For decades, the average Canadian was of British, western European, or even American descent. Over time, most people's idea of "average" has stayed the same, but the actual demographics have shifted, and in some ways, the change is quite dramatic. Canadians are much older, more suburban, and more multicultural than ever. Instead of European influence,... Read More
Category: Western Canada
February 13 marks the second annual Canada's Agriculture Day, a day to "celebrate the food we love." Everyone involved in the agriculture and food industry is encouraged to celebrate in their own way — from hosting an event, to posting their agriculture pride online and through social media channels, or by engaging with customers and... Read More
The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency's preliminary forecast for spring runoff underlines the concerns about dryness in the heart of the prairie region. Soils in southern areas were dry at freeze up with ample storage available in wetlands after a record dry summer in parts of southern Saskatchewan and below normal fall precipitation. "With dry fall... Read More
The federal government has launched consultations on regulations for new "front-of-package" food labels designed to communicate if a food is high in sodium, sugars, or saturated fat. "The consultations launched today are geared towards helping Canadians make healthier food choices. Identifying foods that are high in sodium, sugars, or saturated fat is not always easy,... Read More
Low unemployment, major tax cuts, and looming trillion dollar deficits — the U.S. economy is hot, with growing concerns that it may be at risk of over-heating. Increasing odds of higher inflation and interest rates have stoked a pullback and volatility in the stock market after the Dow climbed to record highs in late January.... Read More
Let's face it, the Powers That Be can't win. When it comes to funding agriculture and food projects, we want support to advance agriculture and build capacity at a local level, but we also want to criticize where every penny (nickel?) goes. And when a company or organization that received funding goes broke or packs... Read More
Today’s updated World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report was by no means a market mover. But, it does pose some questions for the market to digest. Starting with the U.S. Supply and Demand, it was, for the most part, fully influenced by adjustments in export demand. 2017/18 U.S. corn ending stocks estimates were... Read More
Despite British Columbia Premier John Horgan's assurance that getting involved in a trade war is not his intent, rumours of a looming Alberta Beef ban in the province continue to circulate. And where the rumours aren't, the sudden, ill-advised political activists are — threatening boycotts of their own. It all stems from an ongoing dispute... Read More
You've likely done some tasks on the farm so many times you could do them in your sleep, and maybe even have when the days get too long. There are jobs on the farm that are inherently risky, too, but if you've done them enough times, you don't need to worry about the hazards, right?... Read More
Every year the planning committee behind Edmonton's renowned FarmTech conference recognizes someone who has made "an outstanding contribution to Alberta's cropping industry." This year's award recipient is well-known to the agriculture community for his commitment to extension, people, and the industry he loves. Scott Meers graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor's Degree... Read More