Rural Roots Canada

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 and 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 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.