The GrainsWest Podcast

Canadian agriculture’s short line manufacturers

In this episode, Trevor Bacque goes inside the Canadian short line equipment
industry, a sector led by enterprising farmers. While they represent a surprising
amount of economic activity, these relatively small, independent manufacturers are
a pivotal part of the farm equipment ecosystem.

For the digital edition of the story, please visit: https://grainswest.com/

Malt magic and beautiful beer

In this episode, beer journalist Don Tess talks with Rob McCaig, a 42-year veteran of the beer industry and a technical expert on malt. McCaig has served as head brewer for some of the largest breweries in the world and as the executive director of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre. He now works as a senior technical services advisor for First Key, a brewing and beverage industry consulting firm. McCaig is also a highly sought-after beer judge who was recently named head judge of the 2024 International Brewing and Cider Awards. He spoke with Don about his time in the industry, what makes a great malt and what makes great beer.

Go with the flow: Efficient irrigation in dry times

Irrigated cereals farmer and distiller Lars Hirch and Margo Jarvis Redelback of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association discuss efficient agricultural water use.

 

For the digital edition of the story, please visit: https://grainswest.com/

Farm succession planning: experience and advice

An Alberta farmer who has recently completed a farm succession plan with his children offers advice and insight on the process.

Craft Maltsters Add On-Farm Value

Join us as we hear from three rural Alberta entrepreneurs who have created on-farm revenue streams that tap the appeal of high-quality, locally grown Alberta malting barley.

Fertilizer emissions: Behind the numbers

The fall issue of GrainsWest features the cover story “Fertilizer frenzy,” an in-depth examination of the global increase in fertilizer prices. This podcast is a companion piece that on the Canadian government’s ambitious reduction target for fertilizer emissions. It’s a hot topic in ag circles. Farmers have questions about the agronomic and cost implications. Trevor Bacque went all the way to the country’s top agricultural office for answers!

Spent Grain Pays Off

In the last decide there's been an explosion in number of Alberta small breweries. Many of these new breweries enthusiastically use Alberta grown barley and other local grains. However, the vast majority are small, independent operations and don't have the infrastructure in place to deal with the spent grain by-product of the brewing process. Inspired by her farmer father, Victoria Ross founded aGRO Systems, which collects spent grains and other organic materials from small brewers to upcycle these waste products into cattle feed and compost for farms and ranches.

Chained Down

The on-farm fallout from two years of pandemic related supply chain interruptions continues to evolve. It will be some time until the global movement of products and equipment normalizes. We talk with industry experts about the implications of lingering supply chain problems.

Alcohol-Free Beer Goes Big

Non-alcoholic beers have not been known for their deliciousness, but the market for these beverages is experiencing rapid growth. Alberta craft brewers are developing innovative brewing processes to produce a new generation of tastier low- and no-alcohol beer. And in the process, they’re moving more malt.

Super Friends

In the “Super friends,” episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, we talk to Prairie researchers working to establish the economic value of the beneficial insects that patrol farm fields. We also hear from an Australian farmer who successfully uses them to control pests on commodity crops.