and disaster plan
Whether it's a natural disaster such as an ice storm, or a serious accident in an industrial plant, an unforeseen event can disrupt business operations at any company. After all, in an emergency situation, your employees may not be able to come to work. Your suppliers may face a shortage of the materials you need to continue your business activities, or demand for your services may simply decline
Visit SiteBDC Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs
While some companies have developed contingency plans, most have not. This lack of preparedness not only threatens the viability of sectors in Canada but, as in the case of manufacturing, it also jeopardizes the delivery of critical goods that depend on complex supply chain systems. Creating and maintaining a business continuity plan helps ensure that your business has the resources and information needed to deal with an emergency. A well designed plan will help you minimize the risk that an emergency poses to your employees, clients and suppliers, the continuity of your business operations and your bottom line.
Visit SiteCrisis Management Tools
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and farm businesses work to navigate these unprecedented times, the topic of farm business and contingency planning is increasingly on the minds of farmers. Through OFA’s partnership with Farm Life, we are providing resources for farm businesses offering tips, checklists and tools to help navigate this process.
Visit SiteProvince of Alberta Emergency Preparedness Resources
Learn how you and your family can prepare yourselves for an emergency or disaster.
Visit SiteOntario Pork On-Farm Emergency Response Planning Guide
This manual encourages farmers to take a critical look at their agricultural operation and assess potential risks. It will guide you through creating an individualized emergency response plan for your farm
Visit SiteFEX Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) Directory
Looking for a professional advisor who understands your world? Select from our database of certified Family Enterprise Advisors (FEAs) who are trained and designated to understand the unique challenges of a family business.
Visit SiteBuilding Effective Farm Management Systems
This guidebook, developed in workbook format, leads you systematically through implementation of key management applications. The guidebook mirrors the process I’ve discussed over the last 30 years in seminars on “Managing Business Relationships and Transitions on Family Farms.” Each chapter contains: - A conceptual discussion of key management concepts and how they apply to family farm management, - Sample documents and case scenarios illustrating how these concepts have been implemented in a variety of farm environments, and - Worksheets or templates designed to lead the user through an orderly process for implementing the concepts in day-to-day family farm management (including 23 template files and programs). The application template files will help you jump start implementation by providing foundation material that can be molded, edited, and supplanted to create your own management system documents. Template files include Mission, Vision and Core Value Statements; Job Descriptions; Company Policies; Standard Operating Procedures; Planning Systems; Compensation Summaries; Control and Performance Evaluation Systems, and many more.
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