A Moment with the Mayor: Agriculture Public Interest

Here in Lloydminster and area, the backbone of our economy is agriculture. While oil and gas remain an important part of our local economy, agriculture continues to be the foundation and consistent building block for our region.

Agriculture in this area dates back generations, from First Nations communities to the early settlers who helped shape the region. Cattle, hogs, poultry, and a wide range of grains and oilseeds have long been the mainstay of agricultural production.

Over the years, agriculture in our region has been closely studied, with farmers continuing to learn, adapt and develop high-quality products. Both the University of Alberta and the University of Saskatchewan established and operated research facilities to support the growth of agriculture and agricultural practices across Western Canada.

The federal government also recognized the value of agricultural research and created research facilities and farms across the country. These teams collected and maintained detailed records related to weather patterns, soil conditions, crop production, inputs and yields. The research has provided critical insights for producers and governments alike.

This work has been particularly important in regions such as the Palliser Triangle, where moisture can often be limited. The information gathered through research has helped guide changes in farming practices and supported better decision-making across the sector. With farms located across Canada and in many different conditions, the data collected and shared has played a significant role in shaping how farms and ranches operate today.

One of the most notable changes over the years has been the shift away from the practice of summer fallowing. Research conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research farm in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, along with other federal research sites across the Prairies, demonstrated how producers could reduce soil erosion caused by wind and rain. The research also showed that farmers could improve crop yields without sacrificing valuable topsoil every other year.

Looking at today’s agricultural landscape, the numbers illustrate the significant impact the industry continues to have. In Alberta alone, wheat exports reached $3.2 billion last year, with Canadian wheat sold to 67 countries around the world. Alberta canola exports totalled $1.6 billion in 2024 but dropped to $638 million following China’s tariff on Canadian products. Barley exports from Alberta exceed $550 million annually.

Even without factoring in livestock sales, these figures highlight the scale of agriculture’s contribution to both the provincial and national economy. Much of this success can be traced back to the research conducted at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada facilities and research stations such as those in Lacombe, Alberta, and Swift Current, Indian Head and Scott in Saskatchewan.

It is with heavy hearts that we watch the Government of Canada move forward with closing several of these facilities, some of which have been operating for more than 100 years. There is hope that the many voices from across the agriculture industry, including producers who continue to rely on this research, will be heard as the future of these facilities is considered.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster