NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 8, 2026, 12:48pm

Grain Farmers of Ontario Joins Grain Growers of Canada, Strengthening National Advocacy

Jan. 8, 2026 (Ottawa & Guelph, Ont.) — Canada’s grain sector is strengthening its national advocacy voice as Grain Farmers of Ontario formally joins Grain Growers of Canada, with federal decisions on trade, transportation, research, and infrastructure taking centre stage.

Grain Growers of Canada represents grain farmers through its national, provincial, and regional member organizations, bringing a unified national voice to federal discussions on behalf of grain producers across the country. For nearly 25 years, the organization has advocated for the grain sector’s competitiveness and long-term viability, advancing policy grounded in on-farm realities for a sector generating $45 billion in annual exports.

“For decades, grain farmers have been dealing with the fallout of long-standing issues that have been left unresolved,” said Scott Hepworth, chair, Grain Growers of Canada. “Global market instability is exposing cracks across the system, and Grain Farmers of Ontario joining Grain Growers of Canada reflects just how broad these pressures are and why a unified national voice, representing every major grain-producing region, is critical now.”

Ontario is one of Canada’s largest grain-producing provinces and a critical contributor to the country’s export economy. Grain Farmers of Ontario joins Grain Growers of Canada alongside its 14 other grain grower groups from across the country, strengthening national representation to ensure the sector can continue to move grain efficiently, compete internationally, and respond to changing market conditions.

“Ontario’s grain farmers are strongest when we stand united with our peers across Canada,” said Jeff Harrison, chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Joining the Grain Growers of Canada is a strategic decision that reflects today’s political landscape and positions all grain farmers for long-term success. We bring deep expertise and a strong voice to national discussions, and we are committed to working collaboratively to advance policies that benefit farmers from coast to coast.”

Together, Grain Farmers of Ontario and Grain Growers of Canada will work to ensure federal policy frameworks governing a wide range of critical topics – such as trade, transportation, research, and infrastructure – reflect the operational realities of grain farming and the consequences those decisions carry for Canada’s export economy.

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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 100,000 producers through our 15 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 120 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.

About Grain Farmers of Ontario:
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover more than six million acres of farmland, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, contribute over $27 billion in economic output, and support more than 90,000 jobs across the province.

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

Susan Blundell
Director, Communications
Grain Farmers of Ontario
226-820-6641 | sblundell@gfo.ca media@gfo.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 6, 2026, 2:00pm

Swine Innovation Porc announces first projects under national “Advancing Swine Research” initiative

Jan. 6, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is pleased to announce four research projects under its Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals, a national initiative designed to strengthen the resiliency, sustainability, and competitiveness of Canada’s pork sector.

Supported by the Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA), the projects announced today represent the first set of approved investments under a highly competitive, industry-guided research call. Additional approved projects will be announced as partner co-funding decisions are finalized.

For the four projects announced today, SIP will invest up to $488,347, mobilizing up to $1.18 million in total project funding to advance innovation across priority areas including housing systems, animal health, energy efficiency, and product quality.

“SIP is proud to lead this national research effort that channels research investments into meaningful, targeted impact for producers and processors,” said Mark Ferguson, Chair of SIP. “This call delivered exceptional proposals from across Canada, and the projects we are advancing will help producers meet today’s challenges while positioning the sector for long-term success.”

Projects were selected through a rigorous review process informed by industry input and scientific expertise, ensuring research outcomes are relevant, impactful, and positioned to deliver value back to producers and processors.

The projects will explore innovations such as alternative lactation housing systems, vaccine development for PEDV and PDCoV, passive barn-cooling technologies to reduce heat stress, and advanced food-safety interventions to improve pork quality.

“This announcement reflects important outcomes from a structured, nationally co-ordinated approach to deploying industry-driven research,” said Daniel Ramage, General Manager of SIP. By working closely with provincial pork organizations, industry partners and the PPRA, we are ensuring every research dollar supports practical solutions that deliver value back to producers and processors.”

The Advancing Swine Research initiative supports one to three-year projects running from 2025 to 2028 and involves collaboration among leading research institutions across Canada.

To learn more about the Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals and the projects announced today, visit research.swineinnovationporc.ca.

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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 further information, contact:

Cole Christensen
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
1 (403) 589-3529

Swine Innovation Porc annonce les premiers projets dans le cadre de l’initiative nationale « Faire progresser la recherche porcine »

6 janvier 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) est heureuse d’annoncer quatre projets de recherche dans le cadre de son appel de propositions « Faire progresser la recherche porcine», une initiative nationale visant à renforcer la résilience, la durabilité et la compétitivité du secteur porcin canadien.

Soutenus par l’Office canadien de promotion et de recherche pour le porc (OCPRP), les projets annoncés aujourd’hui constituent la première série d’investissements approuvés à l’issue d’un appel à projets de recherche hautement concurrentiel, guidé par l’industrie. D’autres projets approuvés seront annoncés dès que les décisions de cofinancement des partenaires seront finalisées.

Pour les quatre projets annoncés aujourd’hui, SIP investira jusqu’à 488 347 $, mobilisant ainsi jusqu’à 1,18 million $ en financement total des projets afin de stimuler l’innovation dans des domaines prioritaires, notamment les systèmes de logement, la santé animale, l’efficacité énergétique et la qualité des produits.

« SIP est fier de diriger cet effort de recherche national qui canalise les investissements dans la recherche vers des résultats significatifs et ciblés pour les producteurs et les transformateurs », a déclaré Mark Ferguson, président de SIP. « Cet appel a donné lieu à des propositions exceptionnelles provenant de partout au Canada et les projets que nous menons aideront les producteurs à relever les défis actuels tout en positionnant le secteur pour une réussite à long terme. »

Les projets ont été sélectionnés à l’issue d’un processus d’examen rigoureux fondé sur les commentaires de l’industrie et l’expertise scientifique, afin de garantir que les résultats de la recherche soient pertinents, percutants et susceptibles d’apporter une valeur ajoutée aux producteurs et aux transformateurs.

Les projets exploreront des innovations telles que des systèmes alternatifs d’hébergement en période de lactation, le développement de vaccins contre le VDEP et le DCVP, des technologies de refroidissement passif des étables pour réduire le stress thermique, ainsi que des interventions avancées en matière de salubrité alimentaire afin d’améliorer la qualité du porc.

« Cette annonce reflète les résultats importants d’une approche structurée et coordonnée à l’échelle nationale pour déployer la recherche axée sur l’industrie », a déclaré Daniel Ramage, directeur général de SIP. En travaillant en étroite collaboration avec les organisations porcines provinciales, les partenaires de l’industrie et l’OCPRP, nous veillons à ce que chaque dollar investi dans la recherche soutienne des solutions pratiques qui apportent une valeur ajoutée aux producteurs et aux transformateurs. »

L’initiative Faire progresser la recherche porcine soutient des projets d’une durée d’un à trois ans, menés entre 2025 et 2028, et implique la collaboration entre les principaux instituts de recherche du Canada.

Pour en savoir plus sur l’appel à propositions Faire progresser la recherche porcine et les projets annoncés aujourd’hui, rendez-vous sur research.swineinnovationporc.ca.

À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

Swine Innovation Porc se consacre à stimuler l’innovation et le progrès dans l’industrie porcine canadienne. Grâce à la collaboration, au financement de la recherche et à la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP œuvre pour assurer le succès durable du secteur porcin canadien. Pour en savoir plus, consultez le site swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :

Cole Christensen
Directeur des communications et des relations avec les parties prenantes
Swine Innovation Porc
info@swineinnovationporc.ca
1 (403) 589-3529

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on November 17, 2025, 2:17pm

Canadian agri-food leaders in Washington to champion North American competitiveness ahead of USMCA review

Nov. 17, 2025 (Ottawa, ON; Washington, D.C.) – Canada’s leading agri-food exporters are in Washington, D.C., this week, meeting with U.S. lawmakers to underscore how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) drives jobs, growth, and food security across North America.

The delegation, organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), brings together 12 national industry groups representing Canada’s grains, livestock, food-processing, and life sciences sectors, industries that account for more than 90% of farmers and the agri-food industry that depends on trade.

“CAFTA is in Washington to highlight what the USMCA makes possible,” said Greg Northey, Chair of CAFTA. “It’s the backbone of our shared economic security, keeping cross-border supply chains efficient, competitive, and delivering affordable, high-quality food to consumers on both sides of the border.”

Canada is the largest customer for U.S. agri-food exports, purchasing more than US $722 per person in American farm products every year.

The USMCA, which entered into force in 2020, faces its first joint review in 2026, a pivotal test of North America’s ability to keep borders open and supply chains competitive. Canadian agri-food exporters are urging all three governments to reaffirm the agreement’s full 16-year term to provide predictability for farmers, processors, and consumers alike.

“Certainty is the currency of trade,” said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA. “Extending the USMCA will send the strongest possible signal to markets that North America remains open, reliable, and ready to compete.”

Canada, the United States, and Mexico launched consultations ahead of the review. CAFTA’s submission notes that despite political uncertainty, agri-food trade has remained stable, tariff-free, and mutually beneficial, with strong U.S. industry support for rules-based trade with Canada.

CAFTA’s Washington mission also stresses the importance of managing trade, border, and security relationships as part of a single North American framework.

“Integrated supply chains ensure the economic competitiveness of both our countries,” added Harvey. “This review is the moment to double down on what works: predictability, partnership, and a shared commitment that keeps our food systems resilient.”

Representatives from CAFTA will be available to speak with media at the conclusion of the week’s meetings.

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About CAFTA:
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national and regional organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food and life science industries, who together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org.

For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on November 4, 2025, 4:40pm

Budget 2025 Provides Clarity for Canadian Grain Farmers but Raises Concerns for Competitiveness

Nov. 4, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) responded to targeted wins for grain farmers in Budget 2025, including the permanent reversal of the capital gains tax increase, but cautioned that other measures could undermine farm competitiveness.

“Budget 2025 acknowledged the impact that the capital gains tax increase would have had on family-run grain farms across Canada by permanently reversing it,” began Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This will ensure that family farms can continue their succession planning with certainty and that the next generation of farmers does not pay millions of dollars more in taxes.”

The budget also allocated significant sums towards trade diversification, including in response to the challenges that growers are currently facing due to Chinese tariffs on canola and peas. This includes the creation of a Strategic Exports Office and funds for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to modernize trade tools and secure market access.

“I’m seeing first-hand how trade uncertainty is impacting grain farmers across the country,” said Scott Hepworth, Chair of Grain Growers of Canada and a grain farmer from Saskatchewan. “With challenges in the U.S. and tariffs in China, producers are under real pressure. The new investments in digital export tools and market diversification are positive steps. We need every tool available to keep grain moving, find new customers, and protect our bottom line in an unpredictable global environment.”

Infrastructure also features prominently in Budget 2025, with $213 million for the Major Projects Office to coordinate public and private investment and a new $5 billion Trade Diversification Fund to strengthen Canada’s export corridors. With nearly 70% of Canadian grain exported, efficient port infrastructure remains vital to keeping products moving to global markets on time and competitively.

“We continue to urge the government to add the Port of Vancouver to the next major projects list,” said Larkin. “It’s the single most important export gateway for Canadian grain, and its inclusion would send a clear signal that Ottawa is serious about improving trade competitiveness.”

Missing from the budget, however, was any commitment to extended interswitching, a key measure that expired in March 2025 and had allowed the sector to access competing rail lines, reducing shipping costs and improving service. “Without extended interswitching, farmers lose a competitive tool that kept costs in check and performance accountable,” Larkin warned.

GGC also expressed concern over the government’s plan to reduce Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s operating budget by 15% over three years, a move that could undermine public research and breeding programs essential to innovation and productivity.

“While Budget 2025 provides much-needed clarity for farmers, it falls short of delivering the full competitiveness framework needed,” continued Larkin. “We look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure the sector remains competitive, resilient, and profitable to drive Canada’s export economy.”

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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 October 14, 2025, 9:00am

Swine Innovation Porc Announces New Chair

Oct. 14, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is pleased to announce that Mark Ferguson was elected as Chair of the organization on September 25, 2025.

“I am honoured to be elected as Chair of SIP,” said Ferguson. “I look forward to working with our members and partners towards our shared vision of ensuring long-term profitable pork production through collaborative research and innovation.”

Ferguson brings more than 20 years of experience to the role. As General Manager of SaskPork, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he has been instrumental in advancing numerous industry growth initiatives. He grew up on a family farm near Edgeley, Saskatchewan, and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Prairie Swine Centre.

“The value SIP provides by bringing producer groups and industry partners together across Canada for coordinated research is key to our sector’s success.” added Ferguson. “By advancing science-based solutions SIP is helping the Canadian pork sector build on its strengths.”

Ferguson joins René Roy (Vice-Chair) and Jorge Correa (Treasurer) on the SIP Board of Director’s Executive team. He succeeds outgoing Chair Arno Schober, who led the Board since 2021. “We are pleased to welcome Mark as Chair as we continue providing leadership in the Canadian pork research community” added SIP General Manager Daniel Ramage. “We also extend our sincere thanks to Arno for his years of service to our organization and commend his efforts driving innovation on behalf of the pork value chain.”

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About Swine Innovation Porc:

For more information, contact:

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

Swine Innovation Porc annonce un nouveau président

Le 14 octobre 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) est heureux d’annoncer que Mark Ferguson a été élu président de l’organisation le 25 septembre 2025.

« Je suis honoré d’avoir été élu président de SIP », a déclaré M. Ferguson. « Je me réjouis de travailler avec nos membres et nos partenaires à la réalisation de notre vision commune qui consiste à garantir une production porcine rentable à long terme grâce à la recherche collaborative et à l’innovation. »

M. Ferguson apporte plus de 20 ans d’expérience à ce poste. En tant que directeur général de SaskPork, basé à Saskatoon, en Saskatchewan, il a joué un rôle déterminant dans la promotion de nombreuses initiatives de croissance de l’industrie. Il a grandi dans une ferme familiale près d’Edgeley, en Saskatchewan, et occupe actuellement le poste de président du conseil d’administration du Prairie Swine Centre.

« La valeur qu’apporte SIP en réunissant des groupes de producteurs et des partenaires industriels de tout le Canada pour mener des recherches coordonnées est essentielle au succès de notre secteur », a ajouté M. Ferguson. « En proposant des solutions fondées sur la science, SIP aide le secteur porcin canadien à tirer parti de ses atouts. »

M. Ferguson rejoint René Roy (vice-président) et Jorge Correa (trésorier) au sein de l’équipe de direction du conseil d’administration de SIP. Il remplace le président sortant Arno Schober, qui dirigeait le conseil depuis 2021.

« Nous sommes ravis d’accueillir Mark en tant que président alors que nous continuons à jouer un rôle de chef de file dans le milieu de la recherche porcine au Canada », a ajouté Daniel Ramage, directeur général de SIP. « Nous tenons également à remercier sincèrement Arno pour ses années de service au sein de notre organisation et à saluer ses efforts de stimulation de l’innovation au nom de la chaîne de valeur du porc. »

À propos de Swine Innovation Porc :

Swine Innovation Porc est engagé à stimuler l’innovation et le progrès dans l’industrie canadienne du porc. Grâce à la collaboration, au financement de la recherche et à la promotion du transfert des connaissances, SIP travaille à assurer le succès continu du secteur canadien du porc. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le site www.swineinnovationporc.ca.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :

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

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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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 August 11, 2025, 1:10pm

GGC Summer Tour to Bring Farmer Voices to the Forefront of Federal Policy

OTTAWA, August 11, 2025 – As policy pressures mount across the grain sector, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is touring the Prairies to hear directly from producers and bring their concerns directly to Members of Parliament and back to Ottawa.

From August 11 to 14, GGC Executive Director Kyle Larkin will be visiting grain farms across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, joined by local Members of Parliament. The GGC Summer Tour will spotlight the real-world impact of federal decisions on grain farming including trade uncertainty, the capital gains tax increase and decreasing research funding.

Larkin will be available for media interviews to highlight challenges facing grain producers and the policy changes needed to support their immediate and long-term success.

Who: Kyle Larkin, Executive Director, Grain Growers of Canada; Members of Parliament; Grain Growers of Canada members

What: Grain Growers of Canada Summer Tour – Crop tours and meetings with MPs

When and Where:

August 11 – Randolph, Man. and Cypress River, Man.
August 12 – Carievale, Sask. and Churchbridge, Sask.
August 13 – Davidson, Sask. and Daylesford, Sask.
August 14 – Killam, Alta. and Smoky Lake, Alta.

Why: With harvest approaching and policy and trade uncertainty continuing to disrupt the grain sector, GGC is working to bring the realities of grain farms directly to Ottawa. Ahead of the fall parliamentary session, the Summer Tour will connect GGC with producers and local MPs to ensure federal decision-makers understand the immediate pressures facing grain farmers and the long-term solutions needed to strengthen the sector.

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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 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