Rural Roots Canada

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.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

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 this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

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 Lakeland region of northeast Alberta.

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 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 southern Alberta.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan.

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 central Alberta.

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.