Ag News

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has announced the continuation of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) following its initial success. With renewed funding under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program – On-Farm Climate Action Fund, the program will receive up to $40 million over the next three years. The expansion will focus in Manitoba will continue to support local producers in sustainable land management practices. Programs will continue is Saskatchewan as well but will be handled separately.

U.S. president Donald Trump announced he has postponed the 25% implementation of widespread tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico until March 4th. These tariffs would have economic impacts on a variety of industries, including canola. The canola industry in massive in terms of supporting Canadian agriculture, with the economic activity accounting for over $43.5 billion a year. Chris Davison, President and CEO of the Canola Council of Canada, reiterates just how impactful this industry truly is and how important trade relations between Canada & the United States are. 

It's not just the municipal leaders feeling the pressure of the proposed tariffs from the United States. 

Even the RM of Swift Current has been feeling the tension. The RM is home to many agricultural producers and ag-related entities, which are all nervous about what may happen once President Trump implements a broad spectrum 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. 

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing recently launched a new initiative to support the mental health of Canadian farmers, their families, and agricultural workers. The National Farmer Wellness Network Crisis Line is a free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support tailored specifically to the agricultural community. 

The idea behind the crisis line is to ensure that farmers across the country have access to farm-specific crisis services delivered by licensed professionals trained in the Canadian Agricultural Literacy Program (CALP). 

What are the top issues on our Manitoba cattle producers' minds when it comes to the start of 2025?

The increase in livestock predation, mandatory livestock inspections in Manitoba, the large and damaging herds of elk across the province, and the Canada-U.S. trade relations all play a factor on net profits and market prices.

The trade relationship with the U.S. is crucial

The over 130,000 Canadian farmers and ranchers represented by the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canadian Cattle Association and Grain Growers of Canada are calling on the Government of Canada to reverse its decision to administer the proposed capital gains inclusion rate legislation.

If you're a cow-calf operator, you've got some really good times ahead of you, says Rick Wright, Executive Administrator of the Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association.

Strong cattle markets in 2024 have continued into January and the next 2 years look promising.

We are two weeks away from the 46th annual general meeting (AGM) for Manitoba Beef Producers. The two-day event takes place February 20th and 21st at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre in Winnipeg.

General Manager Carson Callum says the AGM features a lot of great speakers. He notes it starts with an Industry Knowledge Session on Day 1, led by Dr. Eric Behlke of TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods.

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is looking to honour a few notable farmers from around the province.

They're hosting the Semi-Annual Meeting & Honour Scroll Banquet this week on February 7th.

SSGA President Jeff Yorga says that the event is historically a big part of Saskatchewan and they want to give it the credit it deserves.

What does Manitoba Agriculture Crop Specialist, Scott Chalmer from WADO (Western Agriculture Development Organization) do during the winter months between harvest and spring seed?