Canadian farmers are entering the 2026 production year with heightened caution, according to the January results of the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index. Shaun Haney and Justin Funk breakdown the latest results from the CFSI gathered from more than 570 producers, in this 16th iteration of the survey since launching in 2022. Three-quarters of respondents said... Read More
Category: Livestock
Strychnine will not be an approved tool for gopher control in 2026. Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has denied a joint request from the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments seeking emergency use approval to manage Richardson's ground squirrel populations. Strychnine use for Richardson's ground squirrels — commonly referred to as gophers — has been... Read More
On this episode of The Agronomists, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by Joanna Follings, cereal specialist, and Christine O'Reilly, grazing and forage specialist, both of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness to talk about revving up forage stands, particularly winter triticale, for use as feed, a cash crop, cover crop, and even a... Read More
As January wraps up, the cattle markets are following a fairly typical seasonal pattern, but several factors are worth a closer look. In this episode of the Beef Market Update, Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange joins Shaun Haney to break down what’s happening in both Canadian and U.S. markets. Packers continue to operate with... Read More
For this first of six episodes to learn more about KWS hybrid rye, Shaun Haney sits down with Laura Eastwood, animal nutrition manager with KWS, to explore the growing interest in hybrid rye as a versatile feed and forage crop. From digestibility to ergot concerns, the discussion covers both the benefits and considerations for livestock... Read More
Details are starting to emerge on the impact of the Carney government's cost-cutting measures within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). AAFC is closing three research and development centres – Guelph (ON), Quebec City (QC), and Lacombe (AB) – and four satellite research farms – Nappan (NS), Scott (SK), Indian Head (SK) and Portage la Prairie... Read More
Chinese customers have been quick to respond to the easing of trade barriers on Canadian canola and beef following Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Jan. 16. As part of a press conference on Jan. 20, Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said one of Canada's largest beef exporters is shipping its... Read More
China is re-opening its border to Canadian beef for the first time since 2021, according to Canada's agriculture minister and the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) "China has restored market access for Canadian beef, lifting the suspension that had been in place since December 2021," says Minister Heath MacDonald, who accompanied Prime Minister Mark Carney to... Read More
Volatility continues to define cattle markets as the industry moves into 2026, with steady cash trade in the U.S. but sharp swings in futures tied to ongoing uncertainty around screwworm concerns in Mexico near the U.S. border. Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange says the cash market held together this past week, with southern trade... Read More
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in China on Friday, and, by all accounts, had a productive meeting that included reaching a preliminary agreement-in-principle on several agricultural commodities. The Prime Minister's Office reports that by March 1, 2026, Canada expects China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined... Read More