Herbicide resistance has been increasing across Canada for the past four decades, with resistant weeds now found on an estimated 38 million acres of cropland in Western Canada.

According to Hugh Beckie, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the rising percentage of cropland affected by herbicide resistant weeds is showing no signs of slowing down.

Beckie was part of a team that conducted three rounds of prairie weed surveys in 2001-2003, 2007-2009 and 2014-2017. During each period, the team surveyed one of the three Prairie provinces per season. “Across the Prairies, we quickly found that the more we looked, the more resistance we discovered,” he says.

CAAR and Fertilizer Canada are working together to address regulatory challenges on behalf of the industry.

Just days after Mitch Rezansoff joined CAAR as executive director in January, new requirements for ammonia nurse, applicator and highway tanks came into effect under CSA B620-14/B622-14. Rezansoff met these updates head-on and went to work on behalf of membership, attempting to secure an extension for compliance. Rezansoff describes the experience as a steep learning curve, but a necessary one, given the timeliness of the issue. 

Agri-retailers can play a more prominent role in sustainability.

Western Canadian organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices are struggling to survive, due to a significant decline in memberships, event attendance and overall interest.

These challenges have recently forced organizations like the Northern Prairies Ag Innovation Alliance (NPAIA) to fold due to lack of funding from membership and government sources.

NPAIA had been a farmer-directed organization that promoted conservation and sustainability on farms, with representation in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and North Dakota.

Developing a comprehensive strategy for the future of CAAR.

With a new year comes new opportunities for CAAR to better serve its membership, craft solutions to industry challenges and reach new stakeholders across the agri-retail industry. To accomplish that goal, CAAR is calling on all members to submit their feedback, priorities and ideas to shape the association’s focus in 2018.

As I write this, snow is swirling outside my office windows and thoughts of agriculture and farming seem a long way off. In reality, agriculture and agri-retail do not rest and today is simply one stage in the production and planning process for our members and their customers.

As I’ve often heard said in our industry; it’s not enough to do a good job, you have to be seen doing a good job for it to really count. As a member-based association and advocate for the agri-retail sector, it’s part of CAAR’s role to share the news and stories of the good work being done by our members.

Conference attendees have the invaluable opportunity to tap into the minds of their customers at the Understanding Farmers’ Needs and Expectations panel discussion.

Once again, the CAAR Conference coincides with Canada’s Agriculture Day, created last year by Agriculture More Than Ever to highlight the ag industry and strengthen connections between consumers and the food production chain. Join us at the Icebreaker Cocktail Reception to kick off the conference and raise a glass to celebrate agriculture in Canada – and we have a lot to celebrate!

It wouldn’t be the CAAR Conference without CAAR’s Pro-Ag Investments Auction! Always a conference highlight, this annual event supports programming and advocacy, while helping to keep membership fees low.

Mitch Rezansoff has a love for agriculture, a strong personal drive and an innovative spirit.

Having spent significant early life on his family’s farm in the Swan River Valley, Man., Mitch Rezansoff began developing a passion for agriculture at a young age. “I love watching animals, crops and the industry itself develop,” he says.

CAAR board and staff members reflect on CAAR’s evolving role in the industry.

The Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative provides opportunities for agri-retailers by funding internships.

Building a behaviour-based culture of safety.

This pre-conference session is a unique opportunity for CCAs and agronomists to become designated in the company of their peers.

CAAR represented agri-retailers on a diverse range of issues in 2017.

In 2017, CAAR continued to focus on advocacy and created positive benefits for agri-retailers on numerous policy and compliance issues. Reflecting on the past year, CAAR is proud to have delivered on its mandate to advance and defend Canadian agri-retail.

“It is CAAR’s promise to you that we will continue working to ensure the collective voice of our membership is being heard and acted upon,” says Lynda Nicol, director of member services at CAAR.

The latest issue of The Communicator is here!

Australian industry veteran Bill Dowdle brings his ideas and expertise to Canada.

Summer isn’t over yet, but we’re already looking ahead to the September issue of The Communicator!

The July Communicator is coming your way this week!

Be sure to keep an eye out for the February issue of The Communicator - coming your way this week!

Be sure to keep an eye out for the December issue of The Communicator – coming your way this week!

In the event of a possible Canada Post labour disruption, the delivery of your copy of The Communicator may be delayed for an unknown duration.

Look out for the July 2016 issue of The Communicator, hitting mailboxes this week.

Are you, or one of your colleagues, doing something daring or different in the agri-retail world?

Tell us the story of how you tackled a business challenge or agronomic obstacle for a producer, and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of The Communicator.

It’s that time of year again – when CAAR delivers a magazine chock full of insights and research, as well as two valuable planning and networking tools, right into your mailbox.

Unlock your marketing potential by advertising in CAAR’s print and digital publications, dedicated to informing Canada’s agri-retailers of advancements in the industry and telling the stories only we can tell.

Deadlines for our upcoming publications are quickly approaching. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today to make sure you get the most out of these powerful marketing tools.

Readership of over 14,000 professionals in Canada’s Ag Retail industry.

The CAAR Communicator magazine is an award-winning and unique publication focused exclusively on issues of interest to the ag retail industry. It is published five times per year (February, April, August, October and December).

Continuing with the mission of driving business and innovation for the Canadian crop production industry, the new design of The CAAR Communicator focuses on the issues and successes of Canadian ag retail.

The content of The CAAR Communicator is guided by the Communications Committee, comprised of the following members: Martin Kiefer (chair), Layne Erickson, Eric Sievers, Darren Fawns and Kirsten Pears.

Submitting Articles or To Receive a Copy

If you would like to submit an article suggestion or receive your complimentary copy of The CAAR Communicator, please contact the CAAR office at 204-989-9300 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you are interested in advertising in any of CAAR's publications, view our Media Planner