Rural Roots Canada

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 agritourism 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 the Vegreville and Bonnyville areas.

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 Lloydminster and area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts for the B.C. Peace.

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.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

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).

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

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.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

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 Lloydminster 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 the B.C. Peace 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 Lethbridge 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.