Glenda-Lee Vossler

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is reporting the presence of AI in three non-commercial poultry flocks in Saskatchewan last week, in the RM of Indian Head, the RM of Colonsay, and the RM of Lipton.

To date, one case has been found in a commercial poultry operation in Manitoba in the RM of Wallace.

Previous occurrences have been found in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Most poultry and egg production operations already have biosecurity measures in place, but producers who maintain small flocks, should look at enhancing their on-farm biosecurity measures.

Root rots are the number one disease issue for pulse crops, significantly impacting pea and lentil fields across the Prairies.  Studies show that the disease which thrives in warm, wet conditions can cause a yield loss of anywhere from 60 to 84 percent.

Last year, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture conducted a pulse disease survey, which focused on the root rot disease complex.

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.

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:

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.

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.

The 2025 Agricultural Water Management Fund is now accepting applications. This fund aims to support agricultural producers and local governments in developing effective water management projects.

Naomi Paley, Manager of Drainage Extension at the Water Security Agency, explains that qualified applicants can receive up to $95,000 per project through a cost-sharing approach across three funding streams:

This year marks what would have been the 100th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, which started as the Saskatchewan Co-operative Wheat Producers in 1923. 

Farmers joined together with a goal of trying to get a fair price for their wheat by selling directly to importers rather than through the futures market or grain exchange.

Wymark area farmer, Marvin Wiens was a director with the Pool for 20 years and served as president from 2000 to 2004 and admires the drive and determination of the farmers that came together to form the SWP.

Agricultural parts manufacturer Bourgault Tillage Tools (BTT) at St. Brieux, Saskatchewan has acquired Herschel Parts from Indianola, Iowa.

The 137-year-old company is known for manufacturing and distributing high-quality agricultural products out of its plant in Indianola, Iowa.

Herschel's Marketing Manager Mark Collins says working with BTT is really going to enhance their capabilities for innovation and new product development. 

CN and CPKC took steps early Thursday morning to lockout over 9000 employees who are members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference after an agreement was not reached.

In a press release following the lockout CN notes that they chose to lock out employees after the union did not respond to another offer by CN in a final attempt to avoid a labour disruption.

CN says over the last nine months they have negotiated in good faith