For many Alberta farmers, participating locally in a Canadian Foodgrains growing project is a way to make a difference at a global level.

Founded in 1983, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank works to end global hunger by providing emergency humanitarian responses to address immediate need and development projects that provide agricultural training.

While each Foodgrains growing project is unique, reflecting the area the crop is grown and the people involved, there are some common practices. The projects often have community involvement, with area businesses assisting the growing projects with donations of goods, like seed and fertilizer, and services, like insurance.

Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) is proud to support 24 Canadian Foodgrains projects covering 32 growing locations (3,379 acres) in Alberta with Straight Hail Insurance during the 2026 growing season. A variety of crops are represented, including barley, wheat, canola, along with smaller amounts of red lentils, oats, and yellow peas.

Inside Alberta’s growing projects – 2026

Join us this growing season as we follow the stories of these diverse growing projects with the help of Abe Janzen, Canadian Foodgrains Bank regional representative.

 

Hello Alberta!

It’s mid-May, and on some days, it’s warming up nicely. Other days the sun is out, but sometimes grudgingly.

At the same time, I’m hearing from farmers that we are happy with a slower warm-up.

Read Abe’s full update: Hello Alberta!

 

Seasons keep rolling on

It’s mid-June and a little unsettling how quickly these seasons keep rolling on.

Someone said that what is unique to the human race is that we experience reality in terms of time; as the seasons change, I’m particularly aware of that.

Read Abe’s full update: Seasons keep rolling on

 

Important work

The world can feel messy and uncertain, making it difficult to stay optimistic.

But on July 30, Kathy and I had coffee with one of the pastors at our church. He told us that his wife’s grandfather walked across Canada in 2003 to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. His name was George Zondervan.

Read Abe’s full update: Important work

 

Harvest notes

It’s definitely that time of year!

Vauxhall harvested 168 bu of barley on August 12, Medicine Hat harvested 127 acres of dryland wheat at 42 bu on August 19, and Coaldale, after 92 per cent hail damage, still harvested a significant amount of barley on August 20.

Read Abe’s full update: Harvest notes