Headlines

AFSC pilot to evaluate options to improve AgriStability responsiveness for cow-calf sector

Historical AgriStability analysis demonstrates that capturing full winter feed and pasture cost, along with removing feed inventory price swings during droughts, could significantly improve the responsiveness of the AgriStability program for Alberta’s cow-calf sector. Alberta Beef Producers says a pilot study will be undertaken to determine the most appropriate program design under various winter-feeding practices. Learn more

2024 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame

The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame honours individuals who have advanced Alberta’s agriculture industries, food industries and rural life. Albertans are encouraged to nominate an agricultural leader in their community. Nomination forms and a list of past inductees are available on alberta.ca. Nominations close on May 3. The 2024 Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated at an induction ceremony later this year. Find out more.

Policy Matters: Advancing Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector

There has never been in a time in recent history when food insecurity and food inflation are of more importance to world governments. In the next 40 years, the world will need to produce the equivalent of all the food produced in the last 10,000 years. Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector has the potential to singlehandedly meet this demand — with the right investment. We are one of the few countries with an export-oriented industry, selling upwards of 70% of crops like soybeans, wheat, canola and pulses to other countries. 

The agriculture and agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse, supplying approximately 2.3 million jobs and contributing $143.8 billion (7.4%) to Canada’s GDP, and its continued competitiveness and sustainability are vital to a prosperous future for generations to come. There may be significant challenges to overcome before we can take full advantage of this pivotal economic opportunity, but with the right government investment and supports, we will be able to expand and amplify the sector both domestically and internationally. Read more about what we're asking for through our Chamber and the Canadian Chamber.

Sowing Seeds of Change

At a time when Canadian agriculture continues to struggle with a chronic worker shortage, new data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has found that by the year 2030, there will be more than 100,000 vacant jobs to fill in the industry.  The report, titled Sowing Seeds of Change, states this is due in part to Canada’s aging population as more than 85,300 people - 30 per cent of the workforce - are expected to retire over the same period. The labour market information report says temporary foreign workers (TFW) will play an important role in narrowing the domestic labour gap. However, even with a projected increase in TFW employment by 2030, an estimated 20 per cent or 22,200 positions will remain vacant. The report, which also offers an in-depth analysis by provinces and subsectors, makes a suite of recommendations to attract and retain more agriculture workers. This includes public education to improve perceptions of agriculture, developing and updating HR management practices, and adopting new technology and automation. Read the Report.

AFAC announces immediate closure

Effective March 1, 2024, Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) has officially closed its doors. AFAC was started in 1993 by Alberta livestock producers. Work is underway to transition current activities and resources to other partners, including the ALERT Line. Read the full statement

Digital water licences speed up drought response 

Alberta is asking thousands of water licence users to move their licence online to save time, reduce red tape and help the province during a drought. There are about 25,000 water licences in Alberta. The province now has an easy-to-use digital system that lets users report on water use and manage their licence through a confidential online tool. However, many water licences issued before November 2021 still report in using older electronic and paper-based systems that are slow and hard to track. The digital system will provide a faster and better experience for water licence holders, who will be able to easily access and view licence records. Applying for new licences or renewals will become much quicker, and it will be easier to submit and track incident notifications. Overall, the system provides easy access to important information that licence holders need to manage their licences. 

Moving a licence into the digital system does not change or replace the original licence in any way. There is absolutely no change to the licence priority number. All information submitted through the digital system will continue to be kept strictly confidential. Find out more. 

Funding Updates 

Tax credit for the 2023 tax year available for canola growers

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit rate for canola growers in Alberta is 12.49% for 2023. The SR&ED enables canola growers to claim a tax credit for the portion of their service charge payment that was used to fund qualifying research. Growers who request a refund of their service charge are ineligible to claim the SR&ED tax credit. Learn more

Apply for a spring cash advance

Farmers from across Western Canada can now apply for a 2024 spring cash advance through Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). Many farmers use a spring advance to cover the working capital requirements of putting in the new crop. This year's program offers farmers a combination of no- and low interest financing for their farm business. Applicants are eligible for up to $1 million in financing, with the interest-free component at $100,000 and the remaining at CCGA's interest bearing rate of prime less 0.25%. Read more

Investing in natural drought and flood protection

The province is investing $3.5 million to help make Alberta more naturally drought resilient, to prevent floods and improve water quality. The money will fund eight projects in communities across the province through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program with the next opportunity opening in the summer and the next deadline date set for September 15, 2024. Read more and check out the program page.

Labour Resources

Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council Compensation Survey

Help shape the future of compensation practices in the agricultural industry by participating in this Compensation Survey. You can find the survey, tailored specifically for key industries including finfish, dairy, swine, and grain & oilseed. Complete the survey before March 15, 2024 for a chance to win a $250 gift card!

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)

We are thrilled to share that Growing Opportunities through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) is available again for Summer 2024. Whether a student seeking valuable work experience or an employer eager to invest in emerging talent, SWPP has something special to offer. To apply simply visit the SWPP Application Page and complete the online application form.

If you'd like to learn more about SWPP, including eligibility criteria and detailed program information, please visit the website. For any questions or additional information, reach out to Megan Lockhart at mlockhart@cahrc-ccrha.ca. 

Youth Employment and Skills Program applications opening soon

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food has announced funding of approximately $13.5 million for a new intake under the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP). The initiative aims to support the agricultural sector by creating around 1,200 jobs for Canadian youth. Employers can apply now until March 25, 2024 for their project to be considered. Learn more

Phase 2 of the Recognized Employer Pilot under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program 

Employers are now able to submit applications for positions on Service Canada’s Phase 2 Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) occupations list. These 84 occupations are in high-demand and show shortage conditions based on the Canadian Occupational Projection System assessment of recent labour market conditions (2019-2021). The deadline to submit applications to become a recognized employer is September 16, 2024, however recognized employers will continue to have access to simplified applications for the 84 designated occupations until the end of the pilot on December 31, 2026. If you have questions on the REP, please visit Canada.ca or contact the Employer Contact Centre. 

Canada Alberta Jobs Grant: The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training program where an employer applies on behalf of their present or future employees for eligible training costs. Employers decide who gets training and what type of training may be needed for their employees. Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-job-grant   

Agriculture Job Connector: https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-job-connector.aspx 

We were pleased to launch our partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council at our Ag-Forum on February 21. For anyone interested in the HR toolkit, please use this QR code to gain access to the free HR Toolkit offered during the program.

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Environmental Stewardship Award nominations open

Alberta Beef Producers is accepting nominations for the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA). Each year, this prestigious award recognizes beef producers who exemplify environmentally sustainable beef cattle production.The nomination deadline is March 15, 2024. Learn more and nominate a deserving beef producer

Investing in drone technology for faster, easier assessment of wildlife damage to crops

To help producers address this business risk, Alberta’s government is providing Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) with $900,000 to hire drone services for aerial assessments of crops if Budget 2024 passes. Find out more.

Updating cow-calf management benchmarks across Canada

The Beef Cattle Research Council is asking cow-calf producers to share insight into their on-farm management practices and production methods. The 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey is an online questionnaire that will collect data to help understand trends in production practices and efficiencies over time. The last day to participate in the survey is March 31, 2024. Learn more and participate in the survey

NEW! Foot and Mouth Disease Webpage 

Although it is one of the most contagious animal diseases, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus can be eliminated when proper procedures are followed.

Visit the new Foot and Mouth Disease webpage for more information on symptoms, diagnosis, biosecurity measures and more. 

FCC economics team recap of 2023 

Check out the recap and forecast of the economic and financial variables important for farm operations, food and beverage processors and agribusinesses in 2024. 

AgSafe Alberta Resources
AgSafe Alberta has designed resources to help you create farm-specific and actionable plans to prevent, prepare for, manage and recover from emergencies such as wildfires. When using any of these forms, refer to Module 7: Emergency Preparedness & Management in the AgSafe Alberta FarmSafe Plan Manual.

 Other Resources

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

GROWING UP: FOOD TECH FARM TO FORK - Inventures 2024 May 29-31 | Register

Open Farm Days is back in full gear for the 2024 season, including training sessions for host farms! Training sessions are FREE and are open for anyone that is interested in any farms or organizations interested in participating in an Open Farm Days event.

FCC Events including Business Plan Boot Camp & Young Farmer Summit: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/events.html

AgSafe Alberta is offering the following courses to you for FREE the entire month of March!

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx and upcoming events

Other Resources

• AgKnow: Alberta Farm Mental Health Network
• AgPal: Program and Service Finder
• Agriculture Canada: https://agriculture.canada.ca/. 
• AgriProfit$ Business analysis and research program
• AgriWorkforce Matters Magazine
• AgSafe Alberta
• Alberta Crop Protection Blue Book
• Alberta crop report
• Alberta Farm Mental Health Network
• Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network & Prairie Pest Monitoring Network
• Animal Farm Animal Care infographics
• BCRC Calculators
• Biosecurity and livestock Overview
• Business Wide View: Your one stop shop: connecting farmers and ranchers
• CALF 911 Resources
• Canada Brand
• Canadian Grain Commission - Producer Rights at Delivery
• CowBytes Ration-Balancing software 
• CropChoice$
• Farming the Web - buy or sell products, services or equipment
• FCC Benchmarking Tool
• Fire Bans and Advisories
• Forage U-Pick: An Interactive Forage Species Selection Tool
• Grain Grading Guide
• Grain harvest and export quality
• Keep it Clean! 2023 Product Advisory
• Moisture situation update
• My AAFC Account: Online services for the AgriStability and AgriInvest programs
• Nitrogen Rate Calculator
• Pasture 101
• Seeding Rate Calculator 
• Tools for Veterinarians (Beef Cattle)
• Web tool to find permits, licenses & approval information through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Weekly crop market review
• Weekly livestock market review
• Yield Estimation Calculator from AFSC

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.medicinehatchamber.com/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.