Between The Rows: Recent Episodes
Glacier FarmMedia LP
Between The Rows is a weekly podcast featuring the Glacier FarmMedia editorial team bringing you the ‘story behind the stories’ in ag news and markets.
Drawing from our more than 20 print and online brands, our reporting staff will discuss the top stories and latest developments in agriculture today.
The 25-30 minute weekly program is built around a team of rotating journalist-hosts that include: * Laura Rance, Glacier FarmMedia Editorial Director * Gord Gilmour, Manitoba Co-operator Editor * Ed White, Western Producer Reporter & Analyst * Dave Bedard, AGCanada.com Daily News Editor * Robert Arnason, Western Producer Reporter
Between the Rows goes beyond the printed story and delves deeper to bring more detail on stories that affect today’s producers.
Each episode features 2 or more of the most important ag stories of the week, anchored by a comprehensive, in-depth look at the markets by one of our top analysts.
The Christmas season is chock-full of traditions, many of which result in a bountiful harvest of memories of family, friends and a sense of community that we carry with us for many years. In this episode of Between the Rows, our hosts from this past year share their Christmas memories such as carolling for neighbours, daydreaming over holiday mail-order catalogues, Santa getting stuck in the furnace, games with food, making ice-cream from scratch on the farm, a year-end doggerel, and more. Hosted by Laura Rance.
Data management on the farm has come a long way since the days of keeping a pen and notebook in the tractor. But are farmers capturing maximum value from the "crop" of data they now harvest every year? In this special sponsored edition of Between the Rows, we discuss how farmers are changing the way they use data and what to look for in a data management packages with Krista Kilback, marketing manager for AgExpert at Farm Credit Canada, and Justin Funk, partner of Real AgriStudies. Hosted by Laura Rance.
Sustainability still reigns in discussions of farming's future, and canola is no exception. Alberta Farmer reporter Alexis Kienlen recaps the Canola Week conferences in Saskatoon, where topics at hand included not only improving the plant and its efficiency in the face of climate change, but also the use of the crop as a feedstock for new reduced-footprint renewable diesel. Also: for all the apparent day-to-day drama in canola futures, they're still entrenched in the $800-$900 per tonne range. Phil Franz-Warkentin of MarketsFarm discusses what's behind the near-term fluctuation and what it'll take to break out of that range one way or the other. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
The variety of plants that grow on pastures are many, so how do cattle choose what to chow down on and what to snub? Laura Rance speaks with author and animal behaviour scientist Fred Provenza about the foraging habits of cattle and why taste is more than just flavour on the tongue; Western Producer reporter Ed White talks with Garry Wasylowski of the Manitoba Association of Watersheds about its ‘boots on the ground’ approach to watershed management, Ananda Fitzsimmons of Régénération Canada about the role that farmers play in preserving rural areas, and one Manitoba producer about how his cattle help support the natural environment. Hosted by Ed White.
Earlier this year, Health Canada revised its rules to allow more genetically edited foods into the market without special safety checks. Now, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency may be on a similar path when it comes to genetically modified seeds. Dr. Cami Ryan with Bayer AG discusses the differing viewpoints between the public and scientific communities when it comes to the safety – and acceptance – of GM foods; plus, Marla Carlson with SaskOrganics shares why organic farmers are concerned that an upcoming decision by the CFIA may not include genetically modified seeds into a mandatory registry. Hosted by Geralyn Wichers.
A proposed bill by the Ontario government is poised to open up the province’s Greenbelt, an area established for farmland and environmental protection, to urban development. Peggy Brekveld of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture speaks to what this decision could mean for Ontario farmers, and local food production. Wayne Caldwell with the University of Guelph discusses what Bill 23 means for land use planning and if the strategy can meet the province’s housing needs. Plus, Manitoba Co-operator reporter Geralyn Wichers speaks with Naomi Johnson with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank about what it was like to attend the COP27 climate change conference. Hosted by Kristy Nudds.
Why does Canada seemingly have an uphill battle each year transporting grain? Steve Pratte, senior manager of transportation and biofuel policy with the Canadian Canola Growers Association, talks about the current grain movement situation and what it might take to finally fix Canada's grain transportation problem; plus, Bruce Burnett, director of markets and weather information for Glacier MarketsFarm, reports on the extreme weather that's currently driving grain prices. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
New food options are increasingly finding their way into grocery stores as companies target your taste buds, plant proteins being one of them. Priera Panescu with the Good Food Institute discusses the growing need for plant-based proteins and the long road to becoming a mainstream food choice for consumers; plus, Daniel Metheringham with McCain Foods, talks about the company’s move toward regenerative agriculture and its upcoming, ‘Innovation Hub,’ slated for Manitoba that will share knowledge of best practices with potato growers to increase sustainability. Hosted by Laura Rance.
What does the most recent interest rate hike from the Bank of Canada mean? Are we getting set for a replay of the 1980s farm debt crisis? What will rising rates mean for the value of farmland? On this episode of Between the Rows, Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour speaks with Alfons Weersink with the University of Guelph, J.P. Gervais of Farm Credit Canada, and Chad Lawley with the University of Manitoba about rising interest rates and their impact on agriculture. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
Jacqueline Keena with EMILI talks about how Innovation Farms is using new agricultural technologies to show their positive impact on productivity and sustainability; the container shipping business continues to struggle in a post-COVID world. Greg Northey with Pulse Canada talks about what’s holding the sector back, particularly for some destinations; at the Brookings Institution this October, Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, spoke to the idea of, ‘friend-shoring,’ which would prioritize trade with countries that share Canadian values and shun autocracies. Ed White and Greg Northey discuss what this could mean for Canadian agricultural trade. Hosted by Ed White.
Dr. Kelly Bronson, author and Canada Research Chair in Science and Technology at the University of Ottawa, discusses her book, The Immaculate Conception of Data: Agribusiness, Activists, and Their Shared Politics of the Future, that draws attention to how data collected by your new tractor is being used to further commercialize ag-business, and how activist “hackers” use agricultural data to build open-source platforms with the goal of improving farm practices. Hosted by Geralyn Wichers.
Scientists know that the soils of pastureland and forage crops sequester more carbon than annual crops, but how much more? Angela Bedard-Haughn, from the University of Saskatchewan, is leading a project to estimate the amount of carbon stored in the forage and pasture lands in Saskatchewan. Scientists also know that tree rings can be used to understand what the earth's climate was like, 500 or 1,000 years ago. Geralyn Wichers of the Manitoba Co-operator speaks with David Sauchyn of the University of Regina, to learn more about the science of dendro-climatology. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
With the changing of the season, the to-do list for Canadian farmers is long… but time is short. As the workload increases, cool temperatures and dwindling daylight create a persistent sense of urgency which can potentially lead to injury. Cultivating Safety Between the Rows is back with timely safety expertise, resources, and solutions to protect your farms greatest asset.
Hosts Kristin Hoffman, Consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and Gord Gilmour, of Glacier Farm media talk to the experts for advice on how to minimize risk and avoid accidents during fall harvest.
On this episode, safe practices for livestock handling. One in five farm injuries in Canada are livestock related, and many are related to cattle. Sheila James, long time cattle farmer and WSPS Consultant looks at animal behaviours and strategies to prevent injury.
In the second half of the show, farming is noisy business but how loud is too loud? There’s more than one reason farmers experience hearing loss. Sara Lovell, WSPS Occupational Hygienist highlights some of the top noise culprits and shares guidance on how to preserve and protect your hearing.
Conservation easements aim to protect native grasslands, but some ranchers are hesitant to sign on the dotted line. Melissa Bezan with Canadian Cattlemen talks with Tom Harrison of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation who has a less-permanent solution; Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther catches up with chuckwagon driver Amber L’Heureux about her 2022 season in the driver’s seat; and, Gary LaPlante a Plains Cree-speaking member of Moosomin First Nation of Treaty 6, and Randy Klassen with the Mennonite Central Committee, discuss ‘Reserve 107,’ a documentary about how a Saskatchewan community came to the realization that the land they live on actually belongs to an Indigenous First Nation. Hosted by Lisa Guenther.
Crop and livestock producers across Atlantic Canada are gauging losses -- and counting blessings -- after Fiona stormed through the region last weekend. Tim Marsh, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, considers the damages yet to be tallied in some parts of that province, and affected farmers' next steps. Also: youth at Williams Lake First Nation interested in working with livestock get to Learn To Do By Doing, no matter what sort of access they'd otherwise have to the industry. Lisa Guenther talks to Julia Flinton about the B.C. 4-H club's approach to educational opportunities. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
It’s hard to find anything that hasn’t seen its price increase as of late, and the price of farm equipment is no exception. John Schmeiser with the North American Equipment Dealers Association offers some insight into what’s driving rising prices; Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm takes a look at this year’s harvest progress and which crops on the Prairies are coming off better than others; and, John Greig, Glacier FarmMedia’s regional director for Ontario, shares his experiences from Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show after a two-year pandemic hiatus. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
A past 4-H winner recounts the time Queen Elizabeth II inspected his champion Hereford steer at the Manitoba Summer Fair in Brandon, Man., in 1970; Manitoba steam-powered threshing enthusiasts share what they enjoy about the ‘huffing and puffing’ of the antique machines that once dominated Canada’s farmland; a Saskatchewan entrepreneur talks about, ‘Prairie Proud,’ his prairie-based clothing brand, and how he kept his business afloat during the pandemic. Hosted by Ed White.
The federal government’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer is generating heat with farmers and some industry groups. Karen Proud, president and CEO of Fertilizer Canada, says the goal of achieving a 30 per cent reduction may be achievable, but is the government’s timeline realistic and at what cost does it come to farmers? Plus, Mario Tenuta, research chair in 4R nutrient management and professor with the University of Manitoba, discusses fertilizer emission research and finding the balance between implementing 4R practices and crop yields. Hosted by Geralyn Wichers.
Alberta’s UCP government is pitching a plan to shift rural law enforcement duties from the RCMP over to a provincial police force, but Western Producer reporter Alex McCuaig says rural councils remain skeptical of the province’s claims of cost savings and increased staffing. Also: from where Dalhousie food policy prof […]
Who or what is the Canadian Beef Advisors? Its chair James Bekkering talks us through that group’s priorities, in terms of seeing Canada’s beef industry through its latest challenges toward its strategic goals for this decade. Then, Brenna Grant, executive director of Canfax, gives us a closer look at those […]
A major event on the Ontario agriculture industry calendar is about to return from cyberspace to the grounds of Discovery Farm Woodstock -- but while the pandemic's restrictions may have been lifted, related supply chain issues may still linger for some exhibitors. Canada's Outdoor Farm Show president Doug Wagner fills us in on what's new at the show, running Sept. 13-15. Also: a western Ontario auctioneer with a passion for antique iron is in the midst of divesting his own record-large collection. Gordon Brindley tells us about the rare and, in some cases, near-pristine tractors up for bid this week online. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
Property crime is on the minds of many rural Manitobans. Kam Blight with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities talks about a new survey that sheds light on the extent of rural crime and what needs to happen to address it; Wade Sobkowich with the Western Grain Elevator Association offers his take on the 2022-23 grain transportation plans of Canada’s major railways and if they’re sufficient in light of last year’s shortcomings; and Gordon Mark, long-time rodeo participant, rodeo clown, and now rodeo announcer, talks with Manitoba Co-operator reporter Alexis Stockford about his life on the rodeo circuit – with and without face paint. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
Western Producer reporter Ed White shares some of his conversations with attendees at Ag in Motion and hears from an exhibitor about how to keep on-farm scales and weighing devices accurate; Trevor Scherman of ScherGain offers tips on how to keep your hard work – and profits – from blowing out the backend at harvest; Warren Feist of IntraGrain Technologies shares how grain monitoring systems have evolved to protect your grain once it’s in the bin; and, Kelly Cornelius with Grain Millers talks about the high consumer demand for organic oats. Hosted by Ed White.
The fertilizer industry has a carbon dioxide problem and Mike Reese, a University of Minnesota scientist, is hoping to solve it. Reese and other researchers have built a pilot plant in Western Minnesota that turns wind energy into anhydrous ammonia. And Seamus Kane, a U of Minnesota engineer, says that green ammonia can be used as a fuel for tractors, grain dryers and other farm equipment. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
Ag in Motion show director Rob O’Connor shares what it’s like to be back to the big outdoor farm expo after a two-year hiatus and a significant purchase that will ensure the future of the site; Ken Wall of Federated Co-operatives discusses how grain farmers can increase revenue by planting perennial forage crops and gauges the amount of farmer interest; Melissa Bezan of Canadian Cattlemen magazine talks with Lee Sinclair of Merck Animal Health about low-stress cattle handling and how it can make for healthier cattle and less frustration for both man and animal. Hosted by Laura Rance.
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther talks with chuckwagon driver Amber LaRue about her sport and what it’s like to compete after a two-year hiatus; Dale Haroldson talks about his decades of experience on the chuckwagon circuit and what it takes to be a competition judge; and, Jamie Laboucane talks about the ‘many hats’ needed in competitive chuckwagon racing and why the sport requires much more than just grabbing the reins and hanging on. Plus, Gord Gilmour, editor of the Manitoba Co-operator, opines on Canada’s rail system and what can be done to make grain transportation more efficient for Prairie farmers. Hosted by Lisa Guenther.
This week Don Norman of the Manitoba Co-operator takes us to meet Cal Cuthbert, who aims to preserve some pristine wooded wildlife habitat on his family's land in perpetuity. Also: Liam O'Connor talks with Jess Newman of McCain Foods about the potato processor's plans to help prove the business case for sustainable and regenerative agriculture worldwide. And Co-operator reporter Alexis Stockford would like to see meaningful attention paid to an overstretched link in Canada's fragile supply chains. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
It would seem that Canadians are in for a bumpy ride when it comes to rising interest rates. J.P. Gervais, chief economist with Farm Credit Canada, discusses why the current round of inflation is more persistent than many people expected and when consumers may see some relief; plus, Bruce Burnett with Glacier MarketsFarm shares his take on how this spring has been for Prairie farmers trying to get a crop in the ground and where seeding progress is at now. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
Reporter Ed White of the Western Producer talks with Ag in Motion show director Rob O’Connor about getting back to in-person farm shows after two pandemic years; plus, Shirley Janeczko with Canada’s Farm Show talks about the excitement she’s seeing from exhibitors and farmers eager to return to the event. Soybeans in Manitoba were poised for a big boom in growth about a decade ago when acres began being planted in earnest. Jeff Loessin with Corteva AgriScience, Mel Rattai of Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers and Brian Innes of Soy Canada offer a look as to where soy on the eastern Prairies measures up today. Hosted by Ed White.
As temperatures begin to soar, hosts Kristin Hoffman, Consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and Gord Gilmour, of Glacier Farm media stress the importance of keeping your cool, both on the farm and on the road. On this episode, putting safety first on busy summer roadways. Sheila James, WSPS Consultant shares strategies to get you and your farm equipment road ready. In the second half of the show, working in the elements from sun-up to sun-down means extended heat exposure. Warren Clements, WSPS Occupational Hygienist shares guidance on preventing heat stress and exhaustion.
Manitoba Co-operator reporter Geralyn Wichers cracks open a page from history and speaks with plant breeder Peggy Wagoner, Lee DeHaan of the Land Institute, and Doug Cattani at the University of Manitoba, about early and ongoing efforts of perennial grain development – tracing back to the tragic, Stalin-era Soviet Union period – and the promise of a perennial, dual-purpose grain named kernza that may be more environmentally friendly to grow than some annual grain crops. Hosted by Geralyn Wichers.
After 42 years of agricultural reporting, Allan Dawson, stalwart reporter for the Manitoba Co-operator, is retiring. Gord Gilmour sits down for a conversation with the giant of ag journalism about how Dawson got his start as a reporter, the people and personalities he’s encountered over the years, and some of the ground-breaking stories he’s covered in a career spanning five decades. Plus, reporter Geralyn Wichers talks with animal welfare consultant Stéphane Beaudoin about how interest groups and livestock producers can work together using a scientific approach that balances their concerns. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
Seeding is weeks behind schedule in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan and we can now expect a good chunk of that area’s soaked cropland to go unplanted this spring. Bruce Burnett of Glacier MarketsFarm takes a closer look at the chances for abandoned acres in the eastern Prairies. Also: consumer demand […]
At the Livestock Marketing Association of Canada convention in Lloydminster, Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther talks to Jill Renton and Dacie Przekop, who photograph cattle for DLMS/CattleVids.ca. They tell us what it takes to quickly capture a bovine’s best side — and, equally importantly, how to avoid getting on its […]
With outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza now seen in commercial and backyard poultry flocks coast to coast, and migratory birds known to be carrying the virus, Dr. Tom Baker of Ontario's Feather Board Command Centre considers how we got to this point and what farmers outside the poultry sector can now do to help curb further spread. Also: many Prairie farmers have either already seeded into parched soils or are waiting on the edge of cold, soaked and/or submerged fields. Bruce Burnett of Glacier MarketsFarm considers what may happen if current weather patterns persist. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther speaks with professional auctioneers John Baier and Rob Bergevin at the Canadian Livestock Auctioneering Championship about what judges are looking for in contestants and how auctioneers develop their ‘chant’; Ed White of the Western Producer speaks with Centreport Canada president Diane Gray about the massive distribution hub situated in the geographic centre of Canada and what it means for agri-business; and, farmer columnist Toban Dyck opines on his decision-making process for a used air seeder and why buying used farm equipment is not always an easy decision. Hosted by Ed White.
The number of wood-frame grain elevators on the Prairies are slowly dwindling away. Sadly, that number was recently added to when one of the oldest elevators of its kind in Canada was reduced to ashes. In early April, the Lake of the Woods grain elevator in Elva, Man., was being dismantled as part of a reclamation project when the 125-year-old structure accidentally caught fire and burned to the ground. In this episode, Manitoba Co-operator reporter Geralyn Wichers speaks with Gordon Goldsborough, president of the Manitoba Historical Society, about the Prairie sentinel that once stood in Elva, and the thread in history these historic structures contain. Hosted by Geralyn Wichers.
The federal government wants growers to use less fertilizer to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but continuous yield growth is needed to feed an increasingly hungry population. Manish Raizada, professor of plant science at the University of Guelph, thinks nitrogen-fixing microbes have a big role to play in this arena; plus, nitrous oxide is a far more powerful greenhouse gas compared to its lesser, but more popular cousin, carbon dioxide. Richard Farrell, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, talks about how greenhouse gases in agriculture are measured and what can be done to rein them in. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
Bob Lowe, outgoing Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) president, shares some of the many challenges cattle producers faced during his tenure while COVID-19 cast its long shadow across the country; Piper Whelan speaks with new CCA president, Reg Schellenberg, about where the association is preparing to focus its priorities in 2022; and Fawn Jackson, CCA’s director of policy and international affairs, offers her take of the recent federal budget and what parts of the plan are designed to support the agriculture sector. Hosted by Lisa Guenther.
Each seeding season comes with a fair bit of excitement for farmers, but this year also comes with more than a fair share of uncertainty. Craig Klemmer with Farm Credit Canada discusses some of the risks facing producers and what factors could make 2022 the most expensive crop on record; Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm offers his outlook on prairie moisture conditions, spring seeding forecasts, and the efforts of Ukrainian farmers to get a crop in the ground as war rages around them; plus, Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour shares his thoughts on the importance of rail service to grain farmers, and Western Canada’s economy as a whole. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
Executive producers Erin Haskett and Jean Parsons of Vancouver's Lark Productions tell us about their casting call for single B.C. farmers to take part in their new CTV reality series Farming for Love. Also: Lisa Guenther talks to Kimberly Cornish of the Food Water Wellness Foundation about its soil carbon quantification project, gauging just how much organic carbon farm and ranch practices are putting back into the soil on a farm-by-farm basis. And Laura Rance of Glacier FarmMedia considers pressures that the war in Ukraine will place on farmers everywhere else in the world. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
Lynda Nichol, executive director of Manitoba Association of Watersheds, discusses the ‘Living Lab’ project and the important role of watersheds in sustainable agriculture; sunflower is not only Ukraine’s national flower, it’s also one of that country’s largest exports. But with Ukraine currently repelling a Russian invasion, we hear from John Sandbakken of the National Sunflower Association if North American oilseed producers can fill the gap left by war; plus, Sean Pratt with the Western Producer reports on European Union efforts to expand its version of country-of-origin labeling to include Canadian durum wheat. Hosted by Ed White.
Cultivating Safety Between the Rows is a new series that speaks to the high rate of lost-time injuries (LTI’s) in the agriculture sector, sharing safety expertise and solutions to protect your farm’s greatest asset. In the first episode, hosts Kristin Hoffman, Consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and […]
We hear from Ben Scott-Robinson, CEO of Small Robot Company in the U.K., about how its team of robots is poised to create a new model for regenerative and profitable farming; Saskatchewan farmer Terry Aberhart talks about how artificial intelligence is meeting today’s challenges facing farm operations and how it will change future production practices, for the better; and entrepreneur Rob Saik discusses how digital platforms and ag-tech startups are transforming innovation on the farm. Hosted by Laura Rance.
The federal government is pushing farmers to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but some farmers are frustrated by all the attention on cow burps, fertilizer and diesel fuel. Saskatchewan farmer Kristjan Hebert says agriculture isn’t the cause of climate change, it’s part of the solution. Also, reporter Allan Dawson with the Manitoba Co-operator speaks with Ryan Cardwell, a University of Manitoba agriculture economist, who says farmers may not believe they have political power, but they have moulded government policy in their favour. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther speaks with Melanie Wowk, newly re-elected chair of Alberta Beef Producers, about drought-related difficulties producers faced in 2021 and her first year at the helm; Cattlemen’s Young Leaders alumni Kaylee Chizawsky talks about barriers for young producers entering the cattle business and the importance of mentorship; Karin Schmid, beef production and extension lead with Alberta Beef Producers, shares forage tips and how producers should approach their pasture resources in 2022 after last year’s drought. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
With significant amounts of grain now unavailable to other countries' importers, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has set markets swinging wildly. Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm considers the impacts of the ongoing conflict on Canadian farmers going forward into spring. Also: the Weston family's research foundation will put up eight figures of funding over the next six years toward a prize challenge seeking new ways to boost Canada's capacity for growing berries out of season. Yes, berries. Evan Fraser of the Arrell Food Institute explains the greater goals in mind. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
Manitoba Co-operator reporter Geralyn Wichers speaks with Sandra Duchak, a 4-H veteran volunteer of 42 years, about her commitment to the youth organization and some of the changes she’s seen in the past four decades; and, author Russ Crawford talks about his novel, ‘Limit Up,’ a tale of grain-trading international intrigue set 50 years ago against the backdrop of a devastating drought in the former Soviet Union which led to the “Great Grain Robbery.” Hosted by Ed White.
The value of a good veterinarian who can expertly manage day-to-day tasks and unforeseen animal emergencies can’t be over-stated. But Ken Johnson, a rural Manitoba vet for 44 years, has also made a sizable contribution to the future of veterinary medicine. In this episode of Between the Rows, Johnson shares some of his stories as a large animal vet, how technology has changed the veterinarian/client relationship, and the role of mentorship to help meet the challenge of bringing the next generation of young veterinarians to the practice. Hosted by Laura Rance.
The Alberta border protest has disrupted the cattle industry, affecting feed supplies and movement of livestock in and out of that province. Western Producer reporter Alex McCuaig has been covering the protest since it began and says it's much different from what's happening in our nation’s capital, Ottawa. Also, Kim Stanford, a University of Lethbridge scientist, hopes to bring some balance to the cattle debate in a new podcast called, Cows on the Planet. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
In this episode of Between the Rows, we talk to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada agroclimate specialist Trevor Hadwen about how the snow we’ve seen on the prairies so far doesn’t spell the end of drought; Karen Klassen, an organizer of a new grazing exchange, talks about an initiative to bring livestock back onto grain farms; and Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther talks with mental health advocate Gerry Friesen about a new mental health program for farmers. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
A semi-finalist in the federal Food Waste Reduction Challenge hopes to help Canada's vineyards apply new technology to an age-old waste dilemma, for the benefit of up-and-coming plant-based proteins. Winecrush Technologies founder Bill Broddy explains his company's entry. Also: in a new report, a panel of experts walks us through both the well-known and emerging risks to Canadian plant life -- and whether our existing risk management practices are up to the job now at hand. Panel chair and UBC plant scientist Deborah Buszard speaks with Laura Rance about the report's findings. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
For many months now, in-person farm shows have been mostly shelved due to the pandemic. But in January, the Crop Production Show adapted its program and opened its doors. Mike Raine, editor of the Western Producer, attended the show and reports on how it went. The tech world seemingly advances by leaps and bounds and it can be hard to keep up. Farmer and Glacier FarmMedia columnist Toban Dyck muses on technology and how we accept it into our lives. Is world food security in jeopardy? Representatives at the World Economic Forum discuss the impacts of food shortages and how it can lead to political instability. Hosted by Ed White.
Commodity prices and crop input costs are soaring, and the future of where both are headed is fairly uncertain given the ongoing backdrop of the pandemic. Bruce Burnett and Mike Jubinville of Glacier MarketsFarm review some of the factors that rallied commodity markets in 2021 and what conditions are likely to influence markets and producers’ cropping decisions in 2022. Hosted by Laura Rance.
Organic farmers should be thriving, but the sector is facing headwinds right now because of high prices for conventional crops. Marla Carlson, executive director of SaskOrganics, explains the challenges for organic producers and the broader industry in 2022. Oats and canola could be the hot crops this spring, says reporter Ed White of The Western Producer, who has studied the crop production costs and profit estimates from Manitoba Agriculture. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
For this special, year-end episode of Between the Rows, we’ve assembled a roundtable of experts – Lee Hart of Grainews, Michael Raine, Robin Booker and Ron Lyseng from The Western Producer – who discuss some of the technological advancements in farm machinery they’ve reported on and what they expect to see from equipment makers in 2022; and Laura Rance, vice-president of content for Glacier FarmMedia, offers her take on the rising cost of food – and the growing consumer interest in how food is produced – in the latest Canada’s Food Price Report. Hosted by Bruce Thorson.
Canada's federal security agency for the IT sector recently reported a significant year-over-year rise in the number of ransomware attacks worldwide — including some infamous attacks on agribusiness. Dr. Janos Botschner of the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance explains how ransomware attacks happen – and why the ag sector specifically may have reason for concern ahead. Also: farmer Toban Dyck, a columnist for the Western Producer and Grainews, considers whether the decisions any of us make are always as rooted in logic and reason as we believe them to be. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan explains why the federal government is such a big supporter of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and Andy Harrington, Foodgrains Bank’s executive director, shares how the organization has evolved over time. Plus, investment advisor David Derwin outlines ways that farmers can capture high grain prices while avoiding risk. Hosted by Ed White.
The final destination for Prince Edward Island's bumper potato crop has become a question mark after the United States, citing recent cases of potato wart in the province, asked Canada to block the export of those potatoes. But as Greg Donald of the P.E.I. Potato Board explains, the exact reason for the U.S. request is also still a question mark. Also: A lot of federal lawmakers agree Canadian farmers should have a break on carbon tax on farm fuels. Now Sarah Dobson of the University of Calgary considers what form such a tax break should take and why. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
Rural Canada is desperately short of people to work on farms, at meat processing plants, in home care and at the local tire shop. Towns and small cities need more immigrants to fill the available jobs, but the immigration system pushes newcomers towards cities, says Janet Krayden, an agri-workforce expert with Mushrooms Canada. Also, Johanne Ross, executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, talks about her ag outreach efforts and her induction into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
This week on Between the Rows we preview the Advancing Women in Agriculture conference with a conversation with organizer, Iris Meck, and we visit with one conference presenter who’s a fourth-generation farmer on her farm in Manitoba. We also try to untangle the effect of the logistics meltdown on the agriculture sector with Phil Franz-Warkentin of MarketsFarm. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
This week’s Between the Rows features an interview with a molecular biologist with Cibus about how gene editing can develop traits that help farmers grow better crops while using fewer resources. There’s a new ecolabel about to show up on wheat products and it’s one that supports waterfowl as well as farmers. We’ll also talk to an Indigenous business leader in Saskatchewan about how agriculture and rural Canada can both support and benefit from the reconciliation process. Hosted by Laura Rance.
Ed White speaks with Derek MacLean and Bruce Brolley from Roquette about its new pea protein plant in Manitoba and how the company works with agronomists; and reporter Allan Dawson with the Manitoba Co-operator finds out what types of peas and production practices Roquette wants to see from growers. Plus, from Glacier FarmMedia’s ’Seeding the Future’ multimedia project, reporter Robin Booker with the Western Producer examines the role that wild sources play in pulse plant genetics and how they can help increase food security. Hosted by Ed White.
From southern France, Philip Prior shares the origins of his fascination with bees and how he keeps his apiaries healthy and productive. Ontario beekeeper and agronomist Jennifer Doelman discusses integrated pest management and the importance of buffer strips with Farmtario contributor Matt McIntosh. Bees with jobs? Ashish Malik explains his company’s award-winning system that delivers biological pest and disease control to crops. And, whither the woods near farmers’ fields? Online editor Greg Berg offers a report on the role that shelterbelts play for Prairie pollinators and some of the pressures facing insect species in his conversation with Melanie Dubois of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Hosted by Kristy Nudds.
This week on Between the Rows we hear from Melanie Dubois with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on how farmers can support bee populations, and why it makes environmental and economic sense. Plus, Geralyn Wichers with the Manitoba Co-operator reports on a new farm and food national labour strategy, and we hear from one educator from Saskatchewan Polytechnic who hopes a new program will start furnishing some of these scarce employees. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
This week's show lineup features a glimpse at the world of modern plant breeding through the eyes of Curtis Pozniak, a cereal crop breeder with the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. As well, members of the Grainews team, Kari Belanger and Lee Hart, talk about seed vaults and the people who preserve genetic resources. Hosted by Laura Rance.
From Glacier FarmMedia's multimedia special Seeding The Future, Lisa Guenther and Kristy Nudds take us into the mind of a man aiming to breed the perfect chicken while also preserving the diverse genetics found in birds along the way. Also: Matt McIntosh speaks with Ontario agronomist and beekeeper Jennifer Doelman about the benefits that can be harboured above ground level in buffer strips in your fields. And while Chicago oats recently punched up past US$6, Phil Franz-Warkentin explains how there's not much connecting that drama directly to the Prairie cash market. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
Biodiesel has been around for years, but it's about to be displaced by the new fuel on the block - renewable diesel. Sometimes known as green diesel, the fuel is made from vegetable oil and animal fat, and it can completely replace conventional diesel in trucks, tractors and trains. On this week's show, Sean Pratt of the Western Producer, David Bressler of the University of Alberta and Ian Thomson of Advanced Biofuels Canada, discuss the future of renewable diesel and the implications for Canadian farmers. Hosted by Robert Arnason.
This week is a special edition of Between the Rows focused on Reconciliation. Urban Indigenous writer Shelley Cook shares what visiting an ‘Every Child Matters’ corn maze meant to her and her children; and, professor and writer Roger Epp talks about how farmers choosing to share the land with Indigenous people has made him hopeful. Hosted by Ed White.
Can bees be employed to deliver crop protection products? Asish Malik, CEO of Bee Vectoring Technology, explains its award-winning system that delivers biological pest and disease control to crops; D.C. Fraser, Glacier FarmMedia Ottawa correspondent, offers his take on the results of this week’s federal election and how much – if anything – has changed for Canada’s ag sector; and Kim McConnell with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute spells out why the agriculture and food portfolio needs to be elevated to a front bench ministry. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
Some Prairie growers may be able to get a head start on next year's seeding — and maybe a somewhat smaller bill for inputs — by putting down fertilizer this fall. Soil fertility specialist John Heard of Manitoba Agriculture discusses the hows, whats, whens and wheres. Also: checking in after last week's Pulse and Special Crops Convention, Sean Pratt of the Western Producer explains how the market picture may have been redrawn for Prairie pulse growers. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
As crop insurers brace for what could be record payouts this year, Tyler Groeneveld, Corteva's commercial grains and oils leader for North America, tells us about a new approach the seed company is taking to share risk with canola growers. Also: Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm considers the ways in which this year's crop production shortfalls may spill over into next year's seeding decisions; and Bruce Thorson speaks with Guelph researcher Dr. Briana Hagen about a new way to help farmers, and those around them, learn to assess mental health needs. Hosted by Laura Rance.
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther brings us a few highlights from Ag In Motion’s inaugural Livestock Days, held at Langham, Sask. Jolie Vermette of Rafter View Ranch and Ranch Dog Inc. shares her passion for working stock dogs. Cynthia Beck, farmer and clinical psychology masters’ candidate, tells us about chronic stress and how to manage it. Finally, […]
With COVID-19 and a months-long strike having created backlogs of hogs in Quebec alone, can the protein sector find solutions that don't leave livestock producers on the hook? Canadian Pork Council vice-chair Rene Roy considers the stakes farmers face in his region; and, Phil Franz-Warkentin of MarketsFarm considers this week's drought-dented crop production estimates from Statistics Canada. Hosted by Dave Bedard.
Farmtario reporter Diana Martin talks to Rob Lipsett, Beef Farmers of Ontario president, about getting hay and financial support to livestock producers affected by drought; plus, Diana speaks with Albert Tenuta, field crop pathologist with OMAFRA, about identifying tar spot in corn and what steps Ontario growers can take to manage it; and Bruce Burnett and Glen Hallick of MarketsFarm offer a crop update after recent rainfall on the Prairies – how it measured up against this year’s drought – and a look at commodity markets. Hosted by Ed White.
In this episode, Glacier FarmMedia Ottawa correspondent D.C. Fraser gives us the inside track on the federal election from an agriculture perspective; Farmtario reporter Diana Martin shares a direct-to-consumer farm marketing success story that arose out of the pandemic; and Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm tells us exactly what all those downward revisions of crop production estimates mean. Hosted by Gord Gilmour.
Stress management expert Gerry Friesen bills himself as “The Recovering Farmer.” Friesen outlines the difficulties of preserving mental health on the farm during Covid, a drought, and in the relative isolation of rural communities; Alexis Kienlen, reporter for the Alberta Farmer Express, lays out the challenge of meeting grain contract […]
African swine fever, a virus that can kill 90 percent of pigs in a herd, has been found in the Dominican Republic. The disease is now much closer to Canada, and it represents a massive threat to North America’s pork industry. John Ross, executive director of the Canadian Pork Council, […]
Producers and farm leaders in Western Canada share their experiences with federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau in dealing with this year’s drought; reporter Sean Pratt of The Western Producer discusses India’s reduced import tariff on lentils and how long it may last; and Phil Franz-Warkentin of MarketsFarm discusses all the […]
The 2020/2021 crop year has been 12 months of shocks and surprises. Canola nearly doubled in price and soybeans topped $15 per bushel, during a price rally that came out of nowhere. Ed White of the Western Producer, and Phil Franz-Warkentin with Glacier MarketsFarm, explain what has happened in grain […]
This week on Between the Rows we talk with Tyler Fulton, president of Manitoba Beef Producers, about the impact of the drought on the cattle sector; weather specialist Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm offers his take on how the current drought on the Prairies stacks up against others in history; we […]
Statistics Canada and the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week both published new estimates of this spring’s plantings – some of which, as Phil Franz-Warkentin of MarketsFarm explains, were more surprising than others for grain traders. Also: Geralyn Wichers of the Manitoba Co-operator takes us on a field trip into the murky world of […]
With the traditional beef burger facing new competition from alternative non-meat proteins, should Canada’s cattle producers be concerned? Food marketing experts Jo-Ann McArthur of Nourish Food Marketing and Len Kahn of Kahntact put the meat and meat-alike markets in perspective. As for the shorter-term outlook in beef cattle values, Canadian […]
Farmers on the Eastern Prairies know they’re in a drought, but what they really want to know is – when will it end? On this week’s show you’ll hear from Trevor Hadwen, an agro-climate expert with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, who has designed a forecasting tool called the Drought Outlook. […]
This week we hear from University of Manitoba professor Dr. Ryan Cardwell who co-edited an agricultural economics publication that looked at the first year of the pandemic; we get an update on commodity markets from Glen Hallick of MarketsFarm; and we hear from FarmLink CEO Mark Lepp about the company’s […]
In this week’s episode, we visit a Manitoba sheep operation to document the annual rite of spring – shearing season; we delve into the world of agriculture protection legislation with Cam Dahl of the Manitoba Pork Council and Farmtario reporter Diana Martin; and Phil Franz-Warkentin of MarketsFarm tells us why […]
As improbable as it may seem this week, the Prairies just came out of a cold snap leaving some growers wondering whether their crops would live to see the end of May. Canola Council of Canada agronomy specialist Jason Casselman explains what to look for — as well as when and where. […]
In this week’s Between the Rows, we hear how rain in the forecast turned into a shower of donations for Saskatchewan charities thanks to Saskatchewan farmer, Rob Stone; how venture capitalist Arlene Dickinson is giving upstart companies in the food business more than seed money; and how a surge in […]
Farmers in Manitoba, North Dakota and parts of Saskatchewan desperately need rain, but when and where will it fall? Bruce Burnett, of Glacier MarketsFarm, discusses the drought and the need for regular rainfall this growing season. Sticking with water, some livestock producers are dealing with half-full or empty dugouts this […]
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther speaks with Sylvain Charlebois, researcher and professor in food distribution and food policy at Dalhousie University, about Canadian consumers and their beef habits; Manitoba Co-operator reporter Allan Dawson talks about the different political orientation of U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration compared to its previous office […]
Now that grain grower groups and other industry players have handed in their proposals for changes to the Canada Grain Act and Canadian Grain Commission, Allan Dawson of the Manitoba Co-operator examines what the future might hold following a federal review. And speaking of the future: with the ag labour […]
As technology steps up to handle more jobs on the farm, are its systems as protected as they need to be? The Community Safety Knowledge Alliance has a federally-backed project underway to assess, reinforce and promote cybersecurity across the agriculture sector, and CSKA lead investigator Dr. Janos Botschner lays out what we […]
Young Saskatchewan dairy farmer Jan Kielstra of Kielstra Holsteins talks about his decision to start a YouTube channel about daily life on the farm that now lays claim to over 140,000 subscribers and over 21-million views; Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther speaks with Brian Perillat of Canfax to get his […]
A growing number of Canadians have negative thoughts when they think about livestock – causing climate change, receiving unethical treatment and increasing antibiotic resistance. Mike McMorris, CEO of Livestock Research Innovation Corporation, says Canada’s livestock sector needs to unite and take collective action on these issues; reporter Karen Briere of […]
On this week’s episode, Canadian Cattlemen field editor Piper Whelan looks at the implications for ranchers to a proposed open-pit coal mine in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta; reporter Robert Arnason of The Western Producer discusses the implications for farmers on the recent Health Canada ruling on neonicotinoid insecticides; and […]
Reporter Robert Arnason of The Western Producer joins Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour to talk about an important ruling from Health Canada on gene editing; Bruce Burnett of Glacier MarketsFarm talks crops and the pluses and minuses of an early spring; and Alberta Farmer Express reporter Alexis Kienlen talks about […]
A new report by western Ontario farmer and Nuffield scholar Mark Brock looks not only at the value of collaboration and resource pooling between farmers to improve return on investment, but also at why farmers in this part of the world often tend to resist that idea. Also: Lee Hart of Grainews tells us […]
A Calgary company is planning a renewable diesel mega-project for Regina. Doug Cole, CEO of True North Renewable Fuels, explains what they plan to build and how renewable diesel is different from biodiesel. Another Alberta company is constructing an $800 million fibreboard plant in Trochu. Reporter Jennifer Blair, with the […]
From bio engineering to engineering biology, this week’s episode hears from Steven Webb, CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security about how new tools are turning the tables on agricultural innovation. The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Kevin Teneycke explains how a new initiative will enlist the power of ranchers […]
In this episode of Between the Rows, Ed White talks to Farmtario editor John Greig about “Hard Butter,” discusses enterprise reporting with The Western Producer’s Robert Arnason, and gets a markets outlook from Phil Franz-Warkentin of Glacier MarketsFarm. Hosted by Ed White.
Next week a blue-ribbon federal advisory council convenes to discuss a food policy for Canada and ways to improve connections within the country’s food systems. Alberta Farmer columnist Brenda Schoepp shares her perspective as a member of the new council. Also: Diana Martin of Farmtario checks back with foreign farm […]
In this week’s Between The Rows, Gord Gilmour talks to Glacier FarmMedia’s Ottawa correspondent D.C. Fraser about the uncertainty surrounding foreign workers; reporter Robert Arnason of The Western Producer sits down with Alberta Pork’s Brent Moen to talk about why producers are upset about pricing; and Kevin Yaworsky hosts a […]
This week’s Between the Rows looks at how one of Canada’s largest food processors is tapping into the growing interest in sustainability and how the Canadian industry is attempting to get Canadian food producers recognized for their efforts. We also talk with Bruce Burnett, director of weather and markets information […]
Battery-powered cars may be the future, but what about electric tractors? Does an e-tractor make sense on a Canadian farm? The Western Producer’s Ron Lyseng remains skeptical. Canada’s grain industry is working on a code of practice and farmers aren’t happy about another set of rules, says Western Producer reporter […]
With the Trump administration in the rearview mirror, farmers in the United States — and their farming neighbours in Canada, for that matter — may wonder what to expect from Joe Biden and company. U.S. ag columnist Alan Guebert considers what’s changed in the past four years and what […]
Professional bull rider Jake Gardner shares past experiences about life on the road and how COVID-19 has halted opportunities to compete; Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers agronomist Megan Bourns talks about the on-farm research network and shares a story about an unexpected find when harvest data results were collected after […]
This week’s Between the Rows hears from a municipal leader about the need to get rural broadband internet up to speed, how a fungus disease threatens to put a lid on growth in the Prairie pulse sector, what it’s like to be a professional barrel racer when the races are […]
In this week’s episode, Ed White speaks with Manitoba Co-operator reporter Allan Dawson about the radical transformation of the grain transportation system over the past 25 years, chats with The Western Producer editor Mike Raine about his paper’s deep dive into the farming implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and looks […]
Can the Canadian livestock processing sector expect to just return to business as usual when or if we get past the COVID-19 pandemic? Very probably not, and Dr. Jared Carlberg lays out options for major industry players and policy makers to consider ahead of whatever the next crisis may be. […]
On this episode of Between the Rows, host Gord Gilmour sits down with a panel of Glacier FarmMedia editors and discusses how the pandemic has affected Canadian agriculture. What were the expected outcomes? What were the black swans? Where were the bright spots? Have lessons been learned? Are there lessons […]
In this edition of Between the Rows, Sylvain Charlebois, one of the lead authors of the annual Food Price Report talks about rising food prices and the growth of the “single food economy; Tyler Groeneveld, the commercial grains and oils leader for Corteva AgriScience describes the modern phenomenon of “snackification” […]
This week’s Between the Rows celebrates Word Soil Day, slated for Dec. 5. We’ll be speaking to Blake Weiseth of Glacier FarmMedia’s Discovery Farm about how soil health is the new black; Mario Tenuta of the University of Manitoba tells us how nutrient stewardship augments soil health; Leonard Kahn of […]
Canada has a free trade deal with Britain, kind of. Claire Citeau, of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, discusses the interim free trade agreement between Canada and the UK; Environmental, Social and Governance could become a ‘mega trend’ in investing, but why should farmers care? Andrea Gruza, of Bonnefield Financial, […]
Cuts are landing at Alberta’s agriculture department as the province carries out a “workforce transformation” and steps off direct involvement in ag research, as Alberta Farmer Express reporter Jennifer Blair explains. Also: machinery writer Scott Garvey maps out the near-term market trajectory for autonomous tractors and what has yet […]
In this week’s episode, Ed White of The Western Producer speaks with the Canada West Foundation’s Carlo Dade and Sharon Sun about their idea for a new way to approach trade with China; Glacier FarmMedia reporters Lisa Guenther, Alexis Kienlen and Geralyn Wichers reveal their secret literary sides outside of […]
Laura Rance interviews Jim Cornelius, outgoing executive director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and his protegé Andy Harrington, about how the organization has grown and how Canadians have lived up to their generous reputation during the pandemic; Iris Meck, director of conferences for Glacier FarmMedia, offers a glimpse at the […]
In this episode, Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour takes an in-depth look at how farmers are coping with COVID-19. He speaks with reporter Geralyn Wichers who has written a story on the coming winter and how farmers may find opportunity in an age of pandemic restrictions; Jan Thorson from the […]
The Saskatchewan Party has been in power in the province since 2007, but it has the support of 58 per cent of voters. Reporter Karen Briere of The Western Producer explains why the Sask Party is still in favour; Moose hunting is popular in Manitoba, but the provincial government says […]
Let’s face it, nobody likes to talk about the state of their farm finances. Country Guide’s Lorraine Stevenson discusses some of the signs of financial problems and when it’s time to talk to someone. Also: Michele Austin, head of government and public policy and philanthropy for Twitter Canada, explains how […]
Reporter Ed White of The Western Producer talks with Maneka Malalgoda, the University of Manitoba’s new grain quality and processing professor, about her research on grain starch and protein chemistry; Western Producer digital editor Paul Yanko talks about the rich trove of online articles on its website about Percy Schmeiser […]
In a special edition of Between the Rows, we reflect over six months of pandemic life with no signs of it leaving everyday life anytime soon. Glacier FarmMedia’s Laura Rance interviews a collection of leading researchers and commentators about how our food system has fared throughout the pandemic. Hosted by […]
Ontario agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman delivers the news of a permanent site and government partnership for Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show; Glacier FarmMedia president Bob Willcox discusses the announcement and new research opportunities for the show; Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Keith Currie offers his thoughts on the permanent Canada’s Outdoor […]
Karen Briere of The Western Producer reports on combine fires this harvest season and what farmers are doing to protect themselves; Grainews editor Kari Belanger and Nutrien agronomist Cristie Preston take a closer look at fall fertilizer management in a special feature sponsored by Smart Nutrition MAP+MST from Nutrien; Lorraine […]
Robert Arnason of The Western Producer speaks with Robert Falconer, a researcher at the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, about a recent study looking at temporary foreign workers and domestic Canadians’ willingness to work on farms; John Greig, Farmtario editor, discusses Bill 156, newly-passed Ontario legislation to protect […]
With a less-than-unanimous vote, what happens now to the seed sector organizations that were planning to amalgamate under the Seeds Canada banner? Allan Dawson of the Manitoba Co-operator considers the groups’ options. Also: Farmtario contributing writer Stew Slater tells us about the arable yet underfarmed Northern Clay Belt of northeastern […]
Farmtario editor John Greig talks about the growing concern of cyber crime in the ag sector; Manitoba Co-operator reporter Geralyn Wichers talks about workers’ safety concerns in an update on the situation at Maple Leaf Foods’ hog slaughter plant at Brandon, Manitoba; and Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm calls in to […]
Al Mussell with Agri-Food Economic Systems explains a recently produced analysis outlining some of the risks and opportunities facing Canada’s agricultural sector; Mike Raine of The Western Producer discusses his new role as editor of the publication after several years as managing editor; and Bruce Burnett of Glacier MarketsFarm talks […]
Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour and Farmtario editor John Greig discuss a controversial release of farmer information by the Ontario government; AGCanada.com daily news editor Dave Bedard talks about some “seedy” packages that are showing up in Canadian mailboxes; Alberta Farmer Express reporter Alexis Kienlen reports on the growing challenge […]
Yvonne Lawley with the University of Manitoba talks about the types of cover crops that grow well in Manitoba and how adding a cover crop cocktail to your rotation can help improve soil health and yields; reporter Jennifer Glenney with Farmtario speaks with agronomist Matt Rundle of Harriston Agromart about […]
Karen Briere of The Western Producer reports on the media focus on Hutterite colonies in Saskatchewan surrounding COVID-19 and what steps are being taken to reduce infection rates; Ed White of The Western Producer explains hog cut-out values and how some independent producers are fed up with the current pricing […]
Ag in Motion show director Rob O’Connor provides a mid-show update on how things are going at the Ag in Motion Discovery Plus virtual farm show; Rick Bergmann, chair of the Canadian Pork Council, addresses a crisis impacting Canada’s independent pork producers; Blake Weiseth, PAg and Hon. Greg Ottenbreit, Saskatchewan […]
Canadians are now debited for the carbon they add to the atmosphere, so why hasn’t Canada made similar progress crediting farmers whose practices pull carbon out of the air? As Farmtario editor John Greig reports, our southern neighbours are fast forging ahead on such a policy for their farmers. Also: […]
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther talks with John Jamieson, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity about the documentary, ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’; Manitoba Co-operator reporter Alexis Stockford outlines the damage to crops and local infrastructure after recent record-breaking storms and flooding in western Manitoba; and Bruce […]
Glacier FarmMedia’s Laura Rance talks with Wes Anderson, chief fertility specialist with CropPro Consulting, about how they’re adjusting to the new normal in ag; Scott Garvey emerges from retirement to talk about the four UTV models and testing criteria in this year’s Machinery Challenge for Ag in Motion Discovery Plus; […]
Lorraine Stevenson of Country Guide discusses her recent story about a study that shows how less media attention is being paid to farm accidents and what that means for farm safety; Glacier FarmMedia Ottawa correspondent David Fraser reports on the federal government’s new surplus food-buying program; Jennifer Blair with the […]
Robert Arnason of The Western Producer talks with Tim Searchinger, senior fellow with the World Resources Institute, about regenerative agriculture and climate change; Markus Haerle, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario, explains how the federal carbon tax is affecting Ontario farmers using grain dryers; special guests Ada (8) and Hayley […]
What will a farm show look like when it moves from outdoors to cyberspace? Rob O’Connor, show director for Ag in Motion Discovery Plus, and Laura Rance, Glacier FarmMedia’s vice-president for content, explain what farmers can expect to see in crops, livestock, machinery and expert panelists in July. Also: the […]
Ed White of The Western Producer talks with Geralyn Wichers of the Manitoba Co-operator about a boom in business for small beef producers during the COVID-crisis; professor Simon Somogyi with the University of Guelph discusses how Canada’s food supply system has managed through the pandemic; Sean Pratt of The Western […]
Spencer Myers of Glacier FarmMedia talks with Blake Weiseth, PAg and Applied Research Lead with GFM’s Discovery Farm about data collection on their salinity and variable rate fertilizer application trials; Andy Chamberlin, butcher and co-owner of Cypress Meats and Spring Creek Farms Inc., shares how his Cypress River butcher shop […]
Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour talks with Farmtario editor John Greig about a controversial attack ad by Ontario grain farmers aimed at Prime Minister Trudeau; Ed White of The Western Producer speaks to federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau about concerns that financial aid for Canadian farmers doesn’t go far enough; […]
Glacier FarmMedia’s Laura Rance interviews Maryse Bourgault, the first Western Grains Research Foundation Integrated agronomy chair at the University of Saskatchewan about how farmers and researchers can work together to improve the science of agronomy in Western Canada; Farmtario editor John Greig discusses the potential increase of paperless transactions on […]
Robert Arnason and Ed White of The Western Producer discuss Australia’s recent political scuffle with China and how it relates to Canada’s situation; Sean Pratt of The Western Producer talks about a price boom in peas, lentils and chickpeas; Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour interviews agronomist Ken Gross with Ducks […]
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther and Alberta Farmer reporter Alexis Kienlen consider the next steps for the beef industry as COVID-19 spreads in the processing workforce; Canadian Foodgrains Bank executive director Jim Cornelius discusses the added strain the virus, and the response, puts on people already facing food insecurity overseas; […]
Ed White of The Western Producer and Geralyn Wichers from the Manitoba Co-operator discuss how Manitoba’s switch to online education is affecting rural students; Farmtario editor John Greig discusses how local food suppliers are seeing a surge of demand for their products, with Saskatchewan beef producer Mark Hoimyr sharing his […]
Dave Bedard, Glacier FarmMedia’s daily news editor, talks with Terry Betker, president and CEO of Backswath Management about the potential financial impact of COVID-19 on the ag industry. Dave is joined by Tom Button, editor of Country Guide, Farmtario editor John Greig and Ed White of The Western Producer for […]
Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour talks with Andrew Dickson, Manitoba Pork Council general manager, about the challenges currently facing the pork sector. Doug McLaren of JAS Angus and Mark Shologan, Sales Director of DLMS talk about bull sales and auctions converting to online. Alexis Stockford of the Manitoba Co-operator, Alexis […]
Dave Bedard, Glacier FarmMedia’s daily news editor, interviews farm family coach Elaine Froese about the unique challenges for farmers created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Robert Arnason of The Western Producer interviews KAP president Bill Campbell. We also talk to several editors from the GFM network including Mike Raine of The […]
Laura Rance talks with agricultural economists Al Mussell and Richard Gray about the impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian agricultural economy. Later, we hear a panel discussion with GFM staff including Bruce Burnett, Allan Dawson, and Ed White about how the pandemic is affecting different sectors in the ag industry. […]
Travis Warkentin, Grainews magazine’s new machinery reporter, talks about his new writing role and farm background; Guy Ash, global training manager with Pessl Instruments, discusses the company’s plan for e-learning and online certification for agronomists and ag professionals; Colin Penner, farm management instructor at the University of Manitoba, shares how […]
Farm Credit Canada’s chief economist J.P. Gervais discusses the latest Farmland Values Report and which direction farmland affordability is headed; New Zealand farmer Tim Anderson offers his insight of farm life and shares stories from his family’s beef and sheep farm; and Bruce Burnett of Glacier MarketsFarm gives his take […]
Reporter Alexis Kienlen with the Alberta Farmer Express talks with Ed White about their recent trip to the Port of Vancouver; Lana Shaw with the South East Research Farm discusses some COVID-19 -related challenges that she and other ag-researchers could encounter this spring; Dr. Egan Brockhoff with the Canadian Pork […]
Beth Connery, owner/operator of Connery’s Riverdale Farms, discusses the fast-changing landscape of bringing seasonal workers to Canada; renowned ag-reporter Barb Duckworth of The Western Producer prepares for her retirement after 32 years with the publication; Alexis Kienlen of the Alberta Farmer Express reports on a recent seminar that dealt with […]
Robert Arnason of The Western Producer talks with Scott Weese, a University of Guelph veterinarian and infectious disease expert, about the possibility of humans transferring COVID-19 to farm animals; on the same topic, Robert speaks with Volker Gerdts, director and CEO of VIDO-Intervac, (the vaccine and infectious disease organization at the […]
Meet our outgoing and incoming editors-in-chief at Grainews, Leeann Minogue and Kari Belanger; A&W CEO Susan Senecal lays out the burger chain’s plans for an all-Canadian, all-grass-fed beef supply; Gord Gilmour of the Manitoba Co-operator calls up Farm Credit Canada’s J.P. Gervais for his perspective on commodities’ response to crude […]
Spencer Myers of Glacier FarmMedia speaks with Eric Wareham of the Western Equipment Dealers Association about the ‘Right to Repair’ and the fine line between equipment repairs and modifications; Marla Riekman with Manitoba Agriculture shares ways to deal with saline soils and tips for building long-term soil management strategies; Charley […]
Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour is joined by reporter Geralyn Wichers to discuss her recent story on the Lepp sisters who are blending the worlds of agriculture and fashion using Instagram; FarmTario editor John Greig calls in to talk about the budding controversy of cannabis production in Ontario; David Fraser, […]
Special Edition: Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is moving into her second year in charge of the agriculture file and her government’s second term in office. Ed White of The Western Producer had a chance to sit down with Marie-Claude Bibeau during CropConnect in Winnipeg to talk about her […]
Laura Rance, vice-president of content for Glacier FarmMedia, talks with Darrell Bricker, Global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs about global population and its affect on markets; Zach Johnson, the ‘Millennial Farmer’ of YouTube fame, discusses the importance of connecting to non-farming audiences; Laura Rance talks with Bill Campbell, president of […]
Robert Arnason of the Western Producer talks with Stacey Hiebert of Royal LePage in Steinbach, Man., about farmland market trends; University of Regina sociology professor Andre Magnan talks about his recent survey of 400 farmers and their perceptions on buying and renting farmland on the Prairies; celebrating the International Day […]
Ed White of the Western Producer offers highlights from this year’s Keystone Agricultural Producers meeting and talks with KAP president Bill Campbell about the lean times farmers are experiencing; Ed also interviews David Sullivan of Global Ag Risk Solutions about profitability on Canadian farms; Justine Cornelson and Dan Orchard, agronomists […]
Jennifer Glenney of Farmtario tells us about health risks that poultry producers will have to manage in their flocks as they adopt new housing formats; online editor Greg Berg, at Ag Days in Brandon, speaks to farmers Eric McLean and Adam Gurr about how they sort through their collected data […]
Recorded at Ag Days in Brandon, Man.: Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour talks with Farm Credit Canada chief agriculture economist Craig Klemmer about what to expect in 2020; Co-operator reporter Alexis Stockford discusses the looming challenge of clubroot and talks with Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister about the carbon tax on […]
Lorraine Stevenson of Country Guide reports on the health of mid-sized farms, Ron Lyseng of the Western Producer examines the issue of equipment sustainability and how the used farm machine market is changing, Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour offers highlights from the recently held 35th annual St. Jean Farm Days, […]
Barb Glen of the Western Producer offers up a topic sure to send a chill down the spine of many farmers – agriculture after glyphosate, Jennifer Blair of the Alberta Farmer Express reports on how clubroot has continued to quietly march across that province, Glacier FarmMedia’s Ottawa correspondent David Fraser […]
Host Laura Rance is joined by Ed White, Robert Arnason, Gord Gilmour, Dave Bedard and Bruce Burnett for a round-table discussion on the top agriculture stories of 2019 and their impacts on the upcoming 2020 crop year.
Sean Pratt, reporter with the Western Producer, calls in to discuss the growth of canola production in Russia and what’s driving the shift, Ed White and Robert Arnason with the Western Producer along with Ryan Cardwell, ag economist at the University of Manitoba, discuss WTO frustrations and the U.S. move […]
Glacier FarmMedia’s Laura Rance talks with Martin Entz of the University of Manitoba about how farmers can apply systemic solutions to solve complex problems, Guy Ash of Pessl Instruments talks with Western Producer reporter Ed White about the need for farmers and agronomists to adapt to new farm technologies, Spencer […]
Glacier FarmMedia’s Spencer Myers talks with Cory Willness of Croptimistic Technology Inc. about “The 10 Myths of Precision Ag,” Laura Rance speaks with Sask. farmer and agronomy coach Terry Aberhart about the past, present, and future of precision ag, Robert Arnason of the Western Producer finds out from Christian Willenborg […]
Farmtario editor John Greig explains how the Ontario government’s ag ministry is testing Lean principles in the business of farming; Katie Ward, president of the National Farmers Union, considers the organization’s past, present and future for its 50th anniversary convention in Winnipeg; Allan Dawson of the Manitoba Co-operator discusses how […]
Scott Garvey, our retiring machinery editor for Grainews and Country Guide, considers where the agricultural equipment sector is headed and what farmers have to look forward to as technology advances; Noreen Lanigan of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, talks to Laura Rance about how that country’s Origin Green program […]
Alexis Kienlen of the Alberta Farmer Express reports on how some producers are using dogs to sniff out clubroot in canola fields, Glacier FarmMedia Ottawa correspondent David Fraser talks about conversations heard at a recent conference that challenged the definition of “sustainable,” reporter Allan Dawson with the Manitoba Co-operator reviews […]
Laura Rance talks with Australian farmer and soil health educator Joel Williams about using agricultural science to change the conversation around soil health and farming systems (Joel was a keynote speaker at the first Canadian Summit on Climate Change and Food Systems in Kelowna, B.C.), organic vegetable producer Gillian Flies […]
Brian Innes with the Canola Council of Canada talks about Canada and China’s recent discussions on canola exports and what it means for Canadian producers, Manitoba premier Brian Pallister announces his government’s environmental approach, with Duncan Morrison of the Manitoba Forage & Grasslands Association offering his feedback on the news, […]
Robert Arnason of the Western Producer speaks with Ottawa reporter David Fraser about the federal election results and the reaction out of Western Canada, Carlo Dade of the Canada West Foundation shares his thoughts on the election and its potential effects on agriculture and trade, Alberta Farmer contributor Jeff Melchior […]
Manitoba Co-operator editor Gord Gilmour speaks with Ed White of the Western Producer about a new oat processing plant coming to Manitoba, Alexis Stockford of the Manitoba Co-operator reports on recent friction around proposed changes to Crown lands leases in Manitoba, Country Guide editor Tom Button offers some context on […]
Farmtario editor John Greig discusses the lack of agricultural debate in Canada’s federal election campaign and some key issues for Ontario farmers, Ed White of the Western Producer provides context on the announcement of a new oat-processing plant to rise up in Manitoba, Mario Tenuta with the University of Manitoba […]
Ed White talks with Brian Cross of the Western Producer about wet field conditions and harvest setbacks seen across the Prairies, Alexis Stockford of the Manitoba Co-operator joins Ed to discuss their thoughts on the inaugural Pulse Protein Summit, Glacier FarmMedia’s Laura Rance speaks with Gerry Friesen about his experience […]
Barb Glen of the Western Producer and John Greig of Farmtario report on a string of recent activist-organized farm invasions that have producers worried about their rights and sense of security, Ed White of the Western Producer and Allan Dawson of the Manitoba Co-operator discuss trade disruptions and how it’s […]
Gord Gilmour and Geralyn Wichers of the Manitoba Co-operator recap promises made — and not yet made — to the province’s producers as Manitoba’s incumbent Tories return to office following last week’s election; Dr. Sylvain Charlebois of Dalhousie University examines the Canadian public’s appetite for agriculture and food policy discussions […]
Martin Harry, a special projects co-ordinator at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, discusses how roller crimpers can be an ideal option for zero-till weed control, Laura Rance, vice-president of content at Glacier FarmMedia, talks with a panel who collaborated on ‘Soils at Guelph,’ a new soil health initiative at the University […]
Jennifer Blair of Alberta Farmer Express returns from the AgSmart conference in Olds, Alta. with several perspectives on how an abundance of data is expected to drive farming in the future — that is, if farmers are able to make the data usable; Doug Wagner, president of Canada’s Outdoor Farm […]
RBC’s Andrew Schrumm discusses the bank’s ‘Farmer 4.0’ report and the decisions farm sector players and policymakers need to make now for Canada to be an ag superpower; Rob Gobeil of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association reviews a recent criminal negligence case and how farm families with young children can […]
Manitoba Beef Producers general manager Carson Callum describes the “extreme” shortage of livestock feed in Manitoba and the efforts being made to fill the feed gap, Farmtario editor John Greig reports on reaction to the cash payment announced by the federal government to compensate dairy farmers for recent trade deals, […]
Scott Garvey, machinery editor with Grainews and Country Guide, discusses combine settings, why producers can’t just “set it and forget it” at harvest, and how your grain loss monitor could fool you, Dante Manocchio, regional manager in Quebec for Richardson International, talks about La Tournee des grandes cultures (a.k.a. the […]
Neil Townsend of FarmLink shares what he saw during the recent Grain World crop tour of the prairie provinces and how major crops are developing, Crystal Mackay of Loft32 talks about the veggie protein movement, some of the public perceptions on beef consumption and how beef producers should react to […]
Geralyn Wichers of the Manitoba Co-operator reports on a recent global soil health forum of agronomists from East Africa who shared their conservation agriculture practices, Glacier FarmMedia’s Laura Rance learns about a grain bin safety harness system that protects farmers from falls, Ed White of the Western Producer learns who […]
Corey Dalman with Vermeer talks about its ZR5 self-propelled baler and why it may be the equipment upgrade you’re looking for, Alberta beef producer Graeme Finn on grazing, pasture management, and how some producers are being too soft on their cattle, Tyler Groeneveld with Corteva talks about the company’s focus […]
Ag in Motion show director Rob O’Connor talks about the terrific growth and “amazing buzz” around the farm show as it celebrates its fifth year, high tech smart sprayer Xarvio merges its scouting app and sprayer technologies to selectively target weeds with herbicide, Manitoba Co-operator reporter Alexis Stockford talks with […]
Marla Carlson with SaskOrganics discusses the continuing growth in organic field crop production in Western Canada and what’s driving the trend, AGCanada.com daily news editor Dave Bedard speaks with ‘food professor’ Sylvain Charlebois about Canada’s new national food policy and if the plan – and financial resources – are being […]
With China’s move to block all imports of Canadian pork and beef over the discovery of bogus veterinary health certificates, Alexis Stockford of the Manitoba Co-operator discusses what we know so far about the effects on Canada’s export meat markets; Allan Dawson of the Co-operator reviews pending changes to the […]
Canadian Cattlemen editor Lisa Guenther on how recent rains have offered some hope for forage growers and cattle producers, though feed shortages still likely loom, Mike Raine and Karen Briere talk with recently awarded Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers Jason and Jenna Ranger, Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm offers an update on […]
Andrea Eriksson with NorQuest College on the exceptional versatility of hemp and its growing potential – and production particulars – for growers on the Prairies, Lorraine Stevenson of Country Guide reports on Canada’s farm labour shortage and what’s being done to address the widening gap, and Bruce Burnett of MarketsFarm […]
Glacier FarmMedia machinery editor Scott Garvey reveals why John Deere brought an S700 Series combine to the recent Consumer Electronics Show, Food in Canada editor Kristy Nudds discusses the challenges Canada’s food processors are facing to meet federal targets to grow agri-food exports, reporter Geralyn Wichers with the Manitoba Co-operator […]
Alexis Stockford with the Manitoba Co-operator reports on the province’s growing wild pig problem and what’s being done to assess their numbers to help rein them in, Country Guide editor Tom Button talks about a new tool that can help with your farm’s financial performance, and Phil Franz-Warkentin of MarketsFarm […]
Terry Betker of Backswath Management and Maggie Van Camp with BDO Canada discuss the growth in farm business management groups and how farmers are learning from each other, Mike Raine with the Western Producer sits down with Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s minister of foreign affairs, to discuss trade, tariffs and China’s […]
Mike Raine of the Western Producer talks with Rob O’Connor, Ag in Motion show director, about how the outdoor farm show has grown – including a new project called the ‘Field of Excellence’ that aims to help position farmers for a better future, Darrin Qualman, author of ‘Civilization Critical,’ offers […]
Kelly Daynard with Farm & Food Care Ontario describes how some animal rights activists have become more aggressive in their tactics on livestock farms, Ed White and Robert Arnason of the Western Producer discuss the future of growth in China and challenge some of the assumptions about the world’s second-largest […]
Farmtario editor John Greig reports on traceability in agriculture and how the technology aims to change the way producers do business, Karen Briere with the Western Producer reports on the Saskatchewan government’s recent unsuccessful court challenge to the federal carbon tax, Allan Dawson with the Manitoba Co-operator reports on how […]
Jennifer Blair of the Alberta Farmer Express reports on how all-day breakfasts helped serve up a record-breaking year for egg sales and how consumers may be seeing them in a healthier light, Allan Dawson of the Manitoba Co-operator reports on what’s being proposed to put an end to China’s ban […]
Jennifer Blair of the Alberta Farmer Express reports on how farmers in that province are being impacted by the carbon tax and how the newly elected government’s plan to get rid of it may not offer relief, Country Guide machinery editor Scott Garvey discusses an upcoming trip to the world’s […]