Summer forecasted to bring hot, dry weather across the prairies

Jul 07, 2023

Farmers who are looking for a cool, wet growing season will be disappointed by the latest seasonal forecast from Environment Canada.

That's predicting a hot, dry summer across the country, though the prairies may not feel the worst of it.

Meteorologist Terri Lang says that the forecast may last well up to harvest.

"July, August, and September across the prairies are looking to be above average with respect to temperature. With respect to precipitation, our ability to forecast the long-range precipitation patterns isn't all that great, but the current forecast is showing that it's sort of in the northern parts of the provinces, it's forecast to be drier than average. Across the southern part, it's not showing a trend at all."

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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.