Ag News

Several 4-H Clubs in Central Alberta have received grants through the 2024 FCC 4-H Club Fund.

The funding, up to $500 per club, is part of a province-wide initiative supporting youth development and leadership opportunities for young Albertans.

Manitoba's agricultural sector is set to receive a significant boost, with both the provincial and federal governments investing $15.4 million over the next four years in major infrastructure projects aimed at improving food processing capacity across the province. This funding, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is designed to help local producers increase their output, create jobs, and make the industry more efficient and sustainable. 

The Agricultural Producer's Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) held a general meeting recently as a way to connect with members and the industry on a number of topics. 

APAS President Bill Prybylski says the event addressed several important issues, beginning with the province's rail lines.

Cereals Canada is celebrating the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and Indonesia, a development poised to strengthen ties between the two countries and create new opportunities for Canadian grain farmers and exporters. The agreement, which takes effect in 2026, eliminates tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, establishes clear trade guidelines, and introduces a pioneering provision on agricultural biotechnology, a first for Indonesia in any trade deal. 

A new investment in 4-H Alberta will offer the province’s youth new opportunities to get into agriculture.

New support will help 4-H Alberta bridge the gap between urban and rural kids and develop safety and mental health programming.

Through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funding, the governments of Canada and Alberta are investing more than $731,000 over five years for three 4-H Alberta programs. 

The Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan or CSDCS is hosting their annual general meeting on December 12th in Saskatoon at the Saskatoon Inn, recapping the year of canary seed in 2024 and looking ahead to the future. They will conduct a short business meeting, then presentations with activities designed to promote Canary seed (alpiste) into the human food market.  

A spokesperson for the Canola Council of Canada says there are several factors that producers must consider when selecting the right variety of canola for 2025.

Curtis Rempel is Vice President of Crop Production and Innovation. He says one of the key factors is knowing what diseases you had in your field in past growing seasons. Rempel says this is important, even though next year could be entirely different, depending on weather.

With the possibility of tariffs coming onto Canada following the American election, Canadian farm groups are preparing for what might be rougher economic conditions.

The potential 25 per cent tariffs would have a major impact on most food items which see a good amount shipped south of the border.

Cam Dahl, general manager of Manitoba Pork Producers says they're already starting behind when it comes to trade relations with the US.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) recently concluded its annual national convention in Saskatoon, marking another successful gathering for the organization. The three-day event brought together members from across Canada to connect, discuss policy, and elect leadership, showcasing the organization’s commitment to advancing the rights and livelihoods of farmers nationwide.

Julie Maxwell, the newly elected vice president of operations, shared insights about the convention and the union’s ongoing initiatives. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has received a significant land donation from George and Joni Greenhough in honour of George’s late father, WJ (Bill) Greenhough, a passionate advocate for preserving wild lands for both people and nature.