Robin Nikkel fondly recalls playing with toy farm equipment as a child at his family’s farm near Morden, MB. “I did a lot of carpet farming and making hay on the front lawn,” said Nikkel, who now operates an auto transport company in Delta, B.C.
When barley germinates prior to harvest or in the bin it can cause significant problems for the maltster to achieve a high-quality malt product. Maltsters generally reject barley that exhibits significant pre-harvest sprouting. The livestock industry also typically discounts pre-sprouted feed barley.
The Canadian agriculture sector understands the care and effort it takes to produce high-quality crops. We know this commitment is what sets Canadian malting barley apart. As sustainability becomes a top priority for end-users, Canada is uniquely positioned to meet these demands thanks to the stewardship and innovation of our farmers.
Cereals Canada welcomes the signing of the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Set to take effect in 2026, an exact date has not been set. This groundbreaking agreement promises to usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the Canadian cereals industry and solidify Canada’s position in the Indonesian market.
Though the recent departure of the Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) has affected its rating, Olds College of Agriculture and Technology remains highly ranked in Canada’s top 50 research colleges, according to Research Infosource Inc. In December 2024, the research, consulting and publishing firm placed the institution at No. 14.
When I became a market analyst 20 years ago, the world of agriculture seemed simpler. Today, I must admit to a deep frustration. My favoured method of analysis is so-called fundamentals. Calculating the difference between supply and demand is a matter of real-world mathematics. If this difference narrows, as measured by ending stocks, prices should respond favourably (bullish). If the surplus expands, prices come under pressure (bearish). A key component of fundamental analysis is having strong confidence in reliable data; the analysis is only as good as the underlying inputs. I have confidently relied on good data most of my career.
Lethbridge Polytechnic was granted its new post-secondary status in September 2024 and has made applied research a high priority since it dropped “College” from its name. Central to this updated focus is the Agriculture Research Innovation Facility (ARIF), which has been in operation since the summer of 2023.
At first glance, Canadian farmers should be concerned about Donald Trump’s victory in the recent U.S. election. Canada is a trading nation, and its farmers rely on trade to sell their crops at a profitable return. Trump will retake office on Jan. 20, and has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports, including agricultural products.
The Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) and Alberta Grains are collaborating with several central Alberta farmers to assess the viability of a new research method. Alberta Grains will contribute $40,000 of in-kind support and provide advice on its applicability and value to farmers.
Canada’s grain sector is celebrating a crucial legislative milestone with the recent passage of bills C-244 and C-294. Focused on equipment repair and interoperability, they remove key copyright barriers that have historically constrained Canadian farmers from repairing and enabling their own equipment.
