John Beardsley's Page

Grain Safety is Literally a Matter of Life and Death

BeGrainSafe Week encourages safe grain handling practices through education, rescue training, and awareness programs aimed at reducing preventable farm accidents across Canada.

Pre Harvest Glyphosate Timing Protects Crop Markets

Growers are encouraged to follow proper glyphosate application timing to reduce residue risks, protect grain quality, and maintain market access for canola, cereal, and pulse crops.

New Research Award Honours Dr. Ira Mandell’s Lasting Contributions to Ontario’s Beef Sector

The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. Ira Mandell Research Award and University of Guelph PhD student Madeline McLennan as its inaugural recipient. The award and its first recipient were announced in July during BFO’s Summer Meeting at the Nottawasaga Resort and Conference Centre in Alliston.

New U.S. tariffs target some Canadian products, but canola remains exempt.

United States Levies Tariffs on Canadian Products The White House released a Fact Sheet on July 20, 2026, outlining President Donald J. Trump’s signing of three Proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The proclamations impose additional 50% tariffs on specific Canadian imports in response to what the administration views as discriminatory practices by Canada in the automotive, alcohol and dairy sectors. Tariff Scope & Rates: The tariffs apply to a range of Canadian products including wine, cement and hockey sticks. A 50% tariff on covered Canadian goods Application to listed goods regardless of USMCA status. Exemptions for energy, potash, critical minerals, fish, and goods already subject to Section 232 tariffs. An effective date of 30 days after signing. Based on the information released on July 20, canola seed, oil and meal, remain exempt and are not subject to the newly announced tariffs. Alberta Canola remains vigilant and will continue to keep its growers in

Federal AgriMarketing Funding Announcement

Today at the Calgary Stampede, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald announced federal AgriMarketing funding support for the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). CCA is grateful for the financial support for international travel undertaken by CCA staff and elected representatives to promote Canadian beef production in existing and potential export markets. Minister MacDonald announced CCA will receive up to $300,000 over two years for trade advocacy, to strengthen key international relationships and promote evidence-based, trade supportive rules. CCA travels internationally to help promote the Canadian beef advantage and to represent producers in global policy discussions. CCA staff and elected officials bring practical, on-the-ground expertise to inform decisions and ensure science-based data and real producer perspectives are reflected in global policy discussions. Our participation may be the only way to ensure that the Canadian experience, perspective and facts are s