Agriculture

Agriculture

Prime Minister Mark Carney visits a berry picking farm with local Liberal byelection candidate Daniel Gobeil, left, in Saguenay Thursday, August 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Dairy farmer turned Liberal MP vows to be voice for tariff-hit Quebec region

Émilie Bergeron, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Sep. 5, 2026

OTTAWA - Newly elected Liberal MP Daniel Gobeil says his experience as a dairy farmer and agricultural leader will help him be a voice in Ottawa for a Quebec region on the front lines of the Canada-U.S. trade war.

The former president of Quebec's dairy producers says he may already have contributed to Canada's approach to the Trump administration, even before voters in Chicoutimi—Le Fjord elected him to Parliament in an Aug. 31 byelection.

"My opinion was taken into account, even when I was still a candidate," Gobeil said in an interview on Friday with The Canadian Press.

Gobeil, who also served as vice-president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said Prime Minister Mark Carney gave him a "receptive ear" during the campaign as Canada negotiated with the United States.

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Sep. 8, 6 PM: 14°c Cloudy with wind Sep. 9, 12 AM: 12°c Cloudy with wind

Brandon MB

17°C, Cloudy with wind

Full Forecast

Agriculture

Debora Rodrigues knits a maple leaf mitten as she watches the gold medal women's hockey game between Canada the United States, at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, at a pub in Ottawa on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Canadian wool and yarn producers look to untangle themselves from the U.S.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Canadian wool and yarn producers look to untangle themselves from the U.S.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Saturday, Sep. 5, 2026

OTTAWA - U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs have led to a tangle of red tape and extra expenses for Canadian wool producers and hobbyists, and some are walking away from their U.S. customers altogether.

Judy Enright Smith, who owns the Wabi Sabi yarn shop in Ottawa, said she's running out of patience. The last time her American supplier visited, she wore an "Elbows Up" T-shirt.

"At first, it was business," she said. "Now, it's personal."

The U.S. has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on greasy wool imports and some finished wool products, affecting Canadian wool producers who ship their product south to be scoured.

Read
Saturday, Sep. 5, 2026

Agriculture

KAP hires interim executive director

1 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Keystone Agricultural Producers has hired an interim executive director as it searches for a replacement for the outgoing Colin Hornby.

The organization announced on Friday that it has hired Jim Smolik from an interim management company. It will continue to search for a permanent executive director while Smolik leads the organization.

Smolik will start on Sept. 8.

He said he is familiar with the organization after working with KAP on a contract basis in the past.

Agriculture

A pumpjack draws out oil and gas from a well head with a canola field in the background near Cremona, Alta., Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Canada has the third largest oil reserves in the world and is the world's fourth largest oil producer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The president says the U.S. doesn’t need anything from Canada. Exports say otherwise.

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

The president says the U.S. doesn’t need anything from Canada. Exports say otherwise.

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

OTTAWA - "WE DON'T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!" U.S. President Donald Trump's social media post this week was a continuation on a theme he's maintained throughout the trade war: that his country doesn't need anything from Canada.

Experts — and exports — say that's not the case.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has urged the federal government to use some exports as leverage at the negotiating table — and after Trump's latest escalation, he called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to cut off the supply of things like oil and gas, potash and critical minerals.

So far, Canada has been unwilling to take that step.

Read
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Agriculture

Cam Dahl, left, general manager of Manitoba Pork and Rick Prejet, chair of Manitoba Pork, pose for a photo at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, after they met with their American counterparts, on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kelly Geraldine Malone

Pork and politics: Canadians bring trade pitch to Iowa state fair

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Pork and politics: Canadians bring trade pitch to Iowa state fair

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

DES MOINES - Pork is a popular topic at the Iowa State Fair as hungry patrons mow down on barbecue and curious children gaze with wide eyes at the state's biggest pig.

But the 11-day fair in Des Moines has also proven an important opportunity for Canadians to make their case at a time of tumult in the Canada-U.S. relationship.

"Sometimes you just need to remind people in Iowa that that relationship is really beneficial for them," said Rick Préjet, chair of Manitoba Pork, at the state fair on Friday.

Préjet and Manitoba Pork general manager Cam Dahl were among a Manitoba-led Canadian delegation to the fair who met with local politicians and industry groups, including the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Read
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

Agriculture

A goat belonging to Greg Krauter, who was forced to evacuate his Summerland, B.C., property with his seven goats due to the Bald Range wildfire, stands in the back of his truck outside an evacuee centre, in Penticton, B.C., on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. The Bald Range wildfire in British Columbia's south Okanagan region has forced 20,000 people out of their homes in the Peachland and Summerland areas. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

From goats to porcupines, these animal evacuees escaped B.C. wildfire

Nono Shen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

From goats to porcupines, these animal evacuees escaped B.C. wildfire

Nono Shen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

When a wildfire roared toward Summerland, B.C., staff from the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society had to evacuate about 30 animals from the facility in an hour.

Eva Hartmann, founder of the sanctuary, said the centre was destroyed — but the animals have all been safely relocated to a wildlife centre in Kamloops, B.C., about 220 kilometres northeast.

They include bats, skunks, a porcupine, a baby beaver named Poppy, two otters, 14 water birds and three turtles, said Ryan Cope, a volunteer.

"So, it was a bit of a Noah's Ark menagerie getting them out, and they really only had an hour to get out before the fire blew through the property," said Cope, adding that it was chaotic to corral the birds to their respective kennels.

Read
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Agriculture

Cattle walk and graze at a ranch as the Bradley Creek wildfire burns in the distance, in Vernon, B.C., Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Why some B.C. farmers stay to fight, despite wildfire evacuation orders

Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

Why some B.C. farmers stay to fight, despite wildfire evacuation orders

Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

When Tom Davison's son-in-law invested in firefighting equipment for their orchard near Vernon, B.C., after a wildfire swept past in 2021, Davison wasn't sure the hoses would get much use.

He figured the blaze, which caused smoke damage to the property, would be a once-a-century experience.

But after high winds pushed flames up to the fence line of Davison Orchards' property on Aug. 1, Davison said he was grateful for his son-in-law's foresight that helped protect the orchard that has been in the family for five generations.

"The fact that he had the proper equipment on site was really a big part of why we were able to do what we did that night," he said.

Read
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

Agriculture

Cows graze on a dairy farm in Granby, Que., on Thursday, July 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Dairy farmers warn against concessions as U.S. tariff deadline looms

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Dairy farmers warn against concessions as U.S. tariff deadline looms

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

OTTAWA - Canadian dairy farmers are warning against any concessions involving their sector as trade talks intensify with the United States ahead of President Donald Trump's tariff deadline.

A new round of 50 per cent American tariffs on a range of Canadian goods is set to take effect on Aug. 19. Unlike most of Trump’s other tariffs, these would have no exemptions for goods that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement on trade.

The supply management system that protects Canadian dairy has been cited by the U.S. as a key irritant in trade negotiations and Trump has complained repeatedly about the level of U.S. dairy farmers' access to Canada's market.

Dairy Farmers of Canada says it's urging the federal government not to offer any more concessions on dairy or supply management in talks with the United States.

Read
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

Agriculture

The RCMP crest hangs at a headquarters building in Surrey, B.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Alberta RCMP charge man with theft, forging documents in cattle rustling case

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Alberta RCMP charge man with theft, forging documents in cattle rustling case

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

DIAMOND VALLEY, ALBERTA - Mounties say a man has been charged in an investigation into the theft and fraudulent sale of cattle in southern Alberta.

RCMP say officers received a report of cattle rustling in February.

They say five long-horned cows were stolen from a pasture in the Eden Valley area, about 110 kilometres southwest of Calgary.

RCMP say they later determined a person sold cattle through auctions in Fort Macleod and Picture Butte and provided documentation believed to be fraudulent.

Read
Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

Agriculture

The closed rail line and Port of Churchill in Churchill, Man., Tuesday, July 3, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Port of Churchill to ship grain for first time since 2020

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Port of Churchill to ship grain for first time since 2020

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026

CHURCHILL - The owners of the Port of Churchill in northern Manitoba say grain is set to move through the terminal for the first time since 2020.

Arctic Gateway Group says the restart of grain shipments on Friday is another step toward revitalizing the deepwater Arctic port.

The Indigenous-owned company didn't say how much grain it expects to flow through the port this year.

It says that along with grain, the port will ship potash, zinc and supplies destined for Nunavut.

Read
Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026

Agriculture

A picture of Prime Minister Mark Carney shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen on the cover of the weekend edition of the China Daily newspaper as a reader thumbs through the pages in Beijing, China on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

China imposing 73.5 per cent anti-dumping tariffs on Canadian pea starch

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

China imposing 73.5 per cent anti-dumping tariffs on Canadian pea starch

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

OTTAWA - China is imposing a 73.5 per cent tariff on pea starch from Canada starting Wednesday.

The Chinese commerce ministry says the levy is the result of an anti-dumping investigation it launched in August last year that found Canadian products were dumped in China.

Pea starch is commonly used as a thickener and stabilizer in food products, animal feed and medication.

Tensions between Canada and China eased after Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing in January and struck a new strategic partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade irritants.

Read
Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

Agriculture

The Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BHP (Mandatory Credit)

BHP hikes cost of Jansen potash mine project in Saskatchewan by US$2 billion

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

BHP hikes cost of Jansen potash mine project in Saskatchewan by US$2 billion

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

SASKATOON - Global mining giant BHP says the second phase of its Jansen potash mine is expected to cost 40 per cent more than previously expected.

The Australia-based company says it now estimates a price tag of US$6.9 billion, up from the US$4.9 billion it had anticipated when it was approved in 2023.

BHP is expecting first production in late 2031 from the mine east of Saskatoon, later than its original expected startup date of 2029.

It says the two-year extension, announced in August of last year, has allowed the miner to review its cost and schedule estimates.

Read
Friday, Jun. 19, 2026

Agriculture

A Richardson's ground squirrel takes in the golf action at a golf course in Banff, Alta., on July 25, 2011. Strychnine has been temporarily allowed for farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan to deal with the ground squirrel, commonly called gophers in Western Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

‘Out of luck’: Strychnine arrives late for Alberta and Saskatchewan farmers

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

‘Out of luck’: Strychnine arrives late for Alberta and Saskatchewan farmers

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 13, 2026

The first window of time for farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan to obtain strychnine to deal with burgeoning ground squirrel populations is about to run out, and many producers are now hoping for better luck next spring.

Wade Nelson, who farms near High River, Alta., about 66 kilometres south of Calgary, said it's best to deal with the rodents when they come out of hibernation and begin mating.

"After the middle of June, you're pretty well out of luck," Nelson said.

Health Canada had previously banned the chemical out of concern for endangered species — such as burrowing owls and swift foxes — and the broader ecosystem.

Read
Saturday, Jun. 13, 2026

Agriculture

A customer looks for produce at a grocery store in Ottawa, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Carney announces national food security strategy meant to expand choice, lower prices

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Carney announces national food security strategy meant to expand choice, lower prices

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

OTTAWA — The Liberal government has announced a national food security strategy aimed at giving Canadians more access to locally produced fruit, vegetables and other fresh items at lower prices.

The plan outlined Thursday is intended to change the way food is bought, sold, transported and distributed in Canada to better support farmers, small independent players and consumers.

The government says the strategy is backed by more than $3 billion in investments over 10 years.

It includes $1 billion for infrastructure — including food terminals and hubs — to help independent grocers compete with large retailers by making it easier for them to buy from farmers and food processors.

Read
Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Agriculture

Martin Imbleau, president and CEO of Alto, second from right, points at Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe as Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Steven MacKinnon, right, looks on following an announcement about the next steps for high-speed rail during a press conference in Gatineau, Que., on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Farm groups urge review of Alto rail project, citing costs and impacts

Pierre Saint-Arnaud, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Farm groups urge review of Alto rail project, citing costs and impacts

Pierre Saint-Arnaud, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

MONTREAL - Farm organizations from Quebec, Ontario and across Canada are calling on Ottawa to revisit the proposed high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto, saying the project could cost far more than projected and cause significant damage to agricultural land.

The Union des producteurs agricoles, Quebec’s largest farm organization, joined the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to call for a new review of the Alto high-speed rail project. Experts and several representatives from the agricultural sector held a press conference on Monday in Berthierville, Que., in the Lanaudière region.

''We are not opposed to progress, but progress cannot come at the expense of the people and the farmland that feeds our communities and this country,'' said Drew Spoelstra, president of the Ontario federation.

The groups pointed to a study published in September 2025 by three researchers from three universities: HEC Montréal, a business school affiliated with the Université de Montréal; Université Laval; and the University of Waterloo. The research was not commissioned by the agricultural organizations.

Read
Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

Agriculture

Morgan Lehmann, left, stands next to her brother Josh Lehmann in an undated handout photo. Josh died by suicide in October 2023 at the age of 20. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Morgan Lehmann (Mandatory Credit)

‘Pick-up man’: Organizations work to address mental health of Canadian farmers

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Pick-up man’: Organizations work to address mental health of Canadian farmers

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Sunday, Jun. 7, 2026

Josh Lehmann was a cowboy from Rosthern, a tiny town near where the North and South Saskatchewan rivers meet and the open prairie rolls into the northern boreal forest.

He was a rodeo rider, a good friend, someone who would stop whatever they were doing to help.

Inside he struggled with his mental health, said his sister.

"He was just a cowboy through and through," Morgan Lehmann said in an interview from her family’s ranch northeast of Saskatoon.

Read
Sunday, Jun. 7, 2026

LOAD MORE AGRICULTURE ARTICLES