News

In a move to address the growing water demands and potential drought risks in central Alberta, the provincial government has announced a feasibility study for a new reservoir east of Red Deer. The initiative aims to bolster water storage capacity for communities, businesses, and agricultural operations in the region. The proposed reservoir on the Red…

Government of Canada Labour Minister, Steven MacKinnon, is pushing for resolution, and an end to the rail labour stoppage. Under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, MacKinnon announced he has “directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to assist the parties in settling the outstanding terms of their collective agreements by imposing final binding arbitration.”…

The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency is announcing new board members for the 2024/25 term, following their Annual General Meeting (AGM). The newly appointed members represent a diverse group of primary producers and industry stakeholders from across Canada: Primary Producers Canadian Meat Council Retail and Foodservice I.E. Canada The newly elected Executive Committee includes: The Marketing…

A new program, designed to enhance environmental sustainability and economic efficiency, is now open to applications. The On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) merges the former Farm Technology Program and Efficient Grain Handling Program, with new opportunities based on industry feedback collected in the fall of 2023. The approach aims to support producers in optimizing the use…

On August 18, 2024, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) has issued a 72-hour strike notice to Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), signaling a potential work stoppage starting at 12:01 a.m. on August 22, 2024. This move comes as a response to CPKC’s alleged unilateral changes to the terms of the collective agreements, which the…

Rail companies, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National Railway (CN), have announced that employees unionized under Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) will be locked out on August 22, 2024, if a settlement isn’t reached. This decision follows a ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that no services need to be maintained…

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is once again leading an initiative to enhance safety in the agricultural sector with the fourth annual BeGrainSafe Week, taking place from August 12 to 18, 2024. The week-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about the hazards associated with grain handling and storage, aiming to prevent tragic incidents…

Alberta’s Local Food Week is set to take place from August 14-20, highlighting the contributions of local farmers, ranchers, and food processors. In a statement released on August 12, 2024, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, emphasized the importance of supporting local food producers during this week. “Alberta is known around the world…

The Canadian beef industry is rolling out an update on its 2020-24 National Beef Strategy, highlighting achievements over the past two years. The National Beef Strategy was brought to fruition by Canadian Beef Advisors to collectively capitalize on opportunities. It has offered guidance despite supply chain challenges such as droughts, feed shortages, and post-pandemic recovery….

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is introducing 11 Principles for Sustainable Trade to help government and interested stakeholders as they engage in policy discussions at the intersection of trade and sustainability. The principles, included below, address the dual challenge of feeding a growing population and protecting the environment. Greg Northey, president of CAFTA, says…