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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: January 2025

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: January 2025

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Agriculture Updates since December 2024

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Irrigated Crop Production Update
Created in collaboration with industry, farmers, government and academic partners, Lethbridge Polytechnic welcomes producers to this one-day conference and tradeshow. On the agenda: current management and outlook of Alberta's water supply, irrigation management, and disease and pest management in irrigated crops.
Register for the January 23rd Conference Here

Water Availability Engagement Extended
The province wants to hear Albertans' thoughts on opportunities or barriers that can be addressed to enhance the water management system in Alberta and make more water available to use for years to come. The deadline has been extended to January 24. Learn More and Participate Here

Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program
Young Agrarians apprenticeships are paid opportunities on host farms across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. For four to twelve months, apprentices work alongside seasoned farmers offering specialized learning opportunities in ecological, organic and regenerative agriculture.
Although activities vary from farm to farm, host farms can support apprentices to dig into soil health, livestock management, plant production, equipment use and community building.
Applications are open until January 31, 2025. Learn More and Apply Here

Regenerative Agriculture 101: Is It Right for Your Operation?
Regenerative agriculture is a term we often hear, but what exactly it means and how it applies to our farm can be subjective. There are, however, core characteristics that cut across individual interpretations of regenerative agriculture. Learn More

Celebrating Alberta Farmers
As we celebrate the new year, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement:
“Agriculture is very much a part of our province’s culture and way of life. It’s not just business. As we ring in 2025, I encourage all Albertans to thank our ranchers, farmers, agri-processors and caretakers of our crops and livestock; without you, we have no food.” Read More

Important Changes to AgriInvest for 2025 Program Year
Alberta Grains reminds farmers participating in the AgriInvest business risk management program they should be aware of new filing deadlines and a new agri-environmental risk assessment requirement for the program in 2025. Learn More

2025 Alberta Beef Producers Meeting in Brooks, February 12th, 2025
Join fellow cattle producers for supper at the 2025 Producer Meetings.
At these meetings, producers will have the opportunity to chat with Alberta Beef Producers' representatives (including directors, delegates and staff) as well as representatives from Canadian Cattle Association and Agricultural Financial Services Corporation. Register here

Monitoring Stored Grain
The Canadian Grain Commission reminds growers it is important to monitor grain temperature and to keep stored grain cool and dry by regular aeration or by turning it.
High moisture and warm temperatures in grain allow for the rapid growth of insects, fungi and the possible production of mycotoxins. Learn More

How to Plan Ahead for Canola Yield Robbers
Canola yield robbers from 2024, including blackleg, clubroot and sclerotinia stem rot, could also be yield robbers in 2025. Agronomists and farmers can do some preparations now to reduce the risk. More Here

Census of Agriculture: Content Consultation Report, 2026
Before each Census of Agriculture, Statistics Canada conducts an extensive consultation and qualitative testing process to ensure that the content of the questionnaire accurately reflects changes in Canada's agriculture industry. The Census of Agriculture: Content Consultation Report, 2026 reference product is now available.

Prevent Feed Waste this Winter
Harvesting, storing and delivering a beef herd’s winter rations are the largest expense for most operations. Even small improvements in a winter feed system can result in significant feed cost savings. Find Out More

Managing Beef Cattle in Cold Weather
As temperatures drop, it is important to monitor how cattle are coping with the cold and how it is impacting their ability to remain productive. Here are six tips for managing beef cattle during cold weather

New Intake Period for Youth Employment and Skills Program
Applications for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) will open on January 27, 2025. Supported by an investment of approximately $13.5 million, YESP is an initiative aimed at helping young Canadians access employment opportunities and gain valuable work experience in the agricultural sector, while contributing to the growth of the agricultural community in Canada.
Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities. Applications from Indigenous employers will be prioritized for the 2025-2026 program year. Find Out More

Will New Products Improve Nutrient Use Efficiency?
The best way to identify nutrient needs is with a soil test, and the best way to evaluate new products is with on-farm trials. Agronomists have valuable insight on nutrient needs and the 4Rs: the right source at the right rate, right time and right place.

Variety Trial Data
The annual Performance Variety Trial program provides information on cereal, oilseed and pulse variety performance, important agronomic characteristics and disease resistance with the goal of assisting farmers in selecting field crop varieties best suited to a specific geographic or environmental area as well as for different management practices. The variety trials for each crop type have been managed by different entities within Alberta and Western Canada. Learn More

Plan Ahead for a Streamlined Calving Season
There are many aspects of a producer’s day-to-day life that are out of their control. The weather, including precipitation, winds and plummeting temperatures, can test the best-made plans in the most organized of operations.   Learn More

Improving AFSC's Offerings
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has made a few changes to its products to optimize them for today's agriculture industry. Learn More

Top Economic Charts to Monitor in 2025
As we start the new year amid new challenges, here are Farm Credit Canada's top charts to help make sense of the economic environment for the agriculture and agri-food sector, from producers to consumers. Find Out More

Tan Spot Threat in 2025
Tan spot, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora triticirepentis, can severely impair the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, stunt growth, and drastically reduce yield and grain quality. In severe cases, tan spot can reduce wheat yields by as much as 60% and lead to red smudge, a discolouration of the grain that diminishes its market value. Learn More

Monitoring Stored Grain for Insect Pest Infestations
One of the best ways to prevent insect infestations is to monitor bin-stored grain every two weeks to detect early signs of deterioration or infestation. There are several devices producers can use to sample grain and check for insects. More Here

Vigilance Around Foot and Mouth Disease
Germany recently confirmed that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was detected in water buffalo. The Canadian Cattle Association says this incursion of the FMD virus into Europe warrants heightened awareness by Canadian producers and travellers. Canadian producers should take extra precautions at this time. Farm tours for international visitors are discouraged. Additional information is available on the Canadian Cattle Association Emergency Preparedness webpage. More Here

Advancement of Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Survey
Share your voice in the Supporting the Advancement of Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Survey. This is a long-awaited update to the research: Supporting the Advancement of Women in Agriculture: Needs Assesment.

Order your Blue Book
The Blue Book is a longstanding and trusted resource for Alberta farmers and agronomists, providing current pesticide application information. With over 700 pages of valuable crop protection information, spraying guidelines and farm safety, The Blue Book is an essential tool for any farming operation. The Blue Book is collaboratively produced by three of Alberta’s crop commissions – Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains and Alberta Pulse Growers. Order the 2025 Blue Book

Nominations Open for Alberta's Highest Honour
Albertans are encouraged to nominate remarkable community members, leaders and innovators for membership in the Alberta Order of Excellence. Nominations are accepted year-round, but must be received by February 15 to be considered for investiture this year. More Information and Nomination Forms

Funding Updates 

Alberta Export Expansion Program
This program provides funding to help export-ready small and medium-sized enterprises, industry associations, Indigenous organizations and economic development organizations in the province enhance access to international markets and attract global buyers. Applications are currently being accepted. Make sure to review program changes and eligibility requirements before submitting an application. Apply Here

This Giving Season, Earn up to $5,000 in Match Funding Through Crowdfunding Alberta
With the giving season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get started on your first or next Crowdfunding Alberta campaign. Crowdfunding Alberta is an online fundraising program developed specifically for Alberta’s non-profit/voluntary sector organizations, such as agricultural societies. Through Crowdfunding Alberta, 50% of donations made to campaigns, within eight weeks of launching online, will be matched by government up to $5,000 per organization per year (April 1 – March 31). Learn More

Better Community Drought and Flood Protection
Drought conditions affected parts of the province this summer, while other communities have faced flooding in recent years. Building the local infrastructure needed to protect residents, property and critical infrastructure is costly, but necessary.
To help, more than $19 million is now available through the Drought and Flood Protection Program to help communities build the infrastructure they need. This is part of the five-year, $125-million program that’s helping municipalities and First Nations protect critical infrastructure from flooding and drought and improve public safety. Learn More

Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) Accepting Applications
AEEP funding helps Alberta export-ready small- and medium-sized enterprises, industry associations, Indigenous organizations and economic development organizations, enhance access to international markets and attract global buyers. Apply Here

On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) Re-opens for a Limited Number of Applications
After reviewing and approving more than 1,000 applications, RDAR recently announced the re-opening of the 2024 OFCAF program for an additional intake of 150 funding applications. The new intake will fulfill RDAR’s commitment to distributing all available OFCAF funds to Alberta producers, enabling them to adopt impactful, sustainable changes on their farms and ranches. More Here, ARGO online application system

Funding Opportunities
Curious about which funding stream is right for you?
RDAR currently has two opportunities open to access funding:

Grant Funding for Alberta Producers
Alberta producers, processors and organizations who are looking to secure funding for an upcoming project through Sustainable CAP should be mindful of where they are getting information. Learn More Here

New Sustainable Agricultural Partnership program
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership has launched a new program called the On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP). OFEP was created by combining the past Farm Technology Program and Efficient Grain Handling Program, along with some new opportunities that were selected in response to industry feedback collected in the fall of 2023. The intent of the On-Farm Efficiency Program is to support producers in achieving environmental benefits by improving the efficient use of agricultural inputs. The Program funds primary producers to carry out projects that optimize the use of inputs such as fertilizer, pesticides and energy. When inputs reach their targets with precision, it is a win-win for producers and the environment: producers save money, fewer inputs are applied off-target, and fewer emissions are released to the atmosphere. This program has four Streams. An applicant may apply to any or all of the Program Streams:

  • Smart Farm Technology
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Farm Security
  • Efficient Grain Handling

The program opened for applications on August 14, 2024 and funding is retroactive to April 1, 2023. Eligible expenses are funded at a cost-share rate of 50%. The funding maximum per applicant is $150,000 over the duration of the Program (2023-2028). The maximum funding per Stream over the duration of the Program is: $50,000 for Smart Farm Technology, $50,000 for Energy Efficiency, $2,000 for Farm Security, and $100,000 for Efficient Grain Handling. For some Eligible Items, there is a maximum grant stated in the Funding List.

While on the Sustainable CAP website go to the bottom of the home page, enter your email, and click ‘send’ to start receiving regular Sustainable CAP updates. Please visit the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership page for program information, including how to apply. 

Agriculture Labour Task Force Grant Program 
This grant supports producers and processors recruit, hire, and retain workers in the agriculture and agri-food industry. Two grant streams are available. One to improve awareness of related careers and another to support improving HR practices and capacity. Find out more.

AgriDiversity Program
The AgriDiversity Program aims to help under-represented groups in Canadian agriculture, including youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities, to fully participate in the sector by helping these groups address the key issues and barriers they often face for sector participation. Find out more.

4 Key Details to Know About Venture Capital Funding
What food and beverage processors need to know about accessing funds through venture capital funding. Learn More

Producer Research and Evaluation Program
RDAR's Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) was created to support on-farm research allowing producers to evaluate emerging technologies, products and production practices. On-farm research will support new strategies to be tested within unique farm conditions and to support decision making with data advancing profitability, competitiveness and sustainability.
The maximum total funding available for PREP is $1 million in 2024 Learn more about RDAR funding

Sowing Seeds of Success for Future Farmers
Agriculture is essential to Alberta’s history, economy and future prosperity. Over the past 20 years, the number of young and middle-aged producers in agriculture has seen steep declines, while the number of farmers over 55 has increased. The province is aiming to help reverse that trend with changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s Next Generation Loan program (Next Gen). More Here

Enhancing the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program  
The governments of Alberta and Canada are enhancing the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program with a $1.9 million investment to support Alberta Beef Producers. Last year, beef was Alberta's largest agri-food export at $3.9 billion, making up 22 per cent of the province’s total. Under this initiative, farmers and ranchers can receive up to $5,000 for expenses that align their operations with VBP+ certification guidelines. Learn more 

Supporting Genomics Innovation in Alberta
New funding from the province will support cutting-edge genomics research in health, agriculture and environmental technology. The province is investing $15 million over three years into Genome Alberta, a not-for-profit research funding organization working toward a better future through genomic innovation. Read More Here

Protecting Communities from Drought and Floods
Drought and floods can damage homes and businesses, disrupt critical infrastructure and, in extreme scenarios, pose a serious threat to public safety. In recent years, the impacts of drought and flooding have been felt across Alberta. More Here - Drought and Flood Protection Program

Labour Resources

2024 Survey of Compensation Practices in Canadian Agriculture - Executive Summary Report
Across Canada, the highly competitive nature of the talent marketplace has made it an increasingly difficult landscape for agricultural producers to navigate. This salary survey and human resource benchmarking initiative equips producers with relevant and practical data resources to better compete in today’s workplace. More Here

Free Counselling Sessions
Farming is 24-7-365, but you don't have to handle it alone. Get support from AgKnow's farm-informed counsellors and get up to four free counselling sessions. This program covers counselling sessions for farmers, their families, farm employees, veterinarians and registered veterinarian technicians. Learn more and book a counselling session.

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
Growing Opportunities through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) is available. Visit the SWPP Application Page and complete the online application form. If you'd like to learn more about SWPP, including eligibility criteria and detailed program information, please visit the website. For any questions or additional information, reach out to Megan Lockhart at mlockhart@cahrc-ccrha.ca. 

Phase 2 of the Recognized Employer Pilot under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employers are now able to submit applications for positions on Service Canada’s Phase 2 Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) occupations list. These 84 occupations are in high-demand and show shortage conditions based on the Canadian Occupational Projection System assessment of recent labour market conditions (2019-2021). The deadline to submit applications to become a recognized employer is September 16, 2024, however recognized employers will continue to have access to simplified applications for the 84 designated occupations until the end of the pilot on December 31, 2026. If you have questions on the REP, please visit Canada.ca or contact the Employer Contact Centre. 

Health and Safety on Alberta Farms and Ranches
A guide to rights and obligations for farmers and workers under Alberta's OHS legislation. Provides information about hazard identification and control, incident reporting and investigations. More Here  

AgSafe FarmSafe Plan Learning Program Launched
This is a free, self-paced learning program that introduces Alberta producers to health and safety fundamentals and explains how to apply this information to their specific operations. It was designed for both family farms and farms with employees. It will walk you through creating a farm-specific health and safety program, explain why these elements are needed, and support you in putting your farm’s health and safety program into action. Learn more and register.

If you have farm-specific health and safety questions or require support relating to health and safety on your farm, please contact AgSafe Alberta at info@agsafeab.ca.   You may be eligible for onsite farm visits and up to 10 hours of advisor support at no cost!

Agriculture Job Connector: https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-job-connector.aspx 

We were pleased to launch our partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council at our Ag-Forum on February 21. For anyone interested in the HR toolkit, please use this QR code to gain access to the free HR Toolkit offered during the program.


Events, Webinars and Podcasts

FCC Events including Business Plan Boot Camp & Young Farmer Summit: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/events.html

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx and upcoming events
Profitable Ranching, virtual - January 24
Sustainable Forages with Dr. Erick Santos, virtual - January 25
Producer Panel on Winter Feeding Strategies - January 28th
Community Supported Agriculture: The Ins and Outs, virtual - January 28, February 11
Free Webinar - Behind The Label: Unveiling Agricultural Myths and Realities - January 29th
2025 AgriStabililty Update for Authorized Reps - January 29
Pest in the City - Virtual - February 7
Intercropping in Alberta, Virtual - February 12
High Acid Hot Fill Workshop, virtual - February 13
Working Well Workshop - Virtual February 13 - March 25
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Value-Added Grant Program Overview - March 6
Pesticide Applicator Workshop, virtual - March 20
Grazing Basics for Success Workshop Series
Sustaining Barley Webinar Series
Webinar Series for Beef Producers and Vet Teams - More Here
Nutrient Management Webinar Series
Foundations in Agricultural Management - Free Online Course

Other Resources

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/agribusiness-resources/

If you know of someone who may be interested in the work we are doing and might be interested in investing in this work through membership, please feel free to refer them to us. You can also encourage others to subscribe to our agriculture updates through this page. We look forward to continuing our work with you and pushing for our collective priorities on your behalf.

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