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

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

Headlines

Celebrating 75 years of agricultural excellence

Nominations are open as the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame celebrates 75 years of honouring Alberta's agricultural leaders. Established in 1951, it is Agriculture and Irrigation’s oldest and most prestigious recognition program, honouring individuals whose outstanding and lasting contributions have shaped Alberta agriculture and rural communities through their leadership, innovation, research, education and service. Learn more and nominate someone today.

Restoring property rights for Alberta farmers

Alberta is restoring private property rights for farmers by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers that restrict how they manage water on their own cropland. This fall, Alberta’s government will remove Water Act approval requirements for routine agricultural activities involving ephemeral water bodies and temporary and seasonal wetlands on private cropland. Under the current system, routine farming activities can trigger regulatory requirements if they affect a temporary or seasonal wetland. In some cases, a farmer may have to hire a qualified wetland professional, complete an assessment, wait for government review and pay wetland replacement costs before proceeding.The changes will make it easier for farmers to cultivate, seed, spray, ditch, drain and infill on their own cropland without going through an unnecessary approval process. Under the new approach, those approval and replacement requirements will be removed for specified farming activities on private cropland. Water associated with these exemptions will continue to be managed on the farmer’s property, helping ensure neighbouring landowners and downstream infrastructure are protected. Alberta’s government is also reducing red tape for farmers who use tile drainage to manage excess subsurface water and improve growing conditions. The code will establish straightforward, enforceable standards while allowing farmers to proceed through notification rather than a full regulatory approval. Where water could affect downstream landowners, their consent will be required. View this announcement online.

Securing Alberta's water future

Alberta’s population, communities, industries and agri-food sector are growing, and reliable access to water will be essential to sustaining that growth. That is why Alberta’s government is launching work to examine what the province will need to strengthen water security over the next 100 years. A request for proposals has been issued to develop a white paper examining the security of Alberta’s water supply. The work will examine bold, practical and innovative opportunities to increase water availability, strengthen water management and help guide future infrastructure and investment decisions across the province. Continue reading

Alberta and Canada governments made strategic changes to AgriStability

In recognition of excessive moisture conditions that have affected many producers since the April 30 enrolment deadline, Alberta has opened late participation for the 2026 AgriStability program year. Alberta producers can now sign up for the program until Oct. 1, giving them more time to review and manage business risks associated with extreme weather or other unexpected difficulties. Additionally, the 2026 interim payment rate has been increased from 50 per cent to 75 per cent of the estimated final payment.

This change will put money in producers’ hands sooner and improve cash flow during a challenging growing season. Late participation is subject to a reduced benefit, and producers must pay the required upfront fee by Oct. 1 to be able to be eligible for the 2026 program. Factors such as reduced income, increased expenses or reduced inventory are used to determine a potential benefit.

Read the announcement | Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) | Agriculture Financial Services Corporation: AgriStability

Minister MacDonald announces up to nearly $895,000 to develop and test new clean technology to benefit Canada’s indoor agriculture sector

While visiting Hydragreens Produce Ltd. in Calgary, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced funding of up to $894,673 for SmartGRO Bioengineering Inc. (SmartGRO) under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program – Research and Innovation Stream.

Building on the recently announced $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy and its $750 million dedicated to controlled environment agriculture, this investment will help the Calgary-based start-up to develop and test new clean lighting technology to make year-round indoor agriculture more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Read more here.

Several Alberta regions qualify for 2026 Livestock Tax Deferral

Agriculture Canada recently announced an initial list of regions that will qualify for Livestock Tax Deferral in 2026 due to extreme weather conditions.

The Livestock Tax Deferral Provision allows livestock producers in prescribed areas, who are forced to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to forage shortfalls resulting from drought, excess moisture or flooding, to defer a portion of their income from sales until the following tax year. The income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, helping to reduce the tax burden of the original sale.

Read more | Livestock Tax Deferral Provision | 2026 List of Prescribed Regions

Restoring property rights for Alberta farmers

Alberta is restoring private property rights for farmers by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers that restrict how they manage water on their own cropland. This fall, Alberta’s government will remove Water Act approval requirements for routine agricultural activities involving ephemeral water bodies and temporary and seasonal wetlands on private cropland.

The changes respond directly to concerns raised by Alberta farmers and agricultural organizations about unnecessary regulatory burden. Read the media release

Funding, Resources & Programs

Several Alberta regions qualify for 2026 Livestock Tax Deferral

Agriculture Canada recently announced an initial list of regions that will qualify for Livestock Tax Deferral in 2026 due to extreme weather conditions. The Livestock Tax Deferral Provision allows livestock producers in prescribed areas, who are forced to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to forage shortfalls resulting from drought, excess moisture or flooding, to defer a portion of their income from sales until the following tax year. The income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, helping to reduce the tax burden of the original sale. Read more | Livestock Tax Deferral Provision | 2026 List of Prescribed Regions

RDAR boosts support for Western Crop Innovations

Backed by funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, RDAR is delivering an additional $5.2 million to Western Crop Innovations to strengthen feed and forage barley and triticale breeding for Alberta and Western Canadian producers. The investment will strengthen Alberta’s plant breeding capacity, accelerate the development of locally adapted varieties and support the long-term competitiveness of crop and livestock producers in the province and across the west. More information

Funding is available through RDAR for on-farm research that helps producers evaluate the feasibility and impact of new production practices, technologies or products under real farm conditions. This opportunity is designed to help producers generate meaningful, farm-specific data to support informed decision-making and advance profitability, competitiveness and sustainability. Learn more

Direct deposit for your claim or benefit

AFSC can deposit your claim or benefit payment directly into your bank account with direct deposit. Sign up to begin receiving your money at least five to seven days sooner. Learn more and sign up for direct deposits

FCC Free business plan bundles

The FCC business plan bundles were designed specifically for Canadian producers, food and beverage entrepreneurs or anyone involved in Canadian agriculture and food. The bundle includes aBusiness plan guide with instructions and resources and a Blank business plan template. Download your bundle.

FCC The Farm Transition – Will and Estate Pre-Planning Tool™

The Farm Transition – Will and Estate Pre-Planning Tool™ is based on the Willing Wisdom Index platform to reflect circumstances unique to Canadian farm operators. The tool is designed to help you consider the many complex issues related to farm transition and facilitate more productive and informed conversations with your advisors and family. It’s not a replacement for independent legal, accounting and financial advice. You can simply answer a set of yes or no questions about your farm transition plans. After completion you’ll receive an email with your personalized Farm Transition – Will and Estate Pre-Planning Report™. Find out more.

You can also use the FCC Pathway to Transition Checklist: Your Guide to Farm Succession Planning.

FCC Risk Management Bundle

In agriculture, adopting proactive risk management helps you stay resilient and make smart decisions for your farm business. In collaboration with Farm Management Canada*, FCC has put together resources to help you build a strong plan and prepare your farm for future challenges. You'll receive a starter guide to help you understand, develop and implement a risk management plan, you will receive an editable spreadsheet to guide you through costs, goals and marketing decisions and you will receive an editable template and a sample plan to help you document decisions and build your own risk management action plan. Download the Bundle.

Alberta Grains launches young farmers peer network

Alberta Grains will officially launch its Young Farmers Peer Network pilot project in mid-September. The project was inspired by a farm transition research project undertaken by Selena Grutterink, a communications and stakeholder engagement specialist with the organization. Learn more about this project

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

Upcoming Closure – On-Farm Value-Added and Value-Added Programs

The application intake period will close for the On-Farm Value-Added Program and the Value-Added Program on November 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm (MT). If you are considering applying, you are encouraged to submit your application before the deadline. After this time, no new applications will be accepted for the remainder of the 2026-27 fiscal year. For more information about these programs or to access application materials, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap or contact s-cap.valueaddedprograms@gov.ab.ca.

Producer Research and Evaluation Project

Funding is available through RDAR for on-farm research that helps producers evaluate the feasibility and impact of new production practices, technologies or products under real farm conditions. This opportunity is designed to help producers generate meaningful, farm-specific data to support informed decision-making and advance profitability, competitiveness and sustainability. Learn more

Build a strong risk management plan. Download now

Starting your farm transition journey? Here are resources to help

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

AgriWorkforce Matters is here! Click to access the magazine or visit the CAHRC website.

Valuing annual crops for feed

Beef producers may plant annual crops for the purpose of livestock feed but for many crop farmers, diverting their annual crops away from the bin and into beef requires some calculations and considerations. It is important to think through how to value feed for cattle. The Value of Crops for Livestock Feeds Calculator allows beef producers to assess the value of annual crops for feed. While grazing cattle on crop land or baling greenfeed is not new, thinking through how to value this feed has been a recurring question. Read more

Combine Loss Calculator

Alberta Pulse Growers' (APG) Combine Loss Calculator is available on the APG app. Use this tool to estimate current losses and optimize combine settings for pulses and other crops to minimize grain loss through the combine. Download the APG app

BCRC 2025-2026 year in review 

What have your investments in the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off accomplished for the industry lately? The Beef Cattle Research Council’s 2025–2026 Year in Review highlights how producer investments and input are advancing research, addressing industry priorities and delivering practical value back to Canada’s beef producers. More information

AI and the future of Canadian agriculture

Canadian agriculture is facing rising pressures, from labour shortages and climate volatility to trade uncertainty and global competition. A new Farm Credit Canada report, AI in Canadian Agriculture: Present challenges and future prospects, explores opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity, resilience and global competitiveness. Continue reading

Investing in healthy, sustainable rangelands's first

Alberta's government is investing $1.4 million into the long-term health and sustainability of the province's rangelands.Alberta’s rangelands are important landscapes that require ongoing stewardship and innovation. The Rangeland Sustainability Program helps put stewardship ideas from on-the-ground Alberta organizations into action.

The program supports academics, non-profits and agricultural partners in developing practical solutions that help maintain and improve the health, biodiversity and resilience of Alberta’s rangelands. Read the media release

Shape the future of Alberta Canola

The future of Alberta’s canola industry starts with growers. Agriculture continues to face challenges, from market access and trade to research, regulations, farm profitability and more. Alberta Canola needs experienced producers who are ready to share their knowledge, bring fresh perspectives and help lead the industry forward.

Nominations are open for directors in Regions 2, 5, 8 and 11. The nomination deadline is October 30. Learn more and nominate a canola grower today

75 years of innovative agriculture research

Since its beginnings in 1951 when it took root as a tree nursery, Alberta’s Crop Diversification Centre North (CDC North) has been a nucleus for collaborative research and crop health surveillance. It has expanded from just 18 acres on a former federal government fur farm just outside of Edmonton, to 340 acres that is home to nine greenhouses, the Alberta Plant Health Lab, the Bee Health Unit and Western Canada’s only seed potato repository.

CDC North has evolved and grown to keep pace with changes in the agriculture sector, collaborating with industry and post-secondary institutions on research, diagnostics and more to provide farmers with the information they need for long-term planting success to continue what they need to thrive and continue Alberta’s legacy as a global agriculture powerhouse. Read news release

APG 2026 advisor nominations

Each of APG’s five zones is supported by a team of advisors who lead local extension activities. Directors on the provincial board often begin as Advisors. Pulse producers interested in helping grow the industry and developing leadership skills are encouraged to let their name stand for election at their zone meeting each fall.

To be eligible, producers must have sold pulses and paid service charges since August 1, two years prior. Nomination forms—endorsed by another pulse producer in the zone—are due by early November and will be available on the APG website in the fall.

The 2026 Advisor Nomination Form is available below. The deadline is November 2. Learn more and access nomination form

BCRC is Hiring

The Beef Cattle Research Council is seeking to hire a knowledge mobilization and assurance director to strengthen the connection between research, producer adoption and assurance outcomes across Canada’s beef sector. Learn more here.

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

Your farm story is your marketing advantage

Agritourism is more than a side business. It’s a way for farmers to market their operation, share their story, and connect consumers to where their food comes from. While agritourism might not be on your radar, successful farm businesses are using it as part of their marketing strategy. In this FCC episode, learn about how your farm story is also your marketing advantage. Listen here

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association relaunches online farm safety training

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is relaunching its online courses. To ensure the most up-to-date safety information and resources are available to help protect farmers, farm workers and farm families, CASA recently undertook a review of its online courses and updated content where necessary. The refreshed courses provide the latest training on a variety of topics. More information

Business Bootcamp for new farmers

This program is open to all new and aspiring farmers who want to gain the skills and knowledge to write (or rewrite) a business plan for a farm enterprise. The Business Bootcamp is a great place to explore the viability of your farm dream, figure out details for your first growing season, or to investigate adding another enterprise to your current farm. You do not have to own a farm yet, but having at least one full season of farming experience is advised for participants. All production types are welcome. The next cohort starts October 7. Learn more and register for the Business Bootcamp

Beef Cattle Research Council | 2025-2026 webinar series

Alberta Agrisystems Living Lab Webinars

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops | Virtual | Sept. 29th, Oct. 8th, Oct, 29th

Principles Behind Profitable Livestock Decisions | Virtual | October 5

Think This is Dry? Lessons from the Dust Bowl | Virtual | October 21

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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