Fiona traumatized farmers across Prince Edward Island and sections of Nova Scotia. September’s venomous post-tropical storm killed livestock as it mowed down barns, fences, crops, trees, and power poles. Some may have lost infrastructure; others have lost a way of life.

The damage, which could have a long-term impact on the beef industry, is still being calculated.

Insurance coverage won’t allow producers to replace barns that multiple generations of their families had used. But agricultural organizations, commodity associations, and both provincial and federal government officials have collaborated to develop practical financial assistance programs.

With support, farmers in P.E.I. and Nova Scotia will persevere, overcome some of the adversity, and rebuild.

Troy Humber, who has also suffered untold amounts of anxiety and stress, may not have that option.

The Bottwood, N.L., producer says red tape wrapped around the provincial abattoir development initiative cost him more than $1 million. It also forced him to shutter his abattoir, lay off staff, and sell his farm.

It appears that the Newfoundland and Labrador government initiative was constructed with solid walls and a sturdy roof but built on a shaky environmental foundation. The provincial incinerator has no holding area and is unable to handle the specified risk materials from Humber’s abattoir. And promises that environmental consultants will take soil samples have not been kept.

But, almost three years after the project was implemented, both the provincial departments of agriculture and of environment and climate change are working together on the waste management issue.

Beef and sheep producers and farmers in the Atlantic region are facing unprecedented challenges, whether man-made at home and abroad – from the highest interest and inflation rates in decades to supply chain and fertilizer shortages – or from the wrath of Mother Nature’s weather. It will take coordinated efforts from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments as well as from industry and trade and commodity associations, all working together to rebuild and reinforce agriculture and infrastructure in the region.

Here’s hoping that farms and communication bridges flourish in 2023. All of us at Atlantic Beef & Sheep wish you laughter and peace of mind in the new year. And good growing weather, good markets, fair prices….