A study by the Brandon-based applied research and consulting company Westarc Group has highlighted the challenges facing Canadian farmers as they try and position their farms for the future.
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The ‘rural adaptation needs assessment’ surveyed around 60 producers in the Manitoba region and found that the predominant difficulty was the existence of a skilled labour shortage, as many could not afford to provide the high wages or the year-round job security necessary to attract and keep skilled workers.
Farmers also stressed the need for specialists to advise on diversification and value-added ventures, as they often lack the knowledge themselves. Such knowledge may include ways to diversify into new types of crops or livestock, or the marketing skills to promote a new venture.
Other concerns for producers include the current lack of health care, education and good highways in many rural areas. Such communities also need increased technology such as high-speed Internet access and cellular service. Many producers also highlighted the need for counselling and peer support as the sector declines.
Lead researcher Carl Cunningham plans to have completed a report on the study by the end of the year, with a view to providing the information to government rural and agri-policy developers.
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