Rural Roots Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is giving Canada's agriculture industry a little more breathing room to further support ag sector growth. The agency has unveiled several regulatory changes designed to cut red tape and help farmers and producers remain competitive.

In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester sit down with the newest members of the RRC team — Olivia Taylor and Hayden Lester — for an engaging conversation about agriculture education in Canada. As students deeply passionate about the ag industry, Olivia and Hayden share their insights and first-hand perspectives on what’s working, what could be improved, and how the sector can better inspire and attract the next generation of agricultural leaders across the country.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on the weather forecast for the Thanksgiving weekend for Alberta, the BC Peace and parts of Saskatchewan.

Canadian dairy farmers now have a new digital tool designed to make research easier to access and apply. The Canadian Dairy Hub, launched by Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) in partnership with Lactanet and other industry groups, brings together a wide range of practical, science-based resources in one place. 

Canada’s canola farmers are getting a boost to their export options with the opening of a new transload facility at the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia. Global logistics company DP World has launched its $150 million Canola Oil Transload Facility at its Fraser Surrey terminal, adding one million tonnes of annual export capacity. The facility is designed to speed up and stabilize shipments of Canadian canola oil to global markets. Despite shifting tariffs and volatile trade conditions, canola oil is among Canada’s most valuable agricultural exports, generating nearly $6 billion in 2024. Since most canola production is concentrated in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, efficient rail-to-port connections are critical to getting the product to international markets.

In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester begin by discussing their recent agricultural excursions to Ontario and Saskatchewan, as part of a project they’re working on with CAAIN - the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network. RRC is expanding! The two introduce the two newest members of the RRC team that will help bring the stories of Canadian ag to life (10:15). Tim and Craig talk about a new documentary released by the Canadian Cattle Association called Homes on the Range, which explores how beef production and wildlife habitat go hand-in-hand. We hear from Jenna Sarich, a technical consultant with the CCA, about the doc (11:42). Finally, the return of Peavey Mart in four Alberta towns and how the farm goods provider is looking to reopen more stores, including in Saskatchewan. (15:57).

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for central Alberta.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for Southern Alberta.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for northeast Alberta and west central Saskatchewan.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for the BC Peace Region.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares his insight on this week's farm weather report for the Lakeland region of northeast Alberta.

Consumers' perception of beef production in Canada appears to be shifting. The Public and Stakeholder Engagement Program at the Canadian Cattle Association asks consumers about their feelings about cattle once a year. Jenna Sarich with the CCA says their most recent survey showed some surprising results.

Canadian farmers are on track to harvest more wheat, canola, corn for grain, barley, and oats in 2025 — but less soybeans — compared with last year. That’s according to Statistics Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Across rural Canada, farmers face immense pressures. From unpredictable markets to unpredictable weather, it can take a toll on their mental health. Yet when they're struggling, many don't call a counsellor or crisis line first. Instead, they turn to the people they see every week.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight into the weather forecasts for the week of September 29 for central Alberta.