Bank of Canada rate cut odds for June fall after April inflation data

Signs that underlying inflation was picking up in April put the Bank of Canada in a tricky position ahead of its June interest rate decision, with some economists arguing a second straight pause is now more likely.

"It is going to make it a much more challenging backdrop for the Bank of Canada to continue cutting rates, at least in the near term," said Benjamin Reitzes, managing director of Canadian rates and macro strategist at BMO Capital Markets.

Car stolen out of Strathmore: owner asks for help

A car was stolen out of Strathmore in the early hours of Monday, May 19.

The owner, April Dawn, took to Facebook looking for help locating it, saying that her 2013 Chevrolet Equinox was stolen after their garage was broken into between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Dawn said there were several items in the car, including golf clubs and a grey toolbox that was given to her son by his grandfather.

The owner claims to have made a police report. Anyone with information on the vehicle or its items is asked to contact Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3968.

Canadians believe higher food prices on the way: survey

A spring survey to gauge consumer opinions about food pricing, buying habits and values found affordability the top concern

Whether people throw steaks or hot dogs on the barbecue this summer could reflect how they feel about their food spending.

A new report from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University found increasing anxiety about food affordability compared to last fall.

Meals On The Farm delivery three: Wild Iron Farms

Staff at 104.5 More Country headed out yet again for another Meals on the Farm delivery.

The crew from Wild Iron Farms is our third winner and had some delicious lunch from Baldwin BBQ.

The farm is currently seeding wheat, barley, peas, mustard, and flax.

John Wheatley, a farmer with Wild Iron Farms, explains that he has been doing this for a long time.

"It's a family farm. Getting out of it isn't an option. You just keep going year after year and hope it gets better."

Benefits of Deferred Grazing on Native Prairie

Deferred grazing, a practice that involves delaying livestock grazing until after key growing seasons, is a valuable strategy for preserving and enhancing native prairie ecosystems. Unlike continuous or early-season grazing, deferred grazing allows native grasses and forbs the opportunity to complete their life cycles, set seed, and recover from previous disturbances. This approach brings a range of environmental, ecological, and even economic benefits that support both sustainable ranching and grassland conservation. 

Industry wrestles with regenerative certification

Canada needs flexible, farmer-driven standards to guide regenerative agriculture, experts say

With producer and policy interest in regenerative agriculture growing across Canada, policymakers and industry leaders are debating how to standardize the concept without undermining its core principles or grassroots appeal.

Questions around standardization and regulation were front and centre during an April 30 webinar hosted by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

Seeding progress well above average in Alberta

Alberta's latest crop report shows seeding of major crops is significantly ahead of historical averages. Manglai, product coordinator with Alberta Financial Services Corporation, who helps compile the report, says seeding is now at 47 per cent, well above the five-year average of 26 per cent and the ten-year average of 29 per cent.

Breaking down the regional analysis, the South region leads with 76 per cent of seeding completed, followed by the Central region at 51 per cent  the Northeast at 37 per cent, the Northwest at 29 per cent, and the Peace region at 27 per cent.

New funding for veterinary care services for Northern and remote communities

The Manitoba government has announced a $1 million partnership to enhance veterinary care services in northern and remote communities, which will include mobile spay and neuter services. Agriculture Minister Ron Kostitsyn emphasized that this funding is a step in the right direction to ensure every animal receives timely and compassionate care.