Safety is key during the harvest!

Sep 12, 2023

As farmers continue to roll through the harvest a reminder to keep safety a top priority.

Robin Anderson the communications coordinator for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association says it's important to be alert and stay focused.

"We're seeing longer hours, more fatigue, and rushing trying to get things off the field and into the bins before the weather turns. So, you know, with that in mind, we've got to make sure that anytime we're out in those fields or getting that machinery going, that we take the time to make sure we're prepared. That can be as simple as taking a look at our equipment, our machinery, and ourselves. Right. Are we stressed out? Are we fatigued? And how do we mitigate those hazards?"

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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.