Ag News

Manitoba Pork celebrated its 60th anniversary during its annual meeting and industry banquet Thursday in Winnipeg. Producers, processors and various stakeholders gathered at the Fairmont for the day full of meetings which was capped by an evening gala. There are currently 188 registered producers in the province, representing 608 farms and 22,000 full-time equivalent jobs. 

Dr. Wade Abbott and his research team at AAFC Lethbridge are embarking on a groundbreaking study aimed at unlocking new possibilities for the humble field pea, a crop primarily known for its use in food production.

The project will explore underutilized aspects of the legume, including its protein, starch, and fibre, with an eye on developing new food and non-food products that could benefit both the agricultural and industrial sectors.

The Manitoba Crop Alliance has a new leader at the helm as Jonathan Hodson recently stepped into the role of board chair. Farming near Lenore in western Manitoba, Hodson brings years of experience to the position and a deep understanding of the organization, having been involved since its formation five years ago. 

Hodson has served in various roles over the years, including most recently as vice-chair. Before the formation of the MCA, he was a director with the Manitoba Corn Growers Association, one of the organizations that merged to form the alliance. 

As the countdown to the April 28th federal election continues, Pulse Canada President Greg Cherewyk is urging political parties to focus on global trade, specifically the challenges facing Canada’s agriculture industry.  

With trade being a central issue, Cherewyk sat down to discuss what he believes needs to be addressed to ensure the future success of Canada's agricultural exports, especially pulses. 

Canadian producers will have a new way to make sure they can say their product is upholding sustainability, as the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is unveiling their participation in the Protein PACT Sustainability Framework. The initiative will look to uphold sustainability standards across the country for Canada's beef producers.

Lauren Martin, the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Corporate Council for CMC, says that it was made in cooperation with our southern neighbours.

With only three weeks away to the Canadian federal election, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) are ensuring that agriculture is top of mind for campaigning parties by announcing a new strategic agenda called Unleashing Agriculture for Canada's Growth. Jeremy Welter, vice-president with APAS, talks about the need to improve Canadian agriculture and make it a point of focus for the federal government. 

Cereals Canada has released a series of sustainability reports for Canadian non-durum wheat, durum wheat, barley, and oats to demonstrate how the cereals value chain is meeting the challenge of sustainable cereal production.

“Canada is a global leader in the production of high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable cereal grains,” said Mark Walker, vice-president of markets and trade. “These reports confirm that Canadian farmers grow some of the most sustainable crops in the world.”

Earlier this week, the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) issued their first cash advances with the 2025 Advance Payments Program for the upcoming growing year. More than 1750 producers across Western Canada received more than $310 million to finance their operations. Dave Gallant, Vice President of Finance and APP operations at CGA, talks about the benefits of the program for Western Canadian producers. 

A spokesperson for Canadian Foodgrains Bank says they are very grateful for a recent funding announcement by our federal government. The Canadian government is providing a $4 million grant for Canadian Foodgrains Bank to address the growing hunger crisis in Sudan. 

According to Canadian Foodgrains Bank, nearly 25 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023. That makes up more than half the population. As many as 640,000 people are already experiencing famine-like conditions in five identified areas.

With the weather warming and spring coming to the prairies, producers have been going through calving season with plenty of work for them. 

Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan Vice-President Chris Procyk says that, from what he's heard, it's been a decent season in the province.