Rural Roots Canada: Recent Episodes
RRC soundbites
RRC strives to tell unique stories from the agriculture community that show the true roots of the industry. It will also show off new products and ideas from the ever evolving industry.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
In this episode, Craig Lester takes Rural Roots Canada on the road to Ag in Motion in Langham, Saskatchewan.We begin with new federal support for Saskatchewan agriculture businesses and organizations. It includes funding to help accelerate the growth of the province's agtech and biotech sectors. Jeremy Lang, President and CEO of the Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership, explains the investment's impact on entrepreneurial innovation and how will strengthen Saskatchewan's innovation ecosystem (6:16). Then Craig shares highlights from his Ag in Motion trade mission and from the show's conversations. (9:00) Finally, Lindsay Skabar with Invest in Farms Canada (IIF Canada) discusses a new platform designed to give Canadians more opportunities to invest directly in Canadian agriculture and learn while doing so. (10:12)
The 104th Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede runs through Sunday, bringing together producers, ranchers, exhibitors and families for five days of agriculture.The event features livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, trade displays and competitions showcasing the region's farming and ranching roots.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
The Do More Agriculture Foundation, a national charitable organization championing mental health in agriculture, has a new board Chair.Emma Cross, a pedigreed Hereford cattle producer from Tofield, Alberta, says the foundation is near and dear to my heart because mental health is something that we all have, we all deal with.She says one of their big goals is to reduce the stigma around mental health in agriculture, creating an environment where farmers feel empowered to seek support through workshops, education and community connections
says Wacowich, referring to some of the questions farmers should be asking themselves as they build their plan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
Producers looking to get the best return from their precision agriculture equipment may want to keep an eye on research underway at Olds College Centre for Innovation.The SmartAg Applied Research team has partnered with Alberta Grains on the On-Farm Precision Experimentation (OFPE) program, a project designed to help farmers identify the most economical seeding and nitrogen fertilizer rates for wheat and barley under real-world growing conditions.Project Lead Daniel Stefner says the research makes use of equipment producers already own.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
The inaugural CDC Newell Ag Summit in June brought together producers, industry, academia, researchers and innovators for a day of collaboration, networking and tours of the renovated and upgraded Crop Diversification Centre near Brooks. County of Newell Reeve Arno Doerksen says they were excited to be able to bring together a diverse group of people.T "This attracted a lot of really good people who have a significant opportunity to make a difference. You know, in in their industry but also to our future here at CDC. A lot of horsepower in the room today, really," said Doerksen. More than 120 attendees participated in the event, introducing newcomers to the capabilities of CDC South while reconnecting industry leaders with its research and development opportunities.
At this year's Calgary Stampede, local seasonal ingredients were on full display at the first-ever Taste of Stampede. The culinary cup pitted chefs from across Alberta against one another in a mouth-watering competition. Errin Massolin is the head chef of The Nash in Calgary's Inglewood neighbourhood. Using local is so important to her. She grew up in High River in a family of farmers. Massolin finished fourth overall in the event.
Canadians overwhelmingly believe the country should maintain control over its food supply, and want Ottawa to stand firm in defending farmers, dairy farmers, and supply management as trade negotiations continue with the United States, according to new polling by Nanos Research. The survey, commissioned by the Dairy Farmers of Canada, found 91 per cent of Canadians say maintaining Canadian control over the food supply is important, while 68 per cent believe the federal government should strongly defend the interests of dairy farmers during CUSMA negotiations.
The Jr Steer Classic at the Calgary Stampede brought together competitors from across Western Canada... One of the participants was Wyatt Elias from Prince George, B.C. Elias says bringing a steer to this show has been on his list for a long time.
Shelby Dutertre from Bonnyville, Alberta, talked her way to a first-place finish in the Senior division of the Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships at the Calgary Stampede on the weekend. Youth had to compete at a regional competition in order to qualify for the finals. Duterte says the win in the finals was a complete surprise.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
The BC Agriculture Council is moving forward with plans to establish a provincial Farmland Trust aimed at protecting agricultural land and keeping it in production for future generations. The proposed trust would preserve farmland, support farm succession and help ensure productive land remains available for farming rather than being lost to other uses. The council says the initiative comes as rising land values, affordability challenges and a growing number of farm transitions are making it increasingly difficult for new and next generation farmers to access land.
The federal government is investing more than $4 million to grow demand for Canadian beef around the world. Announced Wednesday at the Calgary Stampede, the investment comes through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program. Canada Beef will receive $3.7 million to promote Canadian beef and veal through advertising, promotional campaigns and market development activities, while the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) will receive up to $300,000 to support trade advocacy, strengthen international relationships and advance science-based trade rules. Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said the funding is about both protecting existing export markets and creating new opportunities for Canadian producers.
With only about 200 Shire horses in Canada, an Alberta breeder is working to keep these gentle giants alive for future generations.
Producers looking to get the best out of their precision ag equipment should keep an eye on research out of Olds College. Olds College has been collaborating with Alberta Grains on the On-Farm Precision Experimentation research project SmartAg Applied Research Team Project Lead Daniel Stefner says they are evaluating the most economical seeding and nitrogen fertilizer rates for wheat and barley
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
The Alberta government is investing more than $7 million to expand and modernize agriculture training facilities at Lakeland College, saying the upgrades will help prepare students for careers while strengthening the rural workforce. The money will be used to expand the college's beef yard and relocate its horse pen facilities at its Vermilion campus.
On this Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester talk about the recent CDC Neweall Ag Summit, a two-day event full of collaboration, connection, and moving the agriculture sector forward. Rural Roots Canada was on the ground at the summit, which brought together researchers, producers, and more to spark conversation, spur innovation, and showcase the future of the ag sector.
On June 22, Alberta producers gathered near Claresholm for a Plot2Farm field day that showed how on-farm research can help answer practical agronomic questions. Hosted by Alberta Grains in partnership with Silverwood Ventures, the event drew about 40 farmers and industry representatives to tour research trials and discuss how locally generated data can support management decisions. Jeremy Boychyn, director of research, agronomy and extension with Alberta Grains, said the Plot2Farm program gives producers a structured way to test agronomic ideas on their own farms. "The goal of the program is really to support farmers in trialing different agronomic practices on their farm through a stronger scientific approach," Boychyn said. The process relies on randomized and replicated trials, careful site and equipment selection, analysis of the results and a return of the data to the growers involved. Alberta Grains works with producers to design trials around questions they want answered.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
Farmers and ranchers forced to leave their operations during an emergency could soon face fewer hurdles getting back to care for livestock and protect their property. The BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has launched a standardized, digitally enabled Temporary Access Pass system to help local authorities and First Nations manage requests from producers who need access to areas under evacuation orders during emergencies. The new system builds on temporary access pass processes that have existed across B.C. for years but have often varied from one jurisdiction to another, creating confusion for both emergency officials and those seeking access.
On this Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester discuss the rainfall across the Prairies that has left many farmers' fields waterlogged from Alberta to Manitoba. RRC meteorologist David Spence joins the conversation, sharing insights about the rainy start to the summer and what we might expect as we move further into the summer months. As well, farmer and agrologist Linda Hunt shares what the conditions look like on the ground and how flooding is affecting operations.
Bushel Plus Ltd. is marking its 10th anniversary by rebranding as BranValt, a move the company says better reflects its evolution from a single-product startup to a global harvest optimization technology provider.
Future veterinarians gained hands-on training at the Youth Veterinary Science Challenge, an event designed to encourage youth to pursue careers critical to agriculture and animal health.
Livestock theft still occurs on the Prairies, but officials say fraud and weak business arrangements are becoming a bigger risk for producers.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
We finally got the topsoil moisture we needed, so why are crops across the west not all up and out of the ground yet? RRC meteorologist David Spence has the answer.
On this Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester talk about the Alberta Farm Writers Association Farm Tour, which took place in northeastern Alberta, including a stop at Chatsworth Farm and a conversation with Charlotte Wasilyk. Then, we head down to southeastern Alberta and stop at the Cypress Farm and Ranch Show for a discussion about the event and its fundraising efforts for HALO Air Ambulance. It's all about community and promoting agriculture on this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast!
Applications are now open for the 2027 Nuffield Canada Scholarship, offering professionals in agriculture the chance to study global food systems through international travel and research. The program is open to individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 working in agriculture, food or agribusiness. Selected scholars take part in a two-year program that includes at least 10 weeks of travel, along with independent research on a topic relevant to their work.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
On this Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester kick things off talking about the latest on the New World screwworm situation in Texas and what it might mean for the Calgary Stampede. Then, a major digital upgrade for farmers and agronomists as Alberta's Crop Protection Guide - better known as the Blue Book - is now available through a mobile app, putting critical crop protection information at producers' fingertips. Finally, a conversation with Jenna Sarich, a 2025 Nuffield Canada scholar, to learn how the prestigious program is helping agricultural leaders expand their knowledge and bring a global perspective to Canadian agriculture.
The Calgary Stampede says it doesn't anticipate any disruptions to its Western Events programming due to the screwworm situation in Texas. Last week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) temporarily banned livestock from Texas after two confirmed cases of New World screwworm were found in two calves in the southern U.S. state. It says all livestock, including horses, originating from or present in Texas within 21 days before crossing the border, will not be accepted into the country.
For many farmers, the workday doesn't end when they leave the field, park the tractor or finish chores in the barn. The farm is often their home, workplace and livelihood all at once. That connection can make it difficult to separate personal life from work. That is one of the reasons Counselling Alberta offers a farm-informed counselling program designed specifically for agricultural producers and their families.
The Alberta Blue Book now has its own app. Alberta's three largest crop commissions, Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains, and Alberta Pulse Growers, have launched a new mobile app for Alberta's Crop Protection Guide, better known as the Blue Book, giving farmers and agronomists immediate digital access to crop protection guidance.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
From the show floor to the trade war, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester bring together some of the stories Rural Roots Canada has been following for this episode of the RRC podcast. This week, we recap the energy and excitement of 4-H on Parade at Stamepede Park, featuring voices from young competitors who are building skills, leadership, and lifelong connections. We also dig into growing tensions between Canada and the U.S. over mushrooms, as Mushrooms Canada's Ryan Koeslag explains what new duties could mean for growers, jobs, and grocery bills. Plus, Olivia Taylor sits down with Ag in the Classroom’s Mercedes Unwin to talk about connecting the next generation with Canadian agriculture. Also, we added info on a ticket giveaway for the Cypress Farm and Ranch Show. Be sure to listen for details.
Canadian mushroom growers are warning that new U.S. trade duties on fresh mushroom imports could drive up food prices and threaten jobs on both sides of the border. In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into Canadian mushroom exports following a petition from a group of American producers, according to Mushrooms Canada executive vice-president Ryan Koeslag. Koeslag said the Canadian industry has spent decades investing in technology and production practices, helping expand exports into the United States. The U.S. has since imposed preliminary duties on fresh Canadian mushrooms, citing general farm tax exemptions and cash-basis accounting practices as reasons for the countervailing measures.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
Drought is once again becoming a growing concern in British Columbia, and cattle producers are already starting to ring the alarm bells. In a statement, the BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) says low snowpack, dry conditions and ongoing water shortages are putting pressure on ranchers heading into the summer grazing season. It's urging the province to preserve critical water-storage infrastructure and calling for a halt to any plans to remove or decommission it.
A Grade 6 class from Templeton Academy in Meadows, N.L., has been named the national winner of Mission Explorium, a Canada-wide agriculture education program that challenges students to solve real-world food and sustainability issues. More than 5,300 students in Grades 6 to 8 participated in the Agriculture in the Classroom Canada program this year. Students were tasked with designing a sustainable community on a deserted island while learning about agriculture, food systems, ecosystems and resource management.
Lethbridge Polytechnic agronomy student Paul Skretting served as this year's valedictorian for its spring 2026 convocation. Skretting, who is completing a diploma in agriculture sciences, led the graduating class and delivered the valedictory address during the afternoon ceremony on May 22.
Youth across Alberta are being invited to share their passion for agriculture through public speaking this summer. The Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition is returning for its 11th year in partnership with the Calgary Stampede Youth Agricultural Speaking Championships and Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies. Preliminary competitions will take place in Athabasca, Olds and Calgary ahead of the finals during Stampede. The competition is open to youth between the ages of 11 and 24, with competitors vying for a share of $15,000 in prizes and the chance to advance to the national championships in Toronto. More information can be found at https://ag.calgarystampede.com/events/youth-speaking
A new economic analysis commissioned by the Agriculture Transport Coalition says a single week of rail and port disruptions during peak export season could cost the grain sector up to $540 million. The report found most of those losses come from export sales that can’t be recovered once shipments are delayed. It also says that just the threat of a disruption could trigger up to $112 million in missed sales before a work stoppage even begins. The findings were released as part of the new “Too Much on the Line” campaign, which is calling on the federal government to reform Canada’s labour relations framework.
Collaboration, innovation and agriculture research will take centre stage next month in Brooks as the CDC Newell Ag Summit brings producers, researchers, industry and community members together for two days of networking and discussion. The event is scheduled for June 18 and 19 and will showcase the work being done at CDC South while creating opportunities for new partnerships and ideas across the agriculture sector.
Drought is once again becoming a growing concern in B.C., and cattle producers are already ringing the alarm bells. The BC Cattlemen's Association says low snowpack, dry conditions, and ongoing water shortages are putting pressure on ranchers heading into the summer grazing season. In a release, the group says producers are already keeping a close eye on feed supplies and preparing for the possibility of reduced pasture growth and water availability.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester discuss mental health supports for farmers. Counselling Alberta's Farm-informed counselling focuses on the long days, unpredictability, and isolation that farming can bring. The program offers mental health support with counsellors who understand life on the farm. We speak to Sarah Rosenfeld, Associate Director of Counselling Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
The Cypress Farm & Ranch Show is returning to Medicine Hat this June, with organizers promising more exhibitors, a revamped format and an expanded shopping experience for attendees. The show will take place June 11 and 12, 2026, at the Cypress Centre on the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Grounds, alongside the WPCA World Chuckwagon Races.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence explains why several Alberta rivers are experiencing low water flows and what to expect as temperatures warm. Learn how water management practices help rivers prepare for incoming snowmelt from the Rockies, and why current conditions are unlikely to mirror the severe flooding of 2013.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, the Cypress Farm & Ranch Show is gearing up to kick off in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on June 11 & 12. Host Craig Lester speaks with Dave Fiddler, founder of the show, about why it'll be a spectacular event to get a closer look at agriculture in Alberta. With the Calgary Stampede on the way, one of the main events will be the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition. This year, some changes have been made to make it easier for more young speakers to share their passion for agriculture. Eric Dalke, the founder of the competition, joins the podcast to talk about the annual event.
The House of Commons agriculture committee is urging the federal government to reverse planned closures of several agricultural research centres, warning the move could weaken Canada's food security, scientific capacity, and long-term agricultural competitiveness.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester talk about the upcoming CDC Newell Ag Summit, in Brooks, Alberta, on June 18, where connection, collaboration, and research will take center stage. It's Emergency Preparedness Week, and Craig has a conversation with Jody Wacowich at AgSafe Alberta about the importance of having a plan to deal with any emergency that might arise on your farm. Finally, Pioneer celebrates a huge milestone as the seed brand turns 100 this year. We take a look at the history of Pioneer and a legacy built on innovation and generational partnerships.
The ag and innovation sectors need startups, producers and women at the table to get ideas from the lab to the field to solve practical farming challenges.
The Canadian Cattle Association and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association says Canadian beef should not be a bargaining chip in rushed trade negotiations with Mercosur countries. CCA President Tyler Fulton says they support global trade that is science-based, transparent and reciprocal. He adds that Canada is already one of the most exposed beef markets in the world - adding permanent, broad-based beef access for Mercosur countries would undermine our industry at a critical time and send the wrong signal to producers who are working to rebuild the national herd. Canada already relies on imports for approximately 30 per cent of domestic beef consumption, significantly higher than major competitors such as the United States, the European Union, or Australia.
For hay producers across Canada, the window between the spring thaw and first cut is short. What happens in those early weeks can shape the quality and quantity of every bale that comes off the field for the rest of the season. Chris Ennis, an agricultural field product specialist with Kubota Canada, says the most common and most costly mistake he sees is skipping field preparation altogether. "If we don't see those ruts repaired, fixed, replaced, we're going to be running into things," Ennis said, adding that overlooked winter damage can drive up ash content in feed and directly harm forage quality.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, we focus on a new kind of high school taking shape in southeast Alberta, one built entirely around agriculture. Just outside Medicine Hat, the Yuill School of Agriculture aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs. In this episode, RRC reporter Olivia Taylor sits down with Nichole Neubauer, the driving force behind the project, to explore how this idea came together and what it could mean for the future of education and the future of Canadian agriculture.
The dairy goat industry in Alberta is small but showing signs of growth, as producers point to rising consumer demand and ongoing processing challenges.
Alberta-based Chatsworth Farm has earned international recognition and a national event nomination for its agritourism work.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
After years of planning, work has begun on a new high school in southeast Alberta designed entirely around agriculture education. The Yuill School of Agriculture, a program being developed by Prairie Rose Public Schools, will be built on 76 acres between Medicine Hat and Dunmore. The land was donated by the Yuill Family Foundation and sits just minutes from Eagle Butte High School, the division’s main feeder school. When complete, the school will operate as a full agriculture collegiate where students earn a high school diploma alongside safety certifications, a professional portfolio, and hands-on industry experience. Dual credit courses will be available for those pursuing post-secondary education.
On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester briefly discuss the slow Spring start for farmers due to up-and-down weather. They also take a quick look at some ag headlines from this week. Then, RRC reporter Olivia Taylor sits down with Charlotte Wasilyk of Chatsworth Farm as the pair chats about the farm's international recognition for its agri-tourism initiatives, as part of the World Agri-Tourism Day, through the Global Agritourism Network. It's a celebration of the spirit of togetherness and rural development on this episode of the RRC podcast!
A new private member's bill is proposing to speed up the approval of agricultural products in Canada by relying more heavily on decisions made in other countries. Bill C-273, the Facilitating Agricultural Regulatory Modernization Act, would amend several federal laws, including the Feeds Act, Fertilizers Act, Seeds Act and Pest Control Products Act. It proposes a system allow products already approved in at least two "trusted jurisdictions" to receive provisional approval in Canada within 90 days of a complete application. The bill, introduced by Conservative MP for Bow River, Alberta, David Bexte, defines "trust jurisdictions" as foreign governments or regions designated through regulation. That could include jurisdictions like the EU, the U.K., the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
Lori Kinnee, a rancher from Alberta's Peace Country, shares her experience navigating burnout in agriculture. After the BSE crisis forced her to balance a full-time job with ranch responsibilities, the weight of managing work, family, and farm life became overwhelming. In this feature, Kinnee opens up about her recovery and delivers a crucial message to the industry: rest isn't a luxury-it's a necessary input. Her story is one of resilience and a call for the agriculture community to prioritize self-care.
Nortera, a multi-national frozen and canned vegetable processor, is closing its frozen food facility in Lethbridge this June, impacting about 70 employees as part of a broader effort to consolidate operations and stay competitive. The move comes amid growing pressure from international imports and rising input costs across Canada's food processing sector. Alberta Food Processors Association Executive Director Bianca Parsons says while the news is difficult, it reflects long-standing challenges.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday work in agriculture. As RRC's Olivia Taylor reports Ashley Smith, the National Product Manager for Seed Growth with Bayer Crop Science Canada, says artificial intelligence is a tool to help support decisions, not replace them. Smith spoke at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Calgary.
In this Equipment Spotlight: How often do you hear a machinery salesperson say their tractors have been designed with Canadian winters in mind? Kubota can confidently say they do. It’s a company that has determined exactly what Canadians need and has put its machines to the test against the often harsh Canadian climate.
On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, RRC meteorologist David Spence joins hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester to talk about the weather, specifically the ups and downs in the forecast at this time of year, the latest drought monitor, and talk of a super El Niño. Then, Craig explores the world of Rugged Terrain Vehicles, or RTVs, which have become a staple on modern farms and ranches across the country. Kubota’s Ben Slute explains how RTVs streamline daily tasks, real-world uses, and why they’ve become an indispensable tool for both work and play.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, brought to you by Kubota Canada, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester focus on two stories shaping the future of agriculture, one about what we're losing and one about where we're gaining. First, a developing story with real impact across southern Alberta: the closure of the Nortera plant in Lethbridge, which has sent shockwaves through the ag and food processing sectors. We'll hear from the Alberta Food Processors Association on what this means for jobs, farmers, and food production in the province. Then, Craig speaks to Paul Skretting (, an agronomy student at Lethbridge Polytechnic who has been named valedictorian for the Spring 2026 Convocation class. The two discuss being awarded the honour and how his agronomy studies have helped prepare him for a future in ag. From the uncertainty of now to the promise of a bright future - all on this week's RRC podcast. For more on Kubota Canada's Haymaking Tools go to:https://www.kubota.ca/products/hay-tools
Fresh snow brings fresh optimism to the Peace. Meteorologist David Spence breaks down this week’s 10–15 cm of wet snow from Peace River and Grande Prairie to Fort St. John and Dawson Creek and why it matters for producers gearing up for seeding.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence says Alberta farmers have a renewed reason for optimism heading into the 2026 growing season, thanks to a late-season snow event that dropped 5 to 15 centimeters across central and northern regions. After three years of lean early-season water supply forecasts, conditions are now the most favorable since 2022. Mountain snowpack at surveyed sites is above normal, and river flows on the Bow, Red Deer, Oldman, and North Saskatchewan are expected to run higher than last year. Still, recovery is uneven: areas south of the Red Deer River, particularly toward the U.S. border, remain drier than normal with deeper soil moisture deficits that haven’t been erased—meaning more rain is still needed in the south before seeding.
Freight rail service has been absent from parts of the B.C. Peace since 2018, shifting grain and other commodities onto trucks and putting added pressure on rural roads. In this update, RRC's Olivia Taylor speaks with Leonard Hebert, Vice Chair of the Peace River Regional District, about why local leaders are pushing to restore the line between Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek and what it could mean for producers, infrastructure, and the region’s economy.
Alberta's new Chief Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Hussein Keshwani, understands the shortage of animal health professionals is putting pressure on producers, especially in rural communities. "It is a problem that we have a, a lack of veterinary professionals, and that's both veterinarians as well as veterinary technologists in the industry in general," says Keshwani. He says the challenge is even greater outside of the urban centers where distance and workload can limit access to care.
New research from the University of Calgary’s veterinary school aims to tackle a costly and growing problem for livestock producers: parasitic worms in cattle and sheep. Associate Dean James Wasmuth says his team has been working since 2016 to develop new treatments using AI and advanced computational methods.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester kick things off by talking about Health Canada's decision to allow the emergency use of strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan to deal with an infestation of Richardson Ground Squirrels. Then, we have an in-depth conversation with Alberta's new Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Hussein Kashwani, whose early experience on his family's poultry farm north of Edmonton still drives how he approaches animal health policy today. The conversation also delves into the shortage of rural vets in the province, and Dr. Kashwani's thoughts on how to lure more vets to rural practices. All that and more in this episode of the RRC Podcast.
It's official. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pushing back on proposed new federal livestock traceability rules. In a statement, the CCA says it does not support moving forward with amendments from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to the Health of Animals Regulations.
The relationship between the Canadian Cattle Association and Alberta Beef Producers remains under the spotlight as discussions continue around a potential withdrawal from the national group. CCA CEO Andrea Brocklebank says it’s a complex issue, but one the industry is tackling together.
Craig Lester is back from Brazil. In this episode, sponsored by Kubota Canada, we dive into what he saw on the ground from +30°C fields in the state of São Paulo. Craig talks about many forms of agriculture in a country that has transformed into a global agriculture powerhouse in just 50 years, a single generation. 🌱 Feature Segment: Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (8:09) RRC’s Olivia Taylor dives into the Classroom in the Agriculture Program and how it has made a difference across the country in helping students understand where their food comes from. 🚜 Expert Interview: Hay and Forage Prep – Chris Ennis, Kubota Canada (11:17) Chris Ennis shares practical strategies for: •Field and pasture preparation •Improving forage quality •Equipment selection for hay production •Maximizing efficiency and reducing downtime This feature is sponsored by Kubota Canada.
A pulse research scientist whose work focuses on practical solutions for producers has been named the 2026 AFSC Women in Ag Innovator. Robyne Davidson has spent years in fields and labs working through the everyday challenges pulse crop farmers face. This year, that work got noticed. Davidson, a pulse research scientist at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta., has won the 2026 Agriculture Financial Services Corporation Women in Ag Award in the Innovator category. The award recognizes women making meaningful contributions to the agriculture sector.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
There is no better way to experience a "taste" of agriculture than Loreto Nardelli and Nicoletta DiAngelu, owners of the popular Italian Cuisine website Sugar Love Spices, are perfect examples of this, bringing their love of creating authentic Italian cuisine by sourcing ingredients straight from the farm. Nardelli says their cooking and blog are all about quality, and that starts with building relationships with farmers.
AgSafe BC has introduced a new Human Resource Toolkit to help agriculture employers in British Columbia navigate hiring and workplace management. With more than 30 documents available for download, the toolkit guides users through each stage of employment. It includes templates for job descriptions, reference checks, exit interviews, and performance evaluations. Another feature is the termination checklists and tip sheets on topics such as probation and delivering feedback. The toolkit is made to be flexible so that it can be used by any farm organization.
Research out of the University of Calgary has identified new biological pathways to improve shatter tolerance in canola, addressing one of the crop’s most persistent harvest challenges. The research focuses on strengthening the canola pod, allowing pods to remain intact during cutting while still opening properly during combining.
A national research effort is aiming to cut nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from nitrogen fertilizer, a major source of greenhouse gases in Canadian agriculture. The Canadian Nitrous Oxide Network (canN2Onet) is a collaborative 4-year research project led by N2O experts, including six universities, one college and one polytechnic. These institutions include Lethbridge Polytechnic, Olds College, University of Saskatchewan, University of B.C. and the University of Guelph. The University of Guelph is the lead in research for the nitrogen fertilizer project. This research project was established in 2024 by Guelph professor Claudia Wagner-Riddle and was federally funded with $7.9 million from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, host Tim Parent sits down with the new CEO of the Canadian Cattle Association (CAA), Andrea Brocklebank. In this wide-ranging conversation, Brocklebank says it's been an exciting and intense transition into the role, which brings her experience as a researcher with the Beef Cattle Research Council and as a rancher near High River, Alberta, to the position. And there’s no shortage of priorities ahead for Brocklebank and the CAA, including key policy files, strengthening industry partnerships and working closely with provincial stakeholders on major issues facing producers. All that and more in this episode of the RRC Podcast.
The federal government is investing up to $27 million to help young Canadians get hands-on experience in agriculture and agri-food jobs. Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald announced the funding for the Youth Employment and Skills Program at the Atlantic Grains Council Cereals and Oilseeds 2026 conference earlier this month. The funding covers two years, from 2026 to 2028, including nearly $13.5 million for the 2026-27 program year.
Fifty post-secondary students made their way to Calgary last week for the Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference, the most the event has ever seen in its student sponsorship program.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, Craig Lester shares details about his upcoming trip to São Paulo, Brazil, for mid-year meetings with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, where he’ll join farm journalists from around the world to tour agricultural operations and explore Brazilian food production. The conversation then turns to the technology and versatility of the Kubota M6 Tractor and Kubota M7 Tractor. Kubota agricultural tractors product manager Kyle Dabrowski explains how these machines are engineered for Canadian conditions and designed to handle everything from fieldwork and livestock chores to snow removal. From global farm tours to cutting-edge machinery, the episode highlights how innovation and collaboration continue to shape modern agriculture.
Despite winter snow, drought remains on the prairies The latest update to the Canadian Drought Monitor shows widespread moderate drought in southern and central Alberta, and southwestern Saskatchewan, where for most of the winter, the ground has been bare. RRC meteorologist David Spence has the details.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, brought to you by Kubota, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester discuss several key developments in Canadian agriculture. There's growing opposition from cattle groups to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's proposed changes to livestock traceability. Organizations, including Alberta Beef Producers and the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, say they support traceability in principle but argue the proposed rules could add unnecessary costs and red tape for producers. Meteorologist David Spence explains the difference between meteorological spring and the astronomical spring equinox later in the month. RRC reporter Olivia Taylor has a report on her sit-down with the new 4-H Canada CEO, Christina Frank, about the organization’s focus on youth connection, leadership, and growth under a new strategic plan. Finally, the team previews the upcoming Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Calgary, where founder Iris Meck highlights the importance of creating a space for women across the industry to connect, learn, and lead.
Several Prairie cattle organizations are raising concerns about proposed federal changes to livestock traceability regulations, saying the system must better reflect the realities of cattle production before new requirements move ahead.
Saskatchewan barley had a strong year in 2025, and researchers say the results go beyond just good growing conditions. Mitchell Japp, Research and Extension Manager with Sask Barley, says reports coming in from across the province this past harvest were notable. Growers near Indian Head were reporting 130 to 140 bushels an acre. One farmer running a plant growth regulator trial came in at nearly 150. "The average yield across the province and the prairies is just beyond any expectation," Japp said.
Prairie canola growers are investing heavily in new research aimed at tackling disease pressures, pest threats and environmental challenges facing one of Canada’s most important crops. The three Prairie provincial canola grower associations have approved funding for 11 research projects through the Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) for 2026. The projects represent a total investment of roughly $4 million. Funding includes more than $2.4 million from Alberta Canola, SaskOilseeds and Manitoba Canola Growers, along with more than $495,000 from the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) and over $1 million from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR).
There have been no new suspect cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) reported to the Chief Veterinarian of Alberta as of March 2, 2026, according to Alberta Pork. In a release, Alberta Pork says that as of February 27, 2026, all environmental samples collected from identified high-traffic sites have tested negative. Last month, a case of PEDv was confirmed on a farm in Southern Alberta. It was the province’s first case since 2022. The investigation remains ongoing.
After more than three decades dedicated to bridging science and on-farm practicality, Dr. Brian Beres is being recognized for his impact on Prairie agriculture. The senior research scientist in agronomy with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is this year’s recipient of the Orville Yanke Award — an honour that carries deep personal meaning. Beres recalls one of his earliest winter wheat field days, with conservation innovator Orville Yanke standing in the foreground as he presented research findings.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence unpacks this week’s weather patterns across Alberta, the B.C. Peace, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence unpacks this week’s weather patterns across Alberta, the B.C. Peace, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence unpacks this week’s weather patterns across Alberta, the B.C. Peace, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence unpacks this week’s weather patterns across Alberta, the B.C. Peace, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence unpacks this week’s weather patterns across Alberta, the B.C. Peace, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester check in from a snowy Calgary to a busy Lethbridge to talk all things Ag Expo, a cornerstone event in Western Canadian agriculture now held at the stunning Lethbridge Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre (1:42). As Craig reports from the event, he shares insights from Paul Kingsmith of Exhibition Park Lethbridge, who highlights how the event has evolved into a true business-to-business showcase featuring over 300 exhibitors from across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australia. The episode also shines a light on the BASF Growing Home Initiative, which supports rural projects across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario (6:23). It's an episode that captures the heart of rural life, innovation, and connection across Canada’s ag community.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence talks about the upcoming arrival of meteorological spring on Sunday. Spence dives into what it means and explains meteorological seasons.
Nominations are open for BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada's Growing Home program, and $160,000 is on the table for rural organizations across four provinces. Now in its fourth year, the program invites farmers and agricultural retailers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario to put forward organizations that make a difference in their communities.
Canada’s beef and pork producers are getting a big boost with new access to Indonesia’s rapidly growing market. The expanded market access comes following a 2025 ministerial trade mission and the signing of the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). An audit by the Indonesia Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services confirmed that Canadian meat products meet Indonesia’s food safety and import standards. The expansion allows Canadian exporters to ship over-thirty-month bone-in beef, beef offal, and, for the first time, pork and pork products to Indonesia.
AgExpo and the North American Seed Fair kicks off today at the Lethbridge Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre. Paul Kingsmith, Director of Event Development with Excite Lethbridge, says the show is a major event for the agriculture community.
A case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) has been confirmed on a farm in southern Alberta, the province’s first since February 2022. The diagnosis was laboratory-confirmed on February 21, 2026. The affected site is now under strict containment measures, with three-kilometre and 10-kilometre buffer zones established to prevent further spread. Alberta Pork says no other farms fall within these zones. A full investigation has been launched to determine the source of the outbreak. The producer, the herd veterinarian, Alberta’s Chief Veterinary Officer, and Alberta Pork are collaborating on response and containment efforts.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
Chris Franc’s vision to become CEO of 4-H Canada came true this year. The new leader brings passion, experience, and a deep belief in youth and community.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, B.C. Peace and Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.
Agricultural Service Boards and the Association of Agricultural Fieldmen gathered for their annual conference in Edmonton in January to discuss issues and debate resolutions put forward from across the province. Shelby Oracheski, Agricultural Fieldman for the MD of Wainwright and the Northeast Regional Director for the A-A-A-F, says it's an important event on the calendar.
At the Alberta Agricultural Service Board Conference, producers and industry leaders gathered to talk about resiliency in agriculture, including how agrotourism can be an opportunity for farmers to strengthen both farm income and community ties. Chatworth Farm's Charlotte Wasylyk was among the presenters, sharing how her family near Vermilion, Alberta, turned online engagement into on-farm experiences that help bridge the gap between consumers and producers.
Grain producers across British Columbia will have an opportunity to hear updates on industry programs, research, and new technologies later this month, as the BC Grain Producers Association hosts its annual Love of Ag Conference in the B.C. Peace on February 17. “It is an informative conference for grain producers to hear about changes to various industry programs and ongoing research,” says Kathy Fehr, general manager of the BC Grain Producers Association. Fehr says the event brings together a range of industry experts to cover both agronomic research and applied technologies that producers can use on their farms.
Agri-Visions is back in Lloydminster from Feb. 11-12 for two days of agriculture education and networking. The conference and trade show has sold out for three consecutive years, according to event manager Tammy Dyck. "The last three years, the trade show was actually sold out. And some of the speakers themselves are actually starting to hear and request to come," Dyck said. The trade show fills three exhibition buildings while presenters speak on topics relevant to local producers. Dyck said the event draws people from across the region. Last year, attendees came from as far as Australia.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for Lethbridge and area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for Lloydminster and area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts for the B.C. Peace.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for Olds and central Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for the Vegreville and Bonnyville areas.
The annual Farming Smarter Conference and Trade Show will take place next Wednesday at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge. Communications Coordinator Sean Kjos says 10 speakers covering a wide range of topics during the one-day conference from kochia management, nutrient management and agriculture innovation.
The fourth annual Below Ground - Soil Health conference is quickly approaching in Dawson Creek. Nadia Mori is the extension coordinator with the Peace Region Living Lab and coordinator for the Peace River Forage Association. She says event, which is held in conjunction with the Peace Region Living Lab, will take place on February 26th at the Ovintiv Centre in the Co-Op Mercer Hall.
Canadian canola groups say the federal government's decision to close multiple Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research centres and slash hundreds of jobs across the country is a major blow to Canadian agriculture. "Anytime we lose research capacity, it's hugely disappointing for everybody," Alberta Canola chair Andre Harpe tells Rural Roots Canada.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, we do a quick review of the conferences we've attended in the last few weeks. Then, host Tim Parent sits down for a one-on-one conversation with BC Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham. The two discuss some of the most pressing issues facing British Columbia’s farmers and producers - from the recent federal job cuts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (3:17) to the impact of new trade developments with China (5:30), and how climate change, drought, and flooding continue to shape the province’s agricultural landscape (15:58). Minister Popham also shares her outlook for the 2026 growing season and the steps being taken to strengthen food security, support innovation, and ensure resilience across BC’s ag sector (23:41).
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester connect with Iris Meck, founder of the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, now celebrating its 13th year. Iris shares how the event has grown into a national platform empowering women across the ag industry, from students and entrepreneurs to business leaders and producers. She discusses the upcoming AWC West 2026 conference in Calgary, featuring sessions on leadership, innovation, mental health, and women’s health, plus international guests from Ghana and award-winning women in agriculture. Tune in for insights on connection, confidence, and why every woman in ag deserves a seat at the table.
The 2026 edition of the Advancing Women in Agriculture conference in Calgary is quickly approaching. The event will be held March 8 to 10. Melody Garner-Skiba who has attended the event for years, as both an attendee and speaker says it’s an inspirational event.
New technology and training programs are helping strengthen British Columbia’s food security and agriculture sector as a whole through a smart-farming project and drought-resilient crop production training.
Research is fundamentally important to agriculture, and serves as the primary engine for increasing productivity, ensuring global food security, fostering environmental sustainability, and driving economic growth. Without research and innovation, the agricultural sector would struggle to meet the demands of a growing population while facing challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. On this week's podcast, RRC’s Craig Lester has a conversation with the senior research chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Willemijn Appels. They discuss research projects that got underway last year, and what projects we might expect for the year ahead.
Prairie Weather this Week report for the B.C. Peace for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.
Prairie Weather this Week report for Lethbridge for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.
Prairie Weather this Week report for the Olds area for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.
Prairie Weather this Week report for Vegreville and Bonnyville for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.
Prairie Weather this Week report for Lloydminster for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.
The Canadian Cattle Association has announced Andrea Brocklebank as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the transition set to take place in early March. Brocklebank currently serves as Executive Director of the Beef Cattle Research Council, a role she has held since 2009. She has been part of the Canadian Cattle Association since 2004, working across research, funding, and knowledge transfer within the beef sector.
Happy New Year! On the new season of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Alberta Canola, it’s a busy start to 2026 for RRC! Craig Lester is heading back on the road, preparing for the Alberta Seed Producers Conference, the Ag Services Board Conference, and Crossroads as farmers gear up for new season of growing. Meanwhile, Tim Parent dives into some of the biggest stories shaping Canadian agriculture, including Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming trip to China, where canola and trade are high on the agenda. The two also discuss new leadership at the Canadian Cattle Association and a record-breaking 2025 for Alberta Open Farm Days. It’s a full slate of stories that capture the pulse of rural Canada, as we kick off a new year in Canadian agriculture at Rural Roots Canada.
UK researcher and Nuffield scholar Sharon May is bridging the gap between farm life and mental health care, helping ensure that when farmers reach out for support, they’re truly heard.
This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.
This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.
This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.
This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.
This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.
On this RRC podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester look back on a busy year in Canadian agriculture. From their trip to the Yukon, where farmers like Leona Watson are forging their own path in the North (2:44), to celebrating the Perry Family Farm, winners of the inaugural PepsiCo Global Farmer of the Year Award (11:24), the team covers a lot of ground. They also talk changing perceptions around beef with Jenna Sarich (13:52), visit Cudlobe Angus to chat with David and Dyce Bolduc (16:50), and wrap up with a look ahead to 2026’s canola outlook with Alberta Canola chair Andre Harpe (21:15).
After four consecutive record harvests, Canadian potato production fell slightly in 2025 as drought conditions affected eastern growing regions, according to new Statistics Canada data. Production dropped 0.9 percent from 2024 to 125.8 million hundredweight, with Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick seeing the biggest declines. PEI saw production drop 15.9 percent to 21.8 million hundredweight after drought hit mid-season, while New Brunswick dropped 4.7 percent to 16.2 million hundredweight.
In this spotlight on research, we take a look at University of Alberta Master's Student Erica Prins work on soil health under different crop rotations on the prairies.
In this spotlight on research, we look at University of Alberta Master's Student Sydney Wong's research into Tanspot - a fungal disease that primarily affects wheat. "Specifically, I'm looking for chemical and genetic resistance, and hopefully using the information found to inform farmers about the types of management methods they should be applying,” says Wong. Wong is picking up research that was last published in 2013
Alberta Open Farm Days continues to grow both in size and impact. The province-wide initiative invites Albertans to step through farm gates and experience agriculture firsthand while learning where their food comes from. The 2025 edition was a record-setter. According to Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies CEO Tim Carson, this year’s event welcomed more than 52-thousand visitors, with several farms reporting their best-ever attendance and sales. Nearly a quarter of participating farms were new to the program, a sign of growing interest in agritourism across the province.
From devastating drought to a destructive storm that tore across the Prairies, 2025 was a year that tested Canada’s farmers and rural communities. In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Alberta Canola, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester sit down with Rural Roots Canada meteorologist David Spence to unpack the biggest weather stories of the year, from bone-dry fields throughout the west to the monster August storm that caused nearly a quarter-billion dollars in damage. What lessons did we learn, and what could 2026 have in store? David gives his expert insight and perspective, and we share the stories behind the forecasts that shaped a challenging year in Canadian agriculture.
A destructive summer storm that blew through three provinces caused almost a quarter of a billion dollars in insured damage, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada . The August storm brought large hail, strong winds, and torrential rain, and included confirmed tornadoes in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. In all, it's estimated that the storm resulted in over $235 million in insured damage. Alberta saw the largest share of losses, with vehicles making up roughly a third of all claims. The hardest hit communities included Brooks, Alberta; Radisson, Langham, and North Battleford in Saskatchewan; and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Canola growers saw strong yields in 2025, but the year was overshadowed by the trade uncertainty and the financial impact of Chinese tariffs, according to Andre Harpe, Chair of the Canadian Canola Growers Association.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Alberta Canola, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester celebrate the season with a look at how Alberta Milk is helping make the holidays a little brighter by partnering with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation to give back in a big way. Then, Tim and Craig shift gears to the field, catching up with Alberta Canola Chair André Harpe to reflect on the year that was, the challenges producers faced, and what the canola sector can expect heading into 2026. Compassion, community, and canola, all in one RRC podcast.
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry is rethinking its reliance on the U.S. as political uncertainty south of the border continues to raise concerns for producers and industry leaders. A new report from the Angus Reid Institute and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) finds that four out of five agriculture professionals are pessimistic about dealings with the second Trump presidency. Despite those concerns, seven-in-10 say they remain optimistic about the overall future of Canadian agriculture.
At the Advancing Women in Agriculture East Conference, business leader and speaker Anne Miner shared insights on a trait she believes every entrepreneur needs. “Every entrepreneur has to have grit,” Miner stresses. Miner says it was American academic and psychologist Angela Duckworth who defined grit as passion and perseverance in pursuit of long-term goals and, inspired by that message, prompted Miner to launch Women with Grit, a community, classroom, podcast, and blog that's designed to help women strengthen their determination.
Canadian families can expect to spend nearly $1,000 more on food in 2026, according to the annual Canada Food Price Report. The annual forecast predicts that food prices will rise by 4% to 6% nationwide, pushing the average family of four's grocery bill to $17,571.79, an increase of up to $994,63 from 2025. Prices are now 27% higher than five years ago, and one in four households in Canada is considered food insecure. Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia are expected to face above-average increases, according to the report, produced by a coalition of eight Canadian universities that draw on climate, economic, and geopolitical data to forecast food spending and trends.
Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies
Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies
Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies
Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies
Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies
Alberta's dairy farmers are turning generosity into action, with Alberta Milk partnering with the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation to support kids and families across the province. Their holiday campaign, which runs until the end of December, is part of Alberta Milk's annual partnership with the foundation. Funds raised will help ensure children throughout Alberta have access to specialized care and support when they need it most.
As the ag sector sprints toward the end of 2025, there’s no shortage of energy, innovation, and conversation shaping the year ahead. In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast—powered by Alberta Canola—host Tim Parent and RRC’s Craig Lester recap some of the highlights from Grow Canada in Calgary, where industry leaders gathered to discuss Canada’s role in global agriculture and how to unlock the sector’s full potential. Plus, hear insights from MP John Barlow at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, and find out how you can have your say at Alberta Canola’s upcoming grower engagement meetings.
Canada's largest food rescue organization is turning farm surplus into food for families in need and is looking to build relationships with Alberta potato growers. Second Harvest, a national nonprofit focused on reducing food waste, works directly with farmers, manufacturers, and processors to redirect perfectly edible food that might otherwise be tossed away.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, Craig Lester sits down with fellow 2023 Nuffield Scholar Claire Taylor, a Scottish agricultural journalist now based in Australia. Fresh off a global Nuffield journey that took her to 16 countries, Claire shares her insights on agricultural policy, food security, curiosity-driven learning, and why the pressures facing farmers today demand better leadership, stronger mental health support, and more global connection. The pair reflect on their first meetings at the Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference, overcoming imposter syndrome, learning from farmers around the world, and the value of listening deeply. Claire also shares the origin story of Unstoppable World, her new global initiative focused on mental wellness, leadership, and immersive international learning experiences. It's a rich, candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and the shared challenges that connect agriculture across continents.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, Craig Lester sits down with fellow 2023 Nuffield Scholar Claire Taylor, a Scottish agricultural journalist now based in Australia. Fresh off a global Nuffield journey that took her to 16 countries, Claire shares her insights on agricultural policy, food security, curiosity-driven learning, and why the pressures facing farmers today demand better leadership, stronger mental health support, and more global connection. The pair reflect on their first meetings at the Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference, overcoming imposter syndrome, learning from farmers around the world, and the value of listening deeply. Claire also shares the origin story of Unstoppable World, her new global initiative focused on mental wellness, leadership, and immersive international learning experiences. It's a rich, candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and the shared challenges that connect agriculture across continents.
Alberta's Perry Family Farm has been named the 2025 Farmer of the Year award at PepsiCo's first-ever Global Farmer Awards. The Perry Family Farm was recognized for its leadership in regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable food production.
The first week of December will bring everything from snow to chinooks on the prairies, and cold weather for Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The first week of December will bring everything from snow to chinooks on the prairies, and cold weather for Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The first week of December will bring everything from snow to chinooks on the prairies, and cold weather for Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The first week of December will bring everything from snow to chinooks on the prairies, and cold weather for Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The first week of December will bring everything from snow to chinooks on the prairies, and cold weather for Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
It's common to see a lot hay, grain, cattle and farm equipment amongst other things being transported at this time of year. Taking the time to properly secure loads such as bales, grain or farm equipment is critical to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. AgSafe Executive Director Jody Wacowich says the consequences could be bad if the loads aren't secured properly.
Seventy 4-H members from across Canada are heading to Calgary for five days packed with career workshops, mentorship circles and practical life skills training. The 93rd annual 4-H Canada Members Forum will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4. It brings together youth aged 15 to 21 from all provinces for programming focused on preparing them for life beyond 4-H.
On this special edition of the RRC podcast, Craig Lester joins Tim Parent from the Advancing Women in Agriculture East conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The conference empowers and promotes the importance of women in Canada's agriculture sector. Craig has a conversation with Lauren Van Ewyk, CEO of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, about blending the balance of work and life into your day-to-day (1:50). Craig also has a conversation with a trio of future leaders in the ag sector and their goals as they begin their agricultural career journey (5:14). Rural Roots Canada is also a proud sponsor of the Advancing Women in Agriculture conference.
Only a few days until the weather changes, bringing colder weather, and much needed snow to the southern prairie provinces. Until then, it remains seasonably warm and dry.
On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, brought to you by Alberta Canola, Craig Lester and Tim Parent are talking potatoes. Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, put ‘em in a stew, the versatile potato was in the spotlight at the annual Potato Growers of Alberta conference. Potatoes had a spud-tacular growing season according to Chair Allison Davie who joins the conversation (3:07), while Tony Kirkland, vice-chair and owner of Sandhills Seed Potatoes, talks about the strong potato market (4:15). We also catch up with Emily Owen from Second Harvest, who’s helping ensure potatoes make their way from fields to families in need across multiple provinces (7:52). And to top it all off, we spoke with Chris and Harold Perry, PepsiCo’s Global Farmers of the Year, about what it takes to stand out on the world stage (12:20).
With the crop nicely tucked away in the bin, it's the time of year when checks become regular. AgSafe Alberta's Jody Wacowich says staying on top of safety while climbing on the bin is important.
FarmFair International is an event which brings together livestock producers from around the world. For some, the livestock competitions have been a family tradition for decades. Jackie Payne from Greenwood Cattle, located near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, says the family has been attending since 1978.
In the latest RRC podcast, harvest has wrapped up, but ag conference season is just getting started. Hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester chat about Craig’s upcoming trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario, for the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, plus his recent stop at Farmfair International in Edmonton. We also hear from Jackie Payne of Greenwood Cattle near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, who shares her family’s long-time connection to Farmfair (4:25). And with harvest behind us, there are still some key safety reminders to keep in mind. Jody Wacowich from AgSafe Alberta joins us to talk about staying safe around grain bins (7:37).
A new tool to help farmers, agronomists and crop stakeholders map their crops with greater precision is close to becoming a reality. SwarmBox, an invention of Alberta company Threshold UAV, uses multiple sub-250-gram micro drones to map fields, for things like pests, diseases, soil health, among others. Mac Hunic is the founder of the company, he says using multiple drones to map crops takes things to the next level.
On this special edition of the RRC podcast, Craig Lester joins Tim Parent from the Agri-Trade Equipment Expo in Red Deer, Alberta. The Expo, now in its 41st year, has been off to a great start and show manager Krissy Fiddler breaks down the successes from the show floor (3:02). Agri-Trade is also the host of the Ag Innovations Competition, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of manufacturers and marketers of agricultural products and services. Mac Hunik, CEO and founder of Threshold UAV, was one of this year's finalists and discusses his company's unique drone technology (4:54). And with harvest over, RRC meteorologist David Spence talks the Alberta clippers that have been blowing through the Prairies (10:09).
One of Canada's largest ag equipment shows is underway in Red Deer. Agri-Trade, which brings together approximately 32,000 farmers, ag industry reps and stakeholders over the three days, is off to a great start. Show Manager Krissy Fiddler says they are pleased with how the first day went.
The BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is launching a new event designed to bring together farmers, government officials and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of agriculture in the province. The inaugural BC Agriculture Forum will replace several existing events that the council has hosted in recent years. These include the BC Young Farmers Farm Fest and the BC Agrofood Industry Gala, which ran for more than two decades.
A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza has been detected in a small domestic poultry flock in the Municipal District (MD) of Bonnyville, in northeastern Alberta. The MD confirmed the detection this week, describing it as a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain capable of causing severe illness and high mortality among birds. The risk of HPAI rises during the fall migration season.
The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) says farmgate milk prices - what farmers are paid for their milk - will rise by 2.3% starting February 1, 2026. While Canada's inflation rate stayed within target through 2024, producers continue to face higher costs, particularly for animal feed and labour. The CDC says the adjustment reflects a balance between keeping dairy affordable for consumers and helping farmers manage rising expenses.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester have a conversation with RRC meteorologist David Spence about all things weather-related. The discussion kicks off about the drought experienced by Alberta this past growing season, and a review of the crop hail report for the summer (5:50). David explains what role the mountains play when it comes to Prairie weather (7:02). The hosts also talk about the harvest weather this year and a look ahead to the winter and spring seasons (9:47). Finally, we’re experiencing a La Nina again, the second in two years. David explains the difference between La Niña and El Niño and what it means for the growing season. (12:46)
Alberta Farmers will gather in Edmonton this January for the Crossroads Crop Conference. This year's theme is "Grow Boldly." It's about encouraging farmers to think bigger and embrace change in an ever-evolving industry.
For the first time since 1999, the Alberta Government is updating the water act - allowing for more flexibility for license holders. Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson says The Bill 7 Water Amendment Act is vital to the irrigation districts, farmers, ranchers and the agri-food processors so they can feed the world.
The agriculture stewardship organizations CleanFarms and the Peace River Regional District are renewing a successful agricultural plastics recycling program. Since 2021, a recycling partnership between Cleanfarms and the PRRD has diverted more than 55 tonnes of used grain bags and baler twine from local landfills.
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity says Canadians are feeling more confident about the country’s food system — but that confidence remains fragile. In its annual Public Trust Research, the Centre found that nearly half of Canadians, 45 percent, believe the food system is headed in the right direction. That’s a 14-point jump from last year and the highest level of confidence in five years.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, Craig Lester joins Tim Parent from Kenya, where the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists is hosting its annual world congress. That leads to a discussion between the two about the splintering of media into more niche journalism coverage, including within the agriculture sector (3:16). Craig also shares some insights about agriculture on the African continent (8:33). They wrap up the podcast talking about another country, Mexico, and Canada’s push to strengthen agricultural ties between the two nations (14:05).
Canada's four-day agricultural trade mission to Mexico has wrapped up, as the two nations aim to strengthen agricultural ties and expand the market for Canadian agri-food exports. The trade mission was part of Ottawa's broader plan to build on Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to Mexico, where the two countries launched the Canada-Mexico Action Plan, which aims to strengthen collaboration on food security, trade, and supply chain resilience.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is giving Canada's agriculture industry a little more breathing room to further support ag sector growth. The agency has unveiled several regulatory changes designed to cut red tape and help farmers and producers remain competitive.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester sit down with the newest members of the RRC team — Olivia Taylor and Hayden Lester — for an engaging conversation about agriculture education in Canada. As students deeply passionate about the ag industry, Olivia and Hayden share their insights and first-hand perspectives on what’s working, what could be improved, and how the sector can better inspire and attract the next generation of agricultural leaders across the country.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on the weather forecast for the Thanksgiving weekend for Alberta, the BC Peace and parts of Saskatchewan.
Canadian dairy farmers now have a new digital tool designed to make research easier to access and apply. The Canadian Dairy Hub, launched by Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) in partnership with Lactanet and other industry groups, brings together a wide range of practical, science-based resources in one place.
Canada’s canola farmers are getting a boost to their export options with the opening of a new transload facility at the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia.Global logistics company DP World has launched its $150 million Canola Oil Transload Facility at its Fraser Surrey terminal, adding one million tonnes of annual export capacity. The facility is designed to speed up and stabilize shipments of Canadian canola oil to global markets.Despite shifting tariffs and volatile trade conditions, canola oil is among Canada’s most valuable agricultural exports, generating nearly $6 billion in 2024. Since most canola production is concentrated in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, efficient rail-to-port connections are critical to getting the product to international markets.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester begin by discussing their recent agricultural excursions to Ontario and Saskatchewan, as part of a project they’re working on with CAAIN - the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network. RRC is expanding! The two introduce the two newest members of the RRC team that will help bring the stories of Canadian ag to life (10:15). Tim and Craig talk about a new documentary released by the Canadian Cattle Association called Homes on the Range, which explores how beef production and wildlife habitat go hand-in-hand. We hear from Jenna Sarich, a technical consultant with the CCA, about the doc (11:42). Finally, the return of Peavey Mart in four Alberta towns and how the farm goods provider is looking to reopen more stores, including in Saskatchewan. (15:57).
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for the BC Peace Region.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for the Lakeland region of northeast Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for northeast Alberta and west central Saskatchewan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for Southern Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for central Alberta.
Consumers' perception of beef production in Canada appears to be shifting.The Public and Stakeholder Engagement Program at the Canadian Cattle Association asks consumers about their feelings about cattle once a year.Jenna Sarich with the CCA says their most recent survey showed some surprising results.
Canadian farmers are on track to harvest more wheat, canola, corn for grain, barley, and oats in 2025 — but less soybeans — compared with last year.That’s according to Statistics Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Across rural Canada, farmers face immense pressures. From unpredictable markets to unpredictable weather, it can take a toll on their mental health. Yet when they're struggling, many don't call a counsellor or crisis line first. Instead, they turn to the people they see every week.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for central Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for northeast Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for the BC Peace.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for southern Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan.
A new short documentary is shining a spotlight on the connection between beef production and wildlife habitat. Homes on the Range is the fourth in a series produced by the Canadian Cattle Association.
A central Alberta maltster is warning that phasing out malt barley variety research in Lacombe could hurt the industry. Funding is shifting research priorities toward feed barley, raising concerns about the future of malt barley breeding in Alberta, which produces half of Canada’s barley and a third of North America’s.
Farm Credit Canada says it’s time to rethink where Canadian food ends up. A new report by FCC highlights a $12-billion opportunity to diversify exports beyond the U.S.Right now, more than three-quarters of Canada’s food and beverage exports head south of the border. FCC President Justine Hendricks says that leaves farmers and processors exposed.In a statement she says “Diversifying food and beverage exports beyond the U.S. will not only strengthen producers’ resilience but also benefit Canadian consumers and the broader economy.”
Big Marble Farms near Medicine Hat, Alberta is upgrading its lighting system with help from a $2.2 million grant from the Government of Alberta. The aim is to reduce emissions and help the facility producing more food.Big Marble is investing more than $3 million of its own money, alongside the $2.2 million grant, to install more than 5,000 horticulture grow lights in its greenhouse facilties.
In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, host Tim Parent sits down with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, the Food Professor and Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, to discuss why food and agriculture were left out of Canada’s first wave of nation-building projects. Dr. Charlebois unpacks what that omission says about Canada’s priorities on the world stage, the risks of sidelining agrifood in big-picture policy, and why infrastructure, research, and strategy are key to strengthening Canada’s rural future.
A rancher from Sundre, Alberta, has received a prestigious honour from the Canadian Cattle Foundation.Brianna Elliot is a recipient of the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy award.Elliot, who is a participant in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program, was selected by her peers for being a positive, humble leader with the ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal and being an overall exceptional ambassador of the Canadian beef industry.Elliot was presented with the award at the semi-annual meeting in Quebec.
A new facility at the University of Calgary is set to expand training opportunities for veterinarians. The Veterinary Learning Commons, located at the university’s Spy Hill campus, has officially opened with the aim of addressing Alberta’s shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural communities.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight for the weather for the BC Peace and northwest Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight for the weather for northeast Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan.
Rainfall and intense storms through August, had a huge impact on drought conditions in southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. Much of those areas are no longer considered to be in drought.
On the latest Rural Roots Canada podcast, we discuss the busy harvest season and the importance of safety on the farm. We also look ahead to the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, which will be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in November. Alberta rancher Ashley Perepelkin joins us to share her story, including how AWC became a turning point in her life and helped her overcome imposter syndrome.
Alberta Rancher Ashley Perepelkin talks about the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference and the self-confidence it gave her in public speaking, business and life.
This week we will learn who will be named the National Environmental Stewardship Award winner.One of the cattle operations in the running is Barnett Land and Cattle owned by Duncan & Jane Barnett from the Williams Lake area of B.C.They were named the B-C Cattle Association's nominee for this year.The VBP+ operation has 100 Angus-influenced cows. The farm also does some custom feeding and sells hay.
Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada have launched Make Your Acres Count!, a campaign encouraging Alberta farmers to register their farmland under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Framework. The initiative is designed to expand sustainable farming practices, strengthen environmental outcomes, and improve productivity while highlighting farmers’ leadership in responsible agriculture.The campaign is part of a larger effort to grow Alberta’s leadership in sustainable agriculture. Last year, more than 2.15 million acres in Alberta were self-reported under 4R. The campaign aims to nearly double that number by the end of the 2025 crop year.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence gives insight into this week's weather in central Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence gives insight into this week's weather in the Vegreville and Bonnyville area.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence gives insight into this week's weather in northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence gives insight into this week's weather in Southern Alberta.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a series of new, strategic measures to help sectors most impacted by tariff and trade disruptions, including Canada’s canola sector.Canola growers can expect expanded financial support with plans to temporarily increase the Advance Payments Program interest-free limit to $500,000 for canola advances. The government says this temporary expansion will give producers greater flexibility to manage risk and cash flow.Another $370 million has been earmarked for biofuel production incentives over the next two years, designed to keep Canadian biodiesel and renewable diesel producers competitive as U.S. subsidies reshape the market.
Ranchers John Smith and Laura Laing, who own Plateau Cattle Company near Nanton, have spent their lives improving their cattle herds' health and welfare.Which is why the ranch has been named as the recipient of the Alberta Beef Producers' 2025 Environmental Stewardship award, an honour that recognizes exceptional commitment to sustainable ranching practices and contributions to the beef industry.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides a farm weather report for the B.C. Peace region.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides farm weather reports for Lakeland region of northeast Alberta.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides farm weather reports for northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides a farm weather report for the southern Alberta region.
Sheep shearing is an ancient tradition dating back to the earliest days of agriculture and in the 21st century, Reba Fajnor is keeping the tradition alive.Fajnor, from Saskatchewan, recently showcased her sheep shearing skills at Chatsworth Farm in Vermilion, Alberta, for Open Farm Days, giving a few sheep a much-needed haircut.
A powerful storm near Brooks, Alberta brought golf ball-sized hail and fierce winds, leaving crops devastated and farmers facing tough losses. Brad Niznik shares what it was like to ride out the storm and the impact it’s having on his farm and neighbours.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe met with federal government officials on Thursday to discuss the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and China over canola.Standing alongside Kody Blois, the parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Moe said he wants the PM to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve the dispute that has led to hefty tariffs on Canadian canola products.Earlier this month, China announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 75.8% on canola seed, on top of the 100% tariffs already hitting canola oil and meal announced in March.Moe said the provinces need to work collaboratively with the canola industry and the federal government to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Moe is planning a trade mission to China and wants Carney to join him.
Do More Agriculture's AgTalk - Canada's online space in the agriculture sector for mental health connection has been renewed thanks to the support of BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, the RBC Foundation and the McCain Foundation. Executive Director Merle Massey says AgTalk is an agricultural community within the online site Togetherall, where anyone over 16 can anonymously and safely connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Northeast Alberta for the week of August 18th.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Northeast B.C. - Northwest Alberta for the week of August 18th.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Central Alberta for the week of August 18th.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Southern Alberta for the week of August 18th.
RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan for the week of August 18th.
What happens when you put an agronomist and a meteorologist in the same conversation? That's what we find out in this podcast as Beyond Agronomy's Steve Larocque joins Meteorologist David Spence and Craig Lester for a chat about the 2025 growing season in Alberta. They chat about the 'feast or famine' precipitation situation that different regions of the province have experienced during the growing season.They conclude the podcast looking ahead to harvest, which may be pushed back for many farmers.It's an in-depth discussion of the 2025 Alberta growing that you don't want to miss.
Canadian canola farmers are bracing for fresh economic pressure after China announced new duties on Canadian canola, a move industry leaders say underscores the need for more diversification, both at home and abroad. On Tuesday, China announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty of almost 76% on Canadian canola imports as part of an ongoing trade dispute following Canada's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Back in March, China also imposed a 100% levy on Canadian canola oil and meal, along with other levies on other sectors.
Vermilion’s Chatsworth Farm is preparing to welcome visitors for Alberta Open Farm Days on August 16, offering a full lineup of tours, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.Alberta Open Farm Days, now in its twelfth year, is a chance for producers, agri-food operators and many others province-wide to open their doors and welcome the public in to show what they do day in and day out.Charlotte Wasylik from Chatsworth Farm is one of the many farmers who are excited to take part in this weekend's festivities once again.
For nearly a decade, Farming Smarter has been one of southern Alberta’s strongest ambassadors of Alberta Open Farm Days, the province-wide initiative that brings the farm to consumers to help them understand the origins of their food.Held every August, Alberta Open Farm Days is a chance for producers, ag organizations, and food processors to give the public a behind-the-scenes tour to learn, ask questions, and get a hands-on feel for the realities of modern agriculture.Farms, agriculture businesses, and organizations will open their gates and doors to the public for the two day event on August 16 and 17 this year.For Farming Smarter, that means transforming its Lethbridge-area research site into an interactive learning hub on Saturday, August 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On this week's podcast, Rural Roots Canada travels to Stavely, Alberta, to take in the Cudlobe Cattle Field Day, hosted by Cudlobe Angus and Cudlobe Angus West. From community to cattle science to cow patties, we round up the sights, sounds, and stories from the pasture.
As we head into harvest season, the Do More Ag Foundation, which champions the mental well-being of people in Canadian agriculture, is reminding farmers to make sure they keep their mental health top of mind when bringing in the crop.
Amid ongoing discussions on bringing down provincial trade barriers, some direct-to-market cattle producers are calling for changes to slaughter regulations.Barry Doerksen, co-owner of Gemstone Grass-Fed Beef in Gem, Alberta, says they can only sell within the province unless they switch from provincially to federally inspected facilities.
Alberta is marking a milestone that few jurisdictions on the planet can claim: 75 consecutive years without a breeding population of rats. Alberta's Rat Control Program launched in 1950 after the province first declared the Norway rat a pest when the rodents crossed the Saskatchewan border. The program was a way to keep the rats from spreading disease and damaging infrastructure and agriculture. Armed with new legislation, a dedicated "Rat Control Zone" stretching 600 kilometres along Alberta's eastern edge, and a network of municipal pest inspectors, the province halted the rats' advance within three years. "It's something that's been decades of work," says Alberta Ag Minister RJ Sigurdson. "It's not a task we take lightly."
The Alberta government is calling for the reversal of a federal ban on strychnine as the Richardson's ground squirrel population booms. In an open letter posted on X, RJ Sigurdson, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, says farmers and ranchers are in crisis as the rodent, also called gophers, tears up crops, jeopardizes animal health, and destroys native grasslands.
This week on the podcast, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the province’s most pressing ag issues.From celebrating 75 years of being rat-free to the ongoing fight against Richardson Ground Squirrels and the call to bring back strychnine, Sigurdson shares his thoughts on pest management. He chats about pressing the federal government to make agriculture more of a priority. We also examine several counties and municipal districts that have declared agricultural disasters, with the Minister outlining the tools available to help them navigate these issues.
In this week's chat, Tim and Craig delve into Canada's Food System a new national, sector wide initiative led by Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), which aims at elevating the conversation about what goes into producing food in our country. Executive Director Lisa Bishop-Spencer provides insight into the initiative.We journey out to Brooks, Alberta to see the evolution of the Crop Diversification Centre - South, which is now being headed up by the County of Newell. The County sees the facility formerly run by the Government of Alberta has an economic opportunity. The county's Director of Agricultural Services Todd Green shares his excitement about the project. Finally we head to Lexington, Kentucky where we talk about Ag extension with Alltech's Dr. Anne Koontz, who takes the company's fascinating research turns it into easily consumed information for the company's marketing and communication teams.
Canada's Food System believes it's time to rethink what it really takes to get food on our plates, and recognize the people and the work that goes into every bite. That's the goal of a new national campaign, positioning our food system as a critical part of our country's identity, economy, and future.
Summer storms are taking their toll on Prairie crops. According to the Canadian Crop Hail Association, farmers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have filed well over 1,600 crop damage claims since the start of summer. But is it a particularly unusual hail season so far? RRC's Tim Parent talks to Meteorologist David Spence about the storms we have seen.
In our latest podcast, we discuss our recent ag learning journey in the Yukon, where Nuffield Canada marked its 75th Anniversary in Canada's North. We chat with Leona Watson, a Nuffield Scholar and one of a small but determined group of farmers looking to redefine what farming looks like in the Yukon's stunning, rugged landscape. We also hear from Hanna Fish, Executive Director of the Yukon Agricultural Association, about both the opportunities and challenges of farming north of the 60th parallel. RRC specializes in sharing local stories from the agricultural community.
There's a new owner of the the Crop Diversification Centre - South (CDC) near Brooks, Alberta.The County of Newell is the new leaseholder for the research facility and fields after securing a ten-year lease from Alberta Infrastructure and they have wasted no time in hitting the ground running.This is one unique example of the evolving agriculture research landscape in Alberta, after the province decided to divest itself of many agriculture research projects in 2020.County of Newell Director of Agricultural Services Todd Green speaks on the potential for success this project has for the region. "We saw a relatively underutilized facility, and an economic development opportunity, and we think there's value in having management of this facility be local. We're able to be very nimble in our decision-making abilities and our use of the facility," says Green. Green says they are now busy upgrading facilities with an arbitrary deadline of September 1st, when they will welcome in tenants. “We have some wonderful partners already on board, people utilizing the Ag research lands. We have people that are interested in utilizing other facilities. We just need to inject a little capital funding into them to bring them up to 2025 standards.”
“The arena is pretty much the hub for the winter. If you want to see someone in the winter, you go to the rink.”Brad Dundas, President of the Hussar Agricultural Society, beams with pride as he speaks of his hometown of Hussar and its arena, situated in Wheatland County in southern Alberta.The tight-knit agricultural community has been selected as the Alberta winner of BASF's Growing Home program. The award recognizes rural organizations that strengthen the fabric of their communities, something Hussar residents take seriously. As a result, the Hussar Agricultural Society has secured $25,000 to support repairs for the community's arena, including the Zamboni room.For this small village of around 180 people, agriculture is more than a livelihood; it’s the foundation of the community. With young families returning to the farm and raising their children, Dundas says the arena has become a focal point for activities like hockey, skating, 4-H, and curling.The Growing Home program, now in its third year, has seen substantial growth across Canada. Leta LaRush, Vice President of BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, says it’s designed to support the very organizations that make rural life vibrant.
Youth from across the province put agriculture front and centre at the Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships, put on by the Calgary Stampede in partnership with the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture.The youth were competing for $15,000 in prizes as well as money to travel to Toronto to compete in the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Finals at the Royal Winter Fair in November.The competitors delivered speeches on one of five agri-tech and agri-food related topics that were five to seven minutes in length.The preliminary competition was held at Olds College and Stampede Park on July 11. The top five from the Junior and Senior divisions were selected to participate in the final on July 12th at the Calgary Stampede.
We kick off our first podcast, wrapping up our coverage of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, including our coverage of the vintage tractor pull. David Spence weighs in on the drought situation and provides a bit of insight into the recent hailstorms we have seen across the prairies. (7:00)How much water do you think it takes to produce a Stampede breakfast (5 Pancakes, Beef Sausage and a cup of coffee)? It's more than you think! We have insights from an interesting study from the Simpson Centre at the University of Calgary. (11:25) We wrap up the program by talking to BASF VP Leta LaRush about BASF’s Growing Home Program and this year’s Alberta winner – Hussar Agricultural Society. Brad Dundas from the Hussar Ag Society shares a bit about the community. We also talk about the 2nd and 3rd place finishers, Buffalo Coulee Community Hall and Eaglesham & District Agricultural Society.(14:50)Rural Roots Canada informs and celebrates the agriculture community by sharing real stories and information about rural life across the Prairies and the country.
Amidst the pancake breakfasts and rodeo fun at the Calgary Stampede, canola farmers were looking for updates on tariffs with China.Andre Harpe, Chair of Alberta Canola and the Canadian Canola Growers Association, met with Prime Minister Mark Carney face-to-face, and trade with China was top of mind."It was a great opportunity to have," says Harpe. "It's not every day you get the chance to chat with the prime minister. All we did was share our concerns about what's going on right now with China and the tariffs, so it was a good conversation."Earlier this year, China slapped retaliatory tariffs on canola and other ag products in response to trade restrictions imposed by Canada on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. It has created considerable concern among canola growers.
Farm families across southern Alberta have been recognized for their hard work and dedication to the agricultural community at this year's Calgary Stampede.The 2025 BMO Farm Family Awards honour farm families who exemplify the values of the family farm and the spirit of rural life. This year, 19 families were recognized for their leadership in agriculture, community roots, and commitment to preserving and promoting Western heritage.
Leona Watson is helping redefine what agriculture looks like in Canada’s North. The Yukon-based farmer and former Nuffield Scholar is welcoming past Nuffield Scholars to the Canadian territory for Nuffield Canada’s 75th-anniversary celebration, a region that, for many of them, is uncharted territory, which is kind of the point. “It’s the first time in the Yukon for a lot of these folks,” Watson says. “We’re just excited to feature what the Yukon has to offer. It’s a growing population, and we offer a lot of diverse things up here, including a small but growing agricultural sector.” Watson, who earned her scholarship in 2011, brings more than just her planning skills to the event. She’s an example of what can happen when opportunity and dedication collide. A decade ago, she and her husband moved north to literally and figuratively break ground in a place where agriculture is not foremost on people’s minds.
75 Years of producing travelling scholars and leaders in the agriculture community. Nuffield Canada celebrates the milestone by touring farms and agriculture businesses in the Yukon. Chair Steve Larocque says it's an amazing accomplishment—and it was a great place to celebrate it. “What better place than the Yukon on the solstice. It was fantastic,” says Larocque
Twelve applied research associations across Alberta will share $3.2 million in provincial funding aimed at strengthening agricultural research and improving producer competitiveness. The one-time grant from the provincial government will be used for equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and infrastructure enhancements. RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation for Alberta, says the investment reflects the province's ongoing support for practical, science-based innovations in farming. "Applied research associations play a vital role in supporting farmers and ranchers with top-notch research that helps improve and advance agriculture," says Sigurdson. "This funding helps ensure associations can concentrate on providing research and extension to help our producers adopt new technologies and practices and improve their competitiveness by addressing their most pressing capital equipment issues.”
The application deadline for the 2026 Nuffield Scholarships is looming- June 30th. The Nuffield Canada Scholarship is a prestigious, rural, thought-leadership program available to Canadian citizens who are involved in any aspect of agriculture. Its goal is to attract mid-career men and women who are ready to challenge themselves by doing 10 weeks of self-directed international travel study to examine and research an agricultural topic they are passionate about. Once travel is completed, Scholars sum up their findings in a written report (approx. 10,000 words) and presentation to Nuffield Canada at their annual general meeting. This $20,000 scholarship allows its recipients to travel the world. This helps them to cultivate bonds with peers involved in similar fields internationally, bring valued information back to their hometowns to positively benefit themselves, their communities, and their respective agricultural industry as a whole. It's considered the opportunity of a lifetime for those with a passion for agriculture.
Canada is beefing up its defence against foot-and-mouth disease, one of the most dangerous livestock diseases in the world.
AgKnow, the Alberta Farm Mental Health network, is looking to the agriculture industry to provide feedback on their latest assessment of the mental health environment for farmers and the ag industry in the province.Director Linda Hunt says this white paper assesses the needs in the community as well as the ability of the mental health and health care providers to connect with farmers."Looking for what are the barriers for people getting help, and how can we build capacity within the Alberta health and mental health system to support farmers and their families and veterinarians," says Hunt.
Fires on farm equipment are a known risk, especially during the busy harvest season, however, a Canadian agtech start-up believes they have developed a solution to help farmers spot problems before they spark.Chariot Command, co-founded by CEO Andrew John Leaman, uses camera-based technology to monitor the mechanical health of farm equipment, with a sharp focus on combines, where fire risk is often highest.“At Chariot Command, we use cameras to understand the mechanical health of farm equipment,” Leaman explains. “We are visual people. We are a vision company, so we use cameras to see things, whether they’re cameras that we install or the cameras on a phone. We're taking that information to help farmers understand what's going on with their machinery. We're helping them understand what their machine is thinking and feeling using cameras.”The company’s hardware mounts directly onto the machine and includes both a high-end regular camera and a thermal imaging unit. Together, they monitor critical hotspots like chopper bearings, the engine bay and gearboxes.“These are ideally for combines,” says Leaman. “So we’re actually looking for heat, potential fire risk, temperature changes.”
Building a strong relationship between a producer and a veterinarian is important for your herd's health and the economical sustainability of your farm. Dr. Tommy Ware from Veterinary Agri-Health Services says that the relationship starts with the first phone call between the producer and the veterinarian.
As technology continues to evolve in agriculture, Canadian livestock producers are embracing new ways to connect with their veterinarians—without ever setting foot in the clinic.Tele-medicine is gaining ground as a practical tool, allowing producers to consult with their vets remotely using phone calls, photos, and video. Dr. Tommy Ware of Veterinary Agri-Health Services near Crossfield, Alberta, the key to making it work starts with trust."A lot of it starts with having a good relationship with your veterinary, because we can't just willy-nilly go about just answering phone calls and taking videos," says Ware.
“I wish I didn't have to deal with these dryland corners on my fields. They are more trouble than they are worth.”This offhand remark from a farmer has led to a full-fledged research initiative at Farming Smarter to explore how farmers manage these tricky, often-overlooked portions of irrigated fields.The new project is entitled No Cutting Corners: Realizing the Sustainable Potential of Dryland Corners.Ashley Wagenaar, Conservation Agronomist at Farming Smarter, is super excited to explore farms' different strategies for managing these areas.She believes they can provide value to anyone interested in changing their approach or seeking advice on managing these areas differently.
An upcoming event in Airdrie aims to help livestock producers build stronger relationships with their veterinarians, an important but sometimes overlooked part of a successful operation.Organized by Ashley Nicholls of REACH Agriculture Strategies, the session will explore effective communication strategies between producers and veterinarians and highlight how technology is reshaping animal health management.Nicholls says two featured speakers will offer diverse insights into the field.
Like crops weathering droughts and downpours, women in agriculture are rising through uncertainty and leading with resilience.At the recent Advancing Women in Agriculture conference, Dr. Cami Ryan, Senior Business Partner for Industry Affairs and Sustainability at Bayer Crop Science Canada, spoke with Rural Roots Canada about her talk, "The Heat is On! Resiliency and Leadership in Ag." Ryan said she never planned for a career in agriculture, but stressed that we all have to grow where we're planted."I would have been the least likely person to end up in this space, but I did," she said. "So, really, the message is, if I can do it, anybody else can do it, too."
Canadian farmland rental rates remained relatively stable in 2024, despite another significant rise in land values, according to a report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC).Nationally, the average rent-to-price ratio, which measures the return on rented land relative to its market value, dropped slightly to 2.50%, nearly unchanged from 2.52% in 2o23. This indicates that rental rates haven't kept pace with the 9.3% increase in farmland values recorded over the previous year.The report, which focuses on cash rental agreements, shows regional differences in rental markets across Canada. In Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, rental rates have adjusted more quickly to land value increases. Other provinces saw little to no change in rental prices.
An updated Canadian drought monitor has been issued, and for most of Alberta, conditions have eased. West Central Alberta, from Olds to Nordegg, is no longer in drought thanks to recent rain. Southeastern Alberta received between 85 and 200% of normal precipitation in April. But the news was not as good for Southwestern Alberta, where conditions worsened, and part of the region is now considered to be an extreme drought. That region, the Southern foothills, the snowpack there, below average, soil is dry, surface water levels are low. According to the drought monitor, the St. Mary Reservoir is only at 64% capacity, the Old Man, 57%, and Waterton, just 40%. After a dry April, parts of the Lakeland region are considered abnormally dry, but not yet in drought. Now, conditions could improve between now and the end of the month with up to 90 millimeters of rain, projected by some computer models to fall between now and the end of the month in the southwestern foothills, the area hardest hit by drought.
Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – Canadian Road Safety Week is underway, and throughout rural Alberta, drivers are being urged to stay alert for farm machinery when travelling along the province’s roads.“Those are large pieces of equipment on the highway, and being aware of them and driving safely around them is critical,” says Jody Wacowich, executive director of AgSafe Alberta. “Right now, all of our farmers are out there moving seeders and other big equipment, trying to get the job done in between rainstorms and whatever else happens.”Wacowich says patience goes a long way when you’re stuck behind slow-moving machinery. “Yeah, they’re moving slow, but they’re not going to be on the road for that long. Just be patient with them and let them get to where they’re going, especially if the conditions aren’t allowing you to pass or get around them very easily. Take a breath, give it a minute or two.”
Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) has launched the 2025 Right by You Ag Society Grant, a community initiative that awards $10,000 each to four agricultural societies across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.Cory Flett, Marketing and Communications Manager for RME, says the company is committed to giving back to the communities where employees and customers live and work.“We feel these ag societies are a large part of the fabric in these communities, and often are the social hubs with rodeos and various other events that they host,” says Flett. “We feel it’s important to keep those alive.”
A new agriculture event is making its debut in southern Alberta in June.The Cypress Farm and Ranch Show will take place June 12–14 in Medicine Hat, coinciding with the World Professional Chuckwagon Races, which are being held in the city at the same time.Krissy Fiddler, part of the event’s organizing team, says the region is overdue for a show that brings together both the farming and ranching communities.
In this Prairie Weather this Week report, we take a look at the forecast for NE Alberta.
In this Prairie Weather this Week report, we take a look at the forecast for Central Alberta.
In this Prairie Weather this Week report, we take a look at the forecast for Southern Alberta.
Lightning....friend or foe? Both.Thunderstorm season has begun across the prairies, bringing with it danger, and a great benefit to growing crops.How to Stay SafeSafety is paramount, so we'll deal with the danger first. Lightning is generated by the attraction between the negative charges at the bottom of a thundercloud and the positive charge of the surface of the Earth. Similar to a magnet, the opposite charges are drawn to each other, and when the connection is made, a lightning flash results. The danger is obvious. The consequences can be deadly. Besides holding n enormous electrical charge, A lightning bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun. You don't want to be struck.Lightning is attracted to the tallest object in contact with the ground. That's why tall trees or tall buildings are often struck. When you're out working a field, you are quite possibly the tallest object - a target for a lightning stroke. You don't want to be the tallest object. Crouching down isn't good enough.
With the federal election in the rearview mirror, agricultural groups across the country are letting the minority Liberal Government know what they need immediately and in the coming months.Several of them issued statements in the last week.
Seeding is progressing across Alberta, and with it, a number of farmers will be participating in On-Farm Trials to assess how new products, technologies, or practices perform under real-world conditions.According to Steve Larocque of Beyond Agronomy, digital tools are transforming the future of these trials. He says platforms like DFI allow producers to carry out large-scale automated strip trials with ease.
When you hear the word lupin, you might think of those purple-pink flowers that dot landscapes and ditches across Canada. However, in this instance, lupin refers to a pulse crop that's becoming a crop to watch in Canadian agriculture.Researchers at Sarda Ag Research in the Peace Region of Alberta are exploring the potential of lupin, which is high in protein, rich in nutrients, and could have considerable potential for farmers."Lupin is similar to how we got into industrial hemp," says Vance Yaremko, Executive Director for Sarda Ag Research. "We're always looking for alternatives here in the Peace Region, because we're mainly known for canola and wheat."While the pulse market has been growing in that part of the province, Yaremko says there have been some challenges. "We've hit a snag with Aphanomyces being quite detrimental to the product. Lupin has a resistance to this, so we feel there is potential for it to be somewhat of a replacement."
Farmers are very innovative, always coming up with new tools and practices to solve everyday problems on their farm.One such person is Jessica Carlyon, the owner of Hired Hand Hardware, who also farms in Little Smoky in northwest Alberta.Carlyon builds and sells a slick tool that cuts, pulls and wraps bale string or wrap from a hay or straw bale while feeding or putting in bedding.
A new opportunity for women looking to gain hands-on ranching experience is coming to Alberta this summer.The first-ever Female Ranch Camp will take place June 18–22 in Yellowhead County. Organized by Business Wide-View, the camp is modelled after a successful U.S. program and aims to build confidence, skills, and a stronger sense of community among women in agriculture.“We’re taking up to 12 women to the camp,” says B-J Fuchs, owner of Business Wide-View and host of the event. “They’ll be learning real-life ranch skills through a series of stations — from sorting cattle, operating a chute, branding, ear tagging, to administering vaccines. It’s an environment designed for women to try new things, learn ranch hand activities, and not feel intimidated.”The camp has already attracted participants from across North America, including the United States, Eastern Canada, and Mexico. Interest has also come from as far away as Australia and Brazil, though visa issues have delayed some international participants until future camps.
In Alberta’s Peace Country, a farmer-directed research organization is helping producers improve their operations by testing new practices and technologies tailored to the region’s unique needs.SARDA Ag Research, based in Falher, conducts unbiased research on a range of topics, from crop inputs to new farming methods. The goal is to help farmers make better decisions based on data from their region, without the cost or risk of trying unproven methods themselves.“SARDA Ag Research is an organization that does non-biased research to help our local farmers come up with new ways, new things that are out there, bring the truth to it,” says Simon Lavoie, a St. Isidore-area farmer and chair of SARDA. “We can see firsthand what works, what doesn't work. SARDA is the groundbreaker for the new stuff for the north.”Lavoie says one of SARDA’s strengths is that it’s farmer-controlled, meaning local producers determine the direction of the research based on the challenges they face, rather than relying solely on industry trends.
Farmers across North America are riding a wave of economic uncertainty, thanks in large part to the ongoing global trade war & tariffs and shifting interest rates.Christian Lawrence, head of Cross-Asset Strategy at Rabobank, says the effects of the Trump administration’s trade strategy are hitting the agriculture sector hard.“We’re seeing a lot of volatility right across markets, particularly in currency markets, which tend to be a bit of a relief valve for tariffs,” says Lawrence.
Soil stewardship has long been a cornerstone of Kevin Auch’s approach to farming, a legacy passed down through generations. That dedication was recently recognized when the Carmangay producer received the prestigious Orville Yanke Award for soil conservation at the Farming Smarter Conference.
The 2025 edition of the Alberta Blue Book has arrived.For over 20 years, the Blue Book has been a trusted resource of farmers and agronomists, helping them make decisions during the growing season.The book, which is collaboratively produced by Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains and Alberta Pulse Growers, has over 700 pages of valuable crop protection information.
Farmland values across Canada continued their steady upward trend in 2024, with the average price of farmland increasing by 9.3 per cent, according to Farm Credit Canada’s latest Farmland Values Report.While the pace of growth slowed slightly compared to the 11.5 per cent increase recorded in 2023, FCC Chief Economist J.P. Gervais says the market remains strong despite some pressures.“The increase in Canadian farmland values in 2024 reflects an enduring strength in demand for farmland amid some pressures on commodity prices,” Gervais said. “The limited supply of farmland available for sale combined with lower borrowing costs resulted in an increase in the average price of farmland across the country.”
For women in agriculture, balancing farm duties, business management, caregiving, and community leadership can leave little time to build strong bonds or rekindle family connections.At the AWC West 2025 conference, Carlamay Sheremata, speaker and author of Youth Truth: Engaging in Conversations That Can Change Lives, says small, intentional moments, or what she calls “micro-minutes,” can have a significant impact.“It’s just the little things each day,” Sheremata explains. “It could be a five-minute check-in, driving home from school, or a simple good morning hug. Those little things all of a sudden build that connection with the kids.”
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is disappointed and frustrated by tariffs imposed by the American government, saying a prolonged trade war between Canada and the United States will result in major challenges for cattle producers across the country."We've put a lot of time and effort into advocating against the tariffs," says Tyler Fulton, Vice President of the Canadian Cattle Association. "We advocated directly with our U.S. counterparts to make sure they understood the consequences to their industry and the U.S. consumer as well.""It's frustrating that we find ourselves in this position, and I can't help but think that, at some point, all of this pain could have been avoided."Fulton notes the cattle industry is deeply intertwined across North America, with cattle frequently moving between Canada and the U.S. for grazing, feeding, and processing. The sudden tariffs have left many producers scrambling."I can't think of a more risky time to be in the cattle business than what we've got right now."
The tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada and Mexico are shaking up Alberta’s food industry, and local processors are already feeling the pressure.Bianca Parsons, Executive Director of the Alberta Food Processors Association, says businesses are already struggling to adapt. Long-term contracts with major retailers in the United States make it difficult to absorb sudden cost increases.“They have contracts with major retailers in the United States selling their food and beverage products,” says Parsons. “Those contracts obviously don’t include a 25% increase in tariff. They’re now trying to renegotiate those contracts so that they can still make a viable business.”
We're just weeks away from seeding and planting. It's the time when farmers and ranchers start browsing long-range weather forecasts to try to figure out how to prepare for the spring.
Building a successful leadership and team-building workshop is about putting the right blocks in place to build a base.There is no better example of this than Shanyn Silinski's workshop, Foundations of Team Work, Brick by Brick, one of the many workshops to be held at the upcoming Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference, March 16 - 18 at the Hyatt Downtown in Calgary.The unique session will utilize Lego as the building blocks for the lessons. Silinski, a Senior Strategic Partner at Olds College, says she has seen firsthand the power of Lego in team-building workshops after holding similar workshops for companies like Brandt and John Deere."It’s amazing how much you can learn about a team when you strip everything down to something as simple as Lego. People relax, have fun, and suddenly, they work together in ways you wouldn’t expect."For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
It looks like Alberta and part of Saskatchewan will miss out on the bounty of moisture this week, until you look at rainfall. The map below shows expected rainfall over the same time period:
Ashley Nicholls, founder of Reach Agricultural Strategies, is set to debut a new initiative aimed at making agricultural education more accessible to local communities.The seminar series, Reach Ranch Talks, will kick off on February 20th at High River Brewing at 6:00 PM, offering farmers and ranchers a chance to engage in discussions about communication at the farm and ranch level.
Warmer weather’s on the way. But….not much snow.Every day forward is a day closer to when we break out of the Arctic air mass that has kept the prairies cold since the beginning of February. And the wait is getting shorter. By the end of this week, each of the three prairie provinces will see temperatures climb above the melting point. And, the further west you are, the sooner the warm air arrives.
What can we learn from the world’s oldest farming market traditions?The executive director of Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia and recent Nuffield Scholar Justin Cantafio, travelled across Mexico, Europe, and Turkey to find the answer.His biggest takeaway? Local food systems aren’t just about food, they’re about culture, community, and accessibility.“I purposely sought out regions of the world or countries that have market traditions going back hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of years, because I really wanted to see what that means,” said Cantafio. “Whether it was in urban or rural Mexico, or Malta, or throughout continental Europe into Turkey, the same thing kept happening over and over and over again, and that was how important the embedded nature of local food systems are and how incredibly good farmers markets and public markets are at embedding food and culinary traditions and access to traditional foodways into the everyday life of the populace.”
A new documentary delves into the complex debate surrounding livestock production and the potential impact of a world without cows. The film examines the various sides of the conversation, aiming to spark dialogue about the future of animal agriculture.Stuart McGregor, Vice President Commercial Business of Alltech Canada, acknowledges that there’s no simple answer to the question."The issue is not black and white," he states. "This initiative allows us to start meaningful conversations. It provides a platform for educating people, particularly those who may have been distanced from farm life—whether second, third, or fourth-generation farmers—or those who have moved away from agriculture altogether. It helps them understand the critical role of animal farming, not just in Canada but globally."
In the critical moments of a medical emergency, the ability to act quickly can make all the difference between life and death. Yet, when faced with a situation requiring the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), many people hesitate because they don’t know how to use the device or when to deploy it. Kim Ruether knows all too well the importance of this knowledge after the tragic loss of her 16-year-old son, Brock, who died suddenly from a heart attack in 2012.Kim’s experience has inspired a mission to teach others about how to recognize cardiac arrest and how to use an AED to potentially save a life. Her story highlights the urgent need for AED education, especially in rural communities where medical help may take longer to arrive.
Getting a first-hand look at the daily lives of farmers is an excellent way to help the public understand where their food comes from.Last year, during my travels across the U.K. and Europe, I had the chance to spend time with Pete and Paula Hynes, dairy farmers in Cork, Ireland. Not only are they experts in their field, but they also excel at sharing their experiences through mainstream media and social platforms.Paula explains that showcasing their farm helps highlight the family-oriented nature of Irish dairy farming."We're passionate about our cows and our people," she says. "We share everything—the good, the bad, the ugly. There's no point in only showing the pretty side. Cows die, calves die. It's important to show it all."
Jeff Frost, a farmer from the Olds area, is nearing the end of his first year as the Region 8 director on the Alberta Canola board. Frost joined the board in January of 2024 following the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and says the experience has been both eye-opening and rewarding.
A change in the weather pattern will bring a lot more moisture into western North America over the next seven to ten days. Unfortunately for Canadian prairie farmers and ranchers, the vast majority of that wet weather is expected to occur south of the border. from the northwestern US straight across to the northeastern US, bypassing us to the south. It doesn’t mean we won’t get any snow at all, but it does shut us out of the main moisture flow.
Steve Larocque, a progressive farmer from Three Hills, Alberta, is passionate about finding smarter solutions to tackle one of agriculture's biggest challenges: herbicide-resistant weeds. For Larocque, the future lies in combining cultural practices with advanced technologies to create a more sustainable and economically viable approach to weed control.
Ashley Nicholls from Reach Agricultural Strategies will lead a compelling workshop at the 2025 Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference (AWC). The workshop will focus on Low-Stress People Handling and the importance of effective communication on the farm.
It was an issue many thought had been settled, but the debate over open-pit mining in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes has been reignited.In 2020, public outcry forced the province to put a moratorium on nearly all new coal exploration and development in the Eastern Slopes. However, Alberta's energy minister, Brian Jean, lifted the moratorium last month to help reduce regulatory confusion around coal mining.Rancher Kelly Hall, owner of the Timber Ridge conservation site west of Nanton, worries about the potential contamination of the water supply if mining proceeds."We're extremely concerned because of the health risks that are involved," says Hall. "Selenium and other heavy metals like arsenic could be present in our water system."
Alberta Canola growers have voted to increase the service charge from a dollar to a dollar-75.This is the first increase to the service charge, which helps fund research, grower extension and public engagement amongst other programs, to happen since 2003.
The latest findings from the Alltech 2024 Canadian Harvest Analysis reveal a mixed outlook for mycotoxin contamination in silage and grains across the country. While overall mycotoxin levels are down compared to previous years, regional variability remains a key concern, particularly for corn silage.Stuart McGregor, Vice President of Commercial Business for Alltech Canada, emphasized the importance of understanding the specific risks despite the overall decline in mycotoxins.
Welcome, La NinaLa Nina is here, and cold weather will continue across the prairies this week, and there will be snow. The snowfall pattern will be similar to what we've had all season. Areas that have had snow will get more. And, dry areas, such as southern Alberta, will remain starved for moisture, as snow amounts over the next seven days will total only 10 cm at most.Here's an update on where we stand in terms of soil moisture as February begins. This first map shows where soil moisture levels stand relative to normal. Areas shaded in blue show higher or much higher than average soil moisture levels. This includes southern Alberta east of highway 2, a portion of north-central Alberta, and in the Souris/Assiniboine/Red watersheds of southern Manitoba. Areas in green show soil moisture levels near normal. Yellow, orange and red regions are those where there is a moisture deficit.
Canadian ag groups are weighing in on the tariff crisis.Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump followed through on his tariff threat, slapping Canada with a 25% tariff on just about all goods effective Tuesday, February 4. Canada retaliated with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.
With the threat of U.S. tariffs hanging over Canada like the sword of Damocles, Alberta’s commodity groups including Alberta Canola are coordinating efforts to advocate against, and prepare for, tariffs.Roger Chevraux, Alberta Canola Region 11 director, says they’re working behind the scenes, contacting U.S. governors, senators, and representatives to emphasize the importance of the two countries' relationship regarding food."We a big customer of their production, and they're a big customer of our production," Chevraux noted. "Food is important. If you put a tariff on it, it's going to cost your consumers a whole lot of money and you're going to have explain to them why the cost of food is going up."
Warm and dry across the agricultural south.....then the pattern flips! For some, snow and cold is on the way. And by next weekend...yikes!
Farmers and ranchers know it's hard enough to get a good snowpack in southern Alberta. With our frequent chinooks, keepng what little snow we get on the ground is even harder. And the January thaw doesn't help. The "January thaw", or the bonspiel thaw, is a weather phenomenon that happens in mid to late January as mild Pacific air stretches across North America. It’s like nature hits the pause button on winter, bringing a brief stretch of warmer weather. Snow starts melting, ice turns to slush, and people start to wonder if spring is showing up early (spoiler: it’s not). There's still a lot of mystery as to why it happens, but it's believed to be tied to natural variations in the jet stream, which can allow mild Pacific air to cross the country from west to east. The January thaw isn't all good. It can be damaging to crops and vegetation... as it can briefly disrupt the dormant winter cycle.
Karsten Grabler from Cherhill, Alberta and Garret Rice from Carbon, Alberta have been named the 2025 recipients of the Seed Smart Scholarship, a prestigious award from the Alberta Seed Processors (ASP) recognizing academic excellence and leadership in agriculture.Grabler, a student in the Animal Science Technology program majoring in Beef at Lakeland College in Vermilion, expressed his gratitude for the award. "I'm very fortunate and as well as glad to have won this," he said. "It will greatly benefit my further studies within this current program, as well as if I go on to further studies as well.
Warmer weather returns to Alberta and Saskatchewan! But in Manitoba, it's a long wait.Bitterly cold weather to start the day, with temperatures in the -30s and wind chills in the -40s east of Highway 2 and south of Edmonton. Elsewhere, morning lows will be near or in the -20s. However, this is the day of change for Alberta, as mild Pacific air begins to push in during the day. IF that warmer air remains aloft, an inversion will develop, and it will remain cold through the day, and smoggy in urban areas, particularly Calgary.
Digital technology, community, and craft beer have come together to brew a unique collaboration.Bayer Crop Science has named Irvin and Braden Eberle of Montmartre, Saskatchewan, as the winners of its FieldBrew contest, granting them the opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind craft beer, FieldBrew, a play on its FieldView digital agriculture platform. In partnership with Origin Brewing & Malting Co. of Strathmore, Alberta, it’s the first-of-its-kind initiative connecting farm to glass.“It’s been a great opportunity,” says Braden. “It’s great to be involved with Origin and see how the product comes from the field directly into a beer can.”The Eberle family farm, I W Eberle Farms Ltd., will feature prominently on FieldBrew’s label as part of the prize. The Eberles, who operate a fourth-generation grain farm growing durum wheat, canola, and lentils, have been active users of the FieldView platform for the past four years.For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
It'll be mild until the weekend, then.....Yikes!As mentioned in last Thursday's midweek update, La Nina has arrived. It was officially declared on January 9th, and is expected to persist for a few weeks, maybe into April. The expectation is for La Nina to remain weak. Prairie weather characteristics of La Nina events include colder than average weather, with above average snowfall. It's a weak La Nina, and no specific forecasts can be made, but for the next two or three months, it's best to be prepared for cold, sometimes snowy weather. And, just to give you a hint of the cold air that's likely on its way, this is a map showing expected temperatures in the early morning of Monday January 20. It's a long way out, and this is not a specific forecast, but it does show temperatures as low as -30 C as far south as the mountains of Utah and Colorado, along with southern Saskatchewan.
Over the last twenty years or so, the most common question I have received is, "What weather app do you recommend?" And, over the last twenty years or so, my answer has been none of them.Most weather apps provide model output, computer generated forecasts unvetted by human meteorologists and many of us in the business call them crap apps.However, for farmers and ranchers, I’ve found a few apps that will actually be quite helpful.None of these are paid endorsements, just free suggestions.
After a cold snowy week across southern Alberta, we get a chinook this week. Yes, it will be windy in all the usual places, especially between Lethbridge and Crowsnest Pass, and it will be warmer. There may be occasions this week, particularly Wednesday and maybe Thursday, that the temperature will climb close to ten degrees, but overall this should be an event with single digit highs in most areas for most days of this week. It won’t be quite warm enough, perhaps, to get rid of all the beneficial snow now on the ground. How much snow disappears will depend on how much sunshine we get with the chinook wind. A cloudy day with an air temperature of +4 isn't going to make the snow go away, because the snow’s temperature is still zero or below. But, add some sunshine, and it’s a different story. The wind warms the air, but it's the sun that warms the snow, and makes it melt or evaporate.Read the full forecast at Rural Roots Canada.com.
Medicine Hat College is making strides in agricultural education, with new, innovative programs designed to meet the needs of seasoned producers and the next generation of agribusiness professionals.
The Senate's Agriculture Committee has released its highly anticipated Critical Ground report on the state of soil health in Canada. We chat with one of the senators involved in the study coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we amplify Canadian Agriculture.The Canadian Senate has released its much-awaited Critical Ground report looking at the state of soil health in Canada.Paula Simons, an independent senator representing Alberta in the Senate, says they visited farms across the country as part of the study.To read more about the story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
The Alberta Invasive Species Council says its Squeal on Pigs awareness initiative continues to be a big success.Invasive Species Technician Paige Kuczmarski says the Wild Boar Control program, which started in 2018, has resulted in landowners and individuals filing reports of wild boars or signs of the animals.Since the inception of that program in 2018, they have captured around 458 wild boar from the landscape through the corral traps.
Technology has completely changed the way farmers and ranchers check cows during calving season.ONE Cup A-I is one of those companies pushing forward new tech that is changing the industry.Mokah Shimigelsky, Founder and COO of the company, says their tech uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to uniquely identify animals and then track their behaviours and health to give information producers can act on.She says they have seen considerable growth in the last two years.
Rural Roots Canada Meteorologist David Spence takes a look back at the different conditions and how they impacted the farms and ranches throughout southern Alberta.
Rural Roots Canada Meteorologist David Spence took a look back at the different conditions and how they impacted the farms and ranches throughout central Alberta.
It's been an up-and-down year for weather and moisture levels in the province.Rural Roots Canada Meteorologist David Spence took a look back at the different conditions and how they impacted the farms and ranches throughout southern Alberta.
AgSafe Alberta has developed some new educational tools around respirators to make sure farmers can breathe easier in the future.Jody Wacowich is the Executive Director of AgSafe Alberta.She says they wanted to grow awareness about respiratory protective equipment and emphasize the longer-term health impacts on the farm.For the full story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
Nearly 80 young women from across southern Alberta gathered at Lethbridge Polytechnic for Harvesting Ambitions: Young Women in Agriculture, a hands-on career exploration event showcasing the diverse opportunities in agriculture.The full-day program, organized by Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute, featured interactive workshops and panel discussions with women leaders in the industry. The students explored everything from plant chemistry and entomology to entrepreneurship and sustainability.Teacher Lori Adamson says it was an eye-opening experience for the students. "A lot of the comments were about how they didn't know business and finance could be part of agriculture or that scientists had a role in agriculture, so we opened their eyes to some different fields within agriculture," says Adamson. "Our goal is to show these young women the value of a career in agriculture. Whether you’re interested in plant chemistry, environmental sciences or running the business side of an operation, agriculture has something for everyone.”
The Centre for Innovation at Medicine Hat College, which is now in its second year, is expanding into agricultural research.Chelsey Ehresman, who is the manager of C-4-I, says it's all possible due to some funding they received this year.
In this Prairie Weather this Week report, RRC Meteorologist David Spence looks at whether the prairies will see a white Christmas.
Nuffield Canada has been awarding life-changing scholarships to people in agriculture, food and farming for decades.Chair Steve Larocque says the organization sends agribusiness professionals and farmers around the world to look at new ideas, innovations, policies, and practices.
Just north of Craigmyle, Alberta, Flag Hill Ranch is redefining farm-to-table.Owned by Justine Berry and her family, the ranch specializes in grass-finished beef, a decision driven by their commitment to sustainability and regenerative farming practices."We raise right from birth through until butcher," says Berry. "We branched into the direct marketing of our beef and launched our grass-finished beef program about 10 years ago. We were looking at what is a sustainable model for our ranch and looking at doing more with fewer animals. Going grass-finished really fit with our regenerative holistic rotational grazing model."Connecting with consumers is important to the operation. Berry says social media plays a big role in reaching those customers, but it's also an important learning tool.To read the full story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
A researcher at Lethbridge Polytechnic is taking aim at bacterial threats in poultry farming.Dr. Sophie Kernéis, microbial research lead at the school, has received an $80,000 grant from the Egg Farmers of Canada to explore phytobiotics, plant-based compounds with antibiotic properties. The goal? To fight Avian Pathogenic E. Coli or APEC.APEC is one of the leading bacterial causes of mortality and morbidity in poultry. It results in millions of chicken deaths and an estimated $10 to $50 million in cost each year. The bacteria can also lead to reduced growth in chickens, representing less meat per chicken and egg production.Dr. Kernéis began her work in 2016 by creating a library of plant extracts to identify those with antibiotic potential. Her team has built an extensive library of plant extracts, testing roughing 150 varieties. The research has already identified a couple of promising plants capable of controlling E. coli and other harmful bacteria. "E. coli is one of their main problems, and so I'm focusing on this bacteria," says Dr. Kernéis. "But there are many other bacteria that can be also addressed."To read more go to ruralrootscanada.com.
Snow, rain, freezing rain, arctic air, and....chinooks! There will be impacts on travel, as we all run around getting ready for the holidays.
The Crossroads Crop Conference, a premier event for Western Canada’s agricultural community, returns January 28-29, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton. Organized by Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains, and Alberta Pulse Growers, the event aims to address pressing challenges and opportunities in farming with the theme Future Proof Your Farm.
In this Prairie Weather this Week report: from +5 to -30 Alberta stays rather warm as frigid air invades Saskatchewan and Manitoba this week.
Students studying agriculture at the post-secondary level are stepping into a world of opportunities, supported by strong industry partnerships and a growing demand for people to work in the industry that feeds the world.Byrne Cook, Chair of the School of Agriculture at Lethbridge Polytechnic, highlighted the abundance of career options available to students as they transition from education to the workforce.“There are so many opportunities across Western Canada,” said Cook. “Students come to college, and many would like to work in Lethbridge, but some take jobs elsewhere and later move back as positions open up or their careers develop. The key is for students to get involved early, especially through summer positions,” says Cook.
The Agri-Food Innovation Expo, a unique collaboration between Lethbridge & District Exhibition and Westerner Park in Red Deer, marked a successful second year with its first event hosted in Lethbridge. With over 20 exhibitors and 200 attendees—an increase from its inaugural year in Red Deer—the expo continues to establish itself as a key event in Canada’s agrifood industry.To read more go to ruralrootscanada.com.
Farming can be isolating, and mental health challenges can often go unnoticed, but Do More Ag is working to change that with its Ag Talk platform.The 24/7 online peer support platform allows farmers to connect with others facing similar struggles, helping to plant the seeds of mental wellness.Leslie Kelly, with Do More Ag, emphasizes the importance of small, daily actions for improving mental wellness.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canada has the agriculture industry on edge."We are certainly nervous about tariffs," says Greg Sears, Director of Region 6 for Alberta Grains, and a farmer in the Peace Region. "Approximately 7% of Alberta's wheat and 11% of Alberta's barley goes into the States. Certainly, there'll be a direct impact on those two crops, reducing our netbacks to the farm, which could be significant."Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods unless the two countries strengthen their borders to prevent illegal migrants and drugs like fentanyl from entering the U.S.Sears points out there are still several weeks before Trump assumes the presidency and an ongoing, productive dialogue is necessary ahead of that. "Now is the time that we have to engage with the different levels of government in Canada and our industry partners nationally to maintain engagement with our contacts in the United States, the bureaucrats, and at the state level to make sure that the message of the mutual benefits and importance of free and open trade between our two countries."Read more about this at ruralrootscanada.com.
Winter is here, and there is protective snow on the ground across the prairies. While astronomical winter doesn't begin until December 21st, meteorologists consider December 1 as the real first day of winter, based on the weather. It's called Meteorological Winter, and it runs from Dec 1 to the end of February. For the prairies, though, winter weather arrived even earlier this year. November was a colder than average month across most of the Canadian prairies, and there is plenty of snow on the ground already! Below is a map showing snowfall anomalies, or how much more or less snow on the ground compared to long term averages. Where it's green, snow cover is above average. And, there's a lot of green across the prairies, from western Manitoba to central Alberta:
CocoRahs is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hale, and Snow Network. In operation since 1997, it expanded to Canada in 2012, and now there are 20,000 participants across the country.
AgSafe Alberta has launched the fourth and final stage of its Farmers Care program. In Level Four, the focus is on dealing with emergencies. Farmers and ranchers will be introduced to emergency action plans and other considerations to help improve farm safety during an emergency.
Ratting on Rats. The Alberta Invasive Species Council is stepping up efforts to make sure the province remains rat freeAlberta is the largest rat-free jurisdiction in the world a status it has enjoyed for over 70... something everyone would like to continue.Paige Kuczmarski is an Invasive Species Technician with the Alberta Invasive Species Council.Kuczmarski says rats are notorious carriers of diseases that can spread to humans and animals, posing serious public health risks.
The long wait is over. There is snow on the ground across the southern prairies. A storm system orginating late last week with an Idaho low, spread snow across the Canadian prairies, and the northern US plains. The snow came at a time where it was badly needed. This soil moisture map from Windy.com shows the soil moisture deficit from the Rockies to Brandon, and from beyond the US border to Prince Albert and Edmonton. This week – cold weather persists, with the potential for dangerously cold weather by the weekend. And, some areas will get more snow.
A report by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) finds Canadians are becoming increasingly divided in their perception of the national food system.The CCFI 2024 Public Trust Research finds that 31% of Canadians believe the food system is on the right track, representing a three-point drop from last year. Meanwhile, 29% believe the system is moving in the wrong direction. This marks the first time in nearly a decade that public opinion is almost completely split on whether Canada’s food system is improving.Public concern over food prices has eased slightly, with 51% saying it remains a top issue. It’s a three-point improvement over last year. However, positive perceptions of the food system are down, with only 45% holding a favourable view, a seven-point drop from 2023. Negative impressions increased sharply, up to 18%, compared to last year’s 11%.
From rocks to docks, steel boats to plastic floats, zebra and quagga muscles pose a threat to Alberta's waterways and can cause considerable damage, ecologically and financially. The problem with these invasive muscles is threefold. One, their ability to reproduce is astounding, says Paige Kuczmarski with the Alberta Invasive Species Council.One female muscle can produce up to a million eggs.Two, they filter out suspended matter and food particles, which means native fish species aren't getting enough to eat. And three, their The ability to latch on to hard surfaces means muscles can and will clog irrigation and water infrastructure, which can devastate crops.
Alberta-based mental health organization AgKnow will be relaunching its free mental health support sessions for farmers, farm families, farm employees, and veterinarians across the province.Recent funding from the Alberta Treasury Branch has allowed AgKnow to resume the free sessions, which had been paused as it awaited provincial grant funding.AgKnow Director Linda Hunt explains why these free sessions are vital for the ag community."Farmers have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk," she says. "To combat that and to work with getting some services out into the industry as fast as possible, we decided to build a network where we have engaged with councillors in rural Alberta, that have that lived farm experience and are ready to offer services to farmers. That has been a main focus of our initiative from the beginning."
Snow! The long spell of endless days of dry weather come to an end across much of the agricultural prairies this week, as a series of systems will bring rain and snow to the parched plain. And. not a moment too soon, as, according to the latest Canadian Drought Monitor, drought or dry conditions have returned to parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, due to a lack of rainfall, higher than average temperatures, and drying wind.
New research from the University of Guelph is revealing how different grazing strategies can transform pasture productivity and livestock health.Kayleigh DeCoste is a master’s student in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph.Her master's research is looking at the effects of different grazing strategies on pasture performance and cow-calf performance on Ontario pastures.For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
How do low-quality forages affect animal efficiency and enteric methane emissions? That's the question a student at the University of Guelph has some answers to.Madeline McLennan is studying at the University of Guelph in the Department of Animal Biosciences, focusing on beef nutrition and physiology.Her primary focus right now is on the impact of low-quality forages.For more on this story go to RuralRootsCanada.com
Dennis Blackburn survived a terrifying tractor rollover that could’ve left him paralyzed or worse. Despite extensive injuries to his neck and back, he made a remarkable recovery. His story is a reminder that no matter how familiar you are with farm equipment, safety always comes first.
Family. Passion. Power. Three generations of the Elliott family share a love of vintage tractor pulling.Darcy, Michael and Allan Elliott from Blackie, Alberta, shared the stage at the Calgary Stampede for the first time this past summer.This passion, which has driven three generations of the family, all started when Darcy had a fateful encounter with a vintage tractor.For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com
Crop research organization Western Crop Innovations is increasing its ability to test the quality of malts with the recent addition of a micro-malt plant, including a germinator and kiln.Lori Oatway is the research scientist for crop quality for WCI.She says they are excited to have a custom-built micro-malt unit. Read the full story at ruralrootscanada.com.
The Porch Light Mental Wellness Society is hosting a gala to raise awareness and funds for mental health support within Alberta's rural farming communities.The Night Out in November: The 1st Annual Porch Light Mental Wellness Society Gala will be an evening of dance, entertainment, a live auction, and education. Proceeds from the night will go to AgKnow, the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network.AgKnow director Linda Hunt said the gala promises to be a great night."It'll be cowboy black tie, so not totally formal," she chuckled. "There will be dancing, a great live auction, and a keynote address from Brett Gardiner, the award-winning rodeo announcer and mental health advocate."The money raised at the gala will be used, in part, for an important AgKnow initiative. "We have a farming-formed mental health therapist network that we've been working on," said Hunt. "We have identified mental health counsellors who live in rural areas, or lived experience with farming or extensive experience working or counselling farmers."For the full feature go to ruralrootscanada.com.
The Canadian Cattle Youth Council (CCYC) is undergoing a changing of the guard as outgoing president Scott Gerbrandt passes the torch to incoming president Emily Bromley. Gerbrandt, who served as CCYC president for the past year, leaves a legacy of strategic advancements, particularly in youth succession planning and governance. “When I took on the role, we started by finishing up a working group looking at succession issues and how it affects youth in the industry,” said Gerbrandt. “Most of our ideas focused on information sharing and we were able to share those ideas among our members.” Under his leadership, the CCYC also conducted a governance review and developed a youth strategy. “We developed five key pillars, just released, which we’re moving forward with at the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). From that, the national beef advisors will use those pillars and develop a strategy for the next five years, so we’re pleased to have helped with that.” Looking forward, Bromley steps in as the new president, bringing her enthusiasm and her vision for the council. “We’re going to take the work Scott and the council did on the governance review and dive deeper into it, particularly around term lengths since there have been some changes on that front,” Bromley said. One of her primary goals is to refine the succession plan. “We’ll continue to look at the succession plan for the youth council and how to make it flow better with the new changes,” she said. “I’m excited to dive deep into it. We have a lot of great council members and new ones coming on, and I’m excited to get their input.” For the full story, go to ruralrootscanada.com.
A newly launched initiative aimed at advancing Canada’s position as a leader in cereal grain innovation has been given a considerable funding boost from four Canadian grain grower organizations.The Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) Capital Campaign, led by Cereals Canada, has secured $13.4 million from Alberta Grains, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), Manitoba Crop Alliance, and Grain Farmers of Ontario. That brings its total funding commitment to just over $18 million, with a project fundraising goal of $102 million.The GATE initiative is a visionary project looking to establish a cutting-edge facility in Winnipeg that will serve as a hub for agricultural innovation providing farmers with the tools, resources, and technical support they need to be competitive globally and remain leaders in agricultural exports. Greg Sears, farmer and Alberta Grains Region 6 Director, said the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing ag-tech and innovation aligns perfectly with the Gate initiative and expects there will be tangible results for farmers.“Producers need to understand this is a multi-generational investment ensuring Canada’s profile as producers of high-quality, sustainably produced wheat and barley remains intact for our customers,” he said. “That sets all of us up as producers for many years to come.”For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com
The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada is raising awareness about the many diverse jobs in the agriculture industry by taking it on the road. We have more on its Careers in Ag initiative, which now includes a mobile skills trailer.To read more about this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
A flourishing gardening program in a community on the edge of Lima, Peru, has connections to Alberta.The power of growing food to improve people's lives is not lost on the community of Manchay, located on the outskirts of Lima. There, a gardening school has changed the fortunes of the people, thereby empowering them.Calgarian Art Froelick, whose family's charitable trust started the school, said his family was looking to leave a legacy when he was introduced to someone who was interested in doing charity work in Peru.
The Canadian Cattle Foundation presents the second annual Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award to support the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program. This year's recipient is Cassie Marchand from Vernon, BC. The award honors those who embody the spirit of leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and dedication to the Canadian cattle industry and mirrors Reg Schellenberg's dedicated leadership. For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
A Nova Scotia-based family farm has been named the winner of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for 2024.Holdanca Farms, near Wallace Bay on the north shore of Nova Scotia, is operated by the father-daughter team of John and Maria Duynisveld. The farm has been recognized for its ongoing commitment to sustainable farming practices that balance environmental conservation with agricultural productivity.The 500-acre farm is focused on raising grass-fed cattle, sheep, pastured pigs, and poultry, but half of the acreage is a managed, biodiverse native woodlot, home to many wildlife species. They’ve recorded over 1,000 wild species on their property, with help from the public through a bio blitz, a focused, biological surveying event where people attempt to record all living species within a designated area through an app on their phones.
Going from farm to table has never been easier with the launch of a new digital cookbook showcasing Southern Alberta’s farm fresh flavours.Tourism Lethbridge and Alberta Food Tourism Strategies have teamed up with Alberta Open Farm Days to release the digital recipe book titled Lethbridge Farm-to-Table: Flavours from Southern Alberta. The book aims to promote the region’s agricultural products while promoting its growing agri-food tourism industry in Southern Alberta.The collection of recipes features 25 delicious culinary delights from 13 local producers, chefs, and restauranteurs. Each puts a spotlight on farm-fresh ingredients found throughout Southern Alberta. The cookbook arrives just ahead of Alberta Open Farm Days where local farms across the province open their doors to the public. The book and Open Farm Days encourage locals and visitors to discover the agricultural bounty the province, and region offer.
Alberta is gearing up for its 12th annual Open Farm Days, a two-day event on August 17 and 18 that serves as a backstage pass to life on the farm. Celebrating the province's agricultural heritage, it's an opportunity to meet local farmers, experience agri-tourism first-hand, and sample delicious food directly from producers.The goal is to provide an immersive experience by connecting consumers of all ages to those who grow and produce the food they eat. Visitors will have the chance to discover a wide array of farming operations within the province and sample a variety of local, homegrown Alberta products.Charlotte Wasylik is a proud member of the Chatsworth Farm family, which is participating in this year's event. It's the fifth time the farming operation, located in Vermillion, Alberta, has taken part in Open Farm Days. Wasylik says they always try to include unique experiences that showcase life on the farm. This year is no different, as they have secured the culinary expertise of three Edmonton-based chefs to cook up a storm for their guests.
For 35 years, 20/20 Seed Labs has been a leader in seed testing and research.The company has grown from a small business into a fully accredited and internationally recognized seed testing laboratory with facilities in Alberta, Manitoba, and Chile.The company was founded in 1989 by Sarah Foster following Agriculture Canada’s decision to privatize its seed testing program. Foster seized the opportunity to fill a gap in the market.For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape will be front and centre as Saskatoon hosts the upcoming Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC), August 18 - 22. “It’s an opportunity for Saskatchewan, and a real opportunity to showcase Prairie-wide, some of the knowledge, expertise, and excellence that can contribute to moving the livestock industry forward,” says Dr. Scott Wright, conference chair and Director of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) at the University of Saskatchewan. The conference takes place August 19 – 22 in Saskatoon. The conference’s agenda is packed with opportunities to learn and contribute, covering topics from policy and economics to technology to animal management & welfare. Registration for the CBIC is open. For more information, go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
The Calgary Stampede is known for showcasing rodeo talent and livestock exhibitions and this year, it was also a platform for young speakers passionate about agriculture. The Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture and Calgary Stampede hosted the Youth Agriculture Speaking Championship, bringing together young minds to voice their thoughts on agriculture and its future. Ultimately, two young speakers, Emma Cross from Camrose County, and Nora Johnson from Scandia, were crowned the winners in their respective competitions. Cross, winner of the senior competition, delivered an insightful speech on bridging the knowledge gap between urban and rural communities. She put her unique spin on the age-old debate. “My speech was about public trust in agriculture and how we can bridge the gap between urban and rural,” Emma explained. “I chose to reframe the knowledge gap as a gap in relationships and how we can create connections between those two groups.” For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
In mid-July, severe storm season reaches its peak on the Canadian prairies. Already, hundreds of hail-related crop insurance claims have been filed, and several tornadoes have touched down across the prairies. For a farmer, a single storm could wipe out weeks or months of hard work. Cochrane, Alberta-based storm chaser Braydon Morisseau has seen firsthand the damage severe weather can cause. In an interview with Rural Roots Canada, Morisseau said there are things we can do to keep ourselves and our properties as safe as possible.
An innovative agriculture literacy program at the University of Calgary has secured a $1 Million donation from BMO. The Simpson Centre for Food and Agriculture Policy at the university’s School of Public Policy says the donation will support the launch of the Agriculture Literacy for Healthier People and Planet program. The initiative will address the complexities of agricultural systems while emphasizing the pivotal role food plays in human health and environmental sustainability. Dr. Guillaume Lhermie, Director of the Simpson Centre, says the program is designed to educate the public about where food comes from. “It will reach a broad range of audiences, including formal stakeholders such as research, industry, and government, as well as informal audiences such as consumers and citizens,” says Lhermie. “We are particularly focused on engaging young adults and teenagers who are active on social media and eager to participate in shaping the future of food systems.”
The countdown is on and preparations are being made for the Advancing Women in Agriculture AWC East 2024 Conference happening in Niagara Falls, Ontario from November 17-19. Lynda Campbell with TD Bank Agriculture Services has been a long-time conference attendee. She says the conference shines a very bright light on the importance of women in the agriculture sector. "Working and being in the industry, I see so many women coming back to the farm or on the farm and the role they play and how little we know about their contributions to the operations," says Campbell. "So many of them are sole farmers themselves now and this conference is a great opportunity for women to help women."
Nanotechnology has long since moved out of the realm of science fiction. The practical applications of nanotechnology and its economic potential for many industries, including agriculture, are seemingly limitless. At the forefront of nanotechnology and agriculture stands Convergent Bio. Launched earlier this year by a group of scientists, engineers, agronomists, and market specialists, the company aims to explore nanotechnology and its potential in agriculture. Jason White is the Chief Innovation Officer at Convergent Bio. He admits he used to have doubts about nanotech. As a toxicologist, he had concerns nanotechnology was potentially disastrous. “I started hearing about nanomaterials and nanotoxicology years ago," he says. "I’m a toxicologist, so I looked at it as the next emerging contaminant. They were being used everywhere, and my concern was about overexposure and risk.” This feature is sponsored by Radiate Roots.
With planting season underway, a plant growth stimulant called Radiate by Nutrien AG Solutions aims to boost overall crop performance. Radiate is a plant growth stimulant designed to develop longer, stronger, healthier roots, significantly improving nutrient uptake. This foliar-applied product promises to boost crop performance across a wide range of plants, everything from canola, cereals, and peas, to lentils, soybeans, potatoes, and corn.
Streamlining feed procurement is the goal of FeedXChange, an innovative platform that connects farmers and feed brokers. It enables them to find the best deals, negotiate favourable prices, and save money. FeedXChange is the brainchild of Styn Nieuwenhuis and Josh Hawley. Nieuwenhuis says the idea came about simply because there was little data available about the by-product side of the feed ingredient market. This feature is powered by Radiate, sold exclusively by Nutrien.
It's an exciting time of the year in the 4-H world.. as 4-Hers show off the projects they have worked on all year. We stopped into the Newell District 4-H Show and Sale in Brooks and 4-H on Parade in Calgary in the last week to chat with 4-Hers about their projects and how the program will shape their futures. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
An innovator is working to build up a plant commonly known as a weed and as a great oilseed and cover crop. Dr. Jason Thomas talks about the work he and his company are doing with Pennycress here on Rural Roots Canada, brought to you by Radiate, an exclusive product from Nutrien Ag Solutions.For the full story, go to ruralrootscanada.com.
A series of tornado warnings in east-central Alberta last week reminds us that it's that time of year again. RRC Meteorologist David Spence has more on how long they last and what to watch for in the sky. For more details, go to ruralrootscanada.com.
An agricultural academy in Altario, Alberta, is spearheading an initiative to determine if an indoor hydroponic system could provide consistent, year-round, affordable, and nutrient-rich feed for cattle amid the ongoing drought. This is Rural Roots Canada, and I'm Craig Lester, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture Altario School, a K-12 school located in Altario, Alberta near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, has partnered with members of the local community and the agriculture industry to collaborate on the project. Agriculture research organization RDAR is helping fund the initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The school will receive almost $200,000. In an interview earlier this year, Altario School principal Kevin Van Lagen told Rural Roots Canada the students are proving what an agriculture-focused school program is capable of while creating an overwhelming amount of pride within the community.
Dr. Brenna Brown has been working with and running laboratories for a decade. While working as a business development rep for an environmental lab, she would often get asked the same question repeatedly. "They'd ask, can you test my animal samples? And I couldn't because I was environmental. So, that was me learning about this animal health diagnostic laboratory shortage." Seeing how farmers were grappling with the scarcity of rapid animal testing diagnostics and local veterinarians, Dr. Brown and friends Dr. Adina Bujold and Bridget Brown created Cohlab, focusing on improving animal health testing for farmers, producers, and ranchers. Cohlab's goal is to bridge the gap between traditional lab testing and real-time, on-site diagnostics for animal health. Bujold, a pathobiologist and animal microbiology expert, developed Potentio, a device that makes it easy for farmers to test the health of their herds or flocks in real time.
New promising ag-tech from Advanced Agri-Science aims to mitigate and in some cases prevent frost from happening in plants. Collin Juurakko is the Founder and CEO of the company. In this feature, he explains how this ag-tech works and how this research started him on a journey to forming his own company. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
Farm schools are on the rise. The latest kindergarten to Grade 9 school to adopt an agricultural-based curriculum and environment is in southeast Alberta. We'll talk to the principal and a student from the Rolling Hills Agricultural Academy soon. Rolling Hills, Alberta, located about two and half hours southeast of Calgary, is the latest school to adopt a hands-on learning agriculture-based curriculum. Principal Mike Flieger says it is important that the school be reflective of the community. This feature is brought to you by the Canadian Agri-Business Education Foundation.
There was a time not long ago when agriculture technology wasn’t a big thing, but that’s since changed. "A decade ago, farming and ag tech wasn't a cool thing," observes John Hartnett, Founder and CEO of SVG Ventures. "Today, it's the cool thing because it matters—it's meaningful for people, families, and the future." It’s why SVG launched its flagship agri-food initiative called Thrive. The program brings agri-food tech entrepreneurs to the forefront. At its most recent Thrive Agri-Food Academy IV Demo Day in Calgary, the winner of the Judge's Award went to Calgary Health Laboratories, or Cohlab, an animal care start-up providing diagnostic care and animal health solutions. The People's Choice award went to Advanced Agriscience, a Canadian synthetic biology & public benefit company specializing in the development of biologicals for agriculture protection and enhancement.
Alberta is in for a difficult growing season as the risk of severe drought increases with each passing day. The province relies on melting snow and precipitation for much of its water. With a lacklustre winter in the rearview mirror and a dry spring ahead, water management areas have already been impacted by a shortage of water. "It will be a rough situation this year," says Dr. Guillaume Lhermie, Director of the Simpson Centre for Food and Agriculture Policy at the University of Calgary. "We already know the forecast is quite depressing." Lhermie notes this severe drought is mostly limited to Alberta. Other large production areas like Europe and the United States, which contribute to the local food supply, will not be affected by what's happening here. That said, the drought can potentially cause some disruption in the global markets. This feature brought to you by CABEF. To read more go to ruralrootscanada.com.
Dealing with conflict on the farm. Disagreements and conflict on the farm are unavoidable; it's going to happen eventually. The difference between whether people move forward or the issue festers lies in how it is dealt with. Beverly Beuermann-King is a workplace culture and resiliency expert and has seen first-hand the importance of having healthy relationships. In this feature, she shares from her experience growing up on a dairy farm and what she has learned since. To read the full feature go to ruralrootscanada.com. This feature is brought to you by the Blue Book, Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
The 2024 Women in Ag Awards shone a light on outstanding female leaders in the agriculture sector during a ceremony held alongside the AWC West 2024 conference. Among this year's winners was Charlotte Wasylik of Chatsworth Farm in Vermilion, Alberta. Wasylik was awarded the Rising Star award, given to a young leader under 40 who demonstrates a passion for the agriculture industry, shows exceptional promise, and advocates for agriculture. “It was such a thrilling moment to get the phone call," says Wasilyk, who expressed her gratitude for the win. "That AFSC is doing this to recognize women in agriculture, it's really important and very much appreciated." This feature is powered by the Blue Book, Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
Confrontational to collaborative. The conversation around clubroot between farmers and rural municipalities in Alberta has evolved since it was declared a pest under the province's Agricultural Pests Act (APA) in April of 2007. Aaron Van Beers is the President of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen and Manager of Ag Services for Leduc County. He says originally it was strictly a zero tolerance policy. Read the full story at ruralrootscanada.com. This feature is powered by the Blue Book, Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
With the drought expected to persist into planting this year, an agronomist is encouraging farmers to get their crops in the ground early. Agronomist Scott Gillespie is the owner of Plants Dig Soil Consulting, an advice-based company in southern Alberta. He says with the drought the top of concern during the growing season this year growers should be thinking about seeding sooner rather than later. This feature is powered by the Blue Book - Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
A new initiative out of Farming Smarter hopes to help southern Alberta farmers implement or change practices related to nitrogen management, cover cropping and grazing. Farming Smarter is participating in a new pilot project funded by Farmers for Climate Solutions. Ashley Wagenaar is the new Conservation Agronomist at Farming Smarter in Lethbridge. Her role is to help farmers implement or change - nitrogen practices, cover cropping, and grazing on their operation. This feature is powered by the Blue Book, Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
Stavely, Alberta's Cudlobe Angus is the first Canadian farm to join Certified Angus Beef's Ranch to Table program. Certified Angus Beef's new initiative will allow Angus farmers and ranchers the option to market their beef directly to consumers as a CAB product. With the Ranch to Table program, licensed producers are responsible for working with a processor and CBGA grader to verify that brand specifications are met. A marketing plan is required for the application process, but upon being licensed, producers will have access to a tool kit and marketing resources to use in leveraging the brand's quality. Cudlobe Angus' Kaitlynn Bolduc says they are in the final stages of getting the program off the ground on their farm. For more on the program and why Cudlobe decided to be a part of it go to ruralrootscanada.com.
Southern Alberta farmer John Kolk has been honoured with the Orville Yanke award for Soil Conservation. The Orville Yanke Memorial Award honours an early promoter of soil conservation in Alberta. John Kolk, who is the 2024 recipient, was presented with the award at the recent Farming Smarter conference last week. For more on Kolk and his sustainable cropping practices go to ruralrootscanada.com. This feature powered by the Blue Book - Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
The latest brewing creation out of Origin Malting and Brewing in Strathmore has a distinct hockey flavour to it. The Sutter Six Shooters lager, named after the famous six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL, is brewed with Alberta-grown barley from Hilton Ventures. Four-time Stanley Cup winner Duane Sutter says work on the lager started last July after the Sutter family decided they needed to find a new funding initiative for their charity. The Sutter Fund is a non-profit charity that gives to causes across central Alberta and beyond. Hilton Ventures Director and Origin Malting and Brewing President Sterling Hilton says the partnership brings together two families that have a long history in agriculture. More on this feature at ruralrootscanada.com. This feature is powered by the Blue Book: Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
From I-T military work in Afghanistan to brewing beer with Alberta-grown barley. How the quality of barley in Alberta helped brewing entrepreneur Graham Sherman get brewing regulations changed in the province, opening the door for so many. More on Sherman's unique journey from Afghanistan to being the founder of the highly successful Calgary-based Toolshed Brewery in this feature and at ruralrootscanada.com. This feature is powered by the Blue Book, Alberta's Crop Protection Guide.
The Canadian Seed Growers' Association is future-proofing its Blue-certified seed tag. Caroline Lafontaine is the CSGA's Chief Operating Officer. She says they are currently piloting a program to allow producers to use digitally-enabled tags, moving away from a hand-written and printed patchwork. More on the pilot project can be found at Rural Roots Canada.com.
Farmers from across the province will come together for the annual CrossRoads Crop Conference in Calgary. The 2nd annual event is set to take place Westin Airport Hotel in Calgary, January 29th to 31st. Farmers, ag-business reps and stakeholders will gather to network, knowledge share and gain insight to many ag-issues. FarmTech Foundation Chair Todd Hames says they are really trying to get into the bigger picture of agriculture. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
Real Garant was caught by surprise when a promotional video of his unique hitching system, called the Spider Hitch, went viral. “We were expecting hundreds of views,” says Garant, who posted the video on farming pages on social media. “Within 24 hours, we hit 1.2 million views. By the fifth day, we hit 13.5 million. That was a huge surprise.” In the rapidly evolving world of ag tech, Spider Hitch has proven to be a transformative hitching solution for farmers, making it easier to understand why the tech went viral as it did. The system helps solve a long-standing problem: the arduous and time-consuming task of aligning hitches and receivers. It also eliminates many of the safety concerns surrounding the task. Garant, now the president of Spider Hitch Inc., says hitching can require up to three people – one person to hold up the hitch, the combine driver, and someone to give directions. With that many people involved in the process, it can pose a safety threat.
Jeremy Boychyn, the Director of Agronomy and Extension at Alberta Grains, advocates for data-driven decision-making to remove any biases in farming. He stresses the value of its ability to mitigate biases and empower farmers with invaluable insights. To read more about the advantages of data-driven decision-making, go to ruralrootscanada.com.
The Canadian Beef Industry is looking for a current picture of the realities on farms and ranches to prioritize research and resources to benefit cow-calf producers. The Beef Cattle Research Council has put together a cow-calf survey to help them achieve this goal. For more on how to participate coming up on Rural Roots Canada. This feature brought to you by Proven Seed.
A family cattle operation in southern Alberta is named Avenue Calgary's 2023 Top 40 under 40. Daniel, Lorin and Barry Doerksen, who operate Gemstone Cattle Company in Gem, Alberta, have set up a successful farm-to-table operation. It includes a booth and kitchen at the Calgary Farmers' Market.
Percherons have a long history in Canada. Laura Drury is the Animal Care and Agriculture Manager at Heritage Park in Calgary. She takes on a look back at these beautiful and powerful draft horses in this Rural Roots Canada feature. This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Fieldmen from municipalities across Alberta gathered in Calgary this past week to learn new skills, network and get updates on various ag programs. We have more from the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen's President about their annual in-service training conference For the full story go to Rural Roots Canada.com. This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
A new grazing program through ALUS Canada is showing promise in delivering support to producers implementing intensive rotational grazing system. Chad Ritter is the ALUS Coordinator for Parkland County. Ritter says the grazing forward program can help producers looking for support with their intensive rotational grazing systems. For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
The Calgary Stampede launches the OH Branded Beef Youth Ambassador program. We learn more about this initiative to grow youths' animal husbandry skills from the Manager of Agriculture and Western Events Operations, Brett Warder. Find the full story at Rural Roots Canada.com. This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Selecting a canola hybrid seed that fits your farm. Kassi Rinas is a Proprietary Representative for Nutrien Ag Solutions in Northern Alberta. She shares the questions farmers should be asking before making a selection. This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Keeping your soil in tip-top shape is a year-round job. We talk to experts about what your soil health checklist should look like. For more on this story, go to Rural Roots Canada.com This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Selecting silage corn hybrid seed that meets all of your farm's needs can be a daunting task. We get insight from Nutrien Ag Solutions' Kassi Rinas on all the considerations farmers should be considering. Find out more by going to Rural Roots Canada. This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
A national campaign from the Canadian Seed Growers' Association called Choose Certified Seed, aims to show farmers, food processors and consumers why certified seed makes a difference and delivers quality results. More on this campaign and how the CSGA wants farmers to participate can be found at ruralrootscanada.com. This Rural Roots Canada feature powered by Proven Seed.
In this RRC episode, we explore what farmers should consider when selecting a Canola Hybrid and a Silage Corn Hybrid. Kassi Rinas, Proprietary Representative for Nutrien Ag Solutions in Northern Alberta, shares her insights on what questions farmers should be asking themselves before making the selection. Rinas talks about: • Why farmers should write down what is essential on their farm when selecting a Canola Hybrid (2:00) •Considerations when selecting a Canola Hybrid (2:15) •Preventing Podshatter and Poddrop (3:10) •Selecting the correct herbicide resistance package for your crop (5:25) •Three biggest things farmers should consider when selecting a Silage Corn Hybrid. (9:00) This feature is powered by Proven Seed. For more information, go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
The Do More Agriculture Foundation is championing the cause of mental health and well-being within the Canadian agricultural community. It has partnered with the Walk With Me movement, a global initiative taking place from October 10th to the 20th. This initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health, honour those affected by mental illness, and remember those we've lost in the agriculture community to suicide. It's an opportunity for people within the ag community to come together, share stories and show solidarity with others around the world. There are many ways to participate in the Walk With Me movement, including donating. The Do More Agriculture Foundation has teamed up with BASF, a leading provider of agricultural solutions, which has generously committed to match every donation made to the Walk With Me campaign up to $10,000. That means every contribution you make will have double the impact in supporting mental health initiatives in the ag sector.
Educating the next generation about the endless job opportunities in agriculture and food is important for the sustainability of the industry and is an exciting opportunity the ag community needs to build on. Currently, we are seeing labour shortages across the industry. One of the organizations stepping up to fill the space is 10 PIX Innovation. Executive Director Dagmar Knutson and her team host a conference for students in grades seven to 12 where they talk about everything energy, environment and climate every fall in central Alberta. This year’s conference, which will be the third time they have done it, has made a big addition, adding several speakers who will focus on the opportunities in agriculture and food. This year’s event will be taking place at Red Deer Polytechnic on October 12. For more on the conference go to ruralrootscanada.com
You often hear it in weather forecasts or read it in weather reports: percentage of precipitation (POP). But what does that mean? We find out the answer to that question with Meteorologist David Spence here on Rural Roots Canada. To find out more about POP and listen to more RRC features go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
Stanton Farms, a dairy farm in Ilderton, Ontario, strives to be on the cutting edge of sustainability, which often means working through the challenges of being ahead of its time. Because of this trailblazing work, the Stantons have been named 2023 recipients of Alltech Canada’s Planet of Plenty™ award. “Alltech is globally respected and a leader in its field,” Jeff Stanton said during a recent presentation at the Alltech ONE World Tour stop in Calgary. “To receive this recognition is a great honor.”
A dry growing season ended with more precipitation in some parts of the province in August.Looking back at August, Meteorologist David Spence says precipitation varied depending on the region.Central Alberta saw above average rainfall, while southern Alberta was extremely dry.Spence says it's important to have some precipitation in the coming months to ensure there is a good moisture base in the soil for the start of next year's growing season.The meteorologist also weighs in on when we can expect to see frost in the different parts of Alberta in this feature.For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Winter feeding systems can improve the efficiency of your farm. Dr. Breeanna Kelln is the Beef Industry Research Chair in Integrated Forage Management and Utilization and an Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. She says keeping livestock on your cropland during the winter months can help forage production in future years. Kelln and Melissa Atchison, co-owner of Poplarview Stock Farm as well as the Research and Extension Specialist with Manitoba Beef, presented at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary in August. Kelln says winter feeding on cropland will create efficiencies on operations and, potentially, increase production of forage the following year.
Herd management is vital in improving sustainability. Ensuring you have the most up-to-date, accurate management information and regulatory reporting data requires time and effort. Flokk aims to make that process as simple as possible. The Alberta-based company has developed a comprehensive digital integration system that gathers various herd information, allowing beef producers to be more efficient and providing more traceability reporting. The Flokk systems includes a handheld device designed to be a producer's constant companion in the field. Its robust software collects crucial herd data, provides real-time access to herd information, and allows complete Canadian traceability reporting.
The Wray family of Irricana, Alberta has been awarded the 2023 Canadian Cattle Association's Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for their stewardship and vision. "The biggest thing is that cattle ranchers and cattle are working alongside natural ecosystems. If managed carefully and attentively, cattle not only pair with many of our landscapes, they're actually part of its vibrancy." - Tim Wray This feature powered by Proven Seed. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com
Getting succession plans started can be difficult. RRC's Craig Lester and Dalke Law's Eric Dalke explore the hang-ups that keep families from having tough talks about a farm's future. They cover everything from how a third party in the room can lower the temperature of the dispute, how people are not alone with their family disputes, and what unique succession characteristics exist in the cattle industry amongst many other topics. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
Alberta Open Farm Day events took place across the province on Saturday and Sunday. Rural Roots Canada ventured down to Lethbridge to take in Farming Smarter's event. In this episode, RRC's Craig Lester chats with Jamie Puchinger from Farming Smarter about the importance of bridging the gap with consumers, Kashev Singh from Agriculture and Agrifood Canada on research he and his team are doing to advance technology in crop management. He also talks with agronomist Scott Gillespie, owner of Plants Dig Soils, about the skillsets required to have a career as an agronomist. For more on this story, you can go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
Farms across Alberta are opening their gates this week as part of Open Farm Days.
We talk to Charlotte Wasylik of Chatsworth Farms near Vermillion, Alberta on what they have planned and how they have embraced telling their story to consumers year-round.
More information on Open Farm Days and the locations can be found at ruralrootscanada.com
Barley lodging can cause a lot of headaches when it comes time to harvest and has a detrimental effect on yield. SaskBarley Research and Extension Manager Mitchell Japp explains ongoing research, Barley Lodging, Getting to the Root of the Problem, aimed at helping plant breeders develop barley varieties that has better resistance to lodging. If you enjoy this feature be sure to check out the Podcast Farm at Rural Roots Canada.com.
In this episode, I chat with Stephen Nicholson, Global Sector Strategist-Grain & Oilseed for Rabobank, as to what we can expect in terms of wheat prices as producers move into harvest. If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to check out the Podcast Farm at Rural Roots Canada.com.
In this episode, we get an update on the beef markets and what producers can expect this Fall. Lance Zimmerman is a Senior Beef and Cattle Market Research Analyst for Rabobank. He comments on the explosive cattle market trends we have seen in the first half of the year - why it is happening, the shrinking herds in Canada and U.S., and what producers can expect this Fall. If you liked this feature, be sure to check out the Podcast Farm on Rural Roots Canada.com.
With harvest in the early stages of starting in different parts of the prairies, combine maintenance is at the top of mind for many producers. In this AgTech feature, we take a look at a platform that is all the talk lately around optimizing combines. Combine Settings.com is a place where producers can connect with each and share the settings they use with their combine to get the best performance out of their machine and make sure they are leaving as little money on the ground. For more on this story, go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference Chair Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky sits down with RRC's Craig Lester to talk about the upcoming conference and why this is a can't miss event for producers and industry stakeholders a like. From the keynote speakers, bull fighters, producer boot camp, stock dog showcase and all the networking that goes along with the an event like this, Homerosky says it is a can't miss. For more information and to register go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
A jam-packed Canadian Beef Industry Conference is being held in Calgary August 14-17. Chair Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky talks about the keynote speakers, bull-fighting entertainment, producer boot camp and stock dog showcase, the incredible networking opportunity and much more that is taking place during the event. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
It has been a very, very busy July.
Between the International Federation of Agriculture Journalist Congress happening in Olds, Alberta, Alltech ONE's world tour coming to Calgary, the Calgary Stampede and Ag in Motion in Saskatoon and of course, the ongoing drought conditions farmers have been dealing with there has been no shortage of things to talk about conversations to be had and stories to be told.
We are trying something new a podcast designed to cover all of the conversations we are having and stories we are telling across our platforms.
This first episode is a bit of a catch-up, we are going back to the great Alltech ONE conference that took place in Calgary in early July.
There are two conversations, in particular, we wanted to share with you.
One is a conversation our friend Chuck Zimmerman from AgWired had with Alltech President and CEO Dr. Mark Lyons where they discussed about the Alltech ONE tour and issues facing farmers.
Producers do not have to compromise performance and profitability for sustainability. We sat down with Alltech's Dr. Patrick Ward during the Alltech ONE conference in Calgary on how farmers can balance all three. For the full story, go to Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
The world's first precision AI spraying drone. We talk to the Founder and CEO of Precision AI about how this seemingly futuristic tech can help farmers in the here and now. To read more about the technology, go to ruralrootscanada.com.
The 2023 Calgary Stampede Vintage Tractor Pull kicked off the 10-day event in grand style last week. We talk to tractor-pulling veterans Jill Moore and David Wylie about the competition this year and what they thought about their pulls. More on this story can be found at Rural Roots Canada.com. If you liked this feature be sure to check out the Podcast Farm at Rural Roots Canada.com.
Agriculture journalists and communicators from around the world will be converging on Olds, Alberta at the end of June for the annual International Federation of Agriculture Journalists World Congress.
Find out all the details from event organizers at Rural Roots Canada.com.
A new grant from the Credit Unions in Alberta aims to empower women in agriculture with starting up or growing their businesses. Alberta Central on behalf of the 13 Credit Unions and their nearly 200 branches across the province has launched the Women in Ag grant. Read the full article at ruralrootscanada.com.
In this week's episode of Rural Roots Canada, we travel to Hoi An, Vietnam, where STREETS International is using food to empower and train underprivileged youth so they can be gainfully employed in the tourism industry. More coming up on the Oodles of Noodles program, which sources ingredients from local farmers. More on this story and much more at ruralrootscanada.com.
Using an IT skillset to grow a farm. In this episode of Rural Roots Canada, we travel to Melbourne, Australia where these skills are paying dividends for an organic vegetable operation. Peninsula Fresh Organics is owned by Natasha and Wayne Shields. Find out more about Rural Roots Canada.com.
A dairy farmer in Tokyo, Japan is redefining what it means to be sustainable.Masanori Isonuma’s farm has been around for 350 years, passed down through 14 generations of the family. Isonuma has worked with the community to build up his farm, sells his products straight to the consumer and works to educate the public on where their food comes from. Isonuma sat down with me to talk about his farm's sustainable practices, the importance of educating the public about where their food comes from and how working with community can help your operation. It is graciously translated by Ag journalist Masaru Yamada.
Vegetable and rice farming in northern Vietnam. We sit down with a farmer in Hoi An and talk about the passion his family has for producing fresh food and the importance of educating the next generation on their farm. The farm also serves as a draw for tourists looking to learn about food production in Vietnam.
Exploring media's impact on agriculture, is the message getting through? Nuffield Scholar and RRC owner Craig Lester is on a mission to shed light on the media's role in shaping our perception of the agricultural industry.Lester's Nuffield journey is sponsored by the Alberta Wheat Commission, Foothills Forage and Grazing, Western Stock Growers' Association through the James Hargrave Legacy Fund, Eastern Irrigation District, Rolling Hills Ag Society, Hemsing Farms, Curt & Lynn Lester and Stephen Lester & Chantal Larose.
There are over 39 million people living in Tokyo. At its heart, a farm with a mission to connect with consumers.A dairy farmer who farms in the middle of the biggest city on the planet. Speaking through translator, and local ag journalist Masaru Yamada, he talks with excitement and experience about the farm his family has maintained despite commercial and residential pressures from all sides for 350 years.
As the agri-food sector evolves, the inaugural Agri-food Innovation Expo will explore innovation and economic growth opportunities within one of Alberta's largest industries. This new event, launching this spring, is set to be a platform for the industry to gather, learn, and grow while helping it capitalize on undiscovered and underutilized opportunities.
Using multiple layers of data to help optimize crop production, improve farm operation's bottom line and maximize success. In this feature, we talk to the Chief Technology Officer of Digital Ag, Dr. Alex Melnitchouck, at Olds College about how the HyperLayer project will lead the next generation of digital farming in Canada. This feature is powered by AGvisorPRO.com.
Life-long learning is a big part of a farmer's journey. We talk to Scott Gerbrandt, a graduate of the Canadian Cattlemen's Young Leaders program about how the journey grew their passion for the beef industry. More on his story at Rural Roots Canada.com.This feature powered by AGvisorPRO.com
The depopulation of herds and flocks on Canadian farms is becoming an increasingly concerning issue, with disease playing a significant role in the decline. Not only does that affect consumers, but it also has a massive effect on farmers and their mental health.AgKnow, a farm-focused initiative providing farmers with essential resources to support their mental health, is conducting a study on farm animal epidemics and depopulation and is looking for input from those who have been through it.You can join the AgKnow community on AGvisorPRO.com.
Mental health is a critical issue for ag workers, but a new farm-focused mental health initiative is looking to tackle the issue head-on. In this episode of Rural Roots Canada, we chat with Linda Hunt, program director of the new program called AgKnow.
Canada's Prairie grasslands have been identified as one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. It's a threat to producers, but the solution to mitigating that threat could be as simple as proper cattle management. Over five million acres of Canada's grasslands were surrendered during the mad cow disease crisis in 2003 when 26,000 ranch families left the beef industry. Most of the land was converted to cropland and other uses and continues to shrink.
Lethbridge College has ranked 16th on the list of Canada's top 50 research colleges, its highest-ever ranking and the first time it has cracked the top 20. The list, compiled by Research Infosource, also ranks the school fifth in research income growth, the third straight year Lethbridge College has been recognized as one of the country’s 10 fastest-growing research colleges.
The Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference is marking its tenth anniversary this year, a celebratory event that will highlight and recognize the incredible female talent and innovators in the ag industry. The conference takes place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Calgary from March 12-14. As always, it will provide a forum for women passionate about agriculture and food and feature speakers from various industries discussing a number of different topics.
Ontario dairy farmer and communication expert Andrew Campbell is urging farmers to tell their story. The Fresh Air Farmer, who farms with his family in Strathroy, Ontario, says no one else is going to tell consumers about their farm story and how they produce food if they don’t. Campbell was a keynote speaker at this year’s Banff Pork Seminar.
“One of the things we need to bring into the discussion is the discussion of the emotion of farming as well as the practicality,” says AGvisorPRO CEO and Founder Robert Saik referring to how agriculture can strengthen its relationship with consumers. In this interview, Rob and RRC’s Craig Lester also talk about why sustainable intensification at the farm level will help feed the world and why everyone in the industry needs to adopt technology at a quicker rate. They also take a trip back in time as Rob reflects on what he would tell his younger self if he had the chance. They conclude their conversation with a look into how the idea for AGvisorPRO formed and where it is headed as they look to help farmers connect with the expertise they need in a timely fashion. As Rob puts it: “AGvisorPRO shrinks time and space, while expanding minds.” This feature is powered by AGvisorPRO.
A Manitoba farm family turns a marginal piece of land into a thriving pasture for their cattle. They tell RRC how they were able to rejuvenate the land here on Rural Roots Canada.
Agriculture has seen a lot advancements in recent years. Entrepreneur and founder of AGvisorPRO Rob Saik provides insight on the current trends we are seeing. More on this story on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture. This feature is powered by AGvisorPRO.
An Ontario dairy farmer and communication expert is urging farmers to tell their story. More on why Andrew Campbell believes no one else is going to tell consumers about how food is produced if they don't. More on this story can be found at Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Farm Family Transition Expert Elaine Froese encourages farm families to have courageous conversations. In this podcast, Elaine and RRC's Craig Lester talk about what is holding families back from having tough conversations about farm transition plans and the dangers of putting them off. Using relatable examples from her family and farm businesses, Elaine talks about navigating farm transition and ensuring expectations are clearly communicated. Elaine Froese, CSP is a certified professional speaker, certified coach, and author. She’s a go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition. As a farmer and mother to the successor of their farm, she understands the culture of agriculture intimately. Do you have a farm transition question or situation you need help on? You can connect with Elaine and have your questions answered through the AGvisorPRO app: https://link-app.agvisorpro.com/froese-elaine
A Saskatchewan farmer is named the recipient of a prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award. Kristjan Hebert from the Hebert Group, has been selected as a Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2022 for the Prairie Region.
In this podcast, we speak with Kristjan Hebert from Fairlight, Saskatchewan, about a range of topics covering the agricultural industry. Kristjan recalls his start in farming, his company's recent entrepreneurial success. He also weighs in on current ag policy, how much of a difference farmers can make if they tell their story and a rule that every member of the management team follows.
Strengthening the agriculture workforce.
Non-profit organization Agriculture for Life has been tasked with administering a fund aimed at promoting agriculture as a career to deal.
More on how the initiative will help increase the workforce can be found on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Imagine growing a quarter section of canola0 and not having to pay anything.
SeedMaster launches the 160 Acres of Gold contest to make a splash in the market.
We have more on this unique contest, all of the companies that are a part of it and why they decided to have at Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature is brought to you by Proven Seed.
In this RRC podcast, Craig Lester sits down with Twyla Jones, an Agrologist and Crop Advisor with Nutrien Ag Solutions.
During their conversation they discuss:
- The growing conditions this past year in northeastern Alberta
- What farmers need to be thinking about when they are choosing seed for next year,
- Why they should take data from a single research plot with a grain of salt
- What disease pressures may come into play during next year's growing season in northeast Alberta.
This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Farmers vote to amalgamate the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions.
We talk to a Alberta Barley Commission delegate Kenton Ziegler about what this means. You can find more at Rural Roots Canada.
This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency brings the tag distribution system in-house. We talk to General Manager Anne Brunet-Burgess about the decision and the results coming up on Rural Roots Canada, brought to you by Proven Seed.
An Alberta teenager is teaching youth about Ag-technology with boxes full of educational activities focused on agriculture..
We have more on Luke Silinski and his initiative at Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature brought to you by Proven Seed.
Taking care and keeping yourself energized amidst a busy farm life.
We talk to a Health and Productivity Expert on how to keep you in tip-top shape no matter what you have going on on the farm.
For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Telling agriculture's story.
Olds College launches a new agriculture communications course, the first of its kind in Canada.
More on the online program can be found on Rural Roots Canada.com. This feature is powered by connectFirst Credit Union.
AgSafe Alberta has developed a training program to improve safety on your farm.
We have more on the FARMERS CARE program at Rural Roots Canada,com.
This feature is brought to you by Proven Seed.
Researchers at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology are studying variable rate technology and how it can help farmers. For more on the research go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature is powered by connectFirst Credit Union.
A research collaboration works to find the best potato varieties for chipping, french fries and fresh market.
We have more on the research going on in Brooks, Alberta coming up on Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature is powered by Proven Seed.
Using near-infrared technology (NIR) to do quality checks on potatoes. More on how a research team at Lethbridge College is helping processors move away from a destructive method of checking spuds.
For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature powered by connectFirst Credit Union.
An indepth look at one of this year's Calgary Stampede - BMO Farm Families. We talk agriculture, sustainability, succession, and community with the Brocklebank family from Foothills County. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture. This feature is sponsored by Nutrien Proven Seed.
Is the sky really falling on the beef industry? With a lot of negative hype around cattle production practices and beef nutrition lately, we get insight from Leger Marketing on where consumers really stand in this episode of Rural Roots Canada. This feature is powered by connectFirst Credit Union.
How much more success would your operation see if you could leverage data to help make these decision.
In this episode we are speaking with Senior Product Owner Janelle Wells from FCC AgExpert about the importance of data in decision-making and the role AgExpert plays in that.
This podcast is brought to you by FCC AgExpert.
A non-profit organization that gives scholarships to students pursuing careers in agriculture is set to hold its annual major fundraiser. We talk to the Chair of the Canadian Agri-Business Education Foundation about this year's recipients. For more on the event and to register go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature powered by @connectFirst Credit Union
The cattle markets may be turning a corner. After two and a half years of challenges, there may be a break for producers during the fall run and into 2023. CanFax Executive Director Brenna Grant talks about what cattle producers may see here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
In this podcast, Rural Roots Canada talks with Andrea Stroeve-Sawa of Shipwheel Cattle Feeders from Taber, Alberta, Adrienne Ivey of Evergreen Cattle Co. and host of the podcast View From the Ranch Porch from Ituna, Saskatchewan and Jillian Byers of Blue Ridge Farms from Blue Ridge, Alberta at the Alltech ONE Conference in Lexington, Kentucky.
The three of them talk about the sustainable practices they carry out on their farms, their journey in agriculture and the incredible contributions women have played in agriculture.
For more on this story, go to ruralrootscanada.com
Fish effluent fertilizer being used on large scale commercial crops? Promising research at Lethbridge College shows it could be possible in the near future. We have more on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Coming to a community near you! Agriculture For Life's new 'Know Your Food' trailer is out on the road crisscrossing the province educating people about where their food comes from. In this episode we talk to Ag For Life CEO Luree Williamson about this new mobile learning tool. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature is powered by connectFirst Credit Union.
In the digital space, security and network are important.
Moving your books online can be daunting as the security of your records is a serious matter.
FCC AgExpert Senior Product Owner Bryan Prystupa talks about the measures they take to protect farmers' data and why ownership remains 100 percent with producers.
Prystupa also dives into the exciting partnerships they are developing to make it easier for farmers to collect data from all corners of the farm.
This feature is sponsored by FCC AgExpert.
The Bar 7 Ranch in Rock Creek, B.C. is this year's winner of the Canadian Cattle Association's Environment Stewardship Award. We talk to Doug and Erika Fossen about their ranch, family, and how they care for the land. In this Rural Roots Canada feature, for more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society has big plans in the works for something to help serve the ranching community. We talk about an initiative to start a hands-on ranching school with the society's CEO and General Manager Ryan Schmidt on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we amplify Canadian Agriculture.
This Podcast is Powered by connectFirst Credit Union.
Have you moved your farm records over to digital?
In this RRC podcast, Farm Credit Canada AgExpert Product Specialist April Popadynec talks about the benefits of digitizing your farm records, including the time-saving efficiencies that come with it. For more on this podcast and AgExpert go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
This Podcast is sponsored by FCC AgExpert.
Harvest is getting underway in many parts of the parts the province. Meteorologist David Spence takes a look at what Alberta has seen in terms of precipitation, heat and storms over the last month as the dust starts to fly in the field. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
This feature is powered by connectFirst Credit Union.
It's a first in Canada. Two barns in Stavely, Alberta get the Certified Angus Beef logo painted on for all to see. We catch up with the Buldocs and talk to them about the honour in this feature. To read more go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
The Vintage Tractors once again roared into the Calgary Stampede to compete in the vintage tractor pull. Blackie, Alberta's Colin Woodley talks about the competition, the comaraderie and his 1957 John Deere 820 in this feature. More at Rural Roots Canada.com.
Farmers from Zimbabwe, Australia, and Ireland tour Southern Alberta as part of the Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship Program. More on what the participants thought of their visit can be found at Rural Roots Canada.com.
Reconnect Today, Invest in Tomorrow. The chair of the Canadian Beef Industry Conference talks about how it can help producers' operations on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
The Grain Academy has settled into its new home at Pioneer Acres in Irricana, Alberta. We talk to President Bob Swanson about its grand opening and its upcoming annual show on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Researchers at Lethbridge College involved with a grain-drying study are looking for your help. More on how farmers can participate and how they will benefit from it coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture
Another 4-H year has come to a close. We talk to a few 4-H kids about what they take away from the program every year. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
For the first time since 2019, the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference is set to take place in Calgary. We hear from a few of the speakers here on Rural Roots Canada.
You can find out more and register for the conference at Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Input prices continue their climb as planting rolls on. More on the latest rising cost fueling farmer's angst in this feature and on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
This feature is sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectfirstcu.com for more information.
"If you don't start thinking about it, nothing will ever happen." A connectFirst Credit Union Chris Herrmann and lawyer Eric Dalke weigh in on the importance of a succession plan for your family farm. Find out more Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
This feature is sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectfirstcu.com for more information.
Succession planning is an imperative part of building a striving farm business. More on why it is important the succession conversation should include your banker can be found on Rural Roots Canadal.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
As soil conditions remain extremely dry across Alberta, one saving grace may be the snowpack. More on what that means for soil moisture levels with Meteorologist David Spence can be found on Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture
Seeding is underway in most parts of the province. We talk to a Meteorologist about what we have seen weather-wise since the harvest and what that means for the soil. More on Rural Roots Canada.com Where We Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
This feature is sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectfirstcu.com for more information.
Keeping cattle in check without fences. More on research being conducted at Olds College to keep herds contained using collars. To hear more go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
This feature sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union Get Flexible Financing Fast from experts that Understand Ag. Visit connectFirstcu.com for more information.
Accidents involving livestock trailers are an unfortunate reality of transporting animals from point A to point B. An expert on livestock emergencies talks about what to do if one should happen to you. More can be found on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture. Sponsored by Connect First Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast, from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectdirectcu.com for more information.
Do you have a plan to tackle calving this year? We talk to an expert about how much of a difference having a plan can have on your operation. For more information go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Communication is key in dealing with farm emergencies. We talk to an internationally renowned expert in large animal emergency response, Dr. Rebecca Giminez-Husted about how keeping up with evolving technology can help avert or mitigate disasters coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture. This feature sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast, from experts that understand ag. Visit connectfirstcu.com for more information
As calving season continues to roll along, we continue our look at how planning for calving season can make a huge difference. Find out more at Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture. This feature sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast, from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectfirst.com for more information.
Preparing for a livestock emergency. An internationally renowned expert in large animal rescue gives us some insight into how to prevent and mitigate emergencies, To learn more go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Do you have a plan to tackle calving this year? We talk to an on how much of a difference having a plan can have on your operation in the latest episode of Rural Roots Canada. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Keeping your calves warm in a climate where the weather can go through big swings can be a challenge. Veterinarian Kent Fenton from Feedlot Management Services powered by TELUS Agriculture shares four crucial tips to keep your calves in good shape in this latest episode of Rural Roots Canada. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
This year's virtual Livestock Care Conference is all about preparing for livestock emergencies. Join us as we take a look at the upcoming event with Alberta Farm Animal Care Executive Director Annemarie Pedersen on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
His job is to stop the tractors. We get the low-down of the art of running a sled at a tractor pull from Barrie Jung, from Melfort, Saskatchewan, who has done it for decades. We have more on Jung at Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Alberta Farm Animal Care's Livestock Care Conference is just around the bend and students are once again going to be front and centre at the virtual event March 15 - 17. For more on the experience, they will be taking part go to Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Protecting farmland from soil erosion. We continue our look at why soil erosion is detrimental to your land and what one county in southern Alberta is doing to mitigate it on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A county in southern Alberta has passed a policy to combat soil erosion. We talk with the County of Newell's Director of Agricultural Services about how it all came together. Find out more on Rural Roots Canada,com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Embracing Digital on the farm. We talk to a couple of multi-generational Alberta farmers about what they see as the biggest advances during their lifetimes. Read more on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Farming communities and curling go hand-in-hand in Canada. We talk to Alberta curler Geoff Walker about his passion as he prepares to compete in the Olympics. More from our interview with Walker on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Cattle are built to deal with the frigid temperatures like Alberta saw at the beginning of January. We talk to a veterinarian on how to keep them comfortable to help them deal with cold stress. Find out more on Rural Roots Canada,com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
The agriculture industry is facing a major labour shortage. We have more on how it affects your farm and why you need to think strategically about it at Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Inflation is expected to be a major factor for farms this year. The Chief Economist for Farm Credit Canada talks about how farmers can prepare for this. Read more at ruralrootscanada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
2021 is coming to a close. We talk to the Chief Economist of Farm Credit Canada on some of the biggest stories for the year. For more go to Rural Roots Canada,com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Raising cattle and rough stock. We learn more about Dillon Tateson and his future in the agriculture industry here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A mounted troop regiment known around the world is based right here in Alberta. More on Strathcona's Mounted Troop regiment on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture
Grain marketing and cash flow plans are important to have year-round. We talk to Mike Witkowicz the VP of Strategy and Business Development of The Ag Exchange Group about why it is crucial to be ahead of the game after a tough year here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
The agriculture community is pulling together to help B.C. farmers who have been devastated by the floods. More on how you can help can be found at Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A member grain marketplace has become a major made in Canada success story. We talk to the Vice President of the Ag Exchange Group about the success of the CXN-360 platform, you can read more at Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
This year's drought is causing havoc with farmers' grain marketing plans. We talk to the GM of the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions about the issue here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A rough growing season this year for farmers means a lot of strategic planning for next year. More on the challenges facing producers at Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Celebrating local community heroes. Kubota Canada and the Canadian Hockey League team up to honour unsung heroes across the country. For more go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Measuring success by the success of their customers. We take a look at the Cudlobe Angus and Cudlobe Angus West cattle operations located near Stavely, Alberta in this Rural Roots Canada Cattle Producer Profile.
A commercial and pure-bred cow-calf operation from Nova Scotia is this year's winner of The Environmental Stewardship Award from the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. To hear more from the winners, Dean and Catherine Manning, go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Alberta Youth Speak for Agriculture. We hear from the winners of this year's highly competitive Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture event here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
The Verified Beef Production Plus program continues to grow. We talk to the provincial coordinator on why it is advantageous to be part of the program here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Teaching youth about agriculture through firsthand experience. The Irvine Agriculture Discovery Centre is set to open its doors in the southeast corner of Alberta. We talk to the school's founder on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
An Olds, Alberta resident follows in the tread-marks of his Dad and Grandfather by competing in the Calgary Stampede's Vintage Tractor Pull. We have more with Clayton Whiteside at Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Getting the most out of your pasture. We explore how integrated management practices will allow your livestock to graze longer helping your bottom line. Find out more at ruralrootscanada.com.
Relief is on the way for livestock producers from the provincial and federal governments. More on how producers can access this help can be found on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A new report takes a look at the current state of the agri-food industry in Alberta and where it is headed. One of the co-authors shares some amazing here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Agriculture was once again at the forefront of the Calgary Stampede. We talk to the director who oversees the Agri-Food Committee about how great it was to once again be able to showcase one of Alberta's most prominent industries. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
The Calgary Stampede's roots are firmly planted in agriculture. We talk to the Stampede's Historical Specialist here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Farmers across the prairies are facing tough growing conditions as the heatwave compounds the problem of a lack of soil moisture going into the growing season. We have more from a retired Agronomy Research Scientist here on Rural Roots Canada.
The high temperatures we are seeing this week put your livestock at risk for heat stress. How to be proactive and keep your animals safe here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Canadian cattle producers are ecstatic that Canada has been declared negligible risk for BSE by the World Organization for Animal Health We talk to a producer on what it means to them here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A farm in Eastern Ontario comes up with a unique way to give teenagers an opportunity to build on their ideas and gain entrepreneurial skills. More here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Passing along a passion that has spanned decades. We talk to a High River area resident who is giving away dozens of replica grain elevators he made in hopes they continue to educate people about the history of agriculture in western Canada here on Rural Roots Canada.
A southern Alberta feedlot has been recognized as a leader in sustainable management practices by Alltech Canada. More on Shipwheel Cattle Feeders here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
For the second straight year, 4-H livestock sales will be done virtually. We have more on how you can support 4-H members here on Rural Roots Canada, where we amplify Canadian Agriculture.
The Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture will be holding its annual competition virtually again this year. We talk to Chair Eric Dalke about the event about the experience the participants gain here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Planting in dry soil? We talk to an agronomist about what farmers can do to make the best of the situation here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A farmer from central Alberta says a strong crop rotation can help cut down on insect and disease pressures in your crop. He breaks down the results they have seen on their farm here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture
It is one of the largest virtual agricultural conferences in the world. We have details about this year's virtual Alltech ONE Ideas virtual conference here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Changing the conversation around cattle and the environment. We talk with Ducks Unlimited about how they are raising awareness about the vital role cattle play in grasslands here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
The Canadian Agribusiness Education Foundation is once again offering scholarships for students pursuing a career in agriculture. We have more on this scholarship here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Understanding capital cost allowance classes for your farm income tax. A tax specialist walks us through some key points to remember when you are filing here on Rural Roots Canada.
Tax season is upon us. We chat with tax consultants Tony Benevides from FBC about how keeping good records will help your farm when you file your income tax here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
In this episode, we talk about the important role native grassland systems play in carbon sequestration with Emily Lowe from Ducks Unlimited Canada. Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
An entrepreneur finds success growing and manufacturing products from hemp. Peter Sykora takes us on the journey of his business Big Fresh Hemp here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
We are seeing a big shift in the food industry as owners are finding innovative ways to sell their products and get more out of them. We have more with a man who has a finger on the pulse of the food and beverage industry here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
'Are we there yet?' is the theme of this year's Livestock Care Conference. We talk with the organizer about the speakers and topics of this year's event here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
A Year-in-Review report from MLT Aikins LLP says there was significant growth and opportunity in Canadian agriculture in 2020. We delve into that report with one of its authors here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Biosecurity is imperative when it comes to cattle herd health. A veterinarian talks about why it is critical to understand that most farmers do not own a 'closed herd' when building their plan here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Staying on top of weeds in your crop goes beyond the herbicides you apply. Corteva Agriscience's Category Lead for Herbicide in Western Canada, Kelly Bennettm talks about the steps farmers can take to get the upper hand on weeds here on Rural Roots Canada, where Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Defining reproduction success in your cattle herd goes beyond its pregnancy rate. Veterinarian, Dr. Blake Balog of Bow Valley Livestock Health in Brooks, Alberta explains how to measure it here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Finding balance and energy to carry out all of the tasks that need to be done on a farm starts by taking small steps. A health and productivity expert walks us through the importance of finding time for ourselves here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Protecting one of the most endangered eco-systems on the planet. Why having cattle graze native grasslands is so important to their health here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
The old adage is that two minds are better than one. We talk to the founder of AgVisor PRO about the growth of the remote-connectivity platform for agriculture. To read and hear more go to Rural Roots Canada.com.
Managing Fusarium Head Blight in your grain while it is in the bin. We talk to an Agronomy Research expert about how to improve the marketability of your crop. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
Farm Business Consultant's Tony Benevides talks about all the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating your farm from a tax perspective.
Grain growers faced a number of challenges in 2020... We discuss what they were and what they need from the Federal Government with the Grain Growers of Canada in the latest RRC Podcast... To hear and read more on this go to Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.
The President of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association talks about the successes and challenges the industry faced with COVID-19, trade. meat processing and their plans for economic recovery. To hear and read more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com. Rural Roots Canada - Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Nutrien has launched a comprehensive carbon program in the three prairie provinces. How it will work and how farmers cash in on it here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Olds College and Telus Agriculture announce a massive new partnership involving the Smart Farm. more on the collaboration here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
The Grain Growers of Canada launches a short video aimed at educating Canada’s legislators and policymakers about the business of a modern grain farm. More on 'Today's Modern Grain Farm: A Harvest Across Canada' here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
The agenda for the upcoming virtual Advancing Women in Agriculture conference is set. We learn who some of the speakers and the topics are here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Students in the Rocky View School Division are getting their hands dirty in a new agricultural program based on a farm. A teacher and students talk about how the program works here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Selecting the right bull for your herd. A veterinarian walks us through what you should be looking for when purchasing one here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Knowing what you are feeding your cattle is imperative in livestock production. A Veterinarian explores why it is so important to examine your feed tests here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
The upcoming Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference will feature speakers from across the globe. We learn more about the virtual event here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture
This year's Farm Forum event is moving online. We talk about the speakers, the ability to connect with participants, and other benefits of the virtual event in November here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Fair is not equal in farm succession. A lawyer breaks down the three critical factors that need to be achieved in a succession plan when it comes to farming and non-farming children coming up on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Ensuring the parents have security in the farm succession plan. A lawyer talks about what needs to be included in that plan here on Rural Roots Canada, Amplifying Canadian Agriculture.
Maximizing farmers' grain marketing reach utilizing technology. How it can improve the management of your farm here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
How getting your feed grade grain tested when it's harvested can help your livestock's health and bottom-line here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Raising consumer's knowledge about modern farm practices is key in building public trust for agriculture. A leader in agriculture talks about the risk of not doing this here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Building consumer confidence in agriculture. Advancing Ag mentee Ashley Smith talks about her findings here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A tax expert says there are some proactive tools farmers can use when it comes to claiming their income from livestock and crops. We look at those tools here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Are you aware of all the tax deductions that are available to your farm? A tax expert runs through a list of them to help your operation here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Managing your grain crop for low Falling Number during harvest. We sit down with an Agronomy expert on how to get the most out of your crop, which potentially may have low Falling Numbers more here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
What is Falling Number and why is it now an issue in crops? An agronomy research extension specialist breaks down why it's important and tips for keeping it higher here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
An Alberta-based agronomist warns of potential harvest issues due to a late seeding. Jeremy Boychyn talks about what farmers need to keep a sharp eye out for as they scout their crops here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Soil saturated. Farmers across Alberta deal with high moisture levels while things look much drier in Manitoba.. more on the soil conditions across the prairies coming up on Rural Roots Canada, Where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A chance to hear and discuss farm issues with experts for free. Grain marketing, agronomy, public trust, veterinary, tax, and legal experts all in one place to help will be at the upcoming RRC Ag Days on July 14th more on the virtual ag day and how you can take part here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A Nanton, Alberta based business is all the 'buzz' during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers look for locally sourced food. More on the initiatives 'Bee My Honey' started during the difficult times which allowed them to succeed coming up on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
An agricultural public speaking event is going digital this summer. The Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition comes during a time when more and more people want to know where their food comes from. The event is for youth and students between the age of 11 and 24. Videos must be submitted by August 15.
Know what you grow. An expert talks about how farmers can get the most out of their crops, by building a grain marketing plan here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
What is sustainability in agriculture? Corteva Agriscience Canada's Kris Allen talks about what sustainability means to them as they mark their 1-year anniversary as a pure-play agricultural company. More here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
It's Good Canada! As Canadians ask serious questions about where and how their food is produced a new campaign aims to grow the conversation. A campaign aims to get more Canadians talking about where their food comes from more here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A non-profit is looking for farms that want to make a little bit of money by producing eco-systems on land that is not normally used. More on the Alus Canada program here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture
Learn to do by Doing. 4-Hers are finding creative ways to market their livestock with the challenges that COVID-19 presents. How you can help them out and get locally produced food at the same time coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Rural Roots Canada Ag Days are going virtual with an event in July. We talk about the panels, demonstrations, and interactive segments here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Finding more uses for hemp. An Alberta company teams up with farmers to use more of the plants they are growing. We find out what they are making with it here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
As planting starts to get underway, canola producers are mindful of a growing disease in the prairies. We talk to a canola expert about what producers can do to mitigate the spread of clubroot here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Production.
The emergence of COVID-19 cases in the workforces at meatpacking plants has resulted in them slowing down production causing a bottle-neck for producers trying to sell their livestock. We have more on what cattle producers are doing and what they need to weather the storm here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
In this episode of Rural Roots Canada, we take a trip back through time and learn a bit about the history of the Agricultural Service Boards and Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen as they mark 75 years in operation.
It's a busy time for farmers and veterinarians as calving is in full swing for many, so what are vets who are traveling to do farms doing to help protect everyone from COVID-19 while still doing their job. Dr. Pat Burrage is a Veterinarian and the Vice President of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. He takes us through what measures vets are doing to protect clients and themselves during this pandemic.
Lethbridge College and Farming Smarter have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Dr. Kenny Corscadden, Vice-President of Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARE) at the college talks about how formalizing their long-standing partnership will further both college and Farming Smarter's goals and objectives.
Two new programs at Olds College are aimed to prepare students for one of agriculture's most transformative ages. We talk to the Dean of Werkman's School at Olds College about how these will help them meet industry and producers' needs in the future here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The dollars and sense of grazing. An internationally renowned grazing expert explains how grazing can help your operations bottom line here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Going virtual! The Alberta Farm Animal Care Conference’s Livestock Care Conference moves forward as a virtual conference in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. More on the conference on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
It's like lubricant for a tractor, good communication is the solution to a lot of family issues. We talk to a lawyer about succession planning here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Trade has been a massive topic on the agriculture front for a while now, with issues arising with China, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and India in the past year. Why the President and CEO of Richardson International says we should remain optimistic here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Barriers for women to get ahead in their agricultural careers still exist. Jenny Ose with John Deere Canada examines them coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Farmers now have a place in Alberta to take grain bags and twine for recycling. Tammy Shields from Cleanfarms talks about a new pilot project aimed at making things easier for producers to recycle here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Agricultural Service Boards play an important role in informing the Alberta Government about issues. We look at how ASB's gather information and feedback on issues here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Farm management and networking dominated the recent Alberta Young Farmers and Ranchers Rock the Farmers event in Edmonton. We have more on the annual meeting here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
How can women in agriculture give each other a hand up in their careers? Jenny Ose with John Deere Canada answers that question here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Representatives from Agricultural Service Boards from across Alberta converged on Banff last week to discuss issues, network and celebrate 75 years. More on the conference here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A new book aims to teach kids about agriculture and the work that goes into producing food. We talk to the author of Dirt to Dinner here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Grazing practices, grain marketing strategies, animal nutrition, succession planning and much more. A look at the upcoming Rural Roots Canada Ag Day in Fort Macleod in February here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A researcher from the University of Manitoba presents her students findings on pesticides in rivers and wetlands to the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen. More on what they discovered here on Rural Roots Canada, Where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
How to lead your farm organization and business through change. We talk about the art and science of it here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The new president of Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen, Sebastien Dutrisac, from Northern Sunrise County, is reflecting as they mark 75 years... more coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Breaking the age old stereotype that leaders in agriculture need to have years and years of experience. We delve into the importance of identifying young leaders in Ag here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and Meat of agriculture.
The Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen are marking 75 years of service to farmers. We catch-up with the Past President at their annual In Service Training on what it means to reach this milestone, here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A new leadership training program to help farmers with their operations will get underway in January. We have more on the program from Farm Management Canada, here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
An exchange of ideas between two countries as one of this year's students at the Advancing Women in Agriculture journeys from Argentina to attend the conference more here on Rural Roots Canada.
A popular agriculture conference is set to kick off in Saskatoon this week. More on Connect: The Heart of the Farm here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Consumers are changing their food preferences and agriculture is being forced to keep up. The Past Chair of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute weighs in on what's fueling this evolution here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
An Acme, Alberta farm family is featured in season two of the reality web-series 'Real Farm Lives'. Matt Sawyer talks about the experience of having their everyday routines filmed, here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Women in agriculture will be hearing from a Business Brain expert on how to unleash their inner - super-powers at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario. We have more from Dr. Brynn Winegard on her speech and how Canada is a world power when it comes to agriculture here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A short documentary about the role cattle play in maintaining grasslands, which is an endangered eco-system in Canada is set to premiere. More on 'Guardians of the Grasslands' here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Training dogs to detect Clubroot in Canola. We meet Adi, the Golden Doodle, and Josie, the German Shepherd, as well as their trainers Bill and Mario as they work to find clubroot in Alberta here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Farmers, Ag businesses and consumers come together to talk about agriculture at Farming Smarter in Lethbridge. More on the day of festivities that happened in August here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Do you have a strategic plan for your pasture? We talk to a internationally known expert, Graeme Finn, on pasture management about why you need to always think about the bad times first when building a plan. More here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
As farmers look to sell calves this fall there could be some pressure on prices. We talk to CanFax's Manager and Senior Analyst Brian Perillat on what factors to watch as calves go to market, more here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Canadian Beef Industry Conference has wrapped up after a week of tours, sessions, inspirational keynote speakers and massive networking as cattle producers from across the country came together. We talk to the Chair of the conference about the annual event's momentum here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture
A young South African auctioneer tours Alberta and competes at the Calgary Stampede. More on what he is taking away after his trip here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Cattle producers and industry stakeholders will be gathering in Calgary next week to talk about the latest and greatest in the beef industry. More on the keynote speakers and the tours here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture
Ron Sebastian out of Lumsden, Saskatchewan places in all three weight classes at the Calgary Stampede's Heavy Horse Pull. More on why Sebastian loves competing in heavy horse pulling events here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
There’s a new champion in the Calgary Stampede’s Working Cow Horse – Open bridle event. More on Veronica Swales big win here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Plenty of agronomy expertise that can help your farm operation will be on display at Lacombe Field Day in Lacombe on Wednesday, July 24 this month, more on the day being put on by Alberta Barley coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
They put hundreds of hours in restoring and fine tuning these beautiful machines. We catch up with the drivers of the Calgary Stampede's Vintage Tractor Pull here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
United Farmers of Alberta has launched the Rural Communities Foundation. The foundation is set to give $500,000 over five years to successful applicants from rural communities across the province.
The "Roaring 50's" will be on full display at this year's Calgary Stampede during the Vintage Tractor Show and Shine and pull. We put things in to gear in this episode of Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Speaking up for Agriculture. The Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition returns this year at the Calgary Stampede. More on the event and how to register here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Rocky Mountain Equipment has committed to donating 50-thousand dollars over the next five years to the Canadian Tractor Museum in Westlock, Alberta.
Medium-chain fatty acid technology, including Biotica in Canada, is showing dynamic benefits for poultry, swine and ruminant industries. This sermo.cast features insights on MCFA from Dr. Fokko Aldershoff and Jan Vervloesem of Nuscience, with additional commentary from the team at Canadian Bio-Systems.
There is a new hotline to provide informed and compassionate support for farmers dealing with a serious incident on the farm. We talk to the executive director of AgSafe Alberta about what that support entails, here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Thinking about grain marketing year - round to improve your revenues. Ag Exchange Vice President of Strategy and Business Development Mike Witkowicz shares some insight into the marketing discussion he will be leading with farmers at the upcoming Rural Roots Canada Ag Days in Airdrie, Rolling Hills and Fort Macleod in June.
Experts from across western Canada will be gathering for three Rural Roots Canada Ag Days in Southern Alberta in June including a PhD student talking about the Advancing Ag program, more here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
In an effort to help farmers grow more food in an era where precision agriculture is growing, Olds College has announced a techgronomy diploma course aimed at giving producers the best of both the agronomy and technology worlds. More on the newly announced diploma course here on Rural Roots Canada.
As farmers head out into the field to get a start on planting their crops there are questions surrounding the canola markets. We talk to a marketing expert on how producers can expand their marketing options in the wake of the Canada - China trade war here on Rural Roots Canada.
Growing a business relationship with your banker. Why it is important to your farm’s to have strong lines of communication with your banker here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Hundreds of volunteers come together to tell agriculture’s story to thousands of kids and adults at Calgary Stampede’s Aggie Days. More on the questions the volunteers are hearing here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Getting a seat at the table. A 30 year veteran of farm succession planning talks about the steps of gaining a seat at the table when it comes to managing a farm here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Do you know what to do if you had a large animal emergency? We talk strategies of dealing with large animal emergencies with Dr. Rebecca Husted, one of the leading experts on the subject here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Sylvan Lake, Alberta area farmer Allison Ammeter has been selected as this year’s BMO ‘Celebrating Women in Agriculture award recipient at the Advancing Women In Agriculture Conference more here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
There is a lot of energy around the Advancing Ag program as it continues to grow. We find out more about two of the participants and what they are gaining from the program here on Rural Roots Canada.
Ag Exchange Group’s Mike Witkowicz previews his upcoming talks at the RRC Ag Days in Olds, March 1 and Yorkton, March 8 about the challenges of getting grain to market in the current transportation environment and the opportunities available if producers diversify. Register to here more on this subject and several others by going to Rural Roots Canada.com.
The Alberta Young Farmers and Ranchers will be holding its Annual General Meeting in Olds on March 1 as part of Rural Roots Canada Ag Days. They are looking for anyone working in the ag sector between the ages of 18 and 40 to come out and join them.
After a successful Rural Roots Canada Ag Day in Rolling Hills in 2018, we are expanding this year to five different communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The first ones are set to take place in Olds on Friday, March 1 and Friday, March 8. There will also ones in Airdrie, Rolling Hills and Fort Macleod on June 6, 13 and 20 respectively.
The Advancing Women in Agriculture conference in Calgary is quickly approaching, we talk to one of the presenters of the A Seat at the Table at the conference here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
In this RRC Podcast, we get an update on the Alberta Wheat Commission’s FarmCash Advance program, which was launched in 2018. Syeda Khurram, Chief Financial Officer, for the Alberta Wheat Commission talks about the growth of the program. She says farmers have been very happy with the program, what additions they will be making when they enter the second phase of it on April 1. She also discusses the third phase of the program. The farm cashflow program is designed to improve producers’ profitability.
In this episode, we are talking with Dr. Julie Keenliside, she is a Veterinary Epidemiologist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. She gives us an update on the measures taken to make sure the site stays contained, their investigation trying to trace the case to its source and talks about the measures producers can take to help mitigate PED spreading. We also talk with Darcy Fitgerald, the Executive Director with Alberta Pork. He chats about how producers are feeling about the situation and the importance of remaining vigilant of people coming on the farm...
It's been a year since the Do More Agriculture Foundation was formed and its growth in helping people with their mental well-being across the country has been huge. We talk to a CoFounder here on Rural Roots Canada
Do More Ag Foundation CoFounder Kim Keller talks with RRC's Craig Lester about the growth the foundation has seen in the past year. How it has exceeded her expectations, how the industry has rallied behind the cause and how it has led to a heightened awareness of the importance of mental well-being in the industry.
Isaac LeClair from Agriculture More Than Ever talks with RRC's Craig Lester about effective story-telling and why it is so important for the agriculture industry to engage consumers more often and effectively. He reviews the three principles for an effective story and how you get consumers coming back for more helpings of your story.
A look back at the agriculture issues and announcements with Alberta Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier including: - This year's growing season, which included a delayed planting and harvest due to snow and rain. - The wait for and announcement of the U.S., Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement that will replace NAFTA and the concerns he is hearing on the matter from farmers in the supply management sector. - What the new Canadian Agriculture Partnership agreement means for Alberta. - How the railway companies have been performing in term of getting grain to market. - What the recent purchase of grain cars by the province will mean for shipping of grain. - The implementation of the Local Food Sector Act, which set standards for organic food and established a local food council. - And the results of a trade mission to India.
The UFA Innovation Lab at Olds College is nearly complete. We take a closer look at the facility located in the Smart Ag Innovation Centre here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Participants of this year’s Prairie Cereals Summit in Banff got to hear from this year’s winner of the Advancing Ag program about the restrictions of atrazine in corn. We talk to Isabelle Thibout about the Advancing Ag program, her essay and her future in agriculture here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Agricultural fieldmen from across the province of Alberta gathered in Calgary last week for training. The President of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen, Elden Kozak, talks about how their organization is strengthening here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Steve Kenyon from Greener Pastures Ranching in Westlock, Alberta talks about how and why he made the transition into a 365-day grazing system. Kenyon gives his best advice on what producers should be thinking if they are thinking or about to make the jump and also chats about what keeps him going as he works to refine his grazing practices.
In this RRC Podcast, we catch up with the President of the Alberta Young Farmers and Ranchers, Lauren Ovinge.
We spoke with her at AYFR's Rock the Farm Conference in Calgary at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino.
The chat included at this year's Rock the Farm conference, a recap of this year's events, how difficult this year was for farmers in Alberta, the importance of networking for young farmers and what they are looking to accomplish in 2019.
In this RRC PODCAST: We chat with Cedric MacLeod, The Executive Director of the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association at their ninth annual national conference about the state of the forage and grassland industry in Canada.
We talked with him about a number of things including: - Why forage and grasslands are the life-blood of agriculture. - Why farmers need better in telling the story of forage and grassland and its significance on the Canada agriculture scene. - The growth they have seen in the industry... - A recap of the conference. - And what energizes him about this industry 365 days a year.
A young man from Acme, Alberta is this year's winner of the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture contest. Emmett Sawyer talks about the competition in Toronto and the importance for youth to speak up about agriculture here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the stem and Meat of Agriculture
With harvest 2018 finally in the books and the crops safely in the bin attention now turns to making sure it stays in good condition. We talk to an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada on what to watch for here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Wheatley, Ontario farmer Chris Renwick, Madison Englot and her father Norm from Montmartre, Saskatchewan talk about their families connection to agriculture, being filmed while doing their everyday chores, their passion for informing consumers about where their food comes from and telling them who they are as farm families. CropLIfe Canada, the organization behind Real Farm LIves, President and CEO Pierre Petelle talks about the excitement of putting the project together and where it all originated.
Soil carbon and soil health will be the focus of the 9th annual Canadian Forage and Grasslands Conference. The event is scheduled to take place in Calgary November 13th - 15th. More on the conference here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
Rob Sharkey talks about growing his podcast, the conversations he has with farmers and the journey he has been on since he became the Shark Farmer.
Saskatoon’s Jana Danielson from Lead Pilates talks about the importance of self-care and how that can help you Love the Life you Lead. She talks about focuses on movement and taking time for yourself at Sasktachewan Women in Ag’s Connect - The Heart of the Farm conference.
As farmers rush to get the harvest done, there are a few things to remember to mitigate the spread of crop diseases. More on what the Canola Council of Canada is recommending here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
As Canada's agriculture industry deals with a labour and talent shortage, BASF Canada continues to see growth in a program they started five years ago. More on the successes found in the company’s Professional Development Program here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
With the snow, rain and cold conditions continuing to hamper this year's harvest, some farmers are harvesting their crops with a lot more moisture in them than what is recommended. We talk to a crop specialist on how producers can safely store the crop here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
About 90 4-H youth from across the province convened at the Calgary Stampede grounds to learn rodeo skills from some of the best in the rodeo world. More on the weekend from a participant and clinician here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The final touches are being put on the 2018 Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Niagara Falls… We talk to Loralee Orr from Corteva Agriscience who will be speaking at the upcoming event about why she enjoys it here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of Agriculture.
Southern Alberta ranchers JC (Jack) Anderson and Wynne Chisholm are donating their 19,000-acre ranch and its assets to the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinarian Medicine.
Rob Patterson and Krisjan Jones from Canadian Bio-Systems discuss the evolution and future of livestock feed technology - a timely discussion ahead of new rules on antimicrobial use in feed coming into effect Dec. 1, 2018.
This year's recipient family of the Calgary Stampede's BMO Farm Family Award in Cardston County is the Stanford family. Gary Stanford is no stranger to standing up for agriculture. We talk to the farmer from Magrath, Alberta about why the industry is so important to him and why he dedicates a lot of his time to helping youth learn about it here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Agriculture.
Grain elevators used to cover the prairies from B-C to Manitoba, now their numbers are dwindling. We talk to a man who has dedicated his life to profiling these magnificent structures here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A new way to secure cash advances for farmers. The Alberta Wheat Commission announces a new tool to help crop, livestock and honey producers manage cash flow throughout the year. More on the new program here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
An international culture exchange involving auctioneers. Two brothers from South Africa tour Canada, compete on the international stage and talk about the differences between the industry in the two countries here on Rural Roots Canada, where get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Speaking up for agriculture. Youth from across Alberta compete in the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition at the Calgary Stampede, more on what the competition meant to the participants here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Separating the business of farming from personal wealth when it comes to succession and estate planning. We talk to an expert about how you move the hard conversations into action here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Calgary Stampede is over, but the legacy of Summer Synergy and the International Youth Livestock Supreme Championships lives on. We talk to one participant of how the program has allowed her to grow and attend a post-secondary school here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
One of the many big attractions at the Calgary Stampede is the UFA Cattle Trail, which is made possible by several sponsors. We take a closer look at the Trail here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Youth are showing off their livestock and skills at Summer Synergy in Olds this week, in hopes of getting a post-secondary scholarship through the Calgary Stampede's Youth Livestock Supreme Championship and Scholarships. Madison Sibbald is the sixth generation of her family to raise Pure Bred Red Angus on a ranch near Cochrane. More on this here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
They have been on the land they currently farm for 125 years. The Olsen family of Olds are the recipients of the BMO - Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award for Mountain View County. We find out more about the history of the farm here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
On Sunday, youth from across western Canada and the U.S. will be showing steers in the annual Calgary Stampede Steer Classic in the Nutrien Western Events Centre. We find out what they will be taking away from the event here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
It's music to the ears of the horses, drivers and crowds. The Calgary Stampede's Heavy Horse Show puts its best hoof forward combining the majestic horses and the sweet melodies of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. More on why this pairing works so well here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Things are really starting to come together for the Canadian Beef Industry conference in London, Ontario in August. We look at what will be included in this year's event and how it can help your operation's bottom line here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Changes are coming on December 1st that will require livestock producers to have a prescription to get anti-biotics. We talk to veterinarian Dr. Blake Balog on how to prepare for those changes and the importance of your relationship with your vet here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Cash flow management is a crucial part of any farm business plan. We talk about the different elements and how marketing your grain ties into that conversation, with the Vice President of the Ag Exchange Group here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture. Ag Exchange Group presented at the RRC Rolling Hills Ag Day.
A leader with Corteva Agriscience talks about how playing to your strengths and using your talents can lead to success in business and your personal life here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Canadian Food Grains Bank is encouraging farmers to help their counterparts in third world countries. The non-profit tells more about their latest initiative here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Stephenville, Texas' Magen Warlick talks about her journey to the Calgary Stampede, placing 2nd in the 2017 competition and wanting to make it back for the 2018 event.
Auctioneers are the kings of tongue twisters. We catch-up with last year’s International Livestock Auctioneer Champion Dean Edge who is encouraging auctioneers to take part in this year’s contest here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Alberta Farm Animal Care will celebrate 25 years at their upcoming Livestock Care Conference. The Executive Director of AFAC talks about how this conference will help everyone in the industry with their business here on Rural Roots Canada, where get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
CanFax Manager and Senior Analyst Brian Perillat talks about the strong cattle prices, profitability in the feeding sector, how demand is working through supplies and why Alberta is the feel-good story of the country in this edition of the Rural Roots Canada - CanFax Market Drivers Report.
The agriculture industry unites this week to ‘celebrate the food we love’ and connect with consumers as part of Canadian Ag Day. We hear from a few people in the industry about why they love working in agriculture here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A new resource has been created to help encourage, empower and support farmers from coast to coast with their mental well-being. The Do More Agriculture Foundation aims to ensure farmers can access the help they need if they are struggling. More here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A leader with Viterra is encouraging women to be brave and take that next step to achieve professional success in their careers. Why Wendy Kaplan is encouraging women to find a mentor to help with their professional growth here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Olds College and Calgary Economic Development partner to attract agricultural business and entrepreneurs to the region by creating a Smart Agri-Food Corridor. We find out what this means for farmers and consumers here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Competing in blacksmithing events at any level is no easy task and it only gets bigger at the Calgary Stampede. Strathmore, Alberta’s Keith Oram walks us through how he gets prepared for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Maximizing yourself at the busiest times of the year is as much about your mental state as it is the physical state. How you can improve efficiency during seeding or calving time here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the stem or meat of agriculture.
Every year the Calgary Stampede honours the people who pour their blood, sweat, and tears into agriculture with the BMO Farm Family Awards. This past year, one of the winners was Longview, Alberta’s McLean family… more on what the award meant to them here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
There was no growth in 2017 in terms of herd size on the cattle front in Alberta in 2017. The Executive Director of the Alberta Beef Producers, Rich Smith, explains why and why they are optimistic moving forward here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Another rough year for some farmers deal with adverse weather. The Executive Director of the Alberta Beef Producers looks back on the year here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Cattle producers are keeping a close eye on trade deals as the year comes to an end. With NAFTA and the Trans Pacific Partnership up in the air producers are more concerned than ever. More here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
November is National 4-H Month, we talk about what 4-H has given one Calgary area resident, who competes in 4-H Rodeo here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture
Canada is about to strengthen its position as a world power when it comes to trading agricultural and agri-food products. Where Farm Credit Canada believes this optimism can lead and how the country can get there here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Ag Management program at Olds College is growing. We find out why demand for this program is big and what other changes are in store for it here on Rural Roots Canada, Where We Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A young farmer talks about her experience with the Student sponsorship program at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference. The program has been so popular that organizers are now looking for more student sponsors. We have more on the conference here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
What started as a project in a dorm closet at Olds College continues to grow… We catch up with Alex Villeneuve to talk about his plans to take his business, Ceres Solutions Ltd., which sterilizes spent grain and grows mushrooms and produces animal feed products with it to an industrial scale. More on this here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Frost, snow, and cool temperatures slow the harvest in Alberta How it the weather is also affecting yield and grade of the remaining crop still in the field here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Researching the ability of crops to recover after a hail storm. Farming Smarter’s Ken Coles talks about their work into what hail damaged crops can recover from and how well rescue products work.
Harvest is underway in some parts of Alberta. Intense heat and little rain during the growing season has pushed up the harvest for many. We have more on this year’s crop from one farmer in central Alberta here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Developing disease resistance in varieties of Spring wheat. Agriculture and Agri-Food Research scientist Dr. Harpinder Randawa speaks about building up resistance against Fusarium Head Blight and Yellow Rust More on his talk at Farming Smarter's WheatStalk here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
They can be spectacular to witness, but are dangerous and can cause significant damage and loss. Alberta storm chaser Beth Allan talks about the storms, which have rolled across the prairies this storm season and why she enjoys tracking them here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Developing premium varieties of Winter Wheat to improve farmers’ bottom-line. Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Scientist Dr. Rob Graf speaks about developing Red Winter varieties, which are, on par with red spring wheat. More on his talk at WheatStalk here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
This year’s winner of the Working Cow Horse Event at the Calgary Stampede is a repeat champion. We have more on Suzon Schaal win and more on the event here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Including winter wheat as part of the crop rotation is trending upwards on farms across Western Canada. Why the Western Winter Wheat Initiative believes it is in all farmers' interests to consider it as an option in their crop rotation.
Did you know that lightning is actually good for crops and growing conditions? We speak to CTV Calgary Meteorologist David Spence on how lightning is nature’s very own fertilizer coming up.
The conference set for August 15th to 17th will be a jammed pack few days, including business meetings, live cattle demonstrations and Bov-Innovation sessions amongst other events.
As the baby-boomer generation moves towards retirement the issue of passing the farm on to the next generation is becoming bigger and more common. Catalyst Accountants Managing Partner Terri Holowath tells Rural Roots Canada it is never too soon to start the conversation about succession planning.
The Canadian Beef Industry Conference is growing after a successful event last year. We find out more about this year’s conference, which will take place in August in Calgary, and how it will help cattle producers with their operations here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Year-round food production in Canada’s north will soon be possible. How a Yukon-based agriculture company plans to use aquaponics to feed tens of thousands of people here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A shift in the way people communicate is allowing farmers to have more conversations with consumers. A leading voice in the agriculture community is encouraging producers to make sure these interactions are discussions and not arguments. More on this here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Young farmers from across Alberta gathered in Calgary recently to network, learn about succession planning, spraying technologies, and risk management. More on the successful, second annual Rock the Farm event here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A leader in the North American Agriculture community says there need to be more women voices in the leadership. DuPont Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Sustainability Officer Krysta Harden talks about the barriers facing women who are working to get into leadership roles here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
In all aspects of life, many of us often question “What could I have done differently, and what if I would’ve taken a different path?” Dori Gingera Beauchemin, Deputy Minister of Manitoba Agriculture, talks to us about the importance of small experiences, and the significance of actively asking questions to everyone you meet.
Jolene Brown is no stranger to dealing with the often turbulent business world of the family farm. She has sat at over 400 kitchen tables as a business consultant helping families navigate the emotional entanglements that can destroy the family farm or at the very least leave the people involved in it with strained relationships if not properly dealt with.
When you are a part of a sport, you work and condition your muscles to ensure you are in proper shape. A successful auctioneer is constantly speaking and practicing anywhere they can find time... in the shower... on the road. Your vocal chords are a muscle, and they need to be exercised. We talk to a family of auctioneers about why they got into the business... here on Rural Roots Canada.
A new mentoring program aims to foster new leaders in the agriculture community. More on how the Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley’s Advancing Ag program will help young agri-professionals. Here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Agriculture Industry came together with one unified voice on Canada’s Agriculture Day. Farmers spoke with passion about their love for producing food in an effort to inform consumers about what they bring to the table. We talk to four farmers about their passion here on Rural Roots Canada Where We Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Ag Women’s Network is an organization that started as a forum in 2013 to help young women in agriculture connect. We talk to the AWN’s Jennifer Christie about how this network is empowering women here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
A pulse research project at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Station in Lacombe, Alberta is evaluating pea and germ plasm. The work is expected to lead to pulse crops that make more money for farmers. More on this research here on Rural Roots Canada, Where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Improving crop research and breeding programs by using marker assisted selection. We take a closer look at the work being done at the Lacombe Field Crop Development Centre here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Protecting your herd from predators is easier said than done, especially if your herd is spread out over a large distance. We talk to the Chairman of the Alberta Beef Producers’ Wildlife Committee about tips ranchers can take to protect their cattle here on Rural Roots Canada, Where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A leader in Canadian beef advocacy for over two decades is retiring. The legacy of the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence’s Marty Carpenter leaves behind here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Weather, a Bovine Tuberculosis outbreak and a drop in prices are the biggest challenges cattle producers in Alberta faced this year. We talk to the Executive Director of the Alberta Beef Producers about how ranchers were able to roll with the punches thrown their way this year here on Rural Roots Canada, Where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Crop production has changed immensely in the past century. We talk to agronomist Ross McKenzie as well as Adrien Moens, owner of AJM Seeds about the growth of knowledge and technological advances in the sector here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
The 4-H world will converge on Canada next July. We take a look at the 4-day event that will take place in Ottawa here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The irrigation industry generates about 3.6 billion dollars of economic activity per year. We talk to Executive Director of the Alberta Irrigation Projects Association, as well as director of the Irrigation and Farm Water Branch at Alberta Agriculture here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the stem and meat of agriculture.
A group which helps farmers return to the farm after a devastating injury says the key is to provide them with support and the tools needed to continue on with their way of life. We speak with the Canadian Disabled Farmers Registry about the help it provides here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The A,berta Government has announced funding to help make farms from energy efficient ahead of the provincial carbon levy coming into place on January 1st Farmers say the grant is a good start, but more dialogue is needed on the efforts they are already doing to protect the environment. Here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A new research centre aimed at bridging the gap between research and farmers has been announced for Olds College. The Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production will give cattle and sheep producers and students entering the industry a chance to learn first hand ways to enhance production efficiency and promote herd health and welfare.
A new rural and farm safety mobile unit for Alberta is now in development. Once completed the educational tool spearheaded by Agriculture For Life will travel the province, we find out more about the initiative here on Rural Roots Canada, where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
Around 450 women from across the country and the U.S. came together in Toronto to talk agriculture, leadership, network and be inspired. We have more from the women involved with Advancing Women Conference East… hereon Rural Roots Canada, Where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The word antimicrobial becomes a hot topic across the livestock community. An Airdrie, Alberta veterinarian is using the opportunity to highlight the importance of producers having an antibiotic strategy in place. More here on Rural Roots Canada where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A study into traceability by a Nuffield Scholar has provided insight into what Canada does well and where it needs to improve. It also reveals where the best traceability program is in the world and what they do to make it the best. Here on Rural Roots Canada, Where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
A cattle market analyst believes we will soon see an increase in livestock production. Why we will see this increase and what producers need to be watching on the markets as this happens here on Rural Roots Canada where we Get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Grand and Reserve Champions of the Calgary Stampede’s Junior Steer Classic say hard work is what allowed them to place where they did in one of the biggest Junior cattle showcases in North America. Tommy Glover and Toby Noble talk about the life skills they gained this year here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
The Jones Family from east of Balzac, Alberta, are recipients of the 2016 BMO Farm Family Award for Rocky View County. Allen, Shanna, their two sons Barret and Harlen and Allen's mother, Gladys, have a mixed farm that consists of 50 Hereford purebreds, 150 commercial cows, and 600 acres of hay land and 300 acres of pasture, while the grain side of the farm includes five thousand five hundred acres of barley, canola, and wheat.
A new study, conducted by Ed Pajor, Professor in animal behavior and welfare at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine looks at the stress levels of bucking bulls and how animals are affected at the Calgary Stampede.
Farmers across Alberta may be looking towards a new way to reduce carbon emissions, and eventually decrease that ever growing power bill, with the use of solar energy.
McDonald’s Canada successfully completes its Verified Sustainable Beef Pilot project with the Canadian Beef industry. We have more on the project, which tracked 9-thousand head of cattle from ‘birth to burger’ here on Rural Roots Canada, where we get to the Stem and Meat of Agriculture.
It’s a competition that sees a tractor hooked to a weighted sled and the tractor that pulls the sled the furthest is the winner. Most of the competitors are men but a woman from Red Deer, Alberta is cutting a new swath.
Randy Niemans leans way, way back in the seat of his father's John Deere 80 hoping to pull the sled just a few more feet… even a few more inches in the final pull to help him and his family claim top prize. The extra little effort appears to have a worked as the High River, Alberta native took home top prize in Class 6 of the Vintage Tractor Pull at the Calgary Stampede.
For Randy and his family, just taking part in the event is bittersweet as it comes only a week after his father, Bill, passed away. Bill had been a staple at pulls for the last 6 to 7 years and had been scheduled to take part in this event until his passing. Randy, who stepped in to take his place in his memory says winning was the icing on the cake.
Harris, Missouri’s Runt Rageth and his horse Burdock have won the Cowboy Up! Competition at the Calgary Stampede