Rural Roots Canada

On June 22, Alberta producers gathered near Claresholm for a Plot2Farm field day that showed how on-farm research can help answer practical agronomic questions. Hosted by Alberta Grains in partnership with Silverwood Ventures, the event drew about 40 farmers and industry representatives to tour research trials and discuss how locally generated data can support management decisions. Jeremy Boychyn, director of research, agronomy and extension with Alberta Grains, said the Plot2Farm program gives producers a structured way to test agronomic ideas on their own farms. "The goal of the program is really to support farmers in trialing different agronomic practices on their farm through a stronger scientific approach," Boychyn said. The process relies on randomized and replicated trials, careful site and equipment selection, analysis of the results and a return of the data to the growers involved. Alberta Grains works with producers to design trials around questions they want answered.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

Farmers and ranchers forced to leave their operations during an emergency could soon face fewer hurdles getting back to care for livestock and protect their property. The BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has launched a standardized, digitally enabled Temporary Access Pass system to help local authorities and First Nations manage requests from producers who need access to areas under evacuation orders during emergencies. The new system builds on temporary access pass processes that have existed across B.C. for years but have often varied from one jurisdiction to another, creating confusion for both emergency officials and those seeking access.

On this Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester discuss the rainfall across the Prairies that has left many farmers' fields waterlogged from Alberta to Manitoba. RRC meteorologist David Spence joins the conversation, sharing insights about the rainy start to the summer and what we might expect as we move further into the summer months. As well, farmer and agrologist Linda Hunt shares what the conditions look like on the ground and how flooding is affecting operations.

Future veterinarians gained hands-on training at the Youth Veterinary Science Challenge, an event designed to encourage youth to pursue careers critical to agriculture and animal health.

Livestock theft still occurs on the Prairies, but officials say fraud and weak business arrangements are becoming a bigger risk for producers.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

We finally got the topsoil moisture we needed, so why are crops across the west not all up and out of the ground yet? RRC meteorologist David Spence has the answer.

On this Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester talk about the Alberta Farm Writers Association Farm Tour, which took place in northeastern Alberta, including a stop at Chatsworth Farm and a conversation with Charlotte Wasilyk. Then, we head down to southeastern Alberta and stop at the Cypress Farm and Ranch Show for a discussion about the event and its fundraising efforts for HALO Air Ambulance. It's all about community and promoting agriculture on this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Nuffield Canada Scholarship, offering professionals in agriculture the chance to study global food systems through international travel and research. The program is open to individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 working in agriculture, food or agribusiness. Selected scholars take part in a two-year program that includes at least 10 weeks of travel, along with independent research on a topic relevant to their work.

For many farmers, the workday doesn't end when they leave the field, park the tractor or finish chores in the barn. The farm is often their home, workplace and livelihood all at once. That connection can make it difficult to separate personal life from work. That is one of the reasons Counselling Alberta offers a farm-informed counselling program designed specifically for agricultural producers and their families.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

The Canadian Cattle Association and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association says Canadian beef should not be a bargaining chip in rushed trade negotiations with Mercosur countries. CCA President Tyler Fulton says they support global trade that is science-based, transparent and reciprocal. He adds that Canada is already one of the most exposed beef markets in the world - adding permanent, broad-based beef access for Mercosur countries would undermine our industry at a critical time and send the wrong signal to producers who are working to rebuild the national herd. Canada already relies on imports for approximately 30 per cent of domestic beef consumption, significantly higher than major competitors such as the United States, the European Union, or Australia.

Pioneer celebrates 100 years by RRC soundbites

For hay producers across Canada, the window between the spring thaw and first cut is short. What happens in those early weeks can shape the quality and quantity of every bale that comes off the field for the rest of the season. Chris Ennis, an agricultural field product specialist with Kubota Canada, says the most common and most costly mistake he sees is skipping field preparation altogether. "If we don't see those ruts repaired, fixed, replaced, we're going to be running into things," Ennis said, adding that overlooked winter damage can drive up ash content in feed and directly harm forage quality.

On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, we focus on a new kind of high school taking shape in southeast Alberta, one built entirely around agriculture.  Just outside Medicine Hat, the Yuill School of Agriculture aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs. In this episode, RRC reporter Olivia Taylor sits down with Nichole Neubauer, the driving force behind the project, to explore how this idea came together and what it could mean for the future of education and the future of Canadian agriculture.

The dairy goat industry in Alberta is small but showing signs of growth, as producers point to rising consumer demand and ongoing processing challenges.

In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, Craig Lester sits down with fellow 2023 Nuffield Scholar Claire Taylor, a Scottish agricultural journalist now based in Australia. Fresh off a global Nuffield journey that took her to 16 countries, Claire shares her insights on agricultural policy, food security, curiosity-driven learning, and why the pressures facing farmers today demand better leadership, stronger mental health support, and more global connection. The pair reflect on their first meetings at the Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference, overcoming imposter syndrome, learning from farmers around the world, and the value of listening deeply. Claire also shares the origin story of Unstoppable World, her new global initiative focused on mental wellness, leadership, and immersive international learning experiences. It's a rich, candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and the shared challenges that connect agriculture across continents.

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 on where it is produced and what is included in the meal.

A program bringing research to the farm is again looking for farmers to participate. Alberta Grains is accepting applications for its Plot2Farm program, which aims to allow producers the opportunity to trial practices. The Plot2Farm program, launched in 2020, has helped producers test agronomic practices under real-world conditions.  Agronomy Program Specialist Lara de Moissac says the number of producers who are interested in participating continues to grow. "They are curious about certain practices that maybe they hear about in a conference like Prairie Cereals Summit. If there was a Spotlight on Research and they thought, oh, I would like to try that, but I don't want to go all in, of course. So Plot2Farm is a good way to try something out," says de Moissac

As Canadians prepare to head to the polls, grain growers want to make sure their voices are heard. The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has launched Vote for Grain, a national campaign to help farmers engage with candidates and push for policies that impact their livelihoods. It gives grain farmers a direct way to engage with local candidates and understand where the parties stand. The GGC says this election comes at a critical time, with farmers facing mounting challenges, everything from rising costs to the carbon tax to trade uncertainty with the U.S. It also highlights the needs for plant breeding investments, extended interswitching, and the right to repair, issues that directly impact farmers’ competitiveness and profitability.

Harvest is getting underway in many parts of the parts the province. Meteorologist David Spence takes a look at what Alberta has seen in terms of precipitation, heat and storms over the last month as the dust starts to fly in the field. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com.This feature is powered by connectFirst Credit Union.

It's a first in Canada. Two barns in Stavely, Alberta get the Certified Angus Beef logo painted on for all to see. We catch up with the Buldocs and talk to them about the honour in this feature. To read more go to Rural Roots Canada.com.

The Vintage Tractors once again roared into the Calgary Stampede to compete in the vintage tractor pull. Blackie, Alberta's Colin Woodley talks about the competition, the comaraderie and his 1957 John Deere 820 in this feature. More at Rural Roots Canada.com.

Farmers from Zimbabwe, Australia, and Ireland tour Southern Alberta as part of the Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship Program. More on what the participants thought of their visit can be found at Rural Roots Canada.com.

Reconnect Today, Invest in Tomorrow. The chair of the Canadian Beef Industry Conference talks about how it can help producers' operations on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.

The Grain Academy has settled into its new home at Pioneer Acres in Irricana, Alberta. We talk to President Bob Swanson about its grand opening and its upcoming annual show on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.

Researchers at Lethbridge College involved with a grain-drying study are looking for your help. More on how farmers can participate and how they will benefit from it coming up on Rural Roots Canada, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture

Another 4-H year has come to a close. We talk to a few 4-H kids about what they take away from the program every year. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.

For the first time since 2019, the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference is set to take place in Calgary. We hear from a few of the speakers here on Rural Roots Canada. You can find out more and register for the conference at Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.

Input prices continue their climb as planting rolls on. More on the latest rising cost fueling farmer's angst in this feature and on Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.This feature is sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectfirstcu.com for more information.

"If you don't start thinking about it, nothing will ever happen." A connectFirst Credit Union Chris Herrmann and lawyer Eric Dalke weigh in on the importance of a succession plan for your family farm. Find out more Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.This feature is sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectfirstcu.com for more information.

Succession planning is an imperative part of building a striving farm business. More on why it is important the succession conversation should include your banker can be found on Rural Roots Canadal.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.

As soil conditions remain extremely dry across Alberta, one saving grace may be the snowpack. More on what that means for soil moisture levels with Meteorologist David Spence can be found on Rural Roots Canada.com where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture

Seeding is underway in most parts of the province. We talk to a Meteorologist about what we have seen weather-wise since the harvest and what that means for the soil. More on Rural Roots Canada.com Where We Amplify Canadian Agriculture.This feature is sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union. Get flexible financing fast from experts that understand Ag. Visit connectfirstcu.com for more information.

Keeping cattle in check without fences. More on research being conducted at Olds College to keep herds contained using collars. To hear more go to Rural Roots Canada.com, where we Amplify Canadian Agriculture.This feature sponsored by connectFirst Credit Union Get Flexible Financing Fast from experts that Understand Ag. Visit connectFirstcu.com for more information.