The GrainsWest Podcast

The Canadian Tractor Museum to the rescue

In this episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, we explore how Western Canadian agriculture evolved from horse-and-plow to the mechanized age of tractors, threshers, and field implements. As farming equipment became obsolete, many machines disappeared—until a dedicated group of enthusiasts stepped in.

Learn how members of the Westlock Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club founded the Canadian Tractor Museum to preserve this vital history. Editor Ian Doig visits the museum to speak with president Steven Miller and vice president Brent Sterling about the collection, its legacy, and why preserving farm equipment matters.

GrainsWest magazine is published by Alberta Grains with a mission to connect farmers, food, and ideas. For more stories, or to subscribe to our e-newsletter, visit grainswest.com.

Canadian agriculture and Trump’s trade war: Part Two

This is the second of a two-part examination of the effects of U.S. trade war on the Canadian agriculture. What are the potential economic impact on farmers, and what has it done to crop input markets and the agricultural manufacturing sector?

Canadian agriculture and Trump’s trade war: Part One

This is the first of a two-part examination of the effects of the U.S. trade war on the Canadian agriculture industry. In this episode, we examine the fallout and response from a policy and markets perspective.

The need for certified seed

The work of certified seed growers is challenging. In the magazine’s spring 2025 issue, GrainsWest introduced readers to three successful Alberta seed growing operations. In this episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, Trevor Bacque picks up where that story left off and talks with Larry Penner of Penwest Seeds about the variety registration system and innovation in seed genetics.

 

To read more about the work of Alberta seed growers, visit https://grainswest.com/

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!