Western Producer Editorial

Karen Briere, Bruce Dyck, Robin Booker, Paul Yanko and Laura Rance collaborate in the writing of Western Producer editorials.

Stories by Western Producer Editorial

A belligerent U.S. is scary, but situation not hopeless
Opinion, Tariffs

A belligerent U.S. is scary, but situation not hopeless

A new era of international trade is beginning as U.S. president Donald Trump prepares to launch trade wars, including with Canada. This isn’t something we should take personally. We are being drawn into a dispute that is not of our making. Nor is it an isolated event. Canada followed in good faith the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement […] Read more
Bunge-Viterra approval ignores farmers’ concerns
Opinion

Bunge-Viterra approval ignores farmers’ concerns

Prairie farmers must be bitterly disappointed in the news earlier this month that the federal government is approving Bunge’s acquisition of Viterra, despite their strong opposition to the deal. One can’t help but wonder what more they could have done to make Ottawa recognize their concerns. Sure, the usual conditions were put on the transaction, […] Read more
Cartoon of a beaver, wearing a maple leaf toque and a shirt with "Proudly" above a maple leaf on his chest, is holding a hockey stick with a Canadian flag tied to it and saying, "I guess Trump is good for somethin'!"
Opinion, Tariffs

Concept of Canada hard to define but worth defending

The world’s longest undefended border is attracting a great deal of attention these days, ever since certain folks south of that border began talking about taking an eraser to it. A foreign policy analyst recently dismissed as “trash talk” multiple musings by U.S. president Donald Trump about the merits of his country annexing its northern […] Read more
What to do when an ally turns into a serious threat?
Opinion, Tariffs

What to do when an ally turns into a serious threat?

It’s been a hard realization over the past few weeks that Canada’s most significant strategic ally is morphing into an existential threat. When U.S. president-elect Donald Trump first mused that Canada should become the 51st state, it was largely brushed off as a negotiation tactic or simply trolling prime minister Justin Trudeau.  However, it’s growing […] Read more
Potential pesticide struggle in the U.S. worth watching
Opinion

Potential pesticide struggle in the U.S. worth watching

A power struggle is potentially looming in the United States within president-elect Donald Trump’s administration that could have implications for Canadian farmers. In one corner of the ring is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for health secretary. Kennedy is best known in many circles for his less-than-orthodox views on issues such as vaccines, fluoridation […] Read more
Gratitude always in season; Christmas time and beyond
Opinion

Gratitude always in season; Christmas time and beyond

As we roll into the final stretch of 2024, it’s time to reminisce, read a few best-of-the-year lists and either avoid or seek eggnog. This year, Prairie farmers are likely grateful that their grain handling systems and haying equipment were busy after some very dry and hard years. Crop prices are down, but the drought […] Read more
More than just dirt: soil takes proper spotlight
Opinion

More than just dirt: soil takes proper spotlight

There was a time when farmers and others in the agriculture industry didn’t give soil much thought. It was often taken for granted, even though the food we produce is literally grown in the ground beneath our feet. Many who have reported on agriculture over the decades can remember when talking about farming meant talking […] Read more
Team Canada approach vital in U.S. relations
Opinion, Tariffs

Team Canada approach vital in U.S. relations

Donald Trump will be moving back into the White House in a little less than two months but he has already kicked over a hornet’s nest. The president-elect announced last week that one of his first orders of business will be to impose 25 per cent tariffs on everything imported to the United States from […] Read more
Friendship has no place at the bargaining table
Opinion, Tariffs

Friendship has no place at the bargaining table

Former French President Charles de Gaulle is often quoted as once saying, “no nation has friends; only interests.” It’s something to keep in mind as we approach what promises to be an interesting year. There’s a new volatile and unpredictable administration south of the border. As an example, the president-elect has selected Robert F. Kennedy […] Read more

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