Episodes

  • Canadians Divided Around Perception of Canada’s Food System: CCFI

    Canadians Divided Around Perception of Canada’s Food System: CCFI
    Nov 22 2024
    A report by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) finds Canadians are becoming increasingly divided in their perception of the national food system. The CCFI 2024 Public Trust Research finds that 31% of Canadians believe the food system is on the right track, representing a three-point drop from last year. Meanwhile, 29% believe the system is moving in the wrong direction. This marks the first time in nearly a decade that public opinion is almost completely split on whether Canada’s food system is improving. Public concern over food prices has eased slightly, with 51% saying it remains a top issue. It’s a three-point improvement over last year. However, positive perceptions of the food system are down, with only 45% holding a favourable view, a seven-point drop from 2023. Negative impressions increased sharply, up to 18%, compared to last year’s 11%.
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    2 mins
  • Zebra Mussels Pose Danger to Crops

    Zebra Mussels Pose Danger to Crops
    Nov 19 2024
    From rocks to docks, steel boats to plastic floats, zebra and quagga muscles pose a threat to Alberta's waterways and can cause considerable damage, ecologically and financially. The problem with these invasive muscles is threefold. One, their ability to reproduce is astounding, says Paige Kuczmarski with the Alberta Invasive Species Council. One female muscle can produce up to a million eggs. Two, they filter out suspended matter and food particles, which means native fish species aren't getting enough to eat. And three, their The ability to latch on to hard surfaces means muscles can and will clog irrigation and water infrastructure, which can devastate crops.
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    2 mins
  • AgKnow to Relaunch Free Mental Health Support Sessions for Farmers

    AgKnow to Relaunch Free Mental Health Support Sessions for Farmers
    Nov 18 2024
    Alberta-based mental health organization AgKnow will be relaunching its free mental health support sessions for farmers, farm families, farm employees, and veterinarians across the province. Recent funding from the Alberta Treasury Branch has allowed AgKnow to resume the free sessions, which had been paused as it awaited provincial grant funding. AgKnow Director Linda Hunt explains why these free sessions are vital for the ag community. "Farmers have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk," she says. "To combat that and to work with getting some services out into the industry as fast as possible, we decided to build a network where we have engaged with councillors in rural Alberta, that have that lived farm experience and are ready to offer services to farmers. That has been a main focus of our initiative from the beginning."
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    2 mins
  • Prairie Weather this Week - Southern Alberta - November 18

    Prairie Weather this Week - Southern Alberta - November 18
    Nov 18 2024
    Snow! The long spell of endless days of dry weather come to an end across much of the agricultural prairies this week, as a series of systems will bring rain and snow to the parched plain. And. not a moment too soon, as, according to the latest Canadian Drought Monitor, drought or dry conditions have returned to parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, due to a lack of rainfall, higher than average temperatures, and drying wind.
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    1 min
  • New Research Sheds Light on Grazing Strategies to Boost Pasture and Livestock Productivity

    New Research Sheds Light on Grazing Strategies to Boost Pasture and Livestock Productivity
    Nov 10 2024
    New research from the University of Guelph is revealing how different grazing strategies can transform pasture productivity and livestock health. Kayleigh DeCoste is a master’s student in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. Her master's research is looking at the effects of different grazing strategies on pasture performance and cow-calf performance on Ontario pastures. For more on this story go to ruralrootscanada.com.
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    2 mins
  • The Effect of Low-Quality Forage on Animal Efficiency and Enteric Methane Emissions

    The Effect of Low-Quality Forage on Animal Efficiency and Enteric Methane Emissions
    Nov 8 2024
    How do low-quality forages affect animal efficiency and enteric methane emissions? That's the question a student at the University of Guelph has some answers to. Madeline McLennan is studying at the University of Guelph in the Department of Animal Biosciences, focusing on beef nutrition and physiology. Her primary focus right now is on the impact of low-quality forages. For more on this story go to RuralRootsCanada.com
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    2 mins
  • ‘It Rolled Right Over Me’: A Brush With Death and a Fresh Perspective

    ‘It Rolled Right Over Me’: A Brush With Death and a Fresh Perspective
    Oct 28 2024
    Dennis Blackburn survived a terrifying tractor rollover that could’ve left him paralyzed or worse. Despite extensive injuries to his neck and back, he made a remarkable recovery. His story is a reminder that no matter how familiar you are with farm equipment, safety always comes first.
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    2 mins
  • Family Powers Vintage Tractor Pulls

    Family Powers Vintage Tractor Pulls
    Oct 21 2024
    Family. Passion. Power. Three generations of the Elliott family share a love of vintage tractor pulling. Darcy, Michael and Allan Elliott from Blackie, Alberta, shared the stage at the Calgary Stampede for the first time this past summer. This passion, which has driven three generations of the family, all started when Darcy had a fateful encounter with a vintage tractor. For more on this story go to Rural Roots Canada.com
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    2 mins