Canadian Cattle Industry Faces Optimism Amid Trade War Concerns
The Canadian cattle industry is experiencing unprecedented profitability, with cattle prices reaching all-time highs. Despite this positive outlook, there are significant concerns about the ongoing trade war with the United States and its impact on the industry's stability.
Wild pig researchers are using new tracking techniques
Over the years, certain areas in Canada have seen an increase in wild pig populations. Wayne Lees from Squeal on Pigs Manitoba highlights the difficulty in tracking these animals, especially on foot. "In our experience, finding the pigs is the single hardest thing that we have to do. Our situation in Canada is very, very much different than the US under cold climate conditions. We don't have the large numbers of wild pigs that they experience in warmer climates.
Later spraying may help with DON - Agronomists change their advice as to when to spray for fusarium infection
WINNIPEG — Wheat growers in North Dakota have altered how they use fungicides to control fusarium head blight.
Many farmers now apply fungicides later, after flowers first appear on wheat heads, to cut the risk of fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) and reduce levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) in cereals.
Western Canadian farmers should make a similar switch, says a plant pathologist with Agriculture Canada in Alberta.
Right now, some agronomists and grower groups say the ideal fungicide timing starts when 75 per cent of wheat heads are fully emerged.
Sheep producers are being reminded to look into Sustainable CAP programs
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is five-year suite of programs that launched in 2023 and offers a variety of programs, including some for sheep producers.
Manitoba Agriculture issues first crop report of the season
Manitoba Agriculture has released its first crop report of the season, providing valuable insights into the current state of seeding and livestock activities across the province.
Oilseed Specialist Sonya Wilson says seeding is just getting underway, with provincial seeding progress at approximately three per cent. This is ahead of the five-year average of one per cent. Farmers are currently planting spring wheat, peas, and a small amount of oats, particularly in areas west of Brandon and near Rapid City, with some activity in other regions as well.
Tariffs and Trade: Should be a priority for Canada's New Liberal Government
With the recent election victory of Mark Carney and his Liberal team, the Grain Growers of Canada have emphasized the urgent need to address the ongoing tariff situation with the U.S. and China. Executive Director Kyle Larkin highlighted the severe impact these tariffs are having on Canadian farmers and the broader economy.
Tariff Challenges:
Key agriculture voices returning to Parliament
The Liberals have won their fourth mandate this time under the leadership of leader Mark Carney.
When Mark Carney formed government as Canada's 24th Prime Minister on March 14, 2025, he selected 34-year-old Kody Blois from the Kings-Hants riding in Nova Scotia as the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Rural Economic Development.
Blois is heading back to Parliament after winning his riding last night. Expectations are that Carney could keep him in that role, but that will be determined when he announces his new cabinet in the days ahead.
Tough competition in the show ring for the Western Dairy Expo and 1st Annual Legends of the Industry Awards handed out
The Western Dairy Expo wrapped up Saturday in Saskatoon.
This year's event featured 200 Holstein and about 60 Jersey cows and heifers and was judged by Paul Trapp a product acquisition specialist with Semex USA out of Wisconsin, and his associate judge Jon Larson.
Some of the highlights from the Holstein Show:
Research shows multi-species cover crops enhance soil health
Multi-species cover crops are proving to be a valuable tool in improving soil health and boosting farm productivity, according to ongoing research led by Dr. Bharat Shrestha at Beaverlodge Research Farm. Dr. Shrestha, the biology study lead in soil health and fertility development, is part of a collaborative project under the Peace River Living Lab initiative, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Agricultural Climate Solutions - Living Lab program.
Alberta irrigation farmers strive for efficiencies to battle through droughts
Southern Alberta irrigators enter the growing season with full reservoirs following the much drier conditions of previous years.
Irrigation reservoirs in southern Alberta are looking a lot better than they have in recent years.
“We are going into the year with full reservoirs, which is nice, especially since the snowpack in the mountains is still in that lower quartile,” said Alex Ostrop, chair of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association (AIDA) and board member of the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID).