Ag News

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.

Manitoba farmer Tyler Fulton is the new President of the Canadian Cattle Association. The Birtle area cattle producer moved into the role during the organization's recent annual meeting in Ottawa.

"Well, I'm excited," shared Fulton. "I'm a little tentative just given the political environment and the geopolitical environment and the reliance on trade. Overall, I feel well prepared, well supported, and so in that sense I'm excited to take on the challenge, and do my best to just represent cattle producers across the country with all the sectors covered off."

With a federal election looming, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is launching Vote for Grain, a national campaign to engage grain farmers in the federal election and ensure their voices are heard.