Seed growers are at the forefront of advancement in crop production, said Kelly Chambers, executive director of Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers (ABCSG). They specialize in production and multiplication of plant breeder stock that produces certified, blue tag seed for commercial production. Alberta’s 662 certified seed growers farmed 307,711 acres of pedigreed seed in 2024, about 25 per cent of Canadian pedigreed acreage.

Commitment is a stressful word for farmers who are subject to the unpredictability of the weather and grain markets. Forward contracts with buyers allow them to lock in a cash price long before the grain is delivered. In doing so, these agreements reduce downside price risk and uncertainty.

Protein Industries Canada is now accepting expressions of interest for a new round of technology projects with a focus on the blending of pulses and cereals. The main goal of this $10 million undertaking is to create the next generation of high-protein, plant-based ingredients and food products.

Some have dubbed it “The Parthenon of Booze.” But Bryce Parsons, CEO and founder of True Wild Distilling, said the business’s impressive Calgary headquarters is a showcase for Alberta agriculture. The $14 million destination distillery, restaurant and event space is housed in a decommissioned electrical substation built in 1911. It boasts an imposingly beautiful white edifice, hence the reference to the ancient architectural wonder.

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has long raised concerns the deal may negatively impact Canadian farmers. The organization has cited warnings from the Canadian Competition Bureau and a University of Saskatchewan report that determined farmers will take a $770 million revenue loss should the deal go through without divestment from G3.

For many years now, malting barley research has primarily focused on how to provide small and large brewers alike with the next great variety for their beers. An afterthought, however, is distillers, who often source their barley from other countries with a more established system of malting barley suitable for spirits.

University of Saskatchewan master’s student Beatriz Montenegro is searching for economical feed options for cattle that are heavy on nutrition and low on water. Supported by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Development Fund, her research aims to help farmers maintain high-quality beef production as feed availability fluctuates.

David Farran believes it is only natural Alberta distillers use the province’s own high-quality barley to produce their products. The founder and president of Eau Claire Distillery in Diamond Valley, he credits locally grown barley and a talented distilling team for a platinum trophy win at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in April.

Gabriel Ribeiro is frequently asked about low bushel-weight barley. It has become a topic of interest and concern among ranchers and feedlot operators, particularly in Western Canada, said the assistant professor in the University of Saskatchewan Animal and Poultry Science Department.

The theme of CrossRoads 2025 is “Future proof your farm,” which president Antoine Bernet said resonates with Bayer, an organization that works to anticipate the needs of farmers every day and thrives on innovation. “Future proofing farms is at the core of what we do at Bayer,” he said.