The GrainsWest Podcast

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A Podcast From GrainsWest Magazine, connecting farmers, food and ideas.

  1. Jun 9

    Agriculture’s AI revolution

    Agriculture is on the edge of an AI revolution, and farmers are about to feel it. In this episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, Trevor Bacque sits down with businessman and ag tech visionary Robert Saik, who makes the case that artificial intelligence is already reshaping how farmers gather data, manage operations, and make decisions in the field. From precision ag platforms to marketing portfolio management, Saik breaks down where AI fits into the modern farm, and where it's headed next. GrainsWest magazine is published by Alberta Grains, connecting farmers, food, and ideas. Visit grainswest.com to read exclusive stories and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter at: https://grainswest.com/

    40 min

  2. Feb 6

    Let farmer insight be your guide

    No one knows farming like farmers. To produce its latest AgIntel Index Report, AdFarm turned to farmers for their perspectives on Canadian and U.S. agriculture. The report’s authors discuss insights into the farm economy, AI, regenerative ag and more.   Read the exclusive online story at grainswest.com

    37 min

  3. 2025-10-01

    The Canadian Tractor Museum to the rescue

    In this episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, we explore how Western Canadian agriculture evolved from horse-and-plow to the mechanized age of tractors, threshers, and field implements. As farming equipment became obsolete, many machines disappeared—until a dedicated group of enthusiasts stepped in. Learn how members of the Westlock Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club founded the Canadian Tractor Museum to preserve this vital history. Editor Ian Doig visits the museum to speak with president Steven Miller and vice president Brent Sterling about the collection, its legacy, and why preserving farm equipment matters. GrainsWest magazine is published by Alberta Grains with a mission to connect farmers, food, and ideas. For more stories, or to subscribe to our e-newsletter, visit grainswest.com.

    37 min

  4. 2025-06-13

    Canadian agriculture and Trump’s trade war: Part Two

    This is the second of a two-part examination of the effects of U.S. trade war on the Canadian agriculture. What are the potential economic impact on farmers, and what has it done to crop input markets and the agricultural manufacturing sector?

    39 min

  5. 2025-06-06

    Canadian agriculture and Trump’s trade war: Part One

    This is the first of a two-part examination of the effects of the U.S. trade war on the Canadian agriculture industry. In this episode, we examine the fallout and response from a policy and markets perspective.

    36 min

  6. 2025-04-04

    The need for certified seed

    The work of certified seed growers is challenging. In the magazine’s spring 2025 issue, GrainsWest introduced readers to three successful Alberta seed growing operations. In this episode of The GrainsWest Podcast, Trevor Bacque picks up where that story left off and talks with Larry Penner of Penwest Seeds about the variety registration system and innovation in seed genetics.   To read more about the work of Alberta seed growers, visit https://grainswest.com/

    22 min

  7. 2024-10-07

    Canadian agriculture’s short line manufacturers

    In this episode, Trevor Bacque goes inside the Canadian short line equipment industry, a sector led by enterprising farmers. While they represent a surprising amount of economic activity, these relatively small, independent manufacturers are a pivotal part of the farm equipment ecosystem. For the digital edition of the story, please visit: https://grainswest.com/

    15 min

  8. 2024-05-03

    Malt magic and beautiful beer

    In this episode, beer journalist Don Tess talks with Rob McCaig, a 42-year veteran of the beer industry and a technical expert on malt. McCaig has served as head brewer for some of the largest breweries in the world and as the executive director of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre. He now works as a senior technical services advisor for First Key, a brewing and beverage industry consulting firm. McCaig is also a highly sought-after beer judge who was recently named head judge of the 2024 International Brewing and Cider Awards. He spoke with Don about his time in the industry, what makes a great malt and what makes great beer.

    36 min
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About

A Podcast From GrainsWest Magazine, connecting farmers, food and ideas.

Information

  • Creator
    grainswestpodcast
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The GrainsWest Podcast