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Conservative MPs used part of question period on April 8 to pressure the Liberals to provide Canadians and farmers carbon tax relief. Jasraj Singh Hallan, the MP for Calgary Forest Lawn, asked if the upcoming federal budget will include Bill C-234’s removal. Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault responded citing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s experience with the Canada carbon rebate. “Guess what? She lives in rural Alberta, so she gets even more,” Boissonnault said. Leslyn Lewis, the Conservative MP for Haldimand-Norfolk, also pressed the government about Bill C-234, asking them to pass the bill in its original form. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson provided the response, repeating that eight out of 10 Canadian families receive more than they pay in the carbon tax. On April 9, Michael Kram, the Conservative MP for Regina-Wascana, asked if the government would pass Bill C-234 in its original form to provide carbon tax relief for farmers. Minister Wilkinson responded, reminding the House that farmers have exemptions. “Mr. Speaker, again, it is important to ensure we are dealing with the facts,” he said. “Ninety-seven per cent of on-f

A multi-institutional team, of scientists is exploring the potential of using the levels of stress hormones deposited in the hair of pigs to determine which genetic lines will be more or less able to ward off disease. Researchers with Iowa State University, the Universities of Saskatchewan and Alberta and CDPQ, with funding from PigGen Canada, Genome Alberta, Genome Prairie and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are measuring the levels of stress hormones in the hair of pigs to evaluate the effect of stress on disease resilience and performance. Dr. Jack Dekkers, a distinguished professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, says the goal is to develop methods by which genetic companies can determine a pig's disease resilience without exposing it to disease. Quote-Dr. Jack Dekkers-Iowa State University: We all know from our own experiences that if we get stressed we are more susceptible to disease.If we get stressed the immune system gets activated and it is less able to respond to viruses or bacteria.We know that animals respond to stress and disease.They go hand in hand.They are interwoven pathways in terms of how an animal responds to different external factors and they are very important. We know that disease is one of the most important cost factors in swine production.We also know that stress can have a huge impact and both stress and disease have huge implications for animal welfare and ultimately if we have animals that are less resistant to disease, we need to use more veterinary treatments, antibiotics, the danger of resistance of pathogens to antibiotics.Ultimately it can also have an impact on human health. Dr. Dekkers says by correlating the levels of stress hormones in the hair to growth performance and disease resilience it should be possible to calculate which genetic lines of pigs will be more or less affected by stress.

The Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council warns consumers will end up paying more for their pork as the result of U.S. voluntary country of origin labelling. Last month U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced voluntary country of original labelling, or V-COOL, will come into effect by January 1, 2026. Under the new voluntary rule, the use of "Product of USA" or “Made in the USA” label claims on meat, poultry and egg products will only be allowed when those products are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. Canadian Pork Council Executive Director Stephen Heckbert says the concern is that this very prescriptive approach to labelling will disrupt the ability of pork producers in Canada and the U.S. to work together, limit the movement of pigs and products across the border and drive up pork prices. Quote-Stephen Heckbert-Canadian Pork Council: This is the U.S. government.The politicians are elected by American citizens so this is a case where working with U.S. pork producers is probably our number one thing that we have to do.This is a U.S. regulatory change and we've got to figure out how to work with American producers to see if we can't get these regulations to be more in line with what actually works. Secretary Vilsack has been interested in this for a long time.I've got to confess; I do not understand the politics of it from his perspective but he's a former governor of Iowa so he must think there's a reason why this is beneficial but it is a solution that has created a whole bunch of new problems.Our hope is that eventually common sense prevails and people understand that it is not going to deliver for consumers. The number one problem with this is that at the end of the day it's consumers who are going to pay more.Budgets are tight, times are tough and any government that says they're really concerned about costs to consumers should be doing everything it can to reduce costs to consumers not increase them. Heckbert says the hope is that this matter can be resolved at the trade table rather than through a World Trade Organization challenge, as was the case with U.S. mandatory country of origin labelling which was repealed following a successful WTO challenge.

The Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Center suggests a consistent focus on biosecurity remains the first line of defence against the spread of infectious diseases among pigs. As part of its monthly Enewsletter the swine health Information Center has released its domestic and global swine disease monitoring reports for April. SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton says this month’s report examines the continued high prevalence of PRRS in the wean-to-market category in some states, a decrease in the percentage of positive submissions of the enteric coronaviruses, mainly in the wean-to-market category, and a substantial increase of Influenza A virus in the wean-to-market category. Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Center: PRRS is still one of our predominant diseases and the reason we see a lot of case submissions.Some of the good news is we're seeing a reduction in incidents for our sow farms but we are still seeing a high level of case submissions for wean to market finish animals and some of the states that are seeing some issues are Indiana and Iowa. However, in talking to some of our domestic disease experts, some of that may be due to a change in strategy and the focus more on the wean to market pig submissions.Also, we are seeing again some cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, even though they are starting to reduce, especially with warmer weather. But, there are some areas of regional activity such as in Kansas and so that's always something to continue to monitor especially when we have a lot of trucks moving around. Lastly, influenza is something that we're still continuing to monitor.There are some cases that are being submitted above expected so that's also another thing that will be really good to monitor because influenza doesn't seem like it's seasonal anymore. Dr. Becton says biosecurity remains our first line of defence against any of these diseases.She says the challenge of working in cold weather is starting to diminish but its important to keep up the focus because diseases still transmit any time of year.

The Swine Health Information Center has introduced new influenza A virus state-level monitoring dashboard.The Swine Health Information Center's domestic disease monitoring report, released as part of its April eNewsletter, indicates influenza A virus positivity increased substantially in the wean-to-market category in February, with 51 percent the positive cases being lung submissions. To help pork producers keep on top of influenza A, SHIC has introduced its new influenza A virus state-level monitoring dashboard.SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton says the influenza A monitoring dashboard is a great resource. Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Center: It can actually show aggregate data of where influenza is by the state level and it can show that detection over time as well as characterize it by what specimen was submitted, what age group and then again show that graphically in a geographical area.Because influenza isn't seasonal, it really is important to understand where is the activity and where are animals being submitted from that are seeing high caseloads? There are some cases that are being submitted a bit above expected and so that's also another thing that will be really good to monitor because influenza doesn't seem like it's seasonal anymore.This is also important because we are going to be going into fair season so we'll have a lot of exhibitions going on. We have a lot of people and pig interactions and so it's really important to monitor pig health, especially when people are considering taking their pigs to a fair or to another place where there exhibitions.All around, it really is going to be a resource that we've not had before to get a more national picture of where influenza is occurring. Dr. Becton stresses biosecurity remains our first line of defence against any disease and, although the challenge of working in cold weather is starting to diminish, it's always important to stay focused on biosecurity because disease still transmits any time of year.

Manitoba Pork recently highlighted some of the top producers during their Pork Quality Competition. The event held during the Manitoba Winter Fair gives producers the opportunity to showcase their operations and the high-quality, sustainably produced pork raised here in Manitoba. The winners of this year's Pork Quality Competition: Grand Champion and 1st Place - Wellwood Colony Reserve Champion and 2nd Place - Sprucewoods Colony 3rd Place - Boundary Lane Colony Winning charities benefiting from this year's winners include the Neepawa Hospital and the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team.

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay Are you looking for a new ag challenge that will change your life? Then maybe a is for you! Nuffield Canada is offering four to six $20,000 scholarships annually for mid-career individuals who are Canadian citizens between the ages of 25 and 50, with a passion for agriculture, and who are ready to challenge themselves in a self-directed program of international travel and study. Unlike academic scholarships, are for the personal and professional benefit of those already established in the industry. While adding value to Canadian agriculture, the scholars assume positions of greater influence in their fields. Scholars are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research a topic or issue of their choosing that is relevant to modern production. Each scholar then prepares a written report (approximately 10,000 words) of their research findings, conclusions, and recommendations and presents a summary to the Nuffield Board, with peers, sponsors, and industry leaders in attendance. “The greatest gift that Nuffield gave me was the opportunity to step outside my business and connect with some of the world’s most intelligent and passionate people in agriculture,” said Steve Larocque, Nuffield Canada Chair and a 2008 Scholar. “The Nuffield experience taught me to think differently and lift the ceiling on what I thought could be achieved. It changed the trajectory of my family and my business and made a positive impact on the way we treat our soils in Canada. I’m forever grateful for the experience and the lifelong community of incredible people I have the privilege of calling friends. The journey never ends in Nuffield,” he continued. Nuffield Canada is now accepting scholar applications, selected through a written and one-way video application process, from April 1 through June 30, 2024, for the 2025 scholar cohort. Scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production, including food, fibre, health care, biofuels, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries. Successful candidates can represent any aspect of the value chain, such as primary production, processing, governance, communications, safety, and others. Nuffield Canada values diversity and encourages applicants from all production philosophies, such as commercial, organic, cottage, medicinal, Indigenous, Kosher, Halal, and others. For scholar sponsors, Nuffield offers exposure to new products, services, technologies, and marketing approaches through knowledge brought home by scholars. They also gain relationships with the very best young farmers and entrepreneurs in Canada and throughout the world through the Nuffield International network. Sponsors become part of a pathway for leadership development within organizations, industry, and rural Canada as scholars go on to become highly sought-after as speakers, advisors, board members, and influencers. Sponsors are further embraced as part of the Nuffield network through communication sharing, hosting tours and speakers, helping to recognize leadership potential, and encour

New research led by the University of Alberta aims to enhance the yield and profitability of canola, a vital cash crop in Canada. By delving into the genetic makeup of broccoli and cabbage, scientists hope to broaden the genetic diversity of canola, thereby improving its resilience and productivity. Led by plant scientist Habibur Rahman, the research team is focusing on identifying key genes from a variety of Brassica oleracea species, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. These genes will be instrumental in breeding new lines of canola that can produce hybrid cultivars with higher seed yield, a crucial factor in the profitability of the crop. Canola is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, contributing approximately $29.9 billion annually and serving as a significant global export, with revenues totaling $14.4 billion each year. The majority of canola is cultivated in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, with hybrid cultivars dominating over 95% of the Canadian crop. By leveraging genes associated with traits like early flowering and high oil content found in Brassica oleracea species, researchers aim to fortify these traits in hybrid canola varieties. Given that the oil extracted from canola seeds is its most valuable product, increasing seed yield directly impacts oil production, making it a pivotal aspect of crop profitability. Rahman's past research has laid the groundwork for this endeavor, demonstrating the potential of Brassica oleracea genes in enhancing traits essential for successful canola cultivars. With support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant program, Rahman's team is poised to further explore the genetic underpinnings of seed yield in canola. Collaborating with Bayer Crop Science, Rahman and his team will develop and test hundreds of canola hybrids in field trials across the Prairie provinces. These trials will assess various traits, including seed yield, days to flowering, maturity, disease resistance, and oil content. Through genetic and statistical analyses, researchers aim to identify the specific genes or chromosome regions within Brassica oleracea that contribute to high seed yield in canola. The resulting canola lines are anticipated to exhibit fewer undesirable traits inherited from Brassica oleracea vegetables while yielding better hybrids with enhanced traits. This continuous breeding effort seeks to maintain the favorable genes in new canola lines to ensure higher yield and other positive characteristics. Once proven effective, the improved genetic material and insights gained from the research will support long-term efforts by Bayer Crop Science and other breeders to develop new commercial hybrids. Although developing superior hybrid canola cultivars is a time-intensive process, the genetic research being conducted is crucial for sustaining the profitability of this crop at the farm level. The University of Alberta's collaboration with Bayer Crop Science on this project is further bolstered by support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Alliance Advantage Grant, highlighting the significance of public-private partnerships in advancing agricultural innovation.

https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/ontario-farm-leaders-meet-with-provincial-politicians/">Ethan Wallace, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture; Photo by Akshayan on Unsplash Taxation, support for local food, and rural infrastructure needs will be on the agenda this week as Ontario farmers head to Toronto to meet with provincial politicians as part of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s (OFA) government outreach efforts at Queen’s Park. As an advocacy organization, OFA has ongoing meetings and communications with provincial ministers, political staff, and bureaucrats on issues that are important to the agriculture sector and rural communities. At the local level, many OFA members also regularly meet with the MPP from their ridings. It’s not as often, however, that we have the chance to sit down face-to-face with a broader spectrum of provincial politicians from all major political parties, including those who represent urban ridings without any rural constituents or connections. An in-person meeting, for example, with an MPP from a downtown Toronto riding is a unique opportunity for both sides to learn about what matters to the other, and we often discover that we have more in common than we think. Housing, homelessness, and food insecurity aren’t just urban issues; by comparison, roads, bridges, and social infrastructure don’t just need attention in rural Ontario. I’m a dairy farmer near Lake Huron, and as someone very passionate about our industry, I look forward every year to this opportunity to share that passion, make connections, and show how the OFA can be an important ally on issues like housing, healthcare, jobs, food security, and climate change. This will be my third time participating in OFA’s advocacy day at Queen’s Park, and while I always enjoy the official meetings with MPPs, the end-of-day reception also offers the opportunity for more informal conversations. It was at that reception last year that I got talking with an urban MPP who had met with some of my OFA colleagues earlier in the day, and he had a newfound understanding of agriculture and why our sector matters to Ontario. For me, that’s the reason why we do this—to build that awareness and make those connections with people we wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to meet. As in previous years, the OFA team will be joined at Queen’s Park this year by younger farmers who are also emerging leaders in our industry. It’s an opportunity for elected officials to also hear from younger, grassroots voices and for the next generation of leaders to experience advocacy and outreach firsthand. In fact, my own first participation in this event was as a young leader in 2021, and it’s that experience that helped convince me to let my name stand for a provincial director position later that year. So what are the burning issues on the minds of farmers this spring that we’ll be taking to Queen’s Park? Taxation: the burden of the federal carbon tax and the added costs it places on farm businesses and food production are significant. Provincially, we also struggle with d

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay Are you looking for a new ag challenge that will change your life? Then maybe a is for you! Nuffield Canada is offering four to six $20,000 scholarships annually for mid-career individuals who are Canadian citizens between the ages of 25 and 50, with a passion for agriculture, and who are ready to challenge themselves in a self-directed program of international travel and study. Unlike academic scholarships, are for the personal and professional benefit of those already established in the industry. While adding value to Canadian agriculture, the scholars assume positions of greater influence in their fields. Scholars are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research a topic or issue of their choosing that is relevant to modern production. Each scholar then prepares a written report (approximately 10,000 words) of their research findings, conclusions, and recommendations and presents a summary to the Nuffield Board, with peers, sponsors, and industry leaders in attendance. “The greatest gift that Nuffield gave me was the opportunity to step outside my business and connect with some of the world’s most intelligent and passionate people in agriculture,” said Steve Larocque, Nuffield Canada Chair and a 2008 Scholar. “The Nuffield experience taught me to think differently and lift the ceiling on what I thought could be achieved. It changed the trajectory of my family and my business and made a positive impact on the way we treat our soils in Canada. I’m forever grateful for the experience and the lifelong community of incredible people I have the privilege of calling friends. The journey never ends in Nuffield,” he continued. Nuffield Canada is now accepting scholar applications, selected through a written and one-way video application process, from April 1 through June 30, 2024, for the 2025 scholar cohort. Scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production, including food, fibre, health care, biofuels, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries. Successful candidates can represent any aspect of the value chain, such as primary production, processing, governance, communications, safety, and others. Nuffield Canada values diversity and encourages applicants from all production philosophies, such as commercial, organic, cottage, medicinal, Indigenous, Kosher, Halal, and others. For scholar sponsors, Nuffield offers exposure to new products, services, technologies, and marketing approaches through knowledge brought home by scholars. They also gain relationships with the very best young farmers and entrepreneurs in Canada and throughout the world through the Nuffield International network. Sponsors become part of a pathway for leadership development within organizations, industry, and rural Canada as scholars go on to become highly sought-after as speakers, advisors, board members, and influencers. Sponsors are further embraced as part of the Nuffield network through communication sharing, hosting tours and speakers, helping to recognize leadership potential, and encour

Byline- Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern No need to purchase multiple pieces of hand-held lawn care equipment anymore, quickly disconnect and reconnect attachments with Makita’s split shaft multi-tool system. With the 40V MAX XGT Split Shaft Power Unit, farmers will be able to use up to 13 different attachments, ranging from line trimmers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, blowers, and much more. The split shaft features 3-speed options for active power management giving the farm versatility for the variety of tasks being tackled on the farm. Farmers can easily adjust the speed level with the 3-speed push button control. Speed Options: Low – 5,700 RPM’s Medium – 8,200 RPM’s High – 9,700 RPM’s Makita equipped this Split Shaft with a soft start feature, meaning once the machine has started the speed will gradually increase to eliminate start up shock. Along with reverse mode, it allows unwanted debris to be entangled and cleared from the cutting head. Safety features on the Split Shaft consist of Star Protection with 3 active controls for current, voltage, and temperature, just in case of an overload, also to increase the farmer’s safety an electric brake has been added as well. The Split Shaft from Makita can attach 13 different lawn care attachments for tasks on the farm.

Kinze Manufacturing introduces 5670, its newest innovation in split row planting technology. This feature-rich planter boasts a new toolbar design with increased height for better residue flow. The 5670 also introduces a new push row unit configuration, building upon Kinze's over 40 years of experience in this area. Brad Niensteadt, Senior Product Specialist with Kinze, says the planter is available in two configurations: 12/23 and 16/31. The 12-row configuration offers a bulk fill capacity of 80 bushels, while the 16-row option provides a generous 120 bushels of seed capacity. Niensteadt says that a significant addition to the 5670 is the factory-installed liquid fertilizer option with 300 gallons for the 12 and 16-row configurations. This innovative system allows for application rates between two and 25 gallons per acre at speeds ranging from three to 12 miles per hour. Another key feature according to Niensteadt is the automatic tank leveling system, which prevents fertilizer overflow on uneven terrain. This system automatically transfers fertilizer from the lower tank to the higher tank, ensuring efficient application. The 5670 offers a wide range of additional options, including Blue Vantage controlled air- adjustable row cleaners, pneumatic closing wheels, and various fertilizer opener configurations. Notably, the 5670 is the first Kinze planter with bulk seed to feature two by two fertilizer openers for split row application. Kinze has equipped the 5670 with several standard features to minimize maintenance requirements. These include double bushing parallel arms, shimless greaseless gauge wheel arms, and standard spool gauge wheels. The standard variable displacement PTO pump ensures compatibility with most tractors, requiring only two remotes for operation. With its innovative design, advanced features, and user-friendly operation, the Kinze 5670 promises to be an asset for farmers seeking to optimize their split row planting operations. Watch the video below to learn more about Kinze 5670 Pivot Fold, Split Row Planter.

Byline- Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern No need to purchase multiple pieces of hand-held lawn care equipment anymore, quickly disconnect and reconnect attachments with Makita’s split shaft multi-tool system. With the 40V MAX XGT Split Shaft Power Unit, farmers will be able to use up to 13 different attachments, ranging from line trimmers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, blowers, and much more. The split shaft features 3-speed options for active power management giving the farm versatility for the variety of tasks being tackled on the farm. Farmers can easily adjust the speed level with the 3-speed push button control. Speed Options: Low – 5,700 RPM’s Medium – 8,200 RPM’s High – 9,700 RPM’s Makita equipped this Split Shaft with a soft start feature, meaning once the machine has started the speed will gradually increase to eliminate start up shock. Along with reverse mode, it allows unwanted debris to be entangled and cleared from the cutting head. Safety features on the Split Shaft consist of Star Protection with 3 active controls for current, voltage, and temperature, just in case of an overload, also to increase the farmer’s safety an electric brake has been added as well. The Split Shaft from Makita can attach 13 different lawn care attachments for tasks on the farm.

J Cole Sanford, Cash Crop Product Specialist for New Holland, recently showcased the all-new CR11 Combine to the Farms.com audience, a significant launch for model year 2025. This machine underscores New Holland's commitment to innovation, offering a fresh perspective on reducing the total cost of harvesting. Sanford says the CR11 combines efficiency and productivity in a way that revolutionizes the agricultural machinery industry. The CR11 is built on a foundation of cutting-edge design, starting with a blank slate to rethink harvesting efficiency. Central to its design are twin 24-inch rotors and a powerful engine boasting 775 horsepower, coupled with a generous grain tank capacity of 567 bushels. Sanford says one of the standout features is the all-new designed residue system capable of spreading up to 60 feet, ensuring an even distribution critical for next year's crop. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive shares Sanford, highlighting the CR11's incorporation of new technologies that make it the most productive combine New Holland has ever built. The innovative twin rotor system and a redesigned cleaning system ensure optimal flow and distribution of crops, adjusting automatically to reduce losses regardless of terrain or crop load. A groundbreaking addition to the CR11 is its radar sensing residue system, which automatically adjusts the spread of chaff and residue to match the width of the header or the impact of wind conditions. This feature ensures full coverage without the need for operator input, allowing the driver to focus on the tasks at hand. Moreover, the CR11 is equipped to handle the demands of larger machines and higher capacities, with a focus on larger grain tanks to accommodate higher yields explains Sanford. The machine's unload auger system operates at an impressive six bushels per second, significantly reducing downtime in the field. In partnership with MacDon, New Holland also introduces the FD250, a 50-foot header that complements the CR11's capabilities, enhancing throughput and efficiency even further. This combination promises a seamless, high-performance harvesting experience. Watch the video below to learn more about New Holland's CR11 Combine.

Canadian grain farmers are stepping up to the plate with the launch of "Road to 2050," a set of policy recommendations that initiative tackles three critical challenges simultaneously: feeding a growing global population, combating climate change, and ensuring the economic viability of Canadian grain farms. Andre Harpe, GGC Chair, emphasized Canadian grain growers proactive stance in addressing the pressing demands of feeding more people, combating climate change, and ensuring the profitability of grain farms through pioneering sustainable practices, which are instrumental in both shrinking our carbon footprint and advancing Canada's climate objectives. The grain sector boasts impressive progress in environmental responsibility. Over the past two decades, they've maintained stable greenhouse gas emissions while significantly increasing production. This translates to a remarkable 50% reduction in GHG emission intensity from 1997 to 2017, exceeding the national average decrease of 36%. Contributing $30 billion to Canada's GDP, the grain sector acknowledges the need for continuous innovation and investment. "For years, Canadian grain farmers have been sustainability champions, making our country a global leader in low-emission grain production," says William van Tassel, 1st Vice Chair of GGC. "However, to remain competitive and committed to emission reduction, we need a significant boost in research and development funding. This investment is crucial to overcome current hurdles and unlock future opportunities." "Road to 2050" proposes a collaborative approach between grain farmers and the government to reduce emissions. Their recommendations focus on increased funding for public and private breeding research, expanding access and resources for existing climate programs, and developing a comprehensive data management strategy. "We are committed to working alongside the government to reduce emissions while boosting production to meet global food demands," emphasizes Harpe. "Ther

The Alberta Government, recognizing the potential of digital advancements in farming, has awarded a $1.2 million grant to the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy at the University of Calgary. This funding kick-starts the Alberta Digitalization Agriculture (ABDIAG) program, a nearly three-year initiative aiming to revolutionize Alberta's agricultural sector through cutting-edge technologies. Launching in October 2023 and running until June 2026, the ABDIAG program seeks to overcome barriers in adopting agricultural digital technologies. It focuses on leveraging robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart devices to increase efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in farming practices. The program also aims to develop policies that support data management and transparency within the agri-food sector. The Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, led by Minister RJ Sigurdson, announced the grant, highlighting its potential to make Alberta’s agriculture more competitive and innovative. "This program is a significant step toward enhancing the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture, benefiting both producers and the wider community," Sigurdson remarked. The ABDIAG program is not just about technological advancement but also about addressing key challenges such as technology awareness, return on investment, data literacy, structural capacities, and policy prioritization. It envisions a future where Alberta's agricultural production is not only more efficient and cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. Educational outreach, including academic publications, policy briefs, living labs, and webinars, is planned to disseminate findings and encourage the adoption of digital technologies among producers and policymakers. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of farming while increasing production, fostering a shift towards more informed and technologically equipped agricultural practices. As the program unfolds, the Simpson Centrewill play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research, policy-making, and real-world application.

By: Farms.com In response to the ongoing drought conditions severely impacting livestock producers across Saskatchewan, the Canadian government, in partnership with the Saskatchewan government, has announced an infusion of additional support. This aid comes through the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program, initially rolled out on October 20, 2023, to bolster producers in maintaining their breeding herds amidst challenging weather conditions. Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, alongside Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit, shared news of the top-up payments slated for eligible livestock producers already participating in the 2023 program. This move underscores both governments' commitment to aiding the province's agriculture sector during these testing times. Initially, the program disbursed payments covering up to 75% of the total anticipated support to ensure widespread assistance. With sufficient budget remaining, the program is now set to release the remaining 25%, offering a significant boost to producers within designated drought-impacted regions. Depending on their location, producers can expect top-ups of up to $50 or $20 per head. The Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program, part of the broader AgriRecovery framework, is designed to assist producers with extraordinary costs arising from disaster situations, like the current drought. These initiatives reflect a joint effort, with a 60:40 cost-sharing arrangement between the federal and provincial governments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). In addition to this targeted support, producers have access to a suite of business risk management programs including AgriStability, AgriInsurance, and AgriInvest, offering a safety net against various production and income losses. The application deadline was March 15, 2024, with the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation’s Feed Team tasked with reprocessing eligible applications. This streamlined approach ensures that the necessary funds reach producers without delay, offering some relief as they navigate the adverse effects of the drought. Community and industry leaders have expressed gratitude for the government's swift action, recognizing the significance of this additional support in ensuring the resilience and continuity of the agricultural sector in Saskatchewan.

By: Farms.com In an innovative push to transform how Canadians view and consume turkey, renowned Chef Chuck Hughes has teamed up with Think Turkey in their latest campaign, 'Do It More Often.' Launched this spring, the campaign seeks to entice Canadian families to integrate turkey into their meals not just during the festive season but all year round. Over six weeks, this spirited campaign will roll out across various digital platforms, including social media and connected TV. Through a series of concise 15-second videos, both English and French-speaking Canadians will be introduced to the versatility of turkey. These spots, designed to be as informative as they are entertaining, leverage a mix of humor and culinary expertise to engage viewers. Behind this initiative is the belief in turkey's potential as a nutritious and flexible option for daily meals. From morning breakfast to night-time dinners, turkey can be incorporated into a wide array of dishes, including tacos, meatballs, and sheet pan dinners. The campaign drives this message home by directing Canadians to the dedicated website, DoItMoreOften.ca, where Chef Hughes shares his exclusive turkey recipes and cooking techniques. This effort is part of the broader Think Turkey campaign, a collaborative project between Turkey Farmers of Canada and the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors. Launched in 2019, the campaign aims at reinventing turkey's image, promoting its health benefits, and highlighting its suitability for various cuisines. By partnering with Chef Hughes, the 'Do It More Often' campaign underscores turkey's adaptability and seeks to inspire Canadians to experiment with turkey in their everyday cooking. The goal is to elevate turkey to a staple in Canadian cuisine, encouraging a shift in consumer habits and boosting turkey consumption across the nation.

The Alberta Government, recognizing the potential of digital advancements in farming, has awarded a $1.2 million grant to the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy at the University of Calgary. This funding kick-starts the Alberta Digitalization Agriculture (ABDIAG) program, a nearly three-year initiative aiming to revolutionize Alberta's agricultural sector through cutting-edge technologies. Launching in October 2023 and running until June 2026, the ABDIAG program seeks to overcome barriers in adopting agricultural digital technologies. It focuses on leveraging robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart devices to increase efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in farming practices. The program also aims to develop policies that support data management and transparency within the agri-food sector. The Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, led by Minister RJ Sigurdson, announced the grant, highlighting its potential to make Alberta’s agriculture more competitive and innovative. "This program is a significant step toward enhancing the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture, benefiting both producers and the wider community," Sigurdson remarked. The ABDIAG program is not just about technological advancement but also about addressing key challenges such as technology awareness, return on investment, data literacy, structural capacities, and policy prioritization. It envisions a future where Alberta's agricultural production is not only more efficient and cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. Educational outreach, including academic publications, policy briefs, living labs, and webinars, is planned to disseminate findings and encourage the adoption of digital technologies among producers and policymakers. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of farming while increasing production, fostering a shift towards more informed and technologically equipped agricultural practices. As the program unfolds, the Simpson Centrewill play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research, policy-making, and real-world application.

One of Saskatchewan’s political parties wants to limit foreign farmland ownership. “The problem with foreign farmland ownership is it’s chewing up so much farmland that it drives the land prices right up,” Rose Buscholl, theleader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan, told Farms.com. “It becomes impossible for people to compete and for families to keep the farms in their families.” For context, Saskatchewan’s farmland values increased by almost 16 per cent from 2022, Farm Credit Canada’s Farmland Values Report says. Under current Saskatchewan law, people or entities deemed ineligible, which include non-Canadian citizens or non-permanent residents of Canada, may own 10 acres of land. Acquisitions of more than 10 acres require an exemption from the Farm Land Security Board. One of the Buscholl’s party’s proposals is to expand the definition of foreign farmland ownership to include people or entities who aren’t living or farming in Saskatchewan. A 2017 report from Saskatchewan and Manitoba researchers found that, in 2014, 37 identified investors owned a total of 837,019 acres.