Snow! The long spell of endless days of dry weather come to an end across much of the agricultural prairies this week, as a series of systems will bring rain and snow to the parched plain. And. not a moment too soon, as, according to the latest Canadian Drought Monitor, drought or dry conditions have returned to parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, d…

Alberta-based mental health organization AgKnow will be relaunching its free mental health support sessions for farmers, farm families, farm employees, and veterinarians across the province.Recent funding from the Alberta Treasury Branch has allowed AgKnow to resume the free sessions, which had been paused as it awaited provincial grant funding.AgK…

New research from the University of Guelph is revealing how different grazing strategies can transform pasture productivity and livestock health.Kayleigh DeCoste is a master’s student in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph.Her master's research is looking at the effects of different grazing strategies on pasture performa…

How do low-quality forages affect animal efficiency and enteric methane emissions? That's the question a student at the University of Guelph has some answers to.Madeline McLennan is studying at the University of Guelph in the Department of Animal Biosciences, focusing on beef nutrition and physiology.Her primary focus right now is on the impact of …

Dennis Blackburn survived a terrifying tractor rollover that could’ve left him paralyzed or worse. Despite extensive injuries to his neck and back, he made a remarkable recovery. His story is a reminder that no matter how familiar you are with farm equipment, safety always comes first.By RRC soundbites

Family. Passion. Power. Three generations of the Elliott family share a love of vintage tractor pulling.Darcy, Michael and Allan Elliott from Blackie, Alberta, shared the stage at the Calgary Stampede for the first time this past summer.This passion, which has driven three generations of the family, all started when Darcy had a fateful encounter wi…

Crop research organization Western Crop Innovations is increasing its ability to test the quality of malts with the recent addition of a micro-malt plant, including a germinator and kiln.Lori Oatway is the research scientist for crop quality for WCI.She says they are excited to have a custom-built micro-malt unit. Read the full story at ruralrootsc…

The Porch Light Mental Wellness Society is hosting a gala to raise awareness and funds for mental health support within Alberta's rural farming communities.The Night Out in November: The 1st Annual Porch Light Mental Wellness Society Gala will be an evening of dance, entertainment, a live auction, and education. Proceeds from the night will go to A…

The Canadian Cattle Youth Council (CCYC) is undergoing a changing of the guard as outgoing president Scott Gerbrandt passes the torch to incoming president Emily Bromley.Gerbrandt, who served as CCYC president for the past year, leaves a legacy of strategic advancements, particularly in youth succession planning and governance.“When I took on the r…

A newly launched initiative aimed at advancing Canada’s position as a leader in cereal grain innovation has been given a considerable funding boost from four Canadian grain grower organizations.The Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) Capital Campaign, led by Cereals Canada, has secured $13.4 million from Alberta Grains, Saskatchewan Wheat…

The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada is raising awareness about the many diverse jobs in the agriculture industry by taking it on the road. We have more on its Careers in Ag initiative, which now includes a mobile skills trailer.To read more about this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.By RRC soundbites

A flourishing gardening program in a community on the edge of Lima, Peru, has connections to Alberta.The power of growing food to improve people's lives is not lost on the community of Manchay, located on the outskirts of Lima. There, a gardening school has changed the fortunes of the people, thereby empowering them.Calgarian Art Froelick, whose fa…

The Canadian Cattle Foundation presents the second annual Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award to support the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program.This year's recipient is Cassie Marchand from Vernon, BC. The award honors those who embody the spirit of leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and dedication to the Canadian cattle industry a…

A Nova Scotia-based family farm has been named the winner of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for 2024.Holdanca Farms, near Wallace Bay on the north shore of Nova Scotia, is operated by the father-daughter team of John and Maria Duynisveld. The farm has been recognized for its ongoing commitment to sustainable farming practices that balan…

Going from farm to table has never been easier with the launch of a new digital cookbook showcasing Southern Alberta’s farm fresh flavours.Tourism Lethbridge and Alberta Food Tourism Strategies have teamed up with Alberta Open Farm Days to release the digital recipe book titled Lethbridge Farm-to-Table: Flavours from Southern Alberta. The book aims…

Alberta is gearing up for its 12th annual Open Farm Days, a two-day event on August 17 and 18 that serves as a backstage pass to life on the farm. Celebrating the province's agricultural heritage, it's an opportunity to meet local farmers, experience agri-tourism first-hand, and sample delicious food directly from producers.The goal is to provide a…

For 35 years, 20/20 Seed Labs has been a leader in seed testing and research.The company has grown from a small business into a fully accredited and internationally recognized seed testing laboratory with facilities in Alberta, Manitoba, and Chile.The company was founded in 1989 by Sarah Foster following Agriculture Canada’s decision to privatize i…

Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape will be front and centre as Saskatoon hosts the upcoming Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC), August 18 - 22.“It’s an opportunity for Saskatchewan, and a real opportunity to showcase Prairie-wide, some of the knowledge, expertise, and excellence that can contribute to moving the livestock industry forward,…

The Calgary Stampede is known for showcasing rodeo talent and livestock exhibitions and this year, it was also a platform for young speakers passionate about agriculture.The Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture and Calgary Stampede hosted the Youth Agriculture Speaking Championship, bringing together young minds to voice their thoughts on agricul…

In mid-July, severe storm season reaches its peak on the Canadian prairies. Already, hundreds of hail-related crop insurance claims have been filed, and several tornadoes have touched down across the prairies. For a farmer, a single storm could wipe out weeks or months of hard work. Cochrane, Alberta-based storm chaser Braydon Morisseau has seen fi…

An innovative agriculture literacy program at the University of Calgary has secured a $1 Million donation from BMO.The Simpson Centre for Food and Agriculture Policy at the university’s School of Public Policy says the donation will support the launch of the Agriculture Literacy for Healthier People and Planet program. The initiative will address t…

The countdown is on and preparations are being made for the Advancing Women in Agriculture AWC East 2024 Conference happening in Niagara Falls, Ontario from November 17-19.Lynda Campbell with TD Bank Agriculture Services has been a long-time conference attendee. She says the conference shines a very bright light on the importance of women in the ag…

Nanotechnology has long since moved out of the realm of science fiction. The practical applications of nanotechnology and its economic potential for many industries, including agriculture, are seemingly limitless. At the forefront of nanotechnology and agriculture stands Convergent Bio. Launched earlier this year by a group of scientists, engineers…

With planting season underway, a plant growth stimulant called Radiate by Nutrien AG Solutions aims to boost overall crop performance.Radiate is a plant growth stimulant designed to develop longer, stronger, healthier roots, significantly improving nutrient uptake. This foliar-applied product promises to boost crop performance across a wide range o…

Streamlining feed procurement is the goal of FeedXChange, an innovative platform that connects farmers and feed brokers. It enables them to find the best deals, negotiate favourable prices, and save money.FeedXChange is the brainchild of Styn Nieuwenhuis and Josh Hawley. Nieuwenhuis says the idea came about simply because there was little data avai…

It's an exciting time of the year in the 4-H world.. as 4-Hers show off the projects they have worked on all year.We stopped into the Newell District 4-H Show and Sale in Brooks and 4-H on Parade in Calgary in the last week to chat with 4-Hers about their projects and how the program will shape their futures.For more on this story go to Rural Roots…

An innovator is working to build up a plant commonly known as a weed and as a great oilseed and cover crop. Dr. Jason Thomas talks about the work he and his company are doing with Pennycress here on Rural Roots Canada, brought to you by Radiate, an exclusive product from Nutrien Ag Solutions.For the full story, go to ruralrootscanada.com.…

A series of tornado warnings in east-central Alberta last week reminds us that it's that time of year again. RRC Meteorologist David Spence has more on how long they last and what to watch for in the sky.For more details, go to ruralrootscanada.com.By RRC soundbites

An agricultural academy in Altario, Alberta, is spearheading an initiative to determine if an indoor hydroponic system could provide consistent, year-round, affordable, and nutrient-rich feed for cattle amid the ongoing drought.This is Rural Roots Canada, and I'm Craig Lester, Amplifying Canadian AgricultureAltario School, a K-12 school located in …

Dr. Brenna Brown has been working with and running laboratories for a decade. While working as a business development rep for an environmental lab, she would often get asked the same question repeatedly."They'd ask, can you test my animal samples? And I couldn't because I was environmental. So, that was me learning about this animal health diagnost…

New promising ag-tech from Advanced Agri-Science aims to mitigate and in some cases prevent frost from happening in plants.Collin Juurakko is the Founder and CEO of the company.In this feature, he explains how this ag-tech works and how this research started him on a journey to forming his own company.For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada…

Farm schools are on the rise.The latest kindergarten to Grade 9 school to adopt an agricultural-based curriculum and environment is in southeast Alberta. We'll talk to the principal and a student from the Rolling Hills Agricultural Academy soon. Rolling Hills, Alberta, located about two and half hours southeast of Calgary, is the latest school to a…

There was a time not long ago when agriculture technology wasn’t a big thing, but that’s since changed."A decade ago, farming and ag tech wasn't a cool thing," observes John Hartnett, Founder and CEO of SVG Ventures. "Today, it's the cool thing because it matters—it's meaningful for people, families, and the future."It’s why SVG launched its flagsh…

Alberta is in for a difficult growing season as the risk of severe drought increases with each passing day.The province relies on melting snow and precipitation for much of its water. With a lacklustre winter in the rearview mirror and a dry spring ahead, water management areas have already been impacted by a shortage of water. "It will be a rough …

Dealing with conflict on the farm.Disagreements and conflict on the farm are unavoidable; it's going to happen eventually.The difference between whether people move forward or the issue festers lies in how it is dealt with.Beverly Beuermann-King is a workplace culture and resiliency expert and has seen first-hand the importance of having healthy re…

The 2024 Women in Ag Awards shone a light on outstanding female leaders in the agriculture sector during a ceremony held alongside the AWC West 2024 conference.Among this year's winners was Charlotte Wasylik of Chatsworth Farm in Vermilion, Alberta. Wasylik was awarded the Rising Star award, given to a young leader under 40 who demonstrates a passi…

Confrontational to collaborative.The conversation around clubroot between farmers and rural municipalities in Alberta has evolved since it was declared a pest under the province's Agricultural Pests Act (APA) in April of 2007. Aaron Van Beers is the President of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen and Manager of Ag Services for Leduc C…

With the drought expected to persist into planting this year, an agronomist is encouraging farmers to get their crops in the ground early.Agronomist Scott Gillespie is the owner of Plants Dig Soil Consulting, an advice-based company in southern Alberta.He says with the drought the top of concern during the growing season this year growers should be…

A new initiative out of Farming Smarter hopes to help southern Alberta farmers implement or change practices related to nitrogen management, cover cropping and grazing.Farming Smarter is participating in a new pilot project funded by Farmers for Climate Solutions.Ashley Wagenaar is the new Conservation Agronomist at Farming Smarter in Lethbridge.He…

Stavely, Alberta's Cudlobe Angus is the first Canadian farm to join Certified Angus Beef's Ranch to Table program.Certified Angus Beef's new initiative will allow Angus farmers and ranchers the option to market their beef directly to consumers as a CAB product.With the Ranch to Table program, licensed producers are responsible for working with a pr…

Southern Alberta farmer John Kolk has been honoured with the Orville Yanke award for Soil Conservation. The Orville Yanke Memorial Award honours an early promoter of soil conservation in Alberta.John Kolk, who is the 2024 recipient, was presented with the award at the recent Farming Smarter conference last week.For more on Kolk and his sustainable …

The latest brewing creation out of Origin Malting and Brewing in Strathmore has a distinct hockey flavour to it.The Sutter Six Shooters lager, named after the famous six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL, is brewed with Alberta-grown barley from Hilton Ventures.Four-time Stanley Cup winner Duane Sutter says work on the lager started last July a…

From I-T military work in Afghanistan to brewing beer with Alberta-grown barley.How the quality of barley in Alberta helped brewing entrepreneur Graham Sherman get brewing regulations changed in the province, opening the door for so many.More on Sherman's unique journey from Afghanistan to being the founder of the highly successful Calgary-based To…

The Canadian Seed Growers' Association is future-proofing its Blue-certified seed tag.Caroline Lafontaine is the CSGA's Chief Operating Officer. She says they are currently piloting a program to allow producers to use digitally-enabled tags, moving away from a hand-written and printed patchwork. More on the pilot project can be found at Rural Roots…

Farmers from across the province will come together for the annual CrossRoads Crop Conference in Calgary.The 2nd annual event is set to take place Westin Airport Hotel in Calgary, January 29th to 31st.Farmers, ag-business reps and stakeholders will gather to network, knowledge share and gain insight to many ag-issues.FarmTech Foundation Chair Todd …

Real Garant was caught by surprise when a promotional video of his unique hitching system, called the Spider Hitch, went viral.“We were expecting hundreds of views,” says Garant, who posted the video on farming pages on social media. “Within 24 hours, we hit 1.2 million views. By the fifth day, we hit 13.5 million. That was a huge surprise.”In the …

Jeremy Boychyn, the Director of Agronomy and Extension at Alberta Grains, advocates for data-driven decision-making to remove any biases in farming. He stresses the value of its ability to mitigate biases and empower farmers with invaluable insights.To read more about the advantages of data-driven decision-making, go to ruralrootscanada.com.…

The Canadian Beef Industry is looking for a current picture of the realities on farms and ranches to prioritize research and resources to benefit cow-calf producers.The Beef Cattle Research Council has put together a cow-calf survey to help them achieve this goal. For more on how to participate coming up on Rural Roots Canada. This feature brought …

A family cattle operation in southern Alberta is named Avenue Calgary's 2023 Top 40 under 40.Daniel, Lorin and Barry Doerksen, who operate Gemstone Cattle Company in Gem, Alberta, have set up a successful farm-to-table operation. It includes a booth and kitchen at the Calgary Farmers' Market.By RRC soundbites

Percherons have a long history in Canada. Laura Drury is the Animal Care and Agriculture Manager at Heritage Park in Calgary. She takes on a look back at these beautiful and powerful draft horses in this Rural Roots Canada feature. This feature is powered by Proven Seed.By RRC soundbites