Rural Roots Canada

RRC Podcast - S2E29 - Rain, Frost and Harvest Delays Plus New Adventures for Two Saskatchewan 4-H Members by RRC soundbites

American President Donald Trump says the U.S. is working on a deal to get more potash from Belarus instead of Canada. "The United States is working on a massive Deal with respect to the purchase of Potash from Belarus," wrote Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. "The price would be for substantially less than we are currently paying to Canada, very good news for our Farmers and Ranchers." Canada is the world's largest producer and exporter of potash and supplies the U.S. with the majority of its fertilizer products, including potash. Trump's announcement comes as the trade war between Canada and the United States continues. There is a catch. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says his country doesn’t have much potash available to sell to the U.S. this year. He says production is already contracted. And Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is pushing back hard, saying buying blood potash from Belarus would support Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine, given Belarus’s ties to Moscow. Fertilizer Canada, meanwhile, says Canada’s proximity, transportation infrastructure and reliable supply chain are critical to getting fertilizer to North American farmers when they need it. So, whether this becomes a real shift in where American farmers get their potash — or simply more pressure on Canada in the trade war — remains to be seen.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for the week of September 21, 2026.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for the week of September 21, 2026.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for the week of September 21, 2026.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for the week of September 21, 2026.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for the week of September 21, 2026.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for the week of September 21, 2026.

Harvest is running well behind schedule across Alberta and B.C., but warmer and dryer weather is on the way this autumn. RRC Meteorologist David Spence has the details.

This week on the Rural Roots Canada podcast, we look at trust, innovation and Canadian agriculture’s growing reach. Lisa Bishop-Spencer with the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity discusses how Canadians’ trust in the food system is changing, why farmers and scientists remain among the most trusted voices, and the challenge of communicating innovation and science in ways that connect with consumers. We also visit SulTech Global, an Alberta company turning micronized sulphur technology into new opportunities in agriculture and beyond. CEO Murray McKinnon shares the company’s entrepreneurial journey, its work with innovative farmers and agronomists, and how growing international demand is opening doors in markets worldwide.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 31.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 31.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 31.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 31.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 31.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 31.

RRC meteorologist David Spence joins Craig Lester to break down a summer of weather extremes across the Prairies and what those conditions could mean as farmers move deeper into harvest. They discuss the sharp north-south divide in moisture, with dry conditions returning to parts of southern Alberta, while excessive rainfall is creating harvest challenges farther north. Spence also talks about slower-than-normal harvest progress, the return of drought conditions in some areas, and growing concern about frost as crops race toward maturity.

With the United States’ decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on almost $28 billion worth of Canadian goods following a breakdown of trade talks, Canada has announced its counter-tariffs, matching the tariffs dollar for dollar, with many agricultural and agri-food products in the crosshairs.

A Canadian ag-tech startup is developing virtual fencing technology to make rotational grazing more accessible to ranchers. AgriVanna is building what it calls an operating system for the ranch, combining forage analysis, grazing plans and virtual fencing collars. It says the technology is designed for remote operations where traditional systems can be difficult to use.

RRC's Craig Lester sits down for a discussion with Alltech Global Beef Research Director Dr. Vaughn Holder. As the beef industry faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt production systems, Dr. Vaughn Holder, says one consideration cannot get lost in the discussion: producing food.

As the beef industry faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt production systems, Alltech’s Research Director for Beef, Dr. Vaughn Holder, says one consideration cannot get lost in the discussion: producing food. Holder was in Calgary to speak at the International Livestock Congress during the Calgary Stampede this summer, where his presentation focused on the science behind beef production and the global story being told about the industry. His message centres on looking beyond individual issues, including methane emissions, and considering how cattle fit within much larger food and agricultural ecosystems.

InVigor is celebrating 30 years in Canadian agriculture, marking three decades of change in both canola production and the hybrids farmers grow. BASF InVigor Marketing Manager Blaine Woycheshin has been along for nearly the entire ride, working with InVigor since 1997. “Old dogs never die. InVigor has been my life. Obviously, it's been a lot of fun, but we're not done. We've got a lot to offer growers, and I think we have a lot of things we can bring out in the future,” says Woycheshin. For Woycheshin, one of the biggest moments in his years working with InVigor came in 2014, with technology that helped change how growers harvest canola. That future includes three new InVigor hybrids for 2027, with a focus on yield, earlier maturity and disease management. Among them is InVigor L342PC, a next-generation, second-generation clubroot-resistant hybrid with different genetics than two existing options. “We're bred from a different genetic source, so we're very excited for growers because if you're battling clubroot, we have today, we have 3 strong second-gen hybrids for predominantly the Alberta area, but this is another tool in helping manage it because it's different.” InVigor L346PC and InVigor Choice LR347PC are the other two InVigor hybrids being introduced in 2027.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 24.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 24.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 24.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 24.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 24.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence updates the Prairie weather forecast for August 24.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Prairie Weather update for August 24

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Prairie Weather update for August 24

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Prairie Weather update for August 24

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Prairie Weather update for August 24

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Prairie Weather update for August 24

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Prairie Weather update for August 24

We continue our summer road trip through Western Canadian agriculture. We stop at Lakeland College to talk applied research and the growing Crop Diagnostic Days with Lakeland's Dean of Applied Research Dr. Francois Paradis, celebrate 30 years of InVigor canola at Ag in Motion and look ahead to new hybrids for 2027 with BASF's Blaine Woycheshin (4:30), before heading to the Calgary Stampede for a conversation with Alltech’s Dr. Vaughn Holder about food security, sustainability, traceability and the future of beef production. (14:00)

RRC Meteorologist David Spence breaks down the latest drought monitor report from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This feature brought to you by BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, helping farmers do the biggest job on Earth, no matter what the weather

The best agricultural research doesn't stay in the lab; it makes its way to the field. That's the idea behind Alberta Crop Diagnostic Day, where producers connect directly with researchers to learn practical solutions to the challenges they're facing, from weed control and insect pests to crop nutrition and agronomy. Hosted by Lakeland College, in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic and Western Crop Innovations, along with Alberta Grains, Alberta Pulse Growers, and Alberta Canola, the event focuses on applied research that farmers can put to work right away.

Alberta Crop Diagnostic Days brought producers and industry experts together near Lacombe last month. The event featured hands-on sessions focused on crop research, variety development, and practical diagnostic skills. Trevor Sears, Executive Director of Western Crop Innovations, says attendance was about 50 per cent higher than last year. Sears says Western Crop Innovations is also implementing a new strategic blueprint. It includes using genomics and other breeding tools to develop higher-yielding, disease-resistant varieties faster. The organization breeds barley and triticale varieties for the western prairies and evaluates about 40,000 plots each year.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Olds area weather update for the week of August 17.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Lethbridge area weather update for the week of August 17.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Grande Prairie area weather update for August 17.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the BC Peace area weather update for the week of August 17.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Lloydminster weather area update for August 17.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence provides the Vegreville - Bonnyville area weather update for the week of August 17.

Albertans are being encouraged to meet the people behind their food this weekend as Alberta Open Farms Days takes place tomorrow and Sunday. Nearly 150 experiences are available across the province, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Alberta agriculture. Farms, ranches and food producers will open their gates, offering everything from guided tours and hands-on activities to local food experiences. This year's theme is Rangelands and Pastoralists. Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer is encouraging everyone to get out, buy local and take the time to meet the people behind the food we enjoy.” Everyone can also support local producers through more than 150 approved farmers markets and numerous farm-direct businesses across the province. Open Farm Days runs Saturday and Sunday.

Agriculture takes centre stage near Fort St. John this weekend as the 79th annual North Peace Fall Fair gets underway. Running Friday through Sunday, the old-time agricultural fair celebrates the farming and ranching roots of the North Peace. Visitors can take in cattle, horse, sheep and goat shows, along with agricultural exhibits and demonstrations throughout the weekend. The tractor pull is also back, giving visitors a chance to see some of the machinery that helped build agriculture in the region. The fair brings together producers, exhibitors and families while showcasing livestock, crops, equipment and rural traditions.

Agricultural producers, industry organizations and non-profits in B.C.'s Peace Region have until the end of August to apply for the latest round of funding through the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund. The fund supports projects aimed at strengthening agricultural production and agrifood economic activity across the Peace. Funding is available in three areas: farming infrastructure, events and educational initiatives, and research and demonstration projects. The fund was established by BC Hydro as part of the Site C Agricultural Mitigation and Compensation Plan and is administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Farmers spend a lot of time choosing the right crop protection products, but a Lakeland College researcher says they should also pay attention to the water they are using during spray. Cereal research scientist Dr. Balwinder Kumar says water hardness, pH and other factors can affect how well herbicides and fungicides perform. “So the main crux is like, don't guess water quality, just send it to the lab. Or at least you, you like, there are some strip pads available in the market, buy those strip pads for hardness, pH, then we can test.” Kumar says water quality can vary significantly between municipal, well and dugout sources, potentially affecting results even when producers use the same products. He hopes to develop more research around water quality, with the goal of helping producers get more from every dollar they spend.

On this episode of the RRC podcast, host Craig Lester chats with our meteorologist, David Spence, about the weather - some of it wet, some of it dry, and something we're all talking about. And when the weather is rainy and wet, that's good for faba beans. Robyne Davidson, RDAR Pulse Research Scientist at Lakeland College, explains things to consider when you're growing fava beans. Finally, we head to Stavely, Alberta, for a field day with the team at Cudlobe Angus and Cudlobe West Ranches.

A company that allows consumers to invest directly in agriculture and agricultural production is preparing to expand its model into Canada, offering farmers an alternative source of operating capital.