Rural Roots Canada

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.

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, 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 f...

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 gro...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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, Sask...

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 he...

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

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 northeast Alberta and west central Saskatchewan.

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.

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 the BC Peace.

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 northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for southern 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.

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 southern Alberta.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight for the weather for northeast Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan.

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.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight for the weather for central Alberta.

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 the BC Peace.

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 central Alberta.

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.