CAAR in Action

As we wrap up our 2025-26 fiscal year ending June 30, we're looking back on a successful year as we continue to rebuild and strengthen CAAR and unite ag retailers in Canada. We celebrated CAAR's 30th anniversary this year and celebrated the ag retail industry at our 2025 CAAR Connect Convention in Saskatoon. Plans are well underway for our 2026 convention and we hope you will join us in Regina from November 17 to 19!

Educating the ag retail community is one of our three pillars and continues to be a priority. This summer, we're launching a new Certificate in Ag Retail Management program to help prepare experienced employees to take on greater leadership responsibility within their organizations. The inaugural cohort is excited to start and we will be sharing updates throughout the course of the program. We're also launching a new learning management system to make it easier than ever to take CAAR courses and learn what training is available.

Building partnerships

Unite is another one of CAAR's pillars and we've been building partnerships with organizations across the ag industry. In early May, CAAR attended the Manitoba Digital Agriculture Table hosted by EMILI at Innovation Farms — an inspiring day focused on the future of digital agriculture, innovation, and collaboration across the ag sector. One of the highlights was learning more about TerraByte, led by Dr. Chris Henry and his team, which is building plant and weed data sets to support artificial intelligence and data-driven agriculture. Working collaboratively with industry and government partners, TerraByte is helping to bridge the gap between field data and AI in support of a more sustainable and data-driven future for food production. The future of ag retail and crop production will continue to be shaped by technology, research, and strong partnerships. 

CAAR is one of many coalition partners in the National Index on Agri-Food Performance, which presents the criteria for measuring agri-food sector sustainability on a consolidated basis. This includes all supply chain stakeholders directly involved in agricultural production through to retail, including crop inputs. The intent is to paint a comprehensive view of sustainability – showing areas of leadership and shortcomings. CAAR is involved in a number of the sustainability indicator committees including both economic and environmental sustainability. This fits into our focus on issues relating to the ag retail industry from profitability and business viability to supply chain resilience to innovation and competitiveness. Learn more about the index here.

In late May, CAAR was one of the stakeholders invited to participate in a virtual engagement session with Transport Canada on “Strengthening One Canadian Economy through trade and transportation". Executive Director Myrna Grahn represented CAAR at this consultation to fulfill our mandate to address key issues such as supply chain efficiency and resilience. There was great discussion about railway inter-switching with U.S., mandatory data collection, and Canada’s competitiveness in the global market. Canada’s success depends on moving goods quickly, reliably and at a fair cost. When the transportation system works well, businesses can get products to global markets faster, which helps Canada remain a trusted trading partner. To learn more, read the discussion paper here.

Sharing member perspectives

CAAR has also been asked to participate in two very impactful committees. One is the National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy, whose lead organizations are the Soil Conservation of Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The other is CFIA Working Groups on Customer Formula Fertilizer Labelling Alternative – led by CFIA – Plant Health & Chief Scientist Branch. This follows industry feedback received regarding challenges with labeling requirements for custom blended bulk fertilizers (CFF) under the modernized Fertilizers Regulations. CFIA has extended the compliance promotion period for bulk fertilizers until July 31, 2027, providing additional time to work collaboratively on developing a path to compliant labelling. Chair Stu Rasmussen and Myrna Grahn will represent CAAR on this committee and provide updates as work progresses.

CAAR also reviewed the Canadian Anhydrous Ammonia Code of Practice Revisions for 2027, meeting with a number of retailers to get their feedback. CAAR provided a written submission to share ag retail members’ perspectives at the end of May.

To stay updated on important updates and issues that impact ag retailers, remember to update your membership for 2026-27. As always, if there are issues you’d like to share, contact Myrna at myrna@caar.org. CAAR is your member association and we want to represent your interests as the voice of ag retail in Canada.

(L to R) Jennifer Cox, EMILI's Manager of Communications, with CAAR's Myrna Grahn

and Julianna Grahn at the Manitoba Digital Agriculture Table hosted by EMILI in Manitoba.

Coming Soon: the CAAR Academy Learning Platform

Exciting things are coming to CAAR education and training!

The CAAR Academy, CAAR’s new online learning platform, is in the final stages of testing and will soon be available to members and industry learners.

Designed to provide convenient, accessible, and industry-relevant training, the CAAR Academy will continue to offer the trusted certification and regulatory courses our members rely on, including:

• Anhydrous Ammonia Retailer Safe Handling & TDG Certification
• Retailer TDG Certification
• WHMIS Training

In addition, the platform will feature new CEU-approved courses that support CCA requirements, helping ag retail professionals maintain certifications and continue their professional development. Learners will also have access to expanded industry-relevant education opportunities through partner associations.

Whether you are onboarding new employees, maintaining compliance, earning CEUs, or strengthening industry knowledge, the CAAR Academy will provide flexible, online learning designed to support today’s ag retail workforce.

Watch your email for the official launch announcement and availability date, or visit the CAAR Academy and education page for updates and detailed information: https://www.caar.org/caar-academy/

CAAR Ag Retail Management Certificate

Final few spots available!

There is still time to register for CAAR's new Ag Retail Management Certificate. Sponsored by FCC, this member-exclusive professional development program is designed to support employers in preparing experienced employees to take on greater leadership responsibility within their organizations.

This new program strengthens leadership capability, communication effectiveness, business decision-making, and operational confidence through practical, applied learning delivered by industry and subject-matter experts.

Participants will develop skills they can apply immediately to lead teams with clarity and confidence, strengthen customer and stakeholder relationships, support stronger operational and financial decision-making, manage employees using practical HR strategies tailored to ag retail, contribute more effectively to organizational performance and expand professional connections across the ag retail sector.

To register, click here or contact Lisa Siragusa, Member Relations & Training Manager at lisa@caar.org.

Sponsor the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention

The annual CAAR Connect Convention is a success thanks in large part to the support of our many sponsors. Thanks to their sponsorship dollars, we are able to UNITE our members and bring the ag retail community together once a year to learn about the latest trends and news impacting our industry and network with friends and colleagues.

Get involved! Become a sponsor this year and help support this important event for ag retail, which will take place November 17 to 19 at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina. There are many sponsorship opportunities available and we're happy to customize a sponsorship if you have something special in mind.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention, view the sponsorship package or contact Tracey Shelton, Communications & Convention Manager, at tracey@caar.org.

Two students are joining the CAAR team for the summer to gain valuable work experience and tackle projects supporting our members.

Braden Fischer is returning to CAAR - and to Winnipeg - for his third summer. Braden is an accounting major at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He plans to obtain his CPA designation and hopes to work in the agriculture industry in the future.

Julianna Grahn, who works with CAAR on a part-time basis throughout the year, has joined CAAR in a full-time capacity this summer. Julianna is an economics major at the University of Winnipeg. She plans to complete her four-year business administration degree in 2028 and pursue a career in the agriculture industry. Julianna has worked diligently with CAAR members and staff to keep the database up-to-date.

Fewer Leak Paths. Better Protection.

Sponsored content: GSI

GSI's EVO 2X grain bin eliminates half the vertical seams by doubling the length of each sidewall sheet and reducing the bolt count by 50 per cent, reinforcing every connection and minimizing water entry points. With the strength to handle high peak loads and heavy snow, EVO 2X is built for the extreme demands of 90' diameter bins and larger. Learn more.

New CAAR members

CAAR is pleased to welcome the following new member to the CAAR ag retail community:

• Scotiabank

Member Spotlight: The Rack

Rooted in Saskatchewan and proudly independent, The Rack is a family-owned agricultural retailer serving growers across 14 locations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. For more than 40 years, The Rack has been committed to helping farmers improve the efficiency and profitability of their operations through knowledge, innovation, and trusted service.

The story began in 1984 when Dennis and Lynda Bulani started Bulani Agro Inc. with a single fuel truck and a simple commitment to serving growers. As the business evolved, so did its focus on helping producers succeed through agronomy, crop protection, fertilizer, fuel, and innovative technologies designed to improve on-farm efficiency.

In 2001, Dennis and Lynda launched Rack Petroleum as an independent agricultural retailer. Over time, the company evolved into what is now known as The Rack, while maintaining the same independent spirit and grower-first mindset that shaped its beginnings.

Today, the company is led by Dennis Bulani, Founder and CEO, and Cassandra Morari, Chief Operating Officer, alongside a leadership team committed to innovation, customer success, and the future of prairie agriculture.

The Rack operates with a clear purpose: to improve the efficiency by which growers produce food. Every aspect of the business, from agronomy and crop protection to fuel, logistics, custom application, and research, is focused on helping growers make better decisions and achieve stronger returns on investment.

Knowledge and innovation remain central to that mission. The Rack has developed a proprietary six-factor agronomy system designed to optimize input investment and improve profitability. Research trials, knowledge transfer initiatives, and on-farm validation help ensure recommendations are grounded in practical results and local growing conditions.



The Rack has also become recognized for its expertise in bulk product handling, fuel distribution, and chemical logistics. Drawing on decades of experience delivering fuel and crop inputs across Western Canada, the company continues to develop systems that improve efficiency throughout the agricultural supply chain. 

As a family-owned company, The Rack remains committed to supporting the long-term success of Canadian agriculture through science-based agronomy, operational innovation, and a genuine dedication to helping growers and rural communities thrive.

Fall CAAR Connect sessions - presenters wanted!

As CAAR begins scheduling fall CAAR Connect sessions, we are seeking industry experts interested in sharing practical knowledge and insights with ag retail professionals. CAAR Connect sessions are open to both members and non-members and are designed to provide practical, real-world learning that attendees can apply in their interactions with farmers and within their businesses. Sessions should offer valuable industry insights, actionable takeaways, and professional development opportunities.

CAAR Connect sessions are intended for knowledge exchange and professional development, not product or service promotion. Presentations should be educational, practical, and focused on sharing expertise, best practices, and relevant industry insights. While presenters may reference examples from their organization or experience, content should remain non-commercial in nature.

CAAR Connect sessions take place Thursdays at noon CST, featuring a 30-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of discussion and Q&A. If you're interested in presenting, click here to submit a proposal.

Myrna Grahn appointed to Nutrients for Life board

CAAR’s Executive Director Myrna Grahn has joined the board of the Nutrients for Life Foundation Canada. CAAR is focused on facilitating conversation around science-based agriculture practices, public trust, and ensuring the next generation understands the important work being done across ag retail and crop production. Nutrients for Life's work shows students and their families the inherent importance of the work our members do. 

“Canadian ag retailers play a critical role in helping farmers grow safe, sustainable, and abundant food," says Myrna. “I'm proud to join Nutrients for Life on behalf of CAAR to help advance conversations around agricultural literacy, sustainability, and the future of food production in Canada."

To learn more, visit the Nutrients for Life website.

Renew your membership for 2026-27!

CAAR is your member association. Our purpose is to represent the ag retail industry in Canada and speak on behalf of our members about the issues that are important to you and your business. CAAR is focused on amplifying the voice of ag retail in Canada so our industry can continue to grow and thrive in the future.

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which begins July 1, we're focused on renewing memberships so we can continue to provide you with the latest news and information as it happens. Over 80 per cent of our members have already renewed their CAAR membership.

What is the value of a CAAR membership?

1. The latest information - Get news and updates on issues that are important to ag retailers through Member Alerts and the monthly CAAR Communicator e-newsletter.
2. Continued education - Stay up-to-date on training and access learning opportunities through CAAR Connect sessions, the new CAAR learning management system and CAAR's inaugural Certificate in Ag Retail Management Program.
3. Industry advocacy - Share your opinions and perspectives about regulations, policy changes and other important initiatives that can impact your business as part of a united ag retail community

To join or to renew your CAAR membership for 2026-27, log in to CAAR's Member365 portal here. Complete your membership application or renewal by June 30, 2026 to stay connected with CAAR. For more information, contact Lisa Siragusa at lisa@caar.org.

Do More Ag - What does help look like?

Featured on the Do More Ag Foundation Blog

In her latest post, Do More Ag Executive Director Merle Massie explores practical ways to support someone experiencing mental health challenges. From simple check-ins to everyday acts of support, the article highlights how small, intentional actions can reduce isolation and help people feel seen and supported. It encourages readers to move beyond “let me know if you need anything” and instead offer tangible, meaningful support within their own capacity—strengthening connection and care in agriculture and rural communities. Read more on the Do More Ag website.

Upcoming events

June 30: Deadline to renew membership for CAAR's 2026-27 fiscal year

July 6 - 8: Seeds Canada annual conference - Saskatoon, SK

July 15 & 16: Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) Summer Meeting - Halifax, NS

November 17 - 19: 2026 CAAR Connect Convention - Regina, SK

Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers

205 – 1 Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6

Toll Free: 800-463-9323

Phone: 204-989-9300

Email: info@caar.org