Do More Agriculture's AgTalk - Canada's online space in the agriculture sector for mental health connection has been renewed thanks to the support of BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, the RBC Foundation and the McCain Foundation. Executive Director Merle Massey says AgTalk is an agricultural community within the online site Togetherall, where any…

RRC talks with AgSafe Alberta's Jody Wacowich about safety during harvest season.By RRC soundbites

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Central Alberta for the week of August 18th.By RRC soundbites

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Northeast B.C. - Northwest Alberta for the week of August 18th.By RRC soundbites

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Northeast Alberta for the week of August 18th.By RRC soundbites

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan for the week of August 18th.By RRC soundbites

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares the weather forecast for Southern Alberta for the week of August 18th.By RRC soundbites

What happens when you put an agronomist and a meteorologist in the same conversation? That's what we find out in this podcast as Beyond Agronomy's Steve Larocque joins Meteorologist David Spence and Craig Lester for a chat about the 2025 growing season in Alberta. They chat about the 'feast or famine' precipitation situation that different regions …

Canadian canola farmers are bracing for fresh economic pressure after China announced new duties on Canadian canola, a move industry leaders say underscores the need for more diversification, both at home and abroad. On Tuesday, China announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty of almost 76% on Canadian canola imports as part of an ongoing trade disp…

Vermilion’s Chatsworth Farm is preparing to welcome visitors for Alberta Open Farm Days on August 16, offering a full lineup of tours, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.Alberta Open Farm Days, now in its twelfth year, is a chance for producers, agri-food operators and many others province-wide to open their doors and welcome the public…

For nearly a decade, Farming Smarter has been one of southern Alberta’s strongest ambassadors of Alberta Open Farm Days, the province-wide initiative that brings the farm to consumers to help them understand the origins of their food.Held every August, Alberta Open Farm Days is a chance for producers, ag organizations, and food processors to give t…

On this week's podcast, Rural Roots Canada travels to Stavely, Alberta, to take in the Cudlobe Cattle Field Day, hosted by Cudlobe Angus and Cudlobe Angus West. From community to cattle science to cow patties, we round up the sights, sounds, and stories from the pasture.By RRC soundbites

As we head into harvest season, the Do More Ag Foundation, which champions the mental well-being of people in Canadian agriculture, is reminding farmers to make sure they keep their mental health top of mind when bringing in the crop.By RRC soundbites

Amid ongoing discussions on bringing down provincial trade barriers, some direct-to-market cattle producers are calling for changes to slaughter regulations.Barry Doerksen, co-owner of Gemstone Grass-Fed Beef in Gem, Alberta, says they can only sell within the province unless they switch from provincially to federally inspected facilities.…

Alberta is marking a milestone that few jurisdictions on the planet can claim: 75 consecutive years without a breeding population of rats. Alberta's Rat Control Program launched in 1950 after the province first declared the Norway rat a pest when the rodents crossed the Saskatchewan border. The program was a way to keep the rats from spreading dise…

The Alberta government is calling for the reversal of a federal ban on strychnine as the Richardson's ground squirrel population booms. In an open letter posted on X, RJ Sigurdson, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, says farmers and ranchers are in crisis as the rodent, also called gophers, tears up crops, jeopardizes animal health, …

This week on the podcast, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the province’s most pressing ag issues.From celebrating 75 years of being rat-free to the ongoing fight against Richardson Ground Squirrels and the call to bring back strychnine, Sigurdson shares his thoughts…

In this week's chat, Tim and Craig delve into Canada's Food System a new national, sector wide initiative led by Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), which aims at elevating the conversation about what goes into producing food in our country. Executive Director Lisa Bishop-Spencer provides insight into the initiative.We journey out to Brooks,…

Canada's Food System believes it's time to rethink what it really takes to get food on our plates, and recognize the people and the work that goes into every bite. That's the goal of a new national campaign, positioning our food system as a critical part of our country's identity, economy, and future.…

How much water do you think it takes to produce a Stampede breakfast, consisting of 5 pancakes, a sausage and a cup of coffee - from farm to fork?According to a new study from the Simpson Centre for Food and Agriculture Policy at the University of Calgary.. it's a whopping 652 litres of water. Research Associate Juhi Huda says it varies depending o…

Summer storms are taking their toll on Prairie crops. According to the Canadian Crop Hail Association, farmers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have filed well over 1,600 crop damage claims since the start of summer. But is it a particularly unusual hail season so far? RRC's Tim Parent talks to Meteorologist David Spence about the storms …

In our latest podcast, we discuss our recent ag learning journey in the Yukon, where Nuffield Canada marked its 75th Anniversary in Canada's North. We chat with Leona Watson, a Nuffield Scholar and one of a small but determined group of farmers looking to redefine what farming looks like in the Yukon's stunning, rugged landscape. We also hear from …

There's a new owner of the the Crop Diversification Centre - South (CDC) near Brooks, Alberta.The County of Newell is the new leaseholder for the research facility and fields after securing a ten-year lease from Alberta Infrastructure and they have wasted no time in hitting the ground running.This is one unique example of the evolving agriculture r…

“The arena is pretty much the hub for the winter. If you want to see someone in the winter, you go to the rink.”Brad Dundas, President of the Hussar Agricultural Society, beams with pride as he speaks of his hometown of Hussar and its arena, situated in Wheatland County in southern Alberta.The tight-knit agricultural community has been selected as …

Youth from across the province put agriculture front and centre at the Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships, put on by the Calgary Stampede in partnership with the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture.The youth were competing for $15,000 in prizes as well as money to travel to Toronto to compete in the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture …

We kick off our first podcast, wrapping up our coverage of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, including our coverage of the vintage tractor pull. David Spence weighs in on the drought situation and provides a bit of insight into the recent hailstorms we have seen across the prairies. (7:00)How much water do you think it takes to produce a Stampede…

Amidst the pancake breakfasts and rodeo fun at the Calgary Stampede, canola farmers were looking for updates on tariffs with China.Andre Harpe, Chair of Alberta Canola and the Canadian Canola Growers Association, met with Prime Minister Mark Carney face-to-face, and trade with China was top of mind."It was a great opportunity to have," says Harpe. …

Farm families across southern Alberta have been recognized for their hard work and dedication to the agricultural community at this year's Calgary Stampede.The 2025 BMO Farm Family Awards honour farm families who exemplify the values of the family farm and the spirit of rural life. This year, 19 families were recognized for their leadership in agri…

Leona Watson is helping redefine what agriculture looks like in Canada’s North.The Yukon-based farmer and former Nuffield Scholar is welcoming past Nuffield Scholars to the Canadian territory for Nuffield Canada’s 75th-anniversary celebration, a region that, for many of them, is uncharted territory, which is kind of the point.“It’s the first time i…

75 Years of producing travelling scholars and leaders in the agriculture community.Nuffield Canada celebrates the milestone by touring farms and agriculture businesses in the Yukon.Chair Steve Larocque says it's an amazing accomplishment—and it was a great place to celebrate it.“What better place than the Yukon on the solstice. It was fantastic,” s…

Twelve applied research associations across Alberta will share $3.2 million in provincial funding aimed at strengthening agricultural research and improving producer competitiveness.The one-time grant from the provincial government will be used for equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and infrastructure enhancements. RJ Sigurdson, Minister of…

The application deadline for the 2026 Nuffield Scholarships is looming- June 30th.The Nuffield Canada Scholarship is a prestigious, rural, thought-leadership program available to Canadian citizens who are involved in any aspect of agriculture.Its goal is to attract mid-career men and women who are ready to challenge themselves by doing 10 weeks of …

Rural Crime: Wire Theft From Irrigation Pivots On The Rise by RRC soundbitesBy RRC soundbites

Canada is beefing up its defence against foot-and-mouth disease, one of the most dangerous livestock diseases in the world.By RRC soundbites

AgKnow, the Alberta Farm Mental Health network, is looking to the agriculture industry to provide feedback on their latest assessment of the mental health environment for farmers and the ag industry in the province.Director Linda Hunt says this white paper assesses the needs in the community as well as the ability of the mental health and health ca…

Fires on farm equipment are a known risk, especially during the busy harvest season, however, a Canadian agtech start-up believes they have developed a solution to help farmers spot problems before they spark.Chariot Command, co-founded by CEO Andrew John Leaman, uses camera-based technology to monitor the mechanical health of farm equipment, with …

Building a strong relationship between a producer and a veterinarian is important for your herd's health and the economical sustainability of your farm. Dr. Tommy Ware from Veterinary Agri-Health Services says that the relationship starts with the first phone call between the producer and the veterinarian.…

As technology continues to evolve in agriculture, Canadian livestock producers are embracing new ways to connect with their veterinarians—without ever setting foot in the clinic.Tele-medicine is gaining ground as a practical tool, allowing producers to consult with their vets remotely using phone calls, photos, and video. Dr. Tommy Ware of Veterina…

“I wish I didn't have to deal with these dryland corners on my fields. They are more trouble than they are worth.”This offhand remark from a farmer has led to a full-fledged research initiative at Farming Smarter to explore how farmers manage these tricky, often-overlooked portions of irrigated fields.The new project is entitled No Cutting Corners:…

An upcoming event in Airdrie aims to help livestock producers build stronger relationships with their veterinarians, an important but sometimes overlooked part of a successful operation.Organized by Ashley Nicholls of REACH Agriculture Strategies, the session will explore effective communication strategies between producers and veterinarians and hi…

Like crops weathering droughts and downpours, women in agriculture are rising through uncertainty and leading with resilience.At the recent Advancing Women in Agriculture conference, Dr. Cami Ryan, Senior Business Partner for Industry Affairs and Sustainability at Bayer Crop Science Canada, spoke with Rural Roots Canada about her talk, "The Heat is…

Canadian farmland rental rates remained relatively stable in 2024, despite another significant rise in land values, according to a report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC).Nationally, the average rent-to-price ratio, which measures the return on rented land relative to its market value, dropped slightly to 2.50%, nearly unchanged from 2.52% in 2o23. Th…

An updated Canadian drought monitor has been issued, and for most of Alberta, conditions have eased. West Central Alberta, from Olds to Nordegg, is no longer in drought thanks to recent rain. Southeastern Alberta received between 85 and 200% of normal precipitation in April. But the news was not as good for Southwestern Alberta, where conditions wo…

Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – Canadian Road Safety Week is underway, and throughout rural Alberta, drivers are being urged to stay alert for farm machinery when travelling along the province’s roads.“Those are large pieces of equipment on the highway, and being aware of them and driving safely around them is critical,” says Jody Wacowich, executiv…

Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) has launched the 2025 Right by You Ag Society Grant, a community initiative that awards $10,000 each to four agricultural societies across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.Cory Flett, Marketing and Communications Manager for RME, says the company is committed to giving back to the com…

A new agriculture event is making its debut in southern Alberta in June.The Cypress Farm and Ranch Show will take place June 12–14 in Medicine Hat, coinciding with the World Professional Chuckwagon Races, which are being held in the city at the same time.Krissy Fiddler, part of the event’s organizing team, says the region is overdue for a show that…

In this Prairie Weather this Week report, we take a look at the forecast for NE Alberta.By RRC soundbites

In this Prairie Weather this Week report, we take a look at the forecast for Central Alberta.By RRC soundbites

In this Prairie Weather this Week report, we take a look at the forecast for Southern Alberta.By RRC soundbites

Lightning....friend or foe? Both.Thunderstorm season has begun across the prairies, bringing with it danger, and a great benefit to growing crops.How to Stay SafeSafety is paramount, so we'll deal with the danger first. Lightning is generated by the attraction between the negative charges at the bottom of a thundercloud and the positive charge of t…