Latest news with #AmyHill
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nova Scotia farms were in the red last year — again
Nova Scotia's farming industry hasn't turned a profit in nearly a decade, and last year lost more than $41 million — a reflection of the economic challenges that are concerning industry leaders in the province. The numbers aren't shocking to farmer Amy Hill, whose farm came out of the red in 2024 for the first time in 15 years. "I'm not making a living wage…. My husband has to work off-farm in order for this to work," she said. Hill runs Snowy River Farm, a small operation in Cooks Brook, N.S., with broiler and layer chickens, pigs, a variety of vegetable crops and one beloved cow and its calf. Hill started the farm with her husband, and for many years they were trying to grow the operation. With every major investment — such as new barns and greenhouses — she said there was always hope it would pay off in the future. But they could never make the numbers work. She said the difference last year that allowed for a small profit was a decision to scale back. Her husband restarted an off-farm career as a carpenter in 2023. Hill netted $6,000 in 2024. "It means we grow less for our community, and I'm really disappointed in that," she said. "But if we wanted the farm to survive itself, then we had to make some changes." Farm profits or losses in each province are calculated annually by Statistics Canada. The agency released 2024 figures at the end of May. Nova Scotia is not the only province where farms suffered losses last year, but it is the only province where this has been an ongoing problem for so long. Nova Scotia farms, overall, haven't been profitable since 2016. Alicia King, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, said there is no clear answer for why Nova Scotia farms have been consistently struggling, while farms in other parts of Canada have not. "That's one of the questions that we do have, and that we want to dig into a little bit," King said. She said extreme weather and harsh growing seasons in recent years have contributed, although they don't explain the trend completely. King said there is some good news. Nova Scotia farms are growing, in some ways. Statistics Canada figures show farm sales rising over the past five years — a total of 35 per cent from 2020 to 2024. However, that growth has not kept pace with the rising cost of operations. "We are feeling a pressure, there's no question about that," said King. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture hosted a meeting last month with leaders from more than a dozen groups representing different types of farming, and a handful of provincial cabinet ministers. King said the economic strain on Nova Scotia farmers was one of the main topics. The others were bringing more local food into the province's new school lunch program and protecting agricultural land, King said. King said the federation is working on a long-term strategy that she hopes will guide farmers into better finances. She said the strategy should be complete in the next year to 18 months. In the meantime, she's encouraging farmers to turn more attention to their bottom lines. "We're business owners and we have to make decisions with that lens all the time," she said. "And sometimes that's a little bit more difficult because … there's a passion to it as well. And sometimes we let our passion override a business decision." Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia's minister of agriculture, declined an interview request. His department sent a statement that acknowledged "some challenging times for farmers." The statement said Nova Scotia is working with federal and provincial colleagues and the industry to find solutions. It pointed to a recent top-up of $7 million to a program that helps fruit and vegetable growers buy season-extending equipment — things such as greenhouses, irrigation, lighting and cold storage. Hill said targeted, temporary-assistance programs can be helpful, but thinks money should go to labour if any level of government subsidizes farming in any way. Hill has two part-time employees this year, whose wages are partially covered through a federal employment program. If she could hire more people, she said, she could grow more food. "We need bodies helping with this production," Hill said. The number of farm workers in Nova Scotia has been shrinking, and the federation projects a shortage of 2,600 farm workers by the end of the decade. MORE TOP STORIES
CBC
11 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Nova Scotia farms were in the red last year — again
Nova Scotia's farming industry hasn't turned a profit in nearly a decade, and last year lost more than $41 million — a reflection of the economic challenges that are concerning industry leaders in the province. The numbers aren't shocking to farmer Amy Hill, whose farm came out of the red in 2024 for the first time in 15 years. "I'm not making a living wage…. My husband has to work off-farm in order for this to work," she said. Hill runs Snowy River Farm, a small operation in Cooks Brook, N.S., with broiler and layer chickens, pigs, a variety of vegetable crops and one beloved cow and its calf. Hill started the farm with her husband, and for many years they were trying to grow the operation. With every major investment — such as new barns and greenhouses — she said there was always hope it would pay off in the future. But they could never make the numbers work. She said the difference last year that allowed for a small profit was a decision to scale back. Her husband restarted an off-farm career as a carpenter in 2023. Hill netted $6,000 in 2024. "It means we grow less for our community, and I'm really disappointed in that," she said. "But if we wanted the farm to survive itself, then we had to make some changes." Nova Scotia an outlier Farm profits or losses in each province are calculated annually by Statistics Canada. The agency released 2024 figures at the end of May. Nova Scotia is not the only province where farms suffered losses last year, but it is the only province where this has been an ongoing problem for so long. Nova Scotia farms, overall, haven't been profitable since 2016. Alicia King, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, said there is no clear answer for why Nova Scotia farms have been consistently struggling, while farms in other parts of Canada have not. "That's one of the questions that we do have, and that we want to dig into a little bit," King said. She said extreme weather and harsh growing seasons in recent years have contributed, although they don't explain the trend completely. King said there is some good news. Nova Scotia farms are growing, in some ways. Statistics Canada figures show farm sales rising over the past five years — a total of 35 per cent from 2020 to 2024. However, that growth has not kept pace with the rising cost of operations. "We are feeling a pressure, there's no question about that," said King. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture hosted a meeting last month with leaders from more than a dozen groups representing different types of farming, and a handful of provincial cabinet ministers. King said the economic strain on Nova Scotia farmers was one of the main topics. The others were bringing more local food into the province's new school lunch program and protecting agricultural land, King said. Strategy in the works King said the federation is working on a long-term strategy that she hopes will guide farmers into better finances. She said the strategy should be complete in the next year to 18 months. In the meantime, she's encouraging farmers to turn more attention to their bottom lines. "We're business owners and we have to make decisions with that lens all the time," she said. "And sometimes that's a little bit more difficult because … there's a passion to it as well. And sometimes we let our passion override a business decision." Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia's minister of agriculture, declined an interview request. His department sent a statement that acknowledged "some challenging times for farmers." The statement said Nova Scotia is working with federal and provincial colleagues and the industry to find solutions. It pointed to a recent top-up of $7 million to a program that helps fruit and vegetable growers buy season-extending equipment — things such as greenhouses, irrigation, lighting and cold storage. Hill said targeted, temporary-assistance programs can be helpful, but thinks money should go to labour if any level of government subsidizes farming in any way. Hill has two part-time employees this year, whose wages are partially covered through a federal employment program. If she could hire more people, she said, she could grow more food. "We need bodies helping with this production," Hill said. .
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lilo & Stitch Producer Explained To Me Why One Specific Character Was Added, And I Need To Talk About How Much I Love It
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Live-action Disney movie remakes allow filmmakers to reintroduce beloved aspects of the film they're reimagining. However, they're also presented with an opportunity to perhaps improve on the source material. That's no different when it comes to the new Lilo & Stitch movie. When CinemaBlend spoke to the filmmakers, not only did they discuss the major character that was taken out, they also shed light on a new face that I absolutely love. The character I really need to discuss is Tutu, who's played by Amy Hill. In the film, Tutu is a neighbor of Nani and Lilo's, who's around throughout the story and ultimately offers to take in Lilo while Nani goes off to college in San Diego to study marine biology. In regard to the decision to add the character, producer Jonathan Eirich told CinemaBlend the following: Most of it honestly came from our Hawaiian screenwriter, Chris Bright, and just trying to bring authenticity to the story in every way we could. And something he said early on, he was like, 'I don't think in Hawai'i, if these two sisters had just lost their parents, I don't think they would be as isolated.' [Knowing] the community of Hawaii there would be support for them.' So, we sort of had this notion of this neighbor character, Tutu, that is actually there for them earlier in the story. I'm so happy to hear Hawaiian writer Chris Kekaniokalani Bright had the chance to help craft this iteration of Lilo & Stitch, because small details like this are so important for representation. The original movie had a lot of support from Hawaiian people, including Nani voice actor Tia Carerre, who suggested the hammock scene in the animated movie. However, having someone with writing credits is such a step up. And, as Eirich shared, Bright thought it was important to have Tutu added in order to better depict how Ohana means a lot more than those you share blood with in Hawaii. As Eirich continued: And the character issue for Nani really becomes, is she too stubborn? Does she wanna prove she can do everything on her own? She can replace their mother, she can take on this responsibility. And, she has to learn to just accept help and sort of accept this wider Ohana. And so, it is a little bit of a character change for Nani, but it actually came out of our screenwriter just saying, 'I think this is a little bit more true to what Hawaii and the sense of community is really like.' It's such a beautiful change to Lilo & Stitch's story. Of course, Tutu is not the only new character in the film, either. Tia Carrere was also given a new character, a social worker named Mrs. Kekoa. She helps ground the storyline involving Nani trying to remain a guardian to Lilo. With that, Courtney B. Vance's Cobra Bubbles attends to the alien matters. As someone who shares the opinion that Disney remakes are getting kind of old, I really appreciate Lilo & Stitch. It's the inclusion of Amy Hill's Tutu that really makes me smile, though. On the one hand, it's fitting that Hill has a role in the live-action remake, because she voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the animated film. On top of that, though, Tutu's inclusion deepens the Hawaiian representation of the whole story. Disney+: from $9.99 a month w/ ad-supported planStream the original Lilo & Stitch film and other entries in the franchise now using a Disney+ subscription. Grab the ad-supported plan, which starts at $9.99 a month, or go ad-free for a monthly $15.99 charge. Or save 16% by pre-paying $159.99 for a Deal Tutu's existence also has a positive impact on Nani's arc. During my viewing, I liked seeing Nani accept help and follow her dreams of continuing her education, as a girl her age should be able to do. Simultaneously, this conveys the notion that Ohana can extend beyond bloodlines. On top of everything else, Hill is absolutely hilarious in every scene she's in. Creating a new character can be tricky, and it's been hit or miss as far as the live-action Disney remakes are concerned. It definitely works here, though, and I'm hopeful that this won't be the last time fans see Tutu in some form. You can check out more of CinemaBlend's Lilo & Stitch review to get a better sense of my thoughts, and be on the lookout for more exclusive content. And, of course, be sure to check out the film in theaters now!
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amy Hill named new YWCA CEO
SOUTH BEND — YWCA North Central Indiana has announced the appointment of Amy Hill as its new CEO. 'I am honored to join YWCA North Central Indiana and build upon its incredible legacy of service and advocacy,' Hill said. 'This organization plays a vital role in the lives of so many, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, board, and community partners to further our mission. I look forward to deepening our connections within the community and ensuring that our services remain accessible, effective, and life-changing for those we serve.' Hill, a former YWCA Board member, has served as the general manager and CEO of Transpo-South Bend Public Transportation Corp. since 2018. With extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, and community engagement, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities and support systems that drive meaningful change. 'The board is thrilled to welcome Amy as our new CEO,' said Pamela Plouhar, YWCA North Central Indiana Board chair. 'Her expertise, vision, and commitment to the community align perfectly with our mission, and we are confident she will lead YWCA North Central Indiana with strength and compassion.' Hill, a lifelong resident of St. Joseph County, graduated from St. Joseph High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Dayton and a Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management & Public Policy from Indiana University South Bend. As the largest provider of emergency shelter and domestic violence programs in Northern Indiana, YWCA North Central Indiana offers critical resources, including financial and self-sufficiency education, across its two shelters in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. To learn more about YWCA's programs, visit
