Intelligence Brief
Soil Health Strategy Launches Amidst Research Cuts And Tech Push
March 29, 2026
National Soil Health Strategy Initiation Public Research Funding Reductions Herbicide Resistance Escalation AI And Sensing Technology Adoption Cattle Risk Management Gaps Green Technology Global Stability
Government soil health initiatives collide with significant reductions in public agricultural research funding, creating a strategic tension between policy direction and scientific capacity. Meanwhile, private sector innovation in AI and green technology accelerates to address rising agronomic risks and global supply chain instability.
Minister MacDonald announces Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada collaborating with the Soil Conservation Council of Canada to develop the groundbreaking National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy
Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the Government of Canada is committed to advancing the National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) partnering with the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC)…
Herbicide resistance grows in Manitoba survey
72 per cent of Manitoba fields surveyed have herbicide resistance, says report — and that’s costing farmers big money.
Ottawa lance une consultation nationale sur la protection des sols
Le gouvernement va de l’avant avec l’élaboration de la Stratégie nationale pour la santé des sols agricoles qui sollicitera différents partenaires. L’article Ottawa lance une consultation nationale sur la protection des sols est apparu en premier sur Le Bulletin des agriculteurs.
“Science isn’t a luxury, it’s an insurance policy”: Cuts to Public Agriculture Research Catastrophic for Climate Progress
Extensive cuts to public agriculture research will set back climate progress in agriculture, and the harm will be felt for generations. Earlier this year, Agriculture and Agrifood Canada announced that Source
What makes good beef? Global study reveals surprising answers about meat quality
A Scottish beef producer travelled the world investigating factors affecting meat eating quality. His findings challenge assumptions about grass-fed beef and highlight why Canadian beef stands out for consistent genetics, effective grading systems, and cold-climate production advantages. The post Wh…
How AI is changing on-farm agronomy and decision-making
As AI tools take on more of the data work, farmers will still need trusted and local-facing advice to turn those recommendations into decisions that work in their fieldsw The post How AI is changing on-farm agronomy and decision-making appeared first on Grainews.
Research highlights gaps in risk management tools for cattle producers
Researcher finds most producers don't purchase Livestock Price Insurance and crop insurance access drives grassland conversion. The post Research highlights gaps in risk management tools for cattle producers appeared first on Canadian Cattlemen.
NFU Town Hall: Defending Canada’s Public Agriculture Research
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is hosting a Town Hall to discuss how the recent agriculture cuts will affect Canadian farmers, as well as what actions can be taken, on Thursday, March 19th. In January, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced the closure of seven research centres across C…
Deere taps startups to explore sensing, AI tech for farm uses
John Deere has named five companies to its 2026 Startup Collaborator Program, exploring emerging technologies for farm use including soil sensing, AI and predictive equipment monitoring. The post Deere taps startups to explore sensing, AI tech for farm uses appeared first on Grainews.
OPINION: Global chaos raises stakes for green farm technology
With fertilizer prices spiking on Middle East conflict, on-farm green ammonia and other innovations offer Prairie farmers a path to stability. The post OPINION: Global chaos raises stakes for green farm technology appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.