Farm organizations took longer than usual to react and were remarkably nuanced in their response to this week’s long-awaited federal budget.

When the news releases did flow into inboxes, the responses were measured. None gave this budget a failing grade. There were no ringing endorsements either.

The Canadian government has come up with measures that will put real dollars into farmers’ pockets at a critical time. The impact of some of the “takes,” however, is less tangible. The consequences won’t become visible for years.

The government officially backed down on measures such as the enhanced capital gains provisions that would have increased the collection on land transfers by millions due to the relentless appreciation in farmland values.

The budget also increases the coverage levels

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