Early application window opens for 2024 cash advance

Feb 16, 2024

Farmers from across Western Canada can apply for a 2024 spring cash advance through Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA).

The Advance Payments Program (APP) is a federal loan program administered by CCGA. It offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and low-interest cash advances.

Many farmers use a spring advance for crop inputs, to invest in farm improvements or repairs, cover general operating costs, or however it works best for the specific needs of the farm. Applicants are eligible for up to $1 million in financing.

CCGA Vice-President, Finance and APP Operations Dave Gallant said they are launching the early application window for the 2024 APP to give farmers more time to apply.

Gallant said there are other important changes to note.

“The federal government has changed the interest-free component back down to $100,000. Right now, for 2023, farmers have access to $350,000 interest-free. As of April 1, for the 2024 program that will go down to $100,000,” Gallant said. “The other big change is the advance rates have dropped for the major crops. For canola, the rate has gone down to $290/tonne from $397. Wheat has gone down from $175/tonne to $150/tonne.”

Gallant said farmers should consider the blended impact of the interest-free and interest-bearing components when comparing various financing options.

Farmers can apply on over 50 commodities including field crops, large and small livestock, honey, and organic commodities.

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Video: A Farm Song (Busy) | Parody of A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

Lyrics:

My days begin with workin’, Alarm’s at 5 o’clock,
I Fill 5 gallon buckets, The feeders and the troughs,
This five to nine ain’t workin’, why the heck do I work so hard?,
I can’t worry ‘bout health problems, I can sleep in when I’m gone,

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

I’ve been working pretty stressed but,
I ain’t changing for some cash,
Lord knows that I’m very blessed (More chores),
But I gotta say it’s hard,
Workin’ outside gettin’ charred,
Living out here on the farm, (more chores)

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history
There’s another 20 chickens that still need feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm getting’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Fun, here on ranch that’s what you can’t ignore,
Might be pretty hard but I love it to its core,
Flannel’s gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores (Tell ‘em sing with me)

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
Watching cattle in the dark, don’t miss me,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
(Yeeeeeehaw)
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
It’s the best bro, go get yourself a farm