Rural Roots Canada

Agri-Visions is back in Lloydminster from Feb. 11-12 for two days of agriculture education and networking. The conference and trade show has sold out for three consecutive years, according to event manager Tammy Dyck. "The last three years, the trade show was actually sold out. And some of the speakers themselves are actually starting to hear and request to come," Dyck said. The trade show fills three exhibition buildings while presenters speak on topics relevant to local producers. Dyck said the event draws people from across the region. Last year, attendees came from as far as Australia.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts for the B.C. Peace.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for Lloydminster and area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for Olds and central Alberta.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for the Vegreville and Bonnyville areas.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecast for Lethbridge and area.

The annual Farming Smarter Conference and Trade Show will take place next Wednesday at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge. Communications Coordinator Sean Kjos says 10 speakers covering a wide range of topics during the one-day conference from kochia management, nutrient management and agriculture innovation.

The fourth annual Below Ground - Soil Health conference is quickly approaching in Dawson Creek.  Nadia Mori is the extension coordinator with the Peace Region Living Lab and coordinator for the Peace River Forage Association. She says event, which is held in conjunction with the Peace Region Living Lab, will take place on February 26th at the Ovintiv Centre in the Co-Op Mercer Hall.

Canadian canola groups say the federal government's decision to close multiple Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research centres and slash hundreds of jobs across the country is a major blow to Canadian agriculture. "Anytime we lose research capacity, it's hugely disappointing for everybody," Alberta Canola chair Andre Harpe tells Rural Roots Canada.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, we do a quick review of the conferences we've attended in the last few weeks. Then, host Tim Parent sits down for a one-on-one conversation with BC Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham. The two discuss some of the most pressing issues facing British Columbia’s farmers and producers - from the recent federal job cuts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (3:17) to the impact of new trade developments with China (5:30), and how climate change, drought, and flooding continue to shape the province’s agricultural landscape (15:58). Minister Popham also shares her outlook for the 2026 growing season and the steps being taken to strengthen food security, support innovation, and ensure resilience across BC’s ag sector (23:41).

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather reports from RRC Meteorologist David Spence.