In collecting excess user fees from farmers, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) accumulated a sizable surplus since 2013/14. The almost $100 million is now the subject of an industry- wide consultation on its potential uses. The CGC is expected to announce plans to review the proposals and suggestions it has received. As the federal grain- handling regulator doesn’t have the authority to make this spending decision, ideas will be submitted to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the federal departments of justice, finance and agriculture, and Agri-Food Canada. The CGC also foresees soliciting further input before a decision is made.

Wheat prices have experienced quite a ride between spring and fall. There was a sharp rally in late June and early July as markets focused on the dry conditions in the northern plains of the U.S. and the southern prairies. Some concerns over the European crop, dryness in Australia and potential imperfections in other regions added further support, together with some strength in corn and soybean markets.

This issue of GrainsWest arrives at harvest time. In my experience growing up on a mixed farm in north-central Alberta, it was practically a sin to spill grain. But if you were on Twitter this last year, it was amazing to see farmers from around the world own up to such messy mistakes—have a look by searching for the hashtags #harvest16 and #oops!

In February 2017, the Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley launched a crop sector mentorship program. AdvancingAg: Future Leaders Program pairs mentees aged 18 to 35 with crop sector professionals. The aim is to foster a strong network of future agricultural leaders. Stacie Yaremko and Allison Ammeter are one of the eight pairs.

According to agricultural experts, grain-drying technologies are being drastically overlooked in the Canadian farming industry, and many farmers could be losing out on profit by not taking advantage of the evolving tools at their disposal.

Disastrously wet conditions and early snowfall in 2016 left many Alberta farmers contemplating carrying out harvest and spring planting simultaneously.

AWC chairman Kevin Auch said 2016 was just the sort of year in which deferring income from one crop year to another made sense.

Demand by agri-food businesses for sustainably produced crops continues to increase. Addressing this, provincial chapters of the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program have been in operation for more than two decades.

The Fusarium Head Blight Risk Tool was launched at the start of the 2017 growing season. Developed by the Alberta Wheat Commission in collaboration with the Alberta Climate Information Service, the online resource features a local risk indicator, a provincial risk map and a tab detailing best management practices.

Southern Alberta farmer Greg Stamp is concerned he may be losing a very effective component of his crop protection toolbox.