Rural Roots Canada

In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester connect with Iris Meck, founder of the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, now celebrating its 13th year. Iris shares how the event has grown into a national platform empowering women across the ag industry, from students and entrepreneurs to business leaders and producers. She discusses the upcoming AWC West 2026 conference in Calgary, featuring sessions on leadership, innovation, mental health, and women’s health, plus international guests from Ghana and award-winning women in agriculture. Tune in for insights on connection, confidence, and why every woman in ag deserves a seat at the table.

The 2026 edition of the Advancing Women in Agriculture conference in Calgary is quickly approaching.  The event will be held March 8 to 10.  Melody Garner-Skiba who has attended the event for years, as both an attendee and speaker says it’s an inspirational event. 

New technology and training programs are helping strengthen British Columbia’s food security and agriculture sector as a whole through a smart-farming project and drought-resilient crop production training.

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.

Research is fundamentally important to agriculture, and serves as the primary engine for increasing productivity, ensuring global food security, fostering environmental sustainability, and driving economic growth. Without research and innovation, the agricultural sector would struggle to meet the demands of a growing population while facing challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. On this week's podcast, RRC’s Craig Lester has a conversation with the senior research chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Willemijn Appels. They discuss research projects that got underway last year, and what projects we might expect for the year ahead.

Prairie Weather this Week report for Lethbridge for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather this Week report for the Olds area for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather this Week report for the B.C. Peace for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather this Week report for Vegreville and Bonnyville for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

Prairie Weather this Week report for Lloydminster for the week of Jan 12 - with RRC Meteorologist David Spence.

The Canadian Cattle Association has announced Andrea Brocklebank as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the transition set to take place in early March. Brocklebank currently serves as Executive Director of the Beef Cattle Research Council, a role she has held since 2009. She has been part of the Canadian Cattle Association since 2004, working across research, funding, and knowledge transfer within the beef sector.

Happy New Year! On the new season of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, powered by Alberta Canola, it’s a busy start to 2026 for RRC! Craig Lester is heading back on the road, preparing for the Alberta Seed Producers Conference, the Ag Services Board Conference, and Crossroads as farmers gear up for new season of growing. Meanwhile, Tim Parent dives into some of the biggest stories shaping Canadian agriculture, including Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming trip to China, where canola and trade are high on the agenda. The two also discuss new leadership at the Canadian Cattle Association and a record-breaking 2025 for Alberta Open Farm Days. It’s a full slate of stories that capture the pulse of rural Canada, as we kick off a new year in Canadian agriculture at Rural Roots Canada.

UK researcher and Nuffield scholar Sharon May is bridging the gap between farm life and mental health care, helping ensure that when farmers reach out for support, they’re truly heard.

This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.

This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.

This week, dry areas stay dry, and wet areas get more snow. It's not promising for the agricultural south, where badly need snow is not forecast this week.