Map: More Drought Misery for Western Canada in July

Aug 11, 2023

Things certainly improved in eastern Canada after a dry June, but drought-related misery continued for most of Western Canada in July.

According to the latest monthly update of the Canadian drought monitor, exceptionally dry conditions dominated much of Western Canada while eastern parts of the country saw above- to well above-normal rainfall during the month.

For the Prairies, drought extent and severity continued to significantly increase with abnormally warm temperatures and well below-normal precipitation in July. In fact, substantial portions of southern Saskatchewan went more than two weeks without any precipitation at all during the month, while a pocket of exceptional drought – the worst drought classification - developed in southeastern Alberta.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.