Bob Thomas's Page

Grupo Bimbo Challenges U.S. Tariffs in Trade Lawsuit

Grupo Bimbo takes legal action against U.S. tariffs imposed under an “economic emergency” claim.

Breaking Barriers -- Why 2026 Is the Year of the Women Farmer

The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Women Farmer, signaling a global commitment to gender equality in agriculture. Does gender equality in agriculture exist in Canada?

Is the Year of the Women Farmer Worth Celebrating in the U.S.?

Compared to their male counterparts, female producers are more likely to live on the farms they operate.

What are machinery manufacturers excited about for 2026?</

John Deere and CLAAS are excited about upgrades for 2026.

Carryover Seed Explained: Certified, Tested, and More Valuable Than Ever

From bumper crops to insurance against bad harvests, carryover seed plays a bigger role than many people realize. Carryover seed is becoming a more visible part of the Alberta seed landscape, but according to seed growers and testing experts, its presence is nothing new. In fact, having carryover seed on hand often presents a strategic advantage for both seed growers and farmers. The Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers’ Association (ABCSG) has offered a carryover listing service since around 2009, before the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) added carryover capability to the national Seed Locator in 2018. For Greg Stamp of Stamp Seeds, carryover seed — certified seed that simply wasn’t sold the year it was produced — is a natural part of running a pedigreed seed business. Predicting dryland yields isn’t exact, he says, and some years he produces more seed than expected. “Sometimes we expect 20 bushels of durum and get 40 or 50,” he says. “That becomes two years’ worth. We