Agripod

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Episodes

314

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

Agriculture through a modern lens. Digging into the topics that matter to you. With Alice Mcfarlane.

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60 recent

September 21, 202620 min

Chlorequat exposure AND International markets for malting barley [REPOST]

A new study from the Environmental Working Group has determined that 80 per cent of Americans are regularly exposed to the plant growth regulator chlormequat. It is used to control growth in grain crops such as oats, wheat, and barley in order to make them easier to harvest. Terry Tyson is the General Manager of Grain Millers Canada in Yorkton, Sask. He provides his take on the situation and shares how this work aligns with the Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society's Interpretive Station. AND The main export market for Canada's malting barley is China. Peter Watts, the managing director of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre in Winnipeg, says the industry wants to see the customer list expand to Mexico and various countries in central and South America. But, this comes with several challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 11, 202621 min

Manitoba pork still trading with US AND The US farmer's take on the trade war

Manitoba producers are welcoming action taken by the provincial government to cushion the impact on agriculture of the escalating Canada United States trade war. On August 22nd a 50 percent U.S. tariff took effect on a broad range of Canadian imports prompting the Government of Canada to announce dollar-for-dollar retaliatory countertariffs to take effect September 8th. Cam Dahl, the General Manager of Manitoba Pork, says pork and pigs are still flowing into the U.S. tariff-free but uncertainty is putting a damper on the ability of producers to invest in new capacity on the farm as well as the ability of processors to invest in new processing capacity. AND We've heard a lot on the Canadian side of the border how tariffs from the U.S. will impact multiple industries, including agriculture. But what about our farming counterparts in the U.S.? How do they feel about the trade dispute? Matt Perdue is the President of the North Dakota Farmers Union and farms near the community of Ray, North Dakota, located about an hour-and-a-half south of the Saskatchewan U.S. border. He says the State's farming community fully understands how valuable the Canada-U.S. trade relationship is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 4, 202618 min

Tail biting pigs AND The late 2026 honey season

A research scientist with the Prairie Swine Centre suggests providing pigs with rooting materials they can chew will reduce the risk of tail biting. Tail biting is an abnormal behavior where one pig chews or bites the tail of a pen mate, raising the risk for reduced weight gain, increased carcass condemnations, higher risk of disease and even mortality. Dr. Jen-Yun Chou says tail biting is a type of redirected foraging behavior, so while there are many risk factors, a key one is the absence or availability of rooting material. AND The 2026 honey season got off to a late start for one honey producer in the Balgonie area. Luke Moore with Anchor Moore Farm says preparation for the upcoming season usually starts at the end of June. We'll talk to Luke about how all of the spring moisture and late start for crops such as canola to flower impacted production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 27, 202616 min

US tarriffs on honey AND Bertha army worms

Honey is one of the products being hit by US tariffs. 15 to 20 per cent of Canada's honey heads south of the boarder. We'll hear from two honey producers - Simon Lalonde and Luke Moore about the tariffs and how the honey crop is looking for 2026. AND There are some parts of Saskatchewan that have been hit particularly hard by an outbreak of bertha army worms. Dr. James Tansey, Provincial Insect and Vertebrate Pest Management Specialist, will share where the hot spots are and what farmers should be considering when it comes to control measures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 21, 202618 min

Ag in Motion (AIM) Trade Show

Ag in Motion (AIM) is Western Canada’s largest outdoor agricultural trade show and farm expo. It takes place every July at Innovation Acres near Langham about 15 minutes northwest of Saskatoon. It is a huge outdoor agricultural exhibition where farmers can see equipment, crops and technology in action, rather than simply looking at displays in exhibition halls. Over the course of the three days of the show, I had a chance to speak to many of the exhibitors...today's episode will focus on the three businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 14, 202616 min

Phosphorus in soil AND Agreement between ABP and CCA

Researchers have discovered new information about how phosphorus from recycled materials moves through soil. Phosphorus is essential for plant growth, yet many soils do not contain enough of it to support healthy crops. In this recent international study, researchers examined how phosphorus from these recycled fertilizers behaves in different soil types over time. Using advanced scientific tools, they were able to study the chemical forms and amounts of phosphorus present in both fertilizers and soil. Aimée Schryer, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen will explain the research and its applications in Europe and possibly Canada. AND The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) have reached an interim participation agreement following motions passed in principle by the CCA at its Annual General Meeting. Last June, Alberta Beef signaled it would withdraw from CCA by June 30, 2026, unless significant changes were made to how the national group operates, citing ongoing concerns with governance, transparency, and representation. Alberta Beef chair Doug Roxburgh explains how the gap funding will work and how ABP representatives will be allowed to participate in meetings and discussions as non-members. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 7, 202618 min

Disease outbreak planning for pork AND Pea protein study on bone [REPOST]

To enhance the ability of pork producers to be prepared to respond to a foreign animal disease outbreak, the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board in partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Animal Health Emergency Management project has released a mass euthanasia and disposal producer guide. Sask Pork Producer Services Manager Karolina Steinerova talks about the plan and training that's available. AND A new University of Saskatchewan study will examine whether pea protein can strengthen bone structure in people over the age of 50. The pea protein will be put into almond milk, which has low protein levels. The study will also include milk and pea milk as comparisons. The one-year study involving as many as 200 men and women will be led by Dr. Phil Chillibeck---a professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Kinesiology. The study will also include strength training in combination with beverages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 31, 202617 min

A pesky weed called kochia AND Senator Todd Lewis [REPOST]

There has been a lot of discussion surrounding a pesky weed called kochia. Wind helps spread the tumbleweed longer distances and there are more reports of herbicide resistant kochia. The seed banks are only viable for three years, but it has been discovered forages can compete with kochia in low-lying marginal areas. Ducks Unlimited Extension Agrologist Jodie Horvath says DU sponsored research projects last year using drones that seeded forages on 14 farms covering a total of 560 acres. She says there were promising results with more drone seeding projects coming up this year. AND Saskatchewan farmer Todd Lewis got the call from the Prime Minister himself and will be accepting an appointed to the Canadian Senate. Lewis is the former president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and current Vice president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. For the farmer from Gray near Regina, Sask. the title of Senator is something he's still getting used. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 24, 202622 min

Consumer pork preferences AND Anxiety and depression on the farm

When it comes to the various cuts of pork, consumer preferences have changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Since COVID consumers have been contending with steadily increasing food prices. Hubert Muckel, a retired southwestern Manitoba butcher-meat cutter who retired in 2023 after working more than 50 years, estimates food prices have approximately doubled over the past four years. The price of medium ground pork has gone from $1.99 a pound to over $4.50 a pound for the same product. AMD There is a growing recognition of the need to address anxiety and depression among farmers. The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is on on-line support program for farmers, their families and their employees who are dealing with anxiety or depression. Program Vice-chair Roberta Galbraith says the program was a response to a 2016 University of Guelph study that revealed depression and anxiety levels within the agriculture sector, particularly among farmers, were substantially higher than the general population. She says a follow-up 2021 study that showed the needle hadn't moved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 18, 202623 min

Terry Lang, Meterologist, retires AND Animal genetics [REPOST]

A well-known Environment Canada Meteorologist will soon be calling it a career. Terri Lang will retire after 36 years at the national weather office. She'll talk about the changes in weather gathering that have occurred over her time and some of the most interesting weather events she has been able to cover. AND An animal science professor with Colorado State University says when it comes to health and welfare, aggression and animal handling, genetics is a key factor to consider. Dr. Temple Grandin is the keynote speaker at the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium. Grandin explains animal handling has improved dramatically over the past 40 years, one factor that plays a role is genetics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.