Alberta’s beef sector enters 2026 with one major advantage: prices are still being supported by limited cattle numbers. In its 2026 outlook, FCC Economics says the Canadian cattle sector is set for another year of strong prices and profitability because North American herd numbers remain tight. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s industry profile , Canada’s beef and veal exports were worth $4.9 billion in 2024, and the United States accounted for about 76% of th

Regenerative farming is an approach to agriculture that focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and strengthening the long-term resilience of farmland. At its core, regenerative farming aims to rebuild soil organic matter and enhance the soil’s ability to store carbon. Practices such as reduced tillage, crop rotation and cover cropping all contribute to healthier soil structure and improved moisture retention. In Alberta, where weather conditions can vary

Kubota Dealers in Alberta The Kubota Corporation has been steadily expanding its role in precision agriculture , with a clear focus on automation and data-driven farming. Recent updates from Kubota’s innovation platform show continued investment in autonomous equipment, including its Agri Robo tractor systems and integrated smart farming technologies. These developments are designed to help farmers improve efficiency while addressing ongoing labour shortages. By combining GP

Alberta Farm Subsidies Financing and subsidy support are important sources of funding for Alberta’s farmers, but it’s important to know your options. Ag funding through government programs and approved banks are designed to be lower cost over the long term than regular loans and borrowing programs for individuals and non-ag businesses. Alberta farm subsidies and grants, largely delivered through the $3.5 billion Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)

Carbon regulations affecting Alberta farmers in 2026 mainly come from two areas: carbon pricing and fertilizer emissions targets. Carbon Regulations & Pricing Canada’s federal carbon pricing system places a cost on greenhouse gas emissions, which can indirectly affect agriculture through fuel, transportation and input production. While many on-farm fuel uses are exempt, related costs can still influence overall farm expenses. Reduction of Fertilizer Emissions Another key po

Canada’s prairie provinces may no longer be the “ bread basket of the world ” as they were in the first half of the 20 th century, but Alberta’s modern nutritious staple crops are on the rise. Formerly a champion of Red Fife wheat, our province’s continued increase annual temperatures and drought conditions have spurred farmers to embrace more hardy crops such as barley, lentils and peas. With millions of tonnes of crops produced annually and their reach increasing, the prov

Imagine waking at dawn to rolling pastures bordered by a patchwork of gardens and orchards. The mist rises off a puddle as a flock of sheep grazes peacefully on the hillside, and hens cluck their morning chorus. This idyllic scene – apple trees in bloom, a weathered barn in the distance – is what many dream of when they think “hobby farm.” In Alberta’s wide-open spaces, even a few acres can bloom into a vibrant little farmstead, offering fresh food, fresh air and a slower pac

Canadian farmers face new and expanded policies in 2026. Alberta has frozen its industrial carbon price at $95/tonne (no increase to $110 as federally planned), easing cost pressure on fuel and fertilizer. The federal government is also revising clean-fuel rules: a new Biofuel Production Incentive ($372–370 million through 2026–27) will subsidize domestic biodiesel/renewable diesel and safeguard canola demand. Proposed changes to Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations may requi

Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining solar energy generation with active farming, is gaining momentum in Alberta as producers seek new ways to boost revenue and improve land efficiency. Instead of choosing between food production and clean power, agrivoltaic systems enable both to coexist on the same acre. Panels are elevated or spaced so that crops, forages or livestock can continue to thrive below. This approach turns solar development into a partnership with agriculture

Alberta’s farms are changing quickly as digital tools become part of everyday fieldwork. Precision agriculture is no longer reserved for the biggest operations or the latest equipment. Across Central Alberta, producers are using GPS guidance, drones, sensors and simple data apps to stretch inputs further and make smarter decisions throughout the season. These tools help manage tight margins and unpredictable weather while supporting healthier crops and better yields. Climate

Soil health is a hot topic for Alberta farmers. Increasingly, producers use cover crops – plants grown between main crops – to protect soil and improve moisture. According to the Alberta Seed Guide , “Interest in cover crops is growing in Alberta as farmers look for ways to save their soil”. Cover crops (like clover, peas or oats) can reduce erosion, fix nitrogen, and help capture snow or rain. They leave living roots in the ground, which “help with water infiltration by hold

Every five years, the Census of Agriculture offers a snapshot of Canada’s farming sector; for Alberta producers, the 2026 edition could be one of the most pivotal yet. From sustainability data to digital adoption, the upcoming survey will help shape agricultural programs, policy decisions and even market access for years to come. “Who needs to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire? Any of the persons responsible for operating a farm or an agricultural operation s

Global grain markets have taken a sharp turn following the latest USDA WASDE report, which painted a bullish picture for corn, a neutral one for soybeans and a bearish forecast for wheat. For Central Alberta farmers, these shifts could directly affect seeding choices, marketing strategies and cash flow as we move into the next growing season. Corn’s Bullish Momentum Could Benefit Western Producers Corn prices rose after the report showed tighter global stocks and stronger-

How many acres do you need to be considered a farm in Alberta? In Alberta, “ farm” status isn’t based on acreage alone but on output. Provincial programs (like the Farm Fuel benefit) require at least $10,000 in gross annual farm production. Many counties also zone parcels over 10 acres as agricultural (smaller lots are often zoned rural residential). In practice, you need enough acreage to reach that $10,000 sales threshold. There’s no fixed minimum acreage, but roughly 10 

2025 Ag Report at a Glance Spring wheat yield : 3.83 t/ha (57 bu/ac, +18.8%) for 12.3 Mt total Canola yield: 2.84 t/ha (45 bu/ac, +16.1%) for 6.3 Mt total Canola value : ~$677/t (↓ from $715/t previous year) Spring wheat value : ~$282/t (↓ from $350/t) Feed barley value : ~$296/t Yellow peas value : ~40–50% price drop YOY Alberta farmers closed 2025 with surprisingly strong yields and production. Despite an early-season drought, late-summer rains helped crops recover.

As Alberta’s fall harvest winds down and cold weather sets in, it’s time to give your machinery some TLC and avoid farm needing equipment parts and service early next year. Proper winter equipment maintenance is essential to keep your tractors, combines and implements in top shape for next spring. Your local Future Ag team performs on-site service calls. Let us help you winterize! Start with a thorough clean and inspection of all machinery. Blow out chaff, dirt and crop deb

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: Future Ag has been honoured with the 2025 Agricultural Impact Award! This award was presented at the Stettler Regional Board of Trade’s annual Business & Citizenship Awards Gala on October 23, 2025. It’s a tremendous recognition of our team’s hard work and our commitment to the farming communities we serve. The Agricultural Impact Award, sponsored by the local Kinette Club, is given to a business that significantly contributes t

Managing the business side of farming can be challenging, so we’ve compiled this FAQ to answer common questions about “running the numbers” (agronomics) on your farm. From budgeting to equipment decisions, Future Ag is here to help Alberta farmers make informed financial choices. Q: How do I create a basic farm budget for the year? A: Start by listing all your projected expenses (seed, fertilizer, fuel, labour, equipment maintenance, etc.) and income sources (crop sales, l

Alberta farmers are already looking ahead to the 2026 planting season, scouting out which crop varieties could deliver the best results. After a year of strong yields in 2025, many producers are considering new genetics that promise even better agronomics and resilience. So, what seed varieties are likely to make a splash in Alberta in 2026? Let’s break it down by crop: Canola Canola growers can expect an influx of new hybrids, including entries from independent companie

For Alberta ranchers and cattle feeders, winter feeding costs can make or break the yearly budget. With hay supplies often tight and feed grain prices high, stretching your winter feed budget is a top priority. One proven strategy to get more mileage out of feed is using a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) system. TMR mixing involves blending forages, grains, silage and supplements into a consistent, homogeneous ration that prevents cattle from cherry-picking the tastiest (and often m