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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: January 2026

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: January 2026

Headlines

Proposed amendments to livestock traceability regulations

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is aware of public discussion regarding the proposed amendments to Part XV (Traceability) of the Health of Animals Regulations. These amendments are not currently in place and have not been finalized. The CFIA has consulted with industry, associations and governments regarding the proposed amendments and will continue to do so. The CFIA will pause any publication of the regulations until the proposed changes are more widely understood and concerns are heard and taken into consideration. Read the full statement

The 2026 Census of Agriculture is coming

In May 2026, farm operators across Canada will receive an invitation in the mail to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire. Respondents will be able to complete their questionnaire online using their Secure Access Code included in the invitation letter. Continue reading

Dive into issue #10 of AgriWorkforce Matters

"As we close out another year in Canadian agriculture, one message resonates clearly throughout this issue of Agri Workforce Matters: building a strong, resilient workforce depends on meaningful partnerships grounded in solid research. Across regions, commodities, and communities, no single organization can solve the workforce and skills challenges facing our sector alone. Progress happens when we work together, share insights, and align efforts around evidence and impact." - Jennifer Wright, Executive Director | Visit the website to view the issue

Agricultural plastics recycling pilot program extended 

The province has renewed its funding and approved a two-year extension for the Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! pilot program. Launched in 2019, the program provides Alberta farmers with sustainable, practical solutions to manage used plastic baler twine and grain bags. The renewed funding will be used to launch the second edition of the Great Twine Round-Up, a collection contest that encourages Albertans of all ages to collect used baler twine for recycling with cash prizes awarded to local charities and 4-H clubs. In the first year of the contest, participants brought in an estimated 16,500 kg of used plastic baler twine for recycling. Read more

10 most popular resources for beef cattle producers in 2025

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) provides Canadian beef producers with practical, science-based information. In 2025, the BCRC released dozens of new posts, videos, webinars and interactive tools to help producers improve productivity, animal care and profitability. Top 10 most popular resources here.

Unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations on the rise

The NRCB is seeing a concerning trend: unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations has increased significantly. Complaints have increased by approximately 32 per cent from 2024, and enforcement actions have jumped by about 125 per cent.

Under Alberta’s Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), it is illegal to begin construction of a confined feeding operation, manure storage facility (such as an earthen manure storage or manure lagoon), or a manure collection area (such as a barn floor, feedlot pen, or catch basin) without first obtaining the required NRCB permits.

Constructing before your permit application has been approved or building something different than stated in your permit are both also considered unauthorized construction. Constructing without a permit is a serious offence. Consequences can include:

  • enforcement orders
  • prosecution
  • additional costs, such as depopulating livestock from unpermitted facilities.

Financial institutions are also asking for NRCB documentation before approving financing. If you have started building before getting a permit from the NRCB your financing may be delayed or denied. The NRCB wants to help you avoid these consequences—consult with an NRCB approval officer or inspector before starting any construction.

Funding Resources & Programs

Prairie Agtech Validation Program

Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is a non-profit organization that supports the development of data-driven agtech solutions for the most significant challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s producers and primary processors. CAAIN needs passionate and forward-thinking Alberta agricultural producers to participate in our new Prairie Agtech Validation Program. This initiative is designed to bring the latest advancements in digital agriculture directly to the farm. Learn more and apply here.

FCC's Free Online Farm Finance Course 

A firm understanding of your farm finances is one of the most important things you need for a successful farm business. From rookies to veteran farmers, knowing key financial concepts is essential to thriving and making business decisions with clarity and confidence. The opportunity to learn is now. Learn more about the course here.

4-H Alberta Grassroots Fund

Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) supports the next generation of agriculture and agri-food by investing in the development of life-long skills such as co-operation, leadership, interpersonal relations, critical thinking, decision making, organization, public speaking and community service.

In addition to providing a 4-H Alberta provincial scholarship and supporting 4-H Alberta provincial programs such as Senior Symposium, Uncover the Leader in You, and more, AFSC also contributes locally to 4-H Alberta through its 4-H Alberta Grassroots Fund. Learn more and apply

Foothills Forage and Grazing Association 2026 Bursary

Applications are being accepted for the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association 2026 Bursary. The successful applicant will receive a $1000 bursary. This year, applicants will submit a short video of no more than five minutes instead of a written essay. In the video, applicants are asked to share how their education will contribute to the future of the forage and livestock industry in Western Canada.

The application deadline is February 10, 2026. Learn more and apply now

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

AFSC and Olds College re-sign MOU to advance smart agriculture

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology recently re-signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing smart agriculture through applied research and innovation, and extending their partnership for another five years. The MOU sets a strategic framework for continued collaboration in the development, testing, training and demonstration of emerging smart agriculture technologies. Learn more

Need Safety Help on Your Farm?

AgSafe Alberta Advisors understand agriculture, and will use their experience and knowledge to support you in making your farm safer. Qualifying farms can get up to 10 hours of FREE advisor support! Learn more here

WHMIS Changed - Is Your Farm Caught Up?

What Were Some of the Updates?

  • The term “WHMIS 2015” no longer applies; it is now just called “WHMIS.”
  • New hazard classes and categories were added.
  • New safety data sheet (SDS) requirements were introduced.

What Should You Do?

  • Ensure your farm has updated SDS and labels from your suppliers.
  • Make sure your general WHMIS training and farm-specific WHMIS training reflect these changes.

AgSafe Alberta has you covered! Access our WHMIS Manual and self-paced WHMIS Awareness Course to help you meet your farm’s training needs. Also all of AgSafe Alberta’s paid courses are FREE until May 31, 2026, using promo code SAFESTART26. Visit the AgriSafe website at https://www.agrisafe.org/. 

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

On-Demand Virtual Events | FCC 

TFWP Employer Compliance Overview & Updates by ESDC | January 20 | Register for this live session

To Implant or Not? What Cow-Calf Producers Need to Know | January 21 | Register for this FREE webinar

RDAR showcase - Exploring new horizons | Learn more and register for the January 21 showcase

BCRC winter webinar series | Starting January 21 | Register for one or all of the webinars

Economic Outlook | January 22 | Online event: Register now

Irrigated Crop Production Update | Learn more and register for the January 22 conference

Farm Financial Fluency Training | January 19, 20 & 22 | https://fmc-gac.com/fff/

Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training | Offered virtually over two days on January 24 and 25 from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm PST, the training is open to anyone living in or connected to rural and agricultural communities and has direct or indirect experiences with mental health. We are particularly seeking farmers, agricultural workers, and those who support/interact with these folks in their day-to-day lives | Learn more and register here

5th Annual Nutrient Management Webinar Series | Starting January 26 | Learn more and register for the webinar series

Mastering Your Farm Budget | January 27 | Online event: Register now

Economic Update – Navigating today's economic environment | Recorded webinar

Gaining influence through numbers | February 5 | Online event: Register now

Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit Part 1 - March 17 | Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit Part 2 - March 31

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx (includes upcoming industry events)

Other Resources

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

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