AALP Class 17 leaves for Spain

Sadly, one class member, Bernice Weber Passchier, is ill and was unable to join us for our rescheduled International Study Tour. The rest of AALP Class 17 met at Pearson airport and boarded the plane to Philadelphia; after a short layover we were on an overnight flight to Madrid, Spain.

Once we landed, we met up with Rafa, our bus driver, and Ismael, our tour guide. We were happy to learn that Ismael had an agricultural background and has been doing ag-focused tours for the last five years.

The trip started with a bus tour and subsequent walking tour of Madrid, Spain's capital city. We saw many of the main attractions, including the Royal Palace, multiple plazas with different purposes and Kilo Zero, the center of Spain, and stopped for lunch at a market.

From there, we headed to the historic city of Toledo and checked in to our hotel in the old part of the city. We met up with a local tour guide, Nando, and set out on a two-hour walking tour of the old city. They city has a lot of old buildings built by Muslims under Christian rule. It was interesting to learn how the power has shifted over the years. After the tours, we went tback to our hotel for a late dinner (common in Spain!) and most of us called it a day.

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Welcome to
Ontario Agriculture

Sign Up
or Sign In

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

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

More…

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service