NewsLine by Cole's Ag on September 24, 2025, 8:41am

CBRC commits $1.8 million to CDC barley breeding activities

Sept. 24, 2025 (Saskatoon, SK) – The Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) announced today it will provide $1.8 million in funding over three years to the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC), to extend the core breeding agreement and support the development of varieties with improved agronomics, disease resistance and end-use quality.

The CBRC is a collaboration between the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), Alberta Grains and Manitoba Crop Alliance.

“The keys to past success within the CDC barley breeding program have been the skilled staff, our in-house malt and molecular marker labs and the ability to evaluate large numbers of breeding lines. This CBRC funding will support these pillars moving forward,” says Curtis Pozniak, Director of the Crop Development Centre.

“This renewed investment ensures Western Canadian farmers can expect new barley varieties from a world-class program, keeping barley competitive with improved yield and agronomic benefits,” says CBRC Chair Cody Glenn (who also Chairs SaskBarley). “The CDC is uniquely positioned to deliver effective results for Western Canadian agriculture. This funding extension will allow the program to continue delivering improved varieties and capitalize on new opportunities.”

Leaders from CBRC’s member organizations echoed this sentiment, highlighting the practical benefits for farmers.

Scott Jesperson, Chair of Alberta Grains, emphasized the real-world impact of the funding: “The CBRC’s investment in the CDC reflects the importance of providing farmers with access to high performing, resilient barley varieties. This funding will deliver on-farm benefits that help barley farmers improve yields, manage disease pressure and stay competitive in global markets.”

Building on this, Jonothan Hodson, Chair of Manitoba Crop Alliance, pointed to the CDC’s impressive history: “The CDC has an excellent track record of developing high-performance barley varieties for a variety of end-use markets. The CBRC’s continued support for this innovative breeding program will ensure barley remains a productive and profitable crop for farmers across Western Canada.”

Continuing the funding agreement with the CDC was a priority for CBRC and is in line with the organization’s goal of facilitating long-term investments aimed at improving profitability and competitiveness for Western Canadian barley farmers.

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For more information:

Jill McDonald
CBRC President
306-370-7237
jmcdonald@saskbarley.com

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on September 11, 2025, 4:12pm

Major projects list incomplete without the Port of Vancouver, says GGC

Sept. 11, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) warns that the federal government’s major projects list remains incomplete without the inclusion of urgent upgrades required at the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port and the country’s most critical trade chokepoint.

Connecting the Canadian economy to the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region, the Port of Vancouver is essential to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. More than 50% of the grain grown in Canada is exported through the port, accounting for $35 million in daily exports of grain and grain products. Yet the infrastructure that underpins this trade, such as the Second Narrows Rail Bridge and New Westminster Rail Bridge, built in 1969 and 1904 respectively, are chokepoints at capacity with no redundancy if they fail.

GGC is calling on the Government of Canada and the Major Projects Office to designate the Port of Vancouver and its connecting rail infrastructure as a project of national significance to secure trade, protect economic growth, and maintain Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of essential products to the world.

Unless critical trade-enabling infrastructure is prioritized, GGC says, Canada’s nation-building agenda will remain incomplete and fall short of its economic potential.

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 70,000 producers through our 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 110 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | media@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on August 28, 2025, 9:00am

Learn the latest on gene editing in pigs with Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam

Swine Innovation Porc hosting webinar with leading expert in animal genomics and biotechnology

Aug. 28, 2025 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is pleased to announce that their latest webinar, a “Global Overview of Gene Editing in Pigs” with Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, will be taking place on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET.

“Advances in gene editing are at the forefront of the conversation when it comes to modern agriculture,” explained SIP General Manager, Daniel Ramage.

“Through this webinar, Dr. Van Eenennaam will highlight global research breakthroughs and explore how the regulatory landscape is shaping this important technology for our producers.”

Van Eenennaam is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in the field of animal genomics and biotechnology in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis, where she has been a member of the faculty for over 20 years. Her research and outreach program focuses on the use of animal genomics and biotechnology in livestock production systems.

“I am excited to be able share insights into the world of gene editing and the impact that it has on modern agriculture,” added Dr. Van Eenennaam. “Through my presentation, producers will be able to learn more about this critical technology and important innovations in the sector, such as Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus-resistant pigs.”

Canadian pork producers and industry should not miss this chance to hear from one of the most respected voices in agricultural science on this timely topic.

To register for this webinar, click here.

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About Swine Innovation Porc (SIP)

Swine Innovation Porc is dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the Canadian pork industry. Through collaboration, funding research, and promoting knowledge transfer, SIP works towards ensuring the sustained success of the Canadian pork sector. Learn more at www.swineinnovationporc.ca.

For further information, contact:
Cole Christensen
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
1 (403) 589-3529

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on July 31, 2025, 7:00am

Grain Growers of Canada Announces New Executive

July 31, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is pleased to announce its newly elected executive, representing a strong and united voice for grain farmers across the country.

Scott Hepworth, a grain farmer from Assiniboia, Saskatchewan and Director with the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, has been elected Chair of GGC. With deep roots in prairie agriculture and a strong background in policy advocacy, Hepworth brings steady leadership and a clear vision to the role during a critical time for the sector.

Joining him on the executive are Sally Parsonage, a grain farmer from Baldur, Manitoba and Vice Chair of Manitoba Crop Alliance, as 1st Vice Chair, and Daryl Fransoo, a grain farmer from Glaslyn, Saskatchewan and the Chair of the Wheat Growers Association, as 2nd Vice Chair. Together, they bring strong governance experience and a clear understanding of the policy environment shaping Canadian grain production.

“We are proud to welcome our new executive, whose leadership brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “With Scott, Sally, and Daryl’s leadership in these roles, GGC is well positioned to advance short-term and long-term policy solutions that strengthen the profitability, resiliency, and viability of family-run grain farms across Canada.”

The new executive begins its term effective immediately.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada
hana@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 18, 2025, 3:36pm

Parliament Leaves Grain Farmers Behind by Passing Bill C-202

June 18, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is disappointed in Parliament’s decision to pass Bill C-202 without the thorough review and scrutiny required by parliamentarians, without consideration of its impact on international trade, and without regard for Canada’s export-oriented grain sector.

The legislation, which amends the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to prohibit the inclusion of supply-managed goods in future trade negotiations, poses serious risks to the livelihoods of Canada’s 70,000 grain farmers, who export more than 70% of what they grow.

“Despite the government’s stated commitment to growing Canada’s economy and expanding international trade, the first bill passed by the 45th Parliament restricts our trade negotiators’ ability to secure the best possible deals for Canadians,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This legislation received unanimous consent from Members of Parliament without consulting with the Canadians it impacts the most, forcing the Senate to fast-track a flawed bill.”

Grain farmers, who rely on predictable, rules-based trade, export wheat, barley, canola, pulses, and other commodities to more than 160 countries, generating over $45 billion in export value each year. Bill C-202 now stands to undermine Canada’s ability to pursue and safeguard new and existing trade agreements that both support the sector’s export growth and the country’s long-term economic prosperity.

“With critical trade negotiations and renegotiations ahead, including with our largest trading partner, the United States, passing Bill C-202 sends the wrong message internationally,” added Larkin. “For grain farmers who rely on access to international markets, the result will be less ambitious trade agreements, fewer export opportunities, and slower economic growth at home.”

The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is scheduled for review in 2026 and could lead to a full renegotiation. At the same time, the federal government is pursuing a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a region that holds significant potential for expanding Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports.

“Parliament chose to prioritize one group of farmers over another,” said Scott Hepworth, Acting Chair of GGC. “As a grain producer, I know firsthand how important international trade is to my family’s livelihood. Without reliable access to global markets, farmers like me are left behind. With Bill C-202 now passed, the government must refocus its efforts on helping grain farmers grow more food and expand our exports.”

To grow Canada’s economy and support grain farmers, GGC is calling on the government to seriously address issues impacting international trade. This includes critical infrastructure investments, especially at the Port of Vancouver, returning funding levels in public plant breeding research to pre-2013 levels, and bolstering the work of the Market Access Secretariat to address barriers to trade.

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Media Contact:
Hana Sabah
Manager, Communications
Grain Growers of Canada
Email: hana@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 17, 2025, 9:00am

SIP Welcomes Alison Lee as Manager of Research Development

June 17, 2025 (Ottawa, Ontario) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Lee as Manager of Research Development, effective June 12, 2025.

“I am excited to join SIP and look forward to working collaboratively with all our partners to build on the Canadian pork sector’s strengths through research,” said Lee. “One of the main attractions of this role is the ability to work with SIP’s amazing partners in the industry, academia and government, including through Swine Cluster 4.”

In her role, Lee will serve as a key liaison between SIP and the Canadian pork research community. Prior to joining SIP, she worked as the Researcher and Livestock Program Developer for Conestoga Meats, where she co-ordinated and managed research projects relating to meat quality, new technology development and animal welfare.

Lee comes to SIP with a long history of collaboration in the pork industry. Her career has spanned the globe including experience in Hanau, Germany, as Research Manager in Swine Nutrition and Health for Evonik Operations GmbH. She also holds a PhD and B.Sc. from the University of Guelph, where her thesis investigated supplementation in sow diets and its effects on piglet health.

“I am pleased to welcome Alison to the team,” said SIP General Manager Daniel Ramage. “In her role and based on her experience, we are confident she will provide leadership in building national research partnerships with the Canadian pork research community.”

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About Swine Innovation Porc:

Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the Canadian pork industry. Through collaboration, funding research and promoting knowledge transfer, SIP works towards ensuring the sustained success of the Canadian pork sector. Learn more at swineinnovationporc.ca.

For more information, contact:

Cole Christensen
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Swine Innovation Porc
cchristensen@swineinnovationporc.ca
403-589-3529

SIP accueille Alison Lee en tant que directrice du développement de la recherche.

Le 17 juin 2025 (Ottawa, Ontario) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) a le plaisir d’annoncer la nomination d’Alison Lee au poste de directrice du développement de la recherche à compter du 12 juin 2025.

« Je suis ravie de me joindre à SIP et j’ai hâte de collaborer avec tous nos partenaires pour miser sur les forces du secteur porcin canadien grâce à la recherche », a déclaré Mme Lee. « L’un des principaux attraits de ce poste est la possibilité de travailler avec les formidables partenaires de SIP dans l’industrie, le milieu universitaire et le gouvernement, notamment par l’intermédiaire de la Grappe porcine 4. »

Avant de se joindre à SIP, elle occupait le poste de chercheuse et conceptrice de programmes pour les animaux d’élevage chez Conestoga Meats, où elle coordonnait et gérait des projets de recherche portant sur la qualité de la viande, le développement de nouvelles technologies et le bien-être animal.

Mme Lee arrive au sein de SIP forte d’une longue expérience de collaboration dans l’industrie porcine. Sa carrière s’est déroulée dans le monde entier, avec notamment une expérience à Hanau, en Allemagne, en tant que responsable de la recherche sur la nutrition et la santé des porcs pour Evonik Operations GmbH. Elle est également titulaire d’un doctorat et d’un baccalauréat ès sciences de l’Université de Guelph, où sa thèse portait sur la supplémentation dans l’alimentation des truies et ses effets sur la santé des porcelets.

« Je suis heureux d’accueillir Alison dans notre équipe », a déclaré Daniel Ramage, directeur général de SIP. « Dans le cadre de ses fonctions et compte tenu de son expérience, nous sommes convaincus qu’elle jouera un rôle de premier plan dans la mise en place de partenariats de recherche nationaux avec la communauté des chercheurs canadiens dans le domaine du porc. »

À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

« Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) se consacre à l’innovation et au progrès dans l’industrie porcine canadienne. Par la collaboration, le financement de la recherche et la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP œuvre à assurer la réussite durable du secteur porcin canadien. » Pour en savoir plus, visitez swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :

Cole Christensen
Directeur des communications et des relations avec les intervenants
Swine Innovation Porc
cchristensen@swineinnovationporc.ca
403-589-3529

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 10, 2025, 9:00am

CWRC commits nearly $20 million to AAFC wheat breeding activities

June 10, 2025 (Carman, MB; Saskatoon, SK; Calgary, AB) – The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has committed $19.9 million over the next three years to a core breeding agreement (CBA) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for the development of field-ready wheat varieties.

The new agreement will ensure Prairie farmers can continue to access high-quality wheat varieties and associated genetics from AAFC’s breeding programs for years to come.

“This agreement is about making sure Canadian wheat farmers continue to have access to top-quality varieties that perform in the real world,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, AB. “By supporting AAFC’s breeding work, we are helping tackle some of the biggest challenges on the farm, like disease, pests and tough weather, while keeping our focus on the quality standards our customers count on.”

CWRC funding via the 2025-28 CBA will support the development of field-ready Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Amber Durum, Canada Prairie Spring Red, Canada Western Soft White Spring and Canada Western Red Winter wheat varieties that reduce business risk and enhance competitiveness for western Canadian farmers.

AAFC will aim to develop wheat varieties with strong resistance to diseases such as Fusarium head blight, rusts and leaf spotting diseases, as well as insect pests such as orange wheat blossom midge and wheat stem sawfly. AAFC will also prioritize new varieties that can withstand adverse environmental conditions such as heat and drought stress. Strict quality standards will ensure all new varieties address market needs.

“Researchers with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have been breeding wheat for 100 years, supporting Canadian farmers in maintaining their global reputation for producing a premium product,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will ensure our farmers have wheat varieties that can better overcome disease and weather challenges, and maintain Canada’s competitive advantage in cereal production.”

CWRC investment through the new CBA is divided among the organization’s founding members by a funding shares agreement. The CWRC also maintains CBAs with the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre, the University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Cole Christensen
Communications Manager
Manitoba Crop Alliance
403-589-3529
cole@mbcropalliance.ca

Andrea Lauder
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission
306-653-7967
andrea.lauder@saskwheat.ca

Harley Groeneveld
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
Alberta Grains
403-371-2132
hgroeneveld@albertagrains.com

About the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition:
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) is a collaboration between Manitoba Crop Alliance, the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and Alberta Grains aimed at improving the net relative profitability of wheat for western Canadian farmers. The CWRC facilitates a collaborative approach to producer funding of regional and national research projects in variety development and agronomy.

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on May 13, 2025, 12:05pm

Grain Growers of Canada Welcomes New Cabinet, Urges Immediate Action on Trade and Tax Relief

May 13, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcomes the appointment of Canada’s new federal Cabinet and urges immediate action to support grain farmers and protect the viability of the sector. As Parliament prepares to return, swift action is needed to safeguard farmers’ bottom line, sustain Canada’s role as a reliable supplier of grain and grain products, and prevent further strain on the economy.

To grow Canada’s $45-billion grain export sector and secure the future of family-run grain farms, GGC is calling for urgent progress on three fronts: resetting trade relationships with Canada’s two largest trading partners for grain and grain products, the United States and China; passing legislation to permanently remove the carbon tax from on-farm activities; and issuing a formal reversal of the capital gains tax increase. Canadian grain producers are looking for these measures to be addressed before the summer recess to prevent further strain on family farm operations, export competitiveness, and the broader economy.

GGC looks forward to working with Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne, Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly, and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin. GGC equally welcomes Secretaries of State Buckley Belanger, John Zerucelli and Rechie Valdez.

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Media Contact:

Hana Sabah
Manager, Communications
Grain Growers of Canada
E: hana@graingrowers.ca | P: 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 24, 2025, 11:15am

GGC launches Vote for Grain campaign to give farmers a voice this election

March 24, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – As Canadians head to the polls, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is launching Vote for Grain, a national campaign to engage grain farmers in the federal election and ensure their voices are heard.

“This election comes at a pivotal moment for grain farmers,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “Farmers are facing mounting challenges, and this campaign gives them a direct way to engage with their local candidates and understand where political parties stand on key issues affecting their operations. Political parties need to hear directly from farmers about the policies that will shape their livelihoods.”

The campaign is available at www.VoteforGrain.ca and features a click-and-send tool that allows farmers to easily contact their local candidates. It also includes a key issues guide that outlines challenges facing producers such as trade uncertainty with the U.S. and China, the carbon tax, and the capital gains tax increase. It also highlights the need for plant breeding investments, extended interswitching, and the right to repair—issues that directly impact farmers’ competitiveness and profitability.

“This is a critical time for grain farmers as we are being hit from all sides,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC. “Trade uncertainty causing a fall in commodity prices, rising input costs, and increasing government taxation and regulation are putting intense pressure on farmers. This election—and the decisions made in the years to come—will determine the future of Canadian grain farming. Political parties need to understand what’s at stake and commit to supporting our sector.”

GGC will issue a questionnaire to political parties to clarify their positions on key issues and will update the guide accordingly. GGC is calling on all grain farmers to visit www.VoteforGrain.ca to participate and ensure grain farming remains a priority this election.

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For more information, please contact:

Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | media@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 10, 2025, 3:42pm

Canadian Grain Farmers Threatened by Trade War on Two Fronts with the U.S. and China

March 10, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Canadian grain farmers are facing a trade crisis on two fronts, with escalating tariffs from both the United States and China threatening billions in exports and putting the future of family farms at exceptional risk. The Chinese government’s decision to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canadian canola oil, canola meal, and peas comes as trade tensions with the U.S. continue to pressure Canada’s grain sector.

“With uncertainty mounting with the United States, our largest export market, the last thing grain farmers needed was a trade war with China, our second largest export market,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “Together, the U.S. and China account for over half of all Canadian grain exports — losing access or facing exorbitant tariffs in both markets at once is a threat farmers cannot afford to absorb.”

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) echo the concerns raised by the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), Canola Council of Canada (CCC), and Pulse Canada that farmers are facing mounting pressure which could cause a net loss for many.

In 2024, Canada exported 2 million metric tonnes of canola meal to China, valued at $918 million, and over 15,000 metric tonnes of canola oil, valued at over $20.5 million. The five-year average for yellow pea exports to China stands at over 1.5 million metric tonnes, valued at more than $740 million annually. Canada also exports over $17 billion worth of grain and grain products to the U.S. each year — a market increasingly threatened by shifting trade policies.

“These tariffs will push down the prices farmers receive for our crops, just as input costs and government regulations are already eating into our bottom line,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC. “When farmers see prices drop, it impacts every part of their operation — from how much they can invest in next year’s crop to their ability to support their families. We’re being forced to pay the price for political decisions beyond our control.”

The Chinese tariffs are a direct response to Canada’s recent decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.

“Farmers are being treated as collateral damage in international trade disputes,” Larkin said. “We’re calling on the government to take immediate action — first, to engage with China to find a resolution and, second, to establish a compensation plan to cover the financial losses farmers are facing.”

GGC stands with CCGA, CCC, and Pulse Canada in urging the federal government to defend Canada’s agricultural sector and maintain access to key export markets.

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For more information, please contact:
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | media@graingrowers.ca