HAVE FARMLAND VALUES HIT A PEAK? . . . DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR AGRISTABILITY  . . . THE SCIENCE AND POLITICS OF CLIMATE CHANGE  . . . MUSHROOM CULTURE JUNE 5, 6, 7 . . . CANADIAN PRODUCERS EXPECT SOFTWOOD LUMBER AGREEMENT WILL EXPIRE IN OCTOBER . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

HAVE FARMLAND VALUES HIT A PEAK?
Source: FCC Some Canadian farmers believe the rapid rise in farmland values over the past four years may have hit its peak. That reaction comes after Farm Credit Canada released its annual Farmland Values Report. The report shows a continued rise in farmland values in 2014, but one that wasn’t as steep as the previous year both nationally and in many key agricultural regions. Average farmland values in Canada had a 14.3 percent increase in 2014, compared to a 22.1 percent increase in 2013. (read more)

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR AGRISTABILITY
Source: NSFA AgriStability is a margin-based program, which allows producers to protect their farm operations against large declines in farm income. The deadline to enroll for the 2015 program year is April 30, 2015. (read more)

THE SCIENCE AND POLITICS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Source: Marlene Wells
Elizabeth May will be in Halifax May 2 for a Climate talk with Tom Duck. They will be giving a joint talk on the science and politics of climate change. Topics will include the scientific evidence for climate change, climate projections, progress toward greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and prospects for securing a new international climate deal at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. Saturday, May 2, 7pm, Ondaatje Hall, McCain Arts & Social Sciences Building, Dalhousie University, Halifax.
marlene.wells@gmail.com

MUSHROOM CULTURE JUNE 5, 6, 7
Source: Harrison Lewis Centre
Mark your calendars for this year’s mushroom growing workshop, with instructors David Boyle and John Crabtree at the Harrison Lewis Centre on Nova Scotia’s beautiful South Shore. David Boyle and John Crabtree will give a general introduction to the world of mushrooms, including discussions of their ecological roles and uses by humans. Participants will be shown the basics of growing mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane) and also of mushroom identification. Join us starting Friday evening to study, grow, eat them. Learn more about their curious culture. (read more)

CANADIAN PRODUCERS EXPECT SOFTWOOD LUMBER AGREEMENT WILL EXPIRE IN OCTOBER
Source: The Canadian Press
Canada’s lumber producers fear the softwood lumber agreement with the United States will be allowed to expire in October, ending nine years of stability. “As the period leading up to the softwood lumber agreement’s expiry narrows, the likelihood of an extension or replacement occurring is reduced,” West Fraser Timber (TSX:WFT) noted in its first-quarter report. Industry analysts agree, with one describing the chances of a renewal this year as “slim to none.” (read more)