Grainswest - Spring 2026

Spring 2026 Grains West 50 AGAINST GRAIN THE A Prairie broadcast journalist for 40 years, 840 CFCW agricultural director Dean Thorpe has pro- duced and hosted The Alberta Ag Show for nearly two decades. The AM country music station’s one hour radio news program is familiar lunchtime listening across rural Alberta. Each weekday at 12 p.m., Thorpe takes to the micro- phone at the station’s Edmonton stu- dio with one question in mind: What do farmers need to hear today? As he examines the day’s top farm news stories, Thorpe unpacks the sometimes contentious issues that shape agriculture. The upcoming CUSMA renegotiation and trade rela- tions with China have been hot topics in early 2026, as have the uptick in consumer food prices, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada cuts and proposed changes to livestock traceability re- porting. The program also features livestock and crop market reports. A community minded segment, “The Bulletin Board” features a rundown of ag-related events such as fundraisers, festivals, seminars and conferences. “Focus on the Farm” examines unique ag industry developments such as the use of Christmas tree mulch as a soil amendment. In her segment, “The Rural Connection,” seasoned farm journalist Cheryl Brooks examines community projects such as the publi- cation of a Stettler history book. Predating Thorpe, the noon ag show has been a part of CFCW programming Farming’s familiar voice since the station launched in 1954. He joked that in some farm homes, trying to change the station during the pro- gram may earn a slap on the hand. The program’s host since 2006, Thorpe has delivered more than 1,500 episodes. While on-demand media such as pod- casts have transformed how audienc- es consume information, listenership has remained loyal. “There is still something very familiar about good old farm radio at lunch,” said Thorpe. He credits the longevity of the The Alberta Ag Show to its audience con- nection. “People love turning on that radio and hearing a familiar voice,” he said. “I feel it is important to connect the people growing the food with the people buying the food.” At the microphone in the 840 CFCWEdmonton studio, Dean Thorpe has been the voice of the country station’s lunch hour farm news program for 20 years. Photo: IanDoig