The GrainsWest Podcast

The work of certified seed growers is challenging. In the magazine's spring 2025 issue, GrainsWest introduced readers to three successful Alberta seed growing operations. In this episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, Trevor Bacque picks up where that story left off and talks with Larry Penner of Penwest Seeds about the variety registration system and innovation in seed genetics.   To read more about the work of Alberta seed growers, visit https://grainswest.com/

In this episode, Trevor Bacque goes inside the Canadian short line equipment industry, a sector led by enterprising farmers. While they represent a surprising amount of economic activity, these relatively small, independent manufacturers are a pivotal part of the farm equipment ecosystem. For the digital edition of the story, please visit: https://grainswest.com/

In this episode, beer journalist Don Tess talks with Rob McCaig, a 42-year veteran of the beer industry and a technical expert on malt. McCaig has served as head brewer for some of the largest breweries in the world and as the executive director of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre. He now works as a senior technical services advisor for First Key, a brewing and beverage industry consulting firm. McCaig is also a highly sought-after beer judge who was recently named head judge of the 2024 International Brewing and Cider Awards. He spoke with Don about his time in the industry, what makes a great malt and what makes great beer.

Irrigated cereals farmer and distiller Lars Hirch and Margo Jarvis Redelback of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association discuss efficient agricultural water use.   For the digital edition of the story, please visit: https://grainswest.com/

An Alberta farmer who has recently completed a farm succession plan with his children offers advice and insight on the process.

Join us as we hear from three rural Alberta entrepreneurs who have created on-farm revenue streams that tap the appeal of high-quality, locally grown Alberta malting barley.

The fall issue of GrainsWest features the cover story “Fertilizer frenzy,” an in-depth examination of the global increase in fertilizer prices. This podcast is a companion piece that on the Canadian government's ambitious reduction target for fertilizer emissions. It's a hot topic in ag circles. Farmers have questions about the agronomic and cost implications. Trevor Bacque went all the way to the country's top agricultural office for answers!

In the last decide there's been an explosion in number of Alberta small breweries. Many of these new breweries enthusiastically use Alberta grown barley and other local grains. However, the vast majority are small, independent operations and don't have the infrastructure in place to deal with the spent grain by-product of the brewing process. Inspired by her farmer father, Victoria Ross founded aGRO Systems, which collects spent grains and other organic materials from small brewers to upcycle these waste products into cattle feed and compost for farms and ranches.

The on-farm fallout from two years of pandemic related supply chain interruptions continues to evolve. It will be some time until the global movement of products and equipment normalizes. We talk with industry experts about the implications of lingering supply chain problems.

Non-alcoholic beers have not been known for their deliciousness, but the market for these beverages is experiencing rapid growth. Alberta craft brewers are developing innovative brewing processes to produce a new generation of tastier low- and no-alcohol beer. And in the process, they're moving more malt.

In the “Super friends,” episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, we talk to Prairie researchers working to establish the economic value of the beneficial insects that patrol farm fields. We also hear from an Australian farmer who successfully uses them to control pests on commodity crops.

This episode is a follow-up to the GrainsWest online story: “PPE MIA.” Sarah Hoffmann, a seed grower and GrainsWest contributor, looks in-depth at the evolving PPE supply situation in the Ag industry.

The 2019/20 crop year has been heartbreaking. Early snow has stranded crops in the field, creating stress and uncertainty to farmers. In the follow-up to “Reaching out,” the first episode of the GrainsWest Podcast, we present “Coping with the Harvest from Hell.” In it, we examine how and why farmers suffering from the mental health issues in this stressful time can get help and assist others in doing likewise.

This episode of The GrainsWest Podcast is titled “Drones and data.” In it, we join three experts for a high-flying view of on-farm drone applications. To find out how new drone flight regulations have affected farm users and where drone technologies and usage are headed, we'll talk to Markus Webber of LandView Drones, Melissa Silvernagel of AgraCity and Chris Healy of InFlight Data.

In the latest episode of The GrainsWest Podcast “Barley Buy-In”, we join the Made in Canada Crop Tour where we hear highlights from the event as well as discuss new malting barley varieties and how they impact everyone in the barley value chain.  

In the run-up to the 2019 Alberta election on April 16, we examine the issues affecting the province's farming sector. We talk to political commentator Duane Bratt and political advisor Jenelle Saskiw as well as Team Alberta and crop group representatives who dissect the defining campaign issues and lay out their expectations and advice for whichever party wins.

A recent study found Canadian farmers experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression but have traditionally been reluctant to seek help. Farmers, ag industry professionals and rural communities are now actively dealing with this pressing problem and breaking the stigma attached to mental health issues. We spoke with our guests about taking the Mental Health First Aid program to rural communities in Alberta and across the country.