Skip to content

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

Back to Agriculture Updates

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

Agriculture Updates since September 2025

Headlines

Premier's mandate letter for Agriculture and Irrigation

Premier Smith has issued mandate letters that direct ministers to take action to unleash the potential of key industries, including the agriculture industry. The Premier tasked Minister Sigurdson with:

  • Developing legislation to put ‘Agriculture First’ and implementing regulatory changes to cut red tape and remove bureaucratic barriers, making the province’s agricultural products more competitive and increasing consumer choice by contributing to local and global food security.
  • Continuing to modernize and expand the province’s irrigation infrastructure to ensure farmers, ranchers, processors, communities and recreational users have access to the water they need.
  • Prioritizing long-term soil health and biodiversity, ensuring Alberta’s farmland remains productive for generations to come, while working to reduce fertilizer costs and improve availability by exploring innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. 

Agriculture ministers meet to support a resilient and competitive agriculture and agri-food sector

The annual conference of federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture was recently held in Winnipeg. Ministers recognized the impacts of dry conditions and wildfire activity affecting regions across Canada, and the significant uncertainty caused by tariffs with the meeting focused on advancing collaborative efforts in support of a resilient, sustainable and competitive agriculture sector. They affirmed their commitment to working together to support hard-working producers and processors to address a variety of existing and emerging challenges. Throughout the conference, discussions also focused on ensuring that Business Risk Management (BRM) programs are sustainable and reflect the needs of producers. More information

RDAR and Emissions Reduction Alberta forge partnership

RDAR, a leader in results-driven agricultural research in Canada, is excited to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Emissions Reduction Alberta to explore, collaborate on, and leverage new initiatives that will deliver tangible environmental and economic benefits to all Albertan producers and residents. Learn more

Funding Resources

More regions qualify for Livestock Tax Deferral

Due to changing weather, Agriculture Canada says more regions now qualify for the Livestock Tax Deferral. This support helps producers manage extreme weather impacts. See the Livestock Tax Deferral - prescribed regions

Advance Payments Program

In September 2025, the Government of Canada announced that the Advance Payments Program (APP) interest-free limit will be set at $500,000, for canola advances, for the 2025 and 2026 program years. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers. The change will give canola producers access to additional cash flow and interest savings to help cover costs until they sell their products. This follows the March 2025 announcement indicating that the APP interest-free limit will be set at $250,000 for the 2025 program year. Find out more. 

AGRI Talent

AgriTalent program supports the development of connections between post-secondary students, employers in agriculture and post-secondary institutions and contributes towards preparing a job-ready workforce for the Canadian agriculture industry. As part of this program, subsidized Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities connect employers with post-secondary students to ensure higher participation by post-secondary students within the industry with special focus on including under-represented and equity-seeking groups. Find out more

Provincial funding boosts Alberta's small family farms and agritourism sector

The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association is launching a dynamic new initiative to bolster Alberta’s small family farms and agritourism sector. This program aims to connect consumers with local farms and local food, diversify farm income through agritourism and strengthen Alberta’s food supply chain. Its creation is made possible thanks to a $300,000 grant provided by Alberta’s government through the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program. The Alberta-Grown Food Agritourism Growth Initiative Key Highlights aims to capitalize on the $878 million market value of farmers’ markets and farm retail in Alberta, creating new jobs and promoting local food. Provincial funding over three years will support AFFPA’s $600,000 program to develop a comprehensive agritourism growth strategy, increase direct farm sales and expand u-pick farms. The funds will also facilitate professional development for agritourism operators. Read more

Making AgriStability more responsive for livestock producers

Changes are being made to AgriStability to make it more responsive for livestock producers. As part of these changes, feed inventory pricing for livestock producers will be adjusted starting in the 2026 program year. This permanent change ensures the correct feed valuation is captured for feed used on-farm. Additional changes to allowable expenses are under discussion for the 2026 program year, including rented pasture to better reflect the cost of feeding livestock. With this change, if a producer rents pasture, AgriStability would consider the pasture rental cost an allowable expense. Read more

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Dive into issue #9 of AgriWorkforce Matters

In the September issue you will find:

  • How CAHRC and Post-Secondary Institutions Are Shaping the Next Generation of Agriculture Talent
  • How NWiA Events Funding is Transforming Women’s Leadership in Agriculture
  • CAHRC joins Bioenterprise Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine
  • AgriWorkforce Pulse
  • TFWP School: Hiring Foreign Workers in Agriculture

Fact sheets support amendments to Agricultural Operation Practices Act 

Recent amendments to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) were designed to modernize Alberta’s approach to managing organic materials in agriculture. These new fact sheets will help agricultural operators to better understand their responsibilities in managing allowable organic materials under the AOPA.

AgSafe News focused on Barn Fires, the importance of Barn Inspections and New Safety Resources

Find out what barns fires can cost you, why insurance claims get denied, and why it's hard to get exact numbers. If you want to learn what you can do and find helpful resources, click to read the latest issue of AgSafe News:https://mailchi.mp/agsafeab/august24-13564993?e=9629534b4a

Make Every Acre Count with the BCRC's New Gross Margins Calculator

Gross margin analysis can be used to evaluate the financial performance of various enterprises of a farm business within the short term. This analysis can assist in allocating limited resources (like land) to their existing enterprises to find which combination optimizes profit.  The BCRC’s new Gross Margins Calculator is an interactive decision tool to assist beef cattle producers when allocating limited resources (like land) to determine which combination of enterprises optimizes profit.

Updated Water Systems Calculator

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has updated the Economics of Water Systems Calculator, a tool designed to assist cattle producers in evaluating the initial cost, maintenance costs, potential economic benefits and pay-back period of their water system(s).

Useful and versatile features of the newly updated livestock water systems calculator include:  

1. Above-Ground Pipeline System Option: This option compliments the previous buried pipeline scenario. Above-ground systems can be less expensive and easier to install in certain situations compared to traditional buried pipelines. When terrain allows for drainage in the fall, this makes them a practical option for some operations. 

2. Funding Opportunity Section: With funding available from various provincial government programs, this section provides examples of how access to funding can make water systems more affordable. 

3. Cow-Calf and Yearling Interface: This new version maintains the cow-calf and yearling options, including the weight gain benefit for each class of cattle. 

4. Windmill, Solar, Underground Pipeline and Aeration: As with the original version, this update maintains the three options for water systems along with aeration treatment for yearlings. It also allows producers to customize for surface water, like a dugout, or drilling a well and having a storage tank

Producer Investment in Action: 2024-25 Year in Review

The Beef Cattle Research Council’s 2024–2025 Year in Review shows how beef producer investments and input are driving research, tackling industry priorities and delivering more value back to Canada’s beef producers.

 “The BCRC draws heavily on the input of Canadian beef producers when directing National Check-Off dollars towards advancements in feed and forage production, animal health and welfare, and overall productivity for beef operations across the country,” says Alberta beef producer and BCRC Chair Craig Lehr.

Regulatory updates to strengthen Canada’s agricultural sector

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is implementing seven regulatory changes to reduce red tape and support economic resiliency in Canada’s agricultural sector. Changes include simplified labelling, streamlined grading and import rules, and increased flexibility to foster innovation, competition, and fairness for Canadian producers. Learn more

Commodity Group Opportunities

- Growers wanted to help shape the future of Alberta Canola | Alberta Canola is now accepting nominations for Regions 1, 4, 7, and 10. The nomination deadline is October 31, 2025. Learn more and nominate a grower today
- Alberta Grains fall 2025 elections | Nomination forms must be returned in writing to the commission's office by October 31, 2025. Learn more
- Alberta Pulse Growers looking for advisors | The nomination deadline is November 4, 2025. More information
- Become a delegate with Alberta Beef Producers | The nomination deadline November 15, 2025. Learn more

The $12-billion trade shift: Canada’s opportunity to diversify food exports beyond the U.S.

Discover how Canada can build a more resilient food system by rethinking its trade strategy. This blog post explores the risks of over-reliance on U.S. food exports and outlines a bold plan to diversify trade toward domestic and global markets. You'll gain a deeper understanding of Canada's current trade landscape, learn actionable strategies for expanding inter-provincial commerce and uncover high-potential international markets for Canadian food products. Check out this compelling roadmap for strengthening Canada's food system in an uncertain global economy. Read more here.

Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network

Starting or growing a farm business can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. The Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network provides new and next-generation farmers that have been in business one to ten years with practical, personalized mentorship to help build strong, resilient farm businesses.

If you are farming and ready to level up your business skills, this program is for you. Join the 2026 Business Mentorship Network cohort. Apply today

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

Sustainable CAP Resiliency and Public Trust Stakeholder Connection

Register to hear updates on the Resiliency and Public Trust Program, learn about the projects that have been supported to date, program adjustments and intentions as we navigate the remaining years in the current program agreement. The webinar will take place Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Please Register by Wednesday, October 15 @ 4:30 p.m. Questions about the session may be sent to S-Cap.PublicTrust@gov.ab.ca.

Agriculture Update for Professionals, various locations - October 20-23, 2025

Medicine Hat College - The Field Notes Showcase: Growing Ideas, Building Futures: Register to Join the Field Notes Showcase - a day to celebrate and strengthen southern Alberta Agriculture. Producers, educators, students, and industry partners will come together to share insights, explore opportunities, and shape the future of our region’s ag sector.

Details: November 4, 2025 - 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is provided. Deadline to register is October 27.

Highlights

  • Keynote on export readiness: What it takes to bring Alberta agriculture to the world.
  • Education & Programs: See how we’re training the next generation of ag leaders.
  • Research & Innovation: A look ahead at the future of agricultural research in the region.
  • Trades Facility Tours: Hands-on problem solving in action.
  • Student Showcase: Agri-Accounting Case Competition finals.

3rd Annual Cypress County Ag Connections Conference | Thursday, November 13: A one-day event bringing together cattle and crop producers, agri-businesses, and industry experts from across Southeast Alberta. This conference is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow with others who are shaping the future of agriculture. Learn more and register here.

FCC Young Farmer Summit: Sharpen your farm management skills and sign up for this free event designed for young farmers under 40. Learn from industry experts, connect with peers and gain the knowledge you need to take your farm game to the next level. Learn more and register for an event near you

Economic Update – Navigating today's economic environment: In this recorded webinar, the FCC Economics team reviews the current economic and financial variables affecting farm, food and beverage, and agribusinesses – and what to expect for the remainder of 2025.

Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit Part 1 - March 17 | Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit Part 2 - March 31

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx (includes upcoming industry events)

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.

Powered By GrowthZone