Rural Roots Canada

In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester check in from a snowy Calgary and a busy Lethbridge to talk all things Ag Expo, a cornerstone event in Western Canadian agriculture now held at the stunning Lethbridge Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre (1:42). As Craig reports from the event, he shares insights from Paul Kingsmith of Exhibition Park Lethbridge, who highlights how the event has evolved into a true business-to-business showcase featuring over 300 exhibitors from across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australia.  The episode also shines a light on the BASF Growing Home Initiative, which supports rural projects across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario (6:23). It's an episode that captures the heart of rural life, innovation, and connection across Canada’s ag community.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence talks about the upcoming arrival of meteorological spring on Sunday. Spence dives into what it means and explains meteorological seasons.

Nominations are open for BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada's Growing Home program, and $160,000 is on the table for rural organizations across four provinces. Now in its fourth year, the program invites farmers and agricultural retailers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario to put forward organizations that make a difference in their communities.

Canada’s beef and pork producers are getting a big boost with new access to Indonesia’s rapidly growing market. The expanded market access comes following a 2025 ministerial trade mission and the signing of the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). An audit by the Indonesia Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services confirmed that Canadian meat products meet Indonesia’s food safety and import standards. The expansion allows Canadian exporters to ship over-thirty-month bone-in beef, beef offal, and, for the first time, pork and pork products to Indonesia.

AgExpo and the North American Seed Fair kicks off today at the Lethbridge Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre. Paul Kingsmith, Director of Event Development with Excite Lethbridge, says the show is a major event for the agriculture community.

A case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) has been confirmed on a farm in southern Alberta, the province’s first since February 2022. The diagnosis was laboratory-confirmed on February 21, 2026. The affected site is now under strict containment measures, with three-kilometre and 10-kilometre buffer zones established to prevent further spread. Alberta Pork says no other farms fall within these zones. A full investigation has been launched to determine the source of the outbreak. The producer, the herd veterinarian, Alberta’s Chief Veterinary Officer, and Alberta Pork are collaborating on response and containment efforts.

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Franc’s vision to become CEO of 4-H Canada came true this year. The new leader brings passion, experience, and a deep belief in youth and community.

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

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

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

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

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

Agricultural Service Boards and the Association of Agricultural Fieldmen gathered for their annual conference in Edmonton in January to discuss issues and debate resolutions put forward from across the province. Shelby Oracheski, Agricultural Fieldman for the MD of Wainwright and the Northeast Regional Director for the A-A-A-F, says it's an important event on the calendar.  

At the Alberta Agricultural Service Board Conference, producers and industry leaders gathered to talk about resiliency in agriculture, including how agritourism can be an opportunity for farmers to strengthen both farm income and community ties. Chatworth Farm's Charlotte Wasylyk was among the presenters, sharing how her family near Vermilion, Alberta, turned online engagement into on-farm experiences that help bridge the gap between consumers and producers.

Grain producers across British Columbia will have an opportunity to hear updates on industry programs, research, and new technologies later this month, as the BC Grain Producers Association hosts its annual Love of Ag Conference in the B.C. Peace on February 17. “It is an informative conference for grain producers to hear about changes to various industry programs and ongoing research,” says Kathy Fehr, general manager of the BC Grain Producers Association. Fehr says the event brings together a range of industry experts to cover both agronomic research and applied technologies that producers can use on their farms.