It's no secret that there are challenges in terms of farm profitability in 2026, which is driving critical policy questions to assist producers through the difficult times. Governments have different tools they have engaged, including insurance, business risk management, and the advanced payments program. In the United States, there are similar tools, but on top... Read More
Category: Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index
Canadian farmers are entering the 2026 production year with heightened caution, according to the January results of the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index. Shaun Haney and Justin Funk breakdown the latest results from the CFSI gathered from more than 570 producers, in this 16th iteration of the survey since launching in 2022. Three-quarters of respondents said... Read More
New RealAgristudies data reveals some fascinating insights into how farmers across the country view current trade dynamics — from EV tariffs to global partnerships. When asked in the October intake of the Canadian Farmers Sentiment Index on whether Canada should lift tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, 68 per cent of farmers said yes, with just... Read More
The October Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index (CFSI) results from RealAgristudies reveal a steady, though cautious, outlook among Canadian farmers as 2025 draws to a close. Based on responses from 547 producers across the country, the October survey highlights ongoing financial pressure but also pockets of resilience and optimism within the industry. When asked to assess... Read More
The July intake of the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index included a few questions about grain movement, railways, and Canada’s grain handling system, overall. In this episode of the RealAgristudies Insights podcast, Shaun Haney and Justin Funk break down survey results capturing satisfaction, confidence, and perceived accountability in grain logistics. Of the farmers who ship grain,... Read More
Results of the July 2025 Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index are in and farmers reported a decline in the farm financial situation compared to a year ago, while anticipating a worsening financial environment over the next 12 months. The CFSI survey was completed mid-July 2025, and results show 57 per cent of Canadian farmers report their... Read More
There's no shortage of headwinds facing Canada's farmers and ranchers. Weather risk in the west, uncertain trade environments. and high-risk economics are weighing on farmers' minds, according to the April intake of the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index (CFSI). The April intake ended just ahead of the federal election, and includes responses from 486 farmers offering... Read More
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, but how do you manage to tip the chance of gain in your favour? In agriculture there are many variables that are well out of our control — whether it be ranching, farming or anywhere in between, producers deal with volatile input prices, commodity price fluctuations, and, of course, the weather.... Read More
In late January, we asked the RealAgristudies Insights Panel how they were feeling about current and future farm financial performance, their outlook on investment timing, and what they thought about impending tariffs being levied against Canadian goods moving into the U.S. Over 600 farmers responded to this survey, weighing in on on these topics, and... Read More
Canadian farmers are more concerned about their financial realities in the face of sticky input prices and lower commodity prices compared to a year ago. Many say they are looking to manage their costs where they can, as expenses are one area that can be changed for a growing season, unlike the weather. As a... Read More