Avia Eek's Blog (4)

Canadian Oilseed Processors Association welcomes Steve Pratte as director of policy

The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) is pleased to announce that Steve Pratte will join the organization as director of policy, effective September 2, 2026. “We are pleased to welcome Steve to COPA,” says Mark Walker, executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association. “Steve brings expertise in transportation policy and regulatory affairs, as well as significant experience in the Canadian grains sector. His work will strengthen COPA’s policy capacity and help advance the priorities of Canada’s oilseed processing industry.” Pratte brings almost 20 years of experience in transportation and biofuels policy across both the public and private sectors. He has held positions with a Class 1 railway, a national grain industry association, as well as the government of Manitoba. Pratte was also the 50th president of the Canadian Transportation Research Forum, serving in that role from 2021 to 2023. Most recently, he has worked as a consultant focusing on transporta

CWRC and CBRC join forces to transform wheat and barley breeding

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) have entered a formal, strategic partnership to transform the Canadian wheat and barley breeding system. “Our two organizations have a history of working together on behalf of western Canadian farmers, so this formal partnership was a natural fit,” says CWRC chair Jocelyn Velestuk, who farms near Broadview, SK. “Many farmers grow both wheat and barley, and the breeding systems for both crops face similar challenges that we can now address collaboratively.” This new agreement represents the CBRC’s official entrance into ongoing discussions between the CWRC and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) that originated from the CWRC’s review of, and subsequent report on, the Canadian wheat breeding innovation system. The review was designed to identify and address potential risks and opportunities in the Canadian system, ensuring it continues to generate elite varieties for farmers across the country.

USDA Forecasts Beef and Wheat Lead Farm-Level Increases

Strong gains in cattle, beef, wheat, and vegetable prices are shaping the USDA Economic outlook, while recovering egg production and lower milk prices are helping ease pressure in some food sectors.

Meet the Mentors – Bringing Real-World Beef Industry Experience to Research

Research is most valuable when it addresses real-world challenges and can be translated into practical solutions. For researchers focused on beef-related topics, understanding the realities of the Canadian beef industry can help ensure their work is relevant to the people who will ultimately use it. The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) Beef Researcher Mentorship Program helps build those connections by pairing early-career researchers with innovative cattle producers and industry professionals. Through conversations, farm tours and industry events, mentors share their knowledge, experience and networks, providing valuable insight about the realities and priorities of Canada’s beef industry. Together, the 2025-26 Beef Researcher Mentorship Program mentors bring a diverse range of experiences from across Canada’s beef industry, from cattle production and veterinary medicine to research, marketing, animal health and industry leadership. By sharing their on-the-ground perspectives, th

CN and CPKC report record grain movement in August

CPKC moved slightly more grain than CN last month