Better Pork

Farms.com Photo Credit: As previously reported on Farms.com, new data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has found that by 2030 there will be more than 100,000 vacant jobs to fill in the agriculture industry. In 2023, CAHRC found a 15 per cent increase in the number of job vacancies compared to 2022. “This is your chance to help the agriculture industry ensure top talent for the future,” says Kathryn Doan, CVO, Director, Talent Solutions Team at AgCareers.com (a Farms.com company). Aimed to provide valuable data to the agricultural industry for attracting and retaining employees, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is performing an Agricultural Producers Compensation Survey. AgCareers.com is conducting the survey on behalf of CAHRC. CAHRC invites grain, oilseed, dairy, swine, fish, and apiculture producers to participate in this crucial survey. Topics covered will include: Monetary Benefits: Wages for Farm Managers, Farm Supervisors, Farm Workers, Farm Labourers, and Specialized staff. Non-Monetary Benefits: health, dental, vision, relocation, housing, and more! Hiring and retention tactics of flexible scheduling, bonuses, and vacation and sick time The deadline for participation is March 15, 2024. Producers can find out more and take the survey at this link, or contact compensation@agcareers.com for additional information. Participants will receive a copy of the full results to aid in compensation, recruiting, and retention practices, plus they will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a $250 gift card for Mudeas or Durnin Workwear. About AgCareers.com The AgCareers.com mission is to provide global talent solutions in agriculture and food. They strive to “Feed the World with Talent” in the industries they serve. AgCareers.com’s passion is agriculture, demonstrated through their investment in time and resources that engage candidates and employers in the industry. They work to build the pipeline of talent to the industry by expanding knowledge about the breadth of career opportunities in agriculture. For more information, visit www.AgCareers.com. About CAHRC The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada. CAHRC works with industry leaders, governments, and educational stakeholders, to research, develop and communicate solutions to the challenges in employment and skills development in primary agriculture. For more information visit www.cahrc-ccrha.ca.

By: Farms.com Canada's agricultural sector is poised for a significant uplift with the announcement of the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP). This initiative, backed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, heralds a new chapter for youth employment in agriculture, demonstrating the government's commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural professionals. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has unveiled a funding package of approximately $13.5 million designed to facilitate around 1,200 job opportunities for young Canadians within the agriculture sector. This move is a testament to the sector's vibrant future and the pivotal role youth play in its sustainability and growth. YESP offers a compelling incentive for employers, covering 50% of wages up to $14,000. This support extends to 80% for the employment of youth facing barriers, with an additional allowance of up to $5,000 to overcome employment obstacles. The program targets a diverse group of youth, including Indigenous peoples, those with disabilities, racialized youth, newcomers, single parents, and individuals from low-income households, among others. Eligible employers have from February 26, 2024, to March 25, 2024, to submit their applications, with Indigenous employers receiving priority consideration for the 2024-2025 program year. This initiative not only aims to bolster youth employment but also ensures a more inclusive and diverse agricultural workforce. The YESP is a crucial component of the broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), a collaborative effort across 12 federal departments and agencies. Since its inception in 2019, the program has successfully employed approximately 5,100 youth in agricultural roles across Canada, including nearly 1,500 youth facing employment barriers. This program underscores the government's resolve to support young Canadians in securing meaningful employment in agriculture, thereby fostering a resilient, sustainable, and dynamic agri-food sector for the future.

The Greenview Agricultural Service Board (ASB) is addressing the challenges of the challenging agricultural landscape by advocating for the prosperity and viability of its farming community through direct action and understanding the complexities of the local agriculture sector. In late 2023, Greenview's ASB made headlines by exploring the potential for an Agricultural Disaster declaration. This move came after a thorough analysis of crop reports and consultations with local farmers, highlighting the year's mixed fortunes with record yields in annual crops but struggles in forages. Ultimately, the decision against recommending a disaster declaration was based on specific criteria not being met, showing the complex balance required in such decisions. The exclusion of Greenview from the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance Program sparked considerable concern. This decision, influenced by a lack of recognition for the unique agricultural landscape of Greenview, prompted the ASB to take action. In early 2024, a letter was sent to the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, advocating for reconsideration and highlighting the essential need for tailored support mechanisms that acknowledge local conditions. Understanding the power of a collective voice, ASB Council Member Dave Berry emphasized the role of local producers in advocacy efforts. By engaging directly with political representatives, farmers can amplify their needs and challenges, pushing for policies that offer meaningful support and recognition. The ASB's work reflects a deep dedication to not only navigating the present challenges but also paving the way for a thriving future for Greenview's agricultural sector. Through continued advocacy, collaboration, and a keen understanding of the agricultural landscape, the ASB aims to foster a resilient and prosperous farming community. ASB Chair Warren Wohlgemuth stated, "The road ahead may be tough, but with everyone pitching in and working together, we believe our agricultural sector in Greenview can not only weather the challenges but come out even more robust and resilient than before. " This sentiment captures the essence of Greenview's agricultural advocacy efforts, marking a path forward filled with hope, resilience, and a collective commitment to the sector's long-term success.

By farms.com The carbon tax is unfair to farmers, and to other small businesses as well. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has strongly criticized the federal government's recent announcement to decrease the carbon tax rebate percentage for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from 9% to 5%, starting in 2024. This decision contrasts sharply with the increase in rebates for consumers and Indigenous governments to 93% and 2%, respectively, leaving SMEs disproportionately affected. Dan Kelly, president of CFIB, criticized the timing of the rebate reduction ahead of a major carbon tax increase on April 1. He noted that small businesses would lose about $500 million in rebates, a 44% cut in their future allocations. Kelly pointed out that this reduction was to finance increases in rural rebates and support for Indigenous governments, effectively funding these areas at the expense of small businesses. Kelly highlighted the absence of a system to distribute over $2.5 billion in carbon tax rebates collected since 2019 to SMEs, emphasizing the unfairness as small businesses carry a disproportionate share of the tax burden. Despite consumers receiving more rebates, SMEs, which contribute 40% of carbon tax revenue, face reduced rebates and delayed payments, marking the situation as particularly unjust. The CFIB's unhappiness extends to the government's approach to rebate eligibility, which is currently limited to emissions-intensive, trade-exposed businesses. This narrow definition excludes many small businesses that also pay the carbon tax, further worsening the issue. The CFIB demands the government to: Immediately return the $2.5 billion owed in carbon tax rebates to SMEs.

We know, you already have a few shovels on the farm. Even though shovels are a common tool, a shovel is a crucial tool, whether you are planting, removing weeds, creating irrigation channels, rock picking, or digging holes, the shovel is always needed one way or another. The versatility in the Root Slayer shovel by Radius is key to its success. As every farmer knows, tree roots often get in the way of digging. “If you’ve ever hit roots while trying to plant a perennial or you have been stymied by roots when trying to dig up a shrub, or tried to divide hostas with a spade only to have them slide away from your shovel, you’ll know what we’re talking about.” says Stealth Digger on their video review. Eliminating the need for hatchets, pry-bars, and saws while digging up around the farm, the Root Slayer, a multi-purpose shovel allows farmers to get the job done efficiently in one simple tool. We’ve all been there, digging on the farm and all of the sudden the shovel gets caught on roots while trying to dig up a shrub, and the shovel just can’t break a part those roots. With the Root Slayer, breaking up roots is no problem with a 13” tempered mid-carbon steel blade. The Root Slayer has won awards along with being certified and tested by Intertek, resulting in being 150%+ stronger than its competitors. Think of it this way, adding a multi-purpose shovel to the pile like the Root Slayer is essentially doing the gator a favor, by removing some tools in replacement for one multi-purpose shovel.

Members of an Alberta community came together in support of its local grain elevator. The people of Nanton, Alta. and the surroinding communities drew the winning ticket of a 50/50 raffle on Valentine’s Day, with half of the winnings, $4,910 to be exact, donated to the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre. The community purchased 6,382 tickets for the raffle. This money is being used to recoup costs from a theft that occurred after Christmas. On Dec. 29, thieves stole one 30-metre 240vac cable and nine 15-metre power cables. These cables were rented or loaned to the discovery centre, CTV reported. These cables supply power to lights used for special displays throughout the year. The winning ticket went to a familiar face in the community. Jen Handley, the mayor of Nanton, won the raffle, the discovery centre’s website says.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash The Migrant Community Worker Program will be holding its annual this Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Leamington, Ontario. The primary goal is to bring together diverse organizations and companies in Windsor-Essex County to collectively share vital information and resources that meet the needs of local migrant workers, and conversely, to bring together migrant workers to the services and support available to them and ensure they have barrier-free access to any other resources they would need. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the migrant population, the mission of the Migrant Community Worker Program is to create a collaborative platform that promotes a supportive and informed environment. The one-day event will provide free services, such as general information, legal assistance, and much more. Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024; Time: 3–6 PM; Location: Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot Street West, Leamington, Ontario. The Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) seeks to build a stronger community support system for the approximately 20,000 migrant workers who come each year to live and work on Windsor-Essex County farms. The MWCP mission provides information and support to migrant workers by helping them gain educational, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, while also helping them navigate available support services such as health and wellness, legal aid, and travel and immigration support in Spanish, English, and Tagalog. Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, is a project under the Migrant Worker Support Program (MWSP), providing migrant workers with accurate information and access to available services and support, and assisting them in learning about and exercising their rights while in Canada. To learn about the MWCP, visit www.migrantworkercommunityprogram.com. To learn more about the TeaMWork Project, visit www.TeaMWorkProject.ca.

By Jean-Paul McDonald Canada's agricultural sector has taken a significant step forward with the opening of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) in Manila, Philippines. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the launch during his trade mission, marking a pivotal moment for Canada's engagement with the Indo-Pacific markets, including Malaysia and the Philippines. Minister MacAulay expressed enthusiasm about the office's potential, stating, "I'm so pleased to be in Manila to open Canada's first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. We export nearly half of what we produce in Canada and the global demand continues to grow. I have no doubt this office will play a central role in growing export markets for our world-class Canadian farmers and increasing collaboration and cooperation in this important region. " The IPAAO introduces a novel approach to regional collaboration, with a mobile team based in Manila poised to foster strategic partnerships that promise to expand export opportunities for Canadian products. By combining Canada's renowned expertise in food safety and sustainability with the rich potential of the Indo-Pacific region, the office aims to address common challenges and spur growth in agriculture and agri-food exports. The IPAAO team is working on the ground, advancing mutual priorities like food security and enhancing technical cooperation, market access, and trade with partners across the region. This initiative is not just about expanding markets but also about reinforcing Canada's commitment to its Indo-Pacific partnerships and the broader strategy of economic engagement in the region. In 2023, Canada's agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific amounted to $22.8 billion, signifying the region's importance to Canada's economy and the global agricultural landscape. The IPAAO is poised to play a crucial role in furthering these economic ties and ensuring continued growth and collaboration. Dave Carey, Vice-President of the CCGA highlighted the importance of trade for Canada's canola farmers, with 90% of canola exported. He stated that the new IPAAO demonstrates Canada's commitment to enhancing market access in the Indo-Pacific, crucial for diversifying export markets and building enduring partnerships. Industry leader Kevin Auch of Pulse Canada stated "The Indo-Pacific provides a unique opportunity for growth and diversification for Canadian pulses. This office demonstrates the Government of Canada's support for our sector proactively brea

By Jean-Paul McDonald In a move to secure Canada's standing as a leader in the global pork market, the government has announced a substantial investment aimed at advancing the pork industry into the future. This strategic infusion of funds, totalling up to $10.6 million, is earmarked for Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) under the AgriScience Program’s Clusters Component of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, representing the government, highlighted the initiative's focus on research that will bolster the sector's sustainability, resilience, and growth. The funding will support a range of critical areas, including environmental performance, greenhouse gas reduction, productivity enhancements, disease management, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This initiative not only aims to improve the pork sector's environmental footprint but also to enhance product quality and animal welfare standards. Past Swine Clusters have significantly improved feeding strategies, reduced antibiotic usage, and enhanced pork quality, demonstrating the program's potential to foster innovation and maintain Canada's high-quality pork product reputation. Complementing the Swine Cluster's funding, an additional $1 million from the Greening Government Fund (GGF) will be invested in updating the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre's facilities. This includes installing high-efficiency heat recovery fans and transitioning the Normandin Research Farm to a more sustainable pellet biomass heating system, further underscoring the commitment to reducing the agricultural sector's carbon footprint. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "With this funding, we're making sure our pork producers have the tools they need to continue to be leaders in the agriculture sector. This will create opportunities for innovation so we can meet the growing global demand for our world-renowned Canadian pork." This investment reflects Canada's proactive approach to meeting the challenges of modern agriculture, ensuring the pork industry remains competitive and sustainable for years to come.

Canada officially opened its Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO). Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and other ag representatives attended an opening ceremony in Manila, Philippines on Feb. 21. “The office will open doors for Canadian producers right across the Indo-Pacific, and help us create connections, share our expertise, and make our regional partnerships even stronger,” MacAulay said in an X post. The Liberal government announced in November 2022 it was investing almost $32 million over five years to establish the IPAAO. “This initiative will increase and diversify Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific by establishing our first agriculture office in the region,” a government statement said at the time. This new office will position Canada as a preferred agriculture and agri-food supplier to the region, strengthening trade on both sides of the Pacific. The Indo-Pacific region accounts for more than 1/3 of the world’s economic activity. And in 2023, Canada exported almost $23 billion of ag products to this part of the world.

Canada’s pork sector has joined a movement opposing Britain’s involvement into a trade deal. The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) recently announced its participation in the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition, which is against Britain’s ascension into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). “Fair trade is not a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and prosperity. For Canadian farmers, particularly pork producers, fair trade means access to global markets under mutually beneficial terms,” Rene Roy, chair of the CPC, said in a statement. “It guarantees that our products can compete fairly, fostering growth and stability in our industry and for the country.” Members of the livestock sector including the Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Meat Council and National Cattle Feeders’ Association, launched the campaign in September 2023 to raise awareness about how Canadian producers are being treated unfairly. The main hurdle is Britain’s refusal to accept some Canadian production practices. These include the use of growth hormones and the use of antimicrobial livestock carcass washes in processing facilities. And Britain appears steadfast in its approach.

Chart via BonusFinder Canada Would you believe us if we said that the ag industry has the fifth highest incidence of liars, according to an industry survey? It’s no lie, although we should state that the numbers involving the ag industry are also lumped in with forestry, fishing, and hunting. We’re not talking about the camper who claimed to have seen Bigfoot rummaging through the garbage cans behind the local A&W Restaurant in Nelson, BC. Neither are we talking about regular folk talking about how they hunted and shot a 24-point buck when it was their pick-up truck that did the killing. And neither are we talking about the fisherman who claimed to have caught a fish “this big.” No, this one is about industry personnel who sometimes offer up a little white lie to the whopper, to the full-on baldfaced lie with regards to their salary. According to BonusFinder Canada—a Canadian online gambling business that has no affiliation with Farms.com—the average person lies four times a day. Sure, it could be to promote oneself, perhaps to protect someone’s feelings, or maybe to just not have to answer a telephone spammer’s questions. The gambling site asked some 3,000 Canadians for their take on lying. By the way, for all sectors, Canadians were more likely to lie or avoid discussing salary. Here are some of the highlights: According to the survey, the hospitality industry lies the most about their salary, at 66.3 percent. 6.0 percent of Canadians have lied about their salary. 37.7 percent have said their salary is lower than it is, and only 28.0 percent have inflated their salary. Folks from Ottawa lie the most about their salary, at 63.4 percent - more on that below, because it's not necessarily all a bad thing. People said that negotiating leverage is the most common reason for inflating salaries, according to 37.8 percent of the respondents. 28.4 percent said that they deflated their salary to others to avoid jealousy or resentment in the workplace. Interesting. The best way to avoid lying about salary is to not have such discussions. If a person chooses to reveal their salary, that’s one thing, but asking others seems... wrong. Unless that’s something Gen Z and the Millennials seem more comfortable with. Other reasons why people said they inflated their salary included: social status and image; family and social expectations; business or networking reasons; comparisons with peers (and the need to fit in); fear of judgement or discrimination; and insecurities (feelings of inadequacy). Yes, Ottawa had the most people lie about their salary (63.4 percent), but to be fair, of the Top 10 cities, Ottawa’s population was more likely to state that their salary was lower than it was (40.6 percent), but the second-most likely to inflate their salary (33 percent). The next biggest liar about salary—again, based on a total of 3,000 people surveyed—was Saskatoon (60.4 percent), with 37.6 percent lying low

By Farms.com Alberta's Open Farm Days, an event that bridges the gap between farmers and consumers, marked another year of impressive growth and community engagement in 2023. According to Tim Carson, CEO of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, the event attracted fewer visitors than the previous year but saw a significant increase in on-farm sales, jumping from $224,000 in 2022 to almost $299,000. This not only reflects a growing consumer trust in Alberta's agriculture but also a deeper appreciation for it. The event boasted an expansion in both the number of culinary experiences offered and the diversity of host farms, with about 35% of the 133 participating farms being new entrants. Despite challenges such as flooding and wildfires, the event was on the verge of surpassing its goal of 150 host farms. Efforts to enhance the event included the provision of 10 training sessions aimed at assisting farms with early planning and permitting acquisition. In addition to the host farms, 10 agricultural societies across Alberta participated, underscoring their crucial role in community support and local food promotion. Feedback from the host farms underscored the importance of direct engagement with consumers, offering insights into farming practices and the significance of agriculture in Alberta. With Open Farm Days generating over $1.4 million in on-farm sales since its inception, the event continues to be a vital platform for promoting Alberta agriculture. Looking forward to 2024, registration is already open, with anticipation for another successful year of showcasing the province's agriculture and food sectors. Mark your calendars for August 17 and 18 for the 12th annual Alberta Open Farm Days, a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Alberta's agricultural community

By farms.com The agricultural sector in northern Alberta celebrates a significant milestone with the opening of SARDA Ag Research's new $2 million facility in Donnelly, marking a new chapter in agricultural research and community involvement. This development was sparked by a generous donation of 15 acres of land and $750,000 in funding from the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF), under its Accelerating Capacity Initiative. Previously limited by an aging infrastructure, SARDA Ag Research now enjoys a modern 10,000 square foot building strategically located along Highway 2. This location not only increases visibility but also facilitates easier access for farmers and researchers alike. Executive Director Vance Yaremko highlighted the community's excitement, noting the impressive turnout at the grand opening despite inclement weather. This new facility represents not just a physical upgrade but also a leap forward in research capabilities, allowing for the establishment of long-term trials crucial for the region's agricultural development. Simon Lavoie, chair of SARDA Ag Research and local farmer, highlighted the importance of a research center that enables farmers to directly observe trial progress, highlighting its value as a crucial resource for the agricultural community. The facility's impact extends beyond research; it's envisioned as an educational hub for local students to learn about agriculture. Plans for school tours and a comprehensive program are in the works, aiming to connect the next generation with agriculture. Looking ahead, SARDA Ag Research seeks additional funding to further enhance the facility, create new jobs, and expand its programming. A second phase, including the construction of a cold storage facility, is also planned. SARDA Ag Research, directed by producers from the region, is dedicated to providing unbiased research on various agricultural aspects. The organization's efforts are supported by the WGRF, a farmer-funded body investing in research to benefit western Canadian producers. With over $240 million already invested in crop research and a $32 million commitment to expanding research capacity, the future of agricultural research in northern Alberta looks promising.

; Image courtesy of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA) has named Don Brubacher as its deserving winner of the . The retired long-time General Manager of the Ontario Potato Board was presented with the award at the annual OFVGA industry banquet in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on February 20, 2024. “As a potato grower and current chair of the Ontario Potato Board, it is a particular honour for me to see Don receive this year’s Industry Award of Merit,” exalted Shawn Brenn, the Chair of the OFVGA. He continued: “Don devoted his entire working life to the potato industry and was respected by growers for his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to working on their behalf to make things better for the industry. He always enjoyed the people this industry brought together and was passionate about the work being done.” &

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) found no traces of potato wart in its 2023 National Survey for Potato Wart. The CFIA collected more than 2,000 soil samples from every province except Newfoundland and Labrador, and found no evidence of the potato wart pathogen, Synchytrium endobioticum. The CFIA does sample seed potato fields in Newfoundland and Labrador as part of its ongoing surveillance. Clean fields are crucial to the success of Canada’s potato sector, which is the fifth largest primary ag crop in the country, and worth about $3.4 billion in exports. “These results are good news for potato growers across Canada. The continued collaboration between the CFIA and industry is vitally important to contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart, and we will do everything we can to keep the potato sector strong and maintain our key export markets,” Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay said in a statement. This is the second consecutive year the survey yielded no potato wart results. The 2022 survey didn’t include P.E.I. though, as farmers there were managing cases of potato wart. The most recent outbreak of potato wart caused the U.S. to temporarily shut its borders to Canadian potatoes.

Image by Ariel Núñez Guzmán from Pixabay Beans, beans, good for the wallet. Dry beans, such as pinto, navy, and kidney beans, are big business in Canada and around the world. Adzuki beans were Ontario’s top moneymaker per acre in 2023. Last year, Ontario farmers planted a record 23,000 acres of the niche crop, which was up from the 19,000 acres planted in 2022. Even still, those numbers paled in comparison to the almost three million acres of soybeans grown in Ontario last year. Then again, dry beans such as adzuki, pinto, navy, and kidney do cost more to produce. While some dry bean farmers will grow these beans every year, some only grow dry beans when prices are strong and they are likely to fit into their crop rotation. One of the biggest concerns for dry bean farmers, however, is weeds. Because the dry bean is a short-stature crop—and one that does not form a full canopy until mid-July—weeds tend to have free reign, which is one reason farmers must only grow it on fields that are already relatively weed-free. Other issues for dry beans include seedling diseases, where they suffer seed rot, and seedling blight diseases caused by , , and . And then there’s viral diseases such as bean common mosaic virus or yellow mosaic virus. Oh, and we all know that rust never sleeps. And bacterial blight. White mould. . Grasshoppers. Cutworm. It’s a wonder anyone can grow any type of dry bean sometimes. And it’s because there is a real need to grow these dry beans more efficiently and sustainably that money has been donated by Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) and an anonymous donor to the University of Guelph’s (U of G’s) Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). This $2 million donation will also be used to support the OBG Assistant Professorship in Weed Sciences faculty position at U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. Additionally, the U of G has announced the renewal of the Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management faculty position at Ridgetown Campus. Collectively, these faculty hires will better ensure that the University of Guelph will continue to be among the world’s best in dry bean agronomy and weed management research. The new OBG Professorship in Weed Management and the Professorship in Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management fill the vacancies left by Dr. Peter Sikkema, who recently retired, and OAC’s Chris Gillard, who will retire later in 2024. “Peter and Chris have had an immense impact on the Ontario bean industry for years,” stated Dr. Rene Van Acker, the interim Vice President (Research) at U of G. “This renewal of these professorships will ensure their legacy continues and

The number of Canadians needed to fulfill vacant positions in the country’s ag industry is growing. A new report from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) titled Sowing Seeds of Change estimates that by 2030, Canada’s agriculture sector will be short about 101,000 people. For context, that’s roughly the populations of Red Deer, Alta., or Clarington, Ont., as reported in the 2021 census. This kind of data is important to help the industry understand where the gaps are and how to address them. “Research like this is critical to understand the project the current labour needs of the sector, as we collectively look to advance measures that will mitigate the impacts of these vacancies,” the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) told Farms.com in an emailed statement. The CAHRC’s report cites multiple reasons for the forecasted labour shortage. One is looming retirements. “Canada’s agriculture industries will see over 85,300 retirements over the next 8 years, which is almost 30 per cent of the current Canadian workforce in the sector,” the report says.

Conservative Ag Critic John Barlow wants the federal government to stop playing political games and pass Bill C-234. The bill “would give a carbon tax carve out for farmers and lower the price of food,” he told the House on Feb. 13 – Canada’s Agriculture Day. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland answered but didn’t address the carbon tax, instead highlighting job growth and wages. In his follow-up question, Barlow highlighted how not passing the bill affects producers. “We now know that the amendments to Bill C-234, pushed through by Liberal-appointed senators, would increase costs on farmers by $200 million,” he said. “This Conservative common-sense bill in its original form would save farmers a billion dollars by 2030.” Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay fielded Barlow’s question. His response acknowledged farmers for their work to take care of the land, and reminded the house that Tyler McCann of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute “indicated to the committee members that there was no data to support the idea that carbon pricing is resulting in an increase in food prices.” Len Webber, the Conservative MP for Calgary confederation, brought up Bill C-234 and how it affects the food supply chain.

Two new representatives from the Alberta pork industry have joined our board of directors, by acclamation: Alastair Bratton and Sandra Spruit, who will replace Brent Moen and Craig Thompson, both of whom have completed two consecutive three-year terms. Board director nominations were accepted starting in November 2023, ending in January 2024, and each director will begin his and her first term in April 2024. Alberta Pork's fellow directors, staff and producers would like to thank Brent and Craig for their service. Alastair is the head of production for Sunterra Farms. He has previously managed farms and oversaw multiplier sites for Maple Leaf Farms, Verus Alliance and, more recently, Olymel. Originally from the U.K., his first experience was as a part-time worker on a 600-sow multiplier farm. This is where his interest in animal science and husbandry began, leading him to complete a Degree in Animal Science at Harper Adams Agricultural University. After graduating, he worked on a variety of farms covering both indoor and outdoor production, including organic units. Alastair has served as Chair of the Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop since 2016, is President of Alberta Pork Congress and serves on the Pork committee for the Calgary Stampede. Sandra and her husband own and operate Spruit farms, a 2,100-sow unit in Red Deer County, with several grow-to-finish locations in central Alberta. With her previous experience of other board positions and being a hog farmer for more than two decades, she brings a lot of knowledge to the table and is looking forward to even more learning opportunities. Originally from the Netherlands, she and her husband have raised five kids, and now that they have become more independent, she is ready to take the next steps to make a positive difference in the industry. She is passionate about engaging younger generations interested in hog farming, not only within the agriculture community, but along with other non-farming populations in Alberta.