Ag News

Last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or CFIA officially declared a herd of cattle infected with bovine tuberculosis or bovine TB. An investigation spanning back six years has taken place, tracking the movements of the herd to limit the spread of bovine TB. Dr. Stacey Vos, veterinarian and Animal Health Regional Veterinary Officer with the CFIA, talks about the case itself, and the risks associated with bovine TB. 

The Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has just awarded its 2024-25 bursaries to six deserving university students from across the province, supporting the future of agriculture in Manitoba.

Madison Kostal, the Research and Production Coordinator at MCA, took some time to share what went into the selection process and why these bursaries are so important for the next generation of Ag leaders. 

With a federal election on the horizon, the agriculture sector is hoping to see some commitments from the federal parties as they campaign for seats in parliament. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture released its priorities, breaking those down into three categories: competitiveness, resiliency, and rules-based trade.

President Keith Curie talks about the competitiveness factor of Canada and what he wants to see done.

As tensions rise in ongoing trade disputes, China's latest move is adding to concerns for Canadian producers. The country recently announced a 100 per cent tariff on canola oil and meal exported from Canada, compounding the uncertainty already present due to U.S. tariffs.  

Farmers caught in the middle  

The new tariff has many farmers wondering how to best proceed and that includes Curtis Sims, owner of Emeline Farms near MacGregor, Manitoba. Sims grows canola and is worried about the impact of these trade measures.  

AAFC Researchers at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre want to turn Canadian agriculture’s value chains into value circles.  

Dr. Emma Stephens and a team of data analysts are taking the most comprehensive look yet at Canada’s entire agriculture and agri-food industry, from the field, to processing and exports, to the end use by consumers.

"What that means is looking for additional value-added opportunities within our agri-food value chain through co-products and current waste byproducts to find additional ag-based resources," she explained.

As southern Manitoba’s 2025 planting season approaches, farmers are navigating a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Dry conditions enable early field access but raise concerns about soil moisture and forage crops, on top of uncertainty caused by regular talk of tariffs. Shawn Cabak of the Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation (MASC) shares insights on weather impacts, market volatility, and risk management strategies.

Last week, Cereals Canada released a Global Markets for Canadian Wheat: Key Insights Report, highlighting five markets that were part of the 2024 New Wheat Crop Trade and Technical Missions and the United States. Cereals Canada released this report alongside a webinar, explaining the report and the highlights from it to wheat producers, researchers, and industry members.

Red Deer's Leona Staples received the 'Women in Ag Notable Lifetime Achiever' Award from Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), at their gala awards banquet in Calgary on March 16.

As the co-owner and operator of The Jungle Farm, Staples has spent decades fostering agriculture education, agritourism, and business mentorship. 

Her farm welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year, ensuring that consumers understand the importance of agriculture and local food production.

Another funding commitment has been made towards a multi-million-dollar capital campaign by Cereals Canada. 

Cereals Canada says it is hoping to break ground this year on the construction of a new building in downtown Winnipeg. The organization says it is nearing the end of its lease in a building that is no longer able to meet its current and future goals. 

Their lease expires on March 31, 2027, and with this date now just over two years away, it says a new home is needed to continue to build on the vital work being done to advance the Canadian grains value chain.

Canada has a new Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister after Mark Carney took over as Prime Minister last week. Kody Blois, an MP from the Nova Scotia riding of Kings-Hants has been tapped for the role.

Blois says he has plenty of experience in the industry being raised in an area where agriculture is important.