Inputs - by Top Crop Manager

With more and more Canadian farmers retiring, fewer people returning to the family farm and a bigger disconnect between rural and urban communities, the reasons for the widening labour gap in Canadian agriculture are diverse. But there is no doubt the gap exists and continues to grow.As an industry, how do we attract people from other industries? How do we educate the next-generation of Canadian youth on the job opportunities available to them? How do farmers find workers? How do young farmers overcome the barriers to get into operating?In this episode of Inputs, Kaitlin Berger, editor of Top Crop Manager West, discusses these topics with Jennifer Wright, executive director of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC). The discussion includes the challenges we’re facing when it comes to agriculture labour in Canada, what is being done about it and where the opportunities lie for growing the workforce. It also includes thoughts on barriers, education, automation, technology and more.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you're growing cereals or flax this season, there are a few key diseases to watch, including Fusarium head blight, bacterial leaf streak, pasmo - among others.In this episode of Inputs, tune in to hear quick tips from Randy Kutcher, professor and plant pathologist at the University of Saskatchewan, on scouting and managing disease.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

It's worth being on guard for invasive pigweeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp this coming season. So far, these weeds haven't been discovered in Saskatchewan or Alberta, but they've been slowly creeping up from south of the border.In this episode of Inputs, Kaitlin Berger, editor of Top Crop Manager West, speaks with Dr. Shaun Sharpe, research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Tune in to hear about his project to raise awareness about these problematic weeds. Sharpe discusses the status of invasive pigweeds in Canada, why they pose a threat and how to mitigate it across the Prairies. He also dives into helpful management strategies for kochia and wild oat this season.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Earlier this year, in January 2026, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced their decision to eliminate over 600 positions and close three research and development centres in Guelph, Ont., Quebec City, Que. and Lacombe, Alta., as well as four satellite research farms in Nappan, N.S., Scott, Sask., Indian Head, Sask. and Portage La Prairie, Man. Since the announcement there have been many discussions about how these cuts will impact Canadian agriculture.In this special episode of Inputs, Kaitlin Berger, editor of Top Crop Manager West, and Jill Filmer, editor of Top Crop Manager East and Fruit & Vegetable, interview three industry experts with deeper insight on this recent event. Hear Berger's discussion with Lori Oatway, research scientist at Western Crop Innovations in Lacombe, Alta and seed grower, as well as her interview with David Gehl, retired head of the seed increase unit and officer-in-charge at the research centre in Indian Head, Sask. And listen in on Filmer's discussion with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Canadian researcher and professor who specializes in food distribution, safety and policy - currently on sabbatical at Dalhousie University and visiting scholar at McGill University.They discuss how these cuts could disrupt the research network in Canada and impact variety development. They also speak to the importance of consulting the industry to determine how to shift research in a reasonable time.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Another busy season and harvest are under your belt, with the next growing season soon to be in sight. During the slower times between growing seasons, planning and maintenance may be top of mind – but have you thought to check in on your mental wellness too?In this episode of Inputs, Jill Filmer, editor of Top Crop Manager East, chats with Kylie Stokes, the program coordinator at AgriCare NL on farmer mental health strategies. AgriCare NL is a mental health and farm safety program at the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture in partnership with the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.As a professionally trained psychotherapist, Stokes reflects on the unique pressures that farmers face – as experienced with the extreme drought conditions and trade uncertainties of 2025. She describes practical coping mechanisms to manage chronic stress and burnout from everyday life on the farm amidst the added pressures of extreme weather and market uncertainty to build resilience in the face of unpredictable times.If you are looking for professional support, please refer to these resources:National Farmer Crisis Line: 1-866-327-6701AgTalkNever miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.