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 33 growing locations in Alberta with Straight Hail Insurance.

Inside Alberta’s growing projects

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

June 27

In the past month or so, I’ve been to La Crete and Manning, Medicine Hat, Westfield (north of Foremost), and a field of canola 20 minutes southeast of Foremost. I was also able to get to Linden, Huxley, High River, Coaldale, Leduc, and Vauxhall for their annual pig roast on June 20, where they hosted approximately 500 people. I spent Saturday, June 15, in Didsbury at the MCC Relief Sale with our Foodgrains Bank table and display.

Continue reading: June 27 Canadian Foodgrains Update – Alberta

July

I’m writing this the last days of July, just about five weeks since the last update. What started as a cool, wet, prolonged spring, where crops had an excellent start pretty much everywhere, now seems, in many places, to be in a midsummer heatwave (and fires) that may lead to harvests earlier than expected.

Continue reading: July Canadian Foodgrains Update – Alberta

August

As our days get shorter, crops are ripening and harvests have begun. From what looked like a dire and dry year in the early spring to what now looks like mostly good to excellent yields … I’m very thankful.

Continue reading: August Canadian Foodgrains Update – Alberta

October

By the time you read this, we may be nearing the end of 2024 Canadian Foodgrains Bank harvests in Alberta. As of early October, still to come are Central Alberta/Lacombe, Leduc, Eckville, Bonnyville, Vegreville, Carstairs Threshing Day, Manning, and Tofield.

Continue reading: October Canadian Foodgrains Update – Alberta

November

The last Foodgrains Bank harvest in Alberta this season happened at Vegreville on October 15. They were having to juggle moisture and timing, but they got it all off and, I believe, delivered.

Continue reading: November Canadian Foodgrains Update – Alberta