May 2026

SAVE THE DATE!

The 2026 CAAR Connect Convention will take place at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina, SK from November 17 - 19. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more information as we unveil the speakers and program over the summer months. Registration will open in September.

Message from the Chairman - Stu Rasmussen

It’s an honour to speak to you as Chairman of CAAR, and to represent an industry that is absolutely essential to Canadian agriculture...ag retail. I want to be very clear about where we’re headed and what we need. We need more people at this table. If you're an ag retailer, supplier, consultant, or any organization that supports ag retailers in any way, CAAR is your association. We need every ag retailer, every supplier, and every allied organization across Canada to be part of this association.

The challenges we face—regulation, technology, sustainability, labour, logistics, changing expectations from growers and the public—are too big for any one company or region to tackle alone. When we come together as CAAR members, we bring a national perspective and a unified voice that no one else can match. That’s why our strategic focus for 2026–27 centres on five things:

Membership - Growing our membership from coast to coast is the foundation of everything else. Whether you’re a single-site retailer, a national chain, a manufacturer, or a service provider, we need your voice and your engagement at the table.
Education and training - Our industry is changing fast—new technologies, new products, new stewardship requirements, new business models. CAAR is committed to delivering practical, high-impact training that helps your teams stay ahead of that change and perform better in the field and in the office.
Being present in our industry - CAAR must show up where it matters: in regulatory discussions, industry forums, grower conversations, and the public dialogue about food and agriculture. We will be more visible and more proactive so the ag retail perspective is heard and understood.
A unified voice from our membership - When CAAR speaks, it must reflect what you are actually experiencing on the ground. That means engaging more with you, listening carefully, and advocating clearly and consistently. A unified voice gives us real influence.
Growing all stakeholder relationships - Ag retail depends on strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, technology providers, financial partners, regulators, researchers, media, consultants, and, of course, farmers. CAAR’s role is to connect these groups and build partnerships that move the whole sector forward.

These priorities will come together at one key moment: the 2026 CAAR Convention, November 17 to 19 in Regina. This convention is the meeting place for the entire ag retail ecosystem in Canada and will:

Bring together retailers, suppliers, and service providers from every region
Deliver focused education and training for ag retail teams
Showcase innovation and real-world solutions
Help us align on the key issues and messages that will define our unified voice
Strengthen and expand our relationships across the value chain

I have three asks...

Be part of CAAR. If you’re not a member, join us. If you are a member, stay engaged and involved.
Bring others with you. Invite the retailers, suppliers, consultants, and partners you work with to become CAAR members and attend the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention in Regina.
Tell us what you need. Share your challenges, priorities, and ideas so we can focus our efforts where they matter most to your business.

CAAR exists to serve and strengthen ag retail in Canada. With your support, we can grow our membership, elevate our people, speak with one strong voice, and build the relationships this industry needs for the future. Thank you for your commitment to ag retail and for supporting CAAR. I look forward to seeing you—and many more of your colleagues—at the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention in Regina!

CAAR in Action

April was a month focused on engaging with CAAR members and planning for our next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. If you haven't already renewed your membership for 2026-27, now is the time to do so!

CAAR's board of directors met in Winnipeg on April 14 and 15 to review the strategic direction for the organization and set priorities for the year ahead. It was an excellent meeting with a fully engaged board, which included several new directors from across Western Canada. The future looks bright as CAAR is poised to be stronger than ever as the voice of ag retail in Canada.

Two retiring board members were presented with Honourary Lifetime Memberships as they wrapped up their tenure on CAAR's board of directors. Thank you to Stan Loewen and Martin Kiefer, both long-term board members who have been significant contributors to CAAR. Best wishes to Martin and Stan as they enjoy their next chapter in retirement!

CAAR staff were busy working on membership renewals as members across the country renew their membership for 2026-27. Seven new members joined the CAAR ag retail community and we look forward to welcoming many more in the coming weeks and months.

CAAR's Executive Director Myrna Grahn continued to work on behalf of CAAR members and speak up on issues that matter to ag retailers. She met with representatives of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Crops and Horticulture Division at the end of April in Ottawa to discuss issues impacting the ag retail sector and continued to build a collaborative dialogue.

While in Ottawa, Myrna also attended CropLife Canada's Spring Dialogue Days event, where she met with CAAR members, agriculture industry leaders and government officials. A special congratulations to Senator Rob Black, who was honoured for his continued support and commitment to the agriculture industry in Canada. Senator Black received the Grassroots Award, which is presented in recognition of the exemplary effort by an individual in the mobilization of stakeholder partners to the benefit of the plant science industry.

Senator Rob Black accepts an award at

CropLife Canada's Spring Dialogue Days in Ottawa.

Myrna and the team from RVQ.

Registration now open!

Strong leadership capability is essential to organizational performance in the ag retail industry. The CAAR Ag Retail Management Certificate is a member-exclusive professional development program designed to support employers in preparing experienced employees to take on greater leadership responsibility within their organizations. Registration is now open for the inaugural cohort, with limited seats available.

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

Participants 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.

We are honoured to have FCC join us as our program sponsor for the CAAR Ag Retail Management Certificate. Thank you to Seeds Canada for being an event sponsor for the first in-person training session in Saskatoon in July.

As the ag retail industry continues to evolve, organizations require leaders who can manage people, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions in complex environments. Investing in employees supports succession planning, strengthens internal leadership capacity and reduces organizational risk. Designed for professionals with five or more years of industry experience, the program blends in-person, virtual, and self-directed learning, allowing participants to continue contributing in their roles while developing the skills needed to lead effectively.

Spots in the program are limited and seats are filling up quickly. For more details and to register click here by May 22 to secure your spot! For more information, contact Lisa Siragusa, Member Relations & Training Manager at lisa@caar.org.

Keep it Clean resources available

Ag retailers play a critical role in supporting Canadian growers and protecting Canada’s reputation as a supplier of high‑quality grains and oilseeds. From the crop protection products you provide to the information you share, retailers help reinforce following the label and best practices that keep crops market ready.

Keep it Clean, a joint initiative of the Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada, Pulse Canada and the Prairie Oat Growers Association, provides growers and crop advisors with resources for growing market-ready crops.

The following resources are available to order for your retail location:

General information one‑pager - A concise overview of the Keep it Clean program, outlining how on-farm practices help protect crop marketability and keep markets open for all.

Glufosinate one‑pager - A focused resource highlighting considerations related to glufosinate use, designed to support informed discussions and reinforce label‑directed application.

Pre-harvest glyphosate staging guide - A clear, practical staging guide related to glyphosate use for pre-harvest weed control while protecting grain quality and market access.

Postcard - A short, easy‑to‑share reminder growers can take with them, reinforcing key messages and directing them to additional Keep it Clean resources.

Tent card - A simple, highly visible counter display designed to prompt conversation and ensure the Keep it Clean messaging is top of mind.

Information on how to order these materials was recently mailed to ag retail locations. Didn't receive your letter? Contact info@keepitclean.ca or visit the Keep it Clean website for more information.

Keep it Clean: 2026 Product Advisory Webinar

Valuable tips and insights on growing market-ready crops

Keep it Clean is hosting a Product Advisory Webinar on Thursday, May 7 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. The 2026 Keep it Clean Product Advisory has important updates you need to know about before the growing season begins. During the webinar, experts will review the key changes to export market requirements and discuss the updated product and crop combinations that may pose market risks for 2026 growing season.

The webinar is open to growers, crop advisors and other value chain stakeholders who want to learn more about the potential market risks before making crop protection application decisions this upcoming season.

Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of changing maximum residue limits (MRLs) and protect market access for your crops. CEU credits are available for CCAs. Register here.

CAAR Connect sessions available online

While our CAAR Connect sessions have wrapped up for the 2026 winter/spring season, they were a great success.

Since February 2025, CAAR has hosted 20 CAAR Connect sessions on topics ranging from agronomy and regulations, to financing and HR. More than 700 people have participated in these sessions online and another 580 have viewed sessions afterwards on YouTube. On average, about 40 participants attended each session, with another 30-plus watching the recorded session after the event.

Don't worry if you missed a session. All of the previous CAAR Connect sessions were recorded and are available to watch on demand on YouTube. You can view the recordings of previous sessions here.

CAAR Connect sessions are currently on pause during the busy season for our members. Sessions will resume in the fall and the new lineup will be posted and shared through our social media channels and newsletter. We look forward to reconnecting soon and continuing to bring relevant, practical insights to support your work.

Fewer Leak Paths. Better Protection.

New CAAR members

CAAR is pleased to welcome the following eight members to the CAAR ag retail community:

Brandt Consolidated
Canadian Agri-food Marketers Alliance (CAMA)
CashChem Ltd.
Holmes Agro
Planet Earth Agronomy
T. Hamilton Consulting
Vandaele Ag
Wheat Growers

Member Spotlight: Prairie Soil Services

Prairie Soil Services, originally established in 1983 as a family-owned business in Norquay, Saskatchewan, has been a cornerstone of the Parkland agricultural community for over 40 years. Transitioning to new ownership in 2015 alongside PFM Capital, the company has continued to build on its legacy of excellence, innovation, and community involvement.

Prairie Soil Services prides itself on its "Full-Service Advantage," delivering exceptional support to farmers through late-night service, reinvestment in advanced equipment, and a dedicated, skilled team, including Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs). Prairie Soil Services has embraced innovation, integrating systems like Tattle Systems for NH3 management, centralized dispatch operations, and digital tools to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The team champions best practices such as 4R Nutrient Stewardship and cutting-edge fertilizer applications, promoting productivity and environmental stewardship.

A vital part of the community, Prairie Soil Services supports local initiatives, clubs, sports, and infrastructure. Their annual "Thank-a-Farmer" event has raised significant funds for charities like STARS Air Ambulance and local organizations, earning them the 2024 National Philanthropy Day® Award for Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist.

Prairie Soil Services' commitment to its staff includes meal programs during busy seasons, team-building retreats, and professional development. Their focus on fostering a collaborative, innovative environment ensures continued growth while upholding the values of sustainability, community, and agricultural excellence.

CAAR Choice Awards

The annual CAAR Choice Awards highlight the achievements and dedication of CAAR members who serve their community, their growers and the ag retail industry. Awards will be presented at the CAAR Connect Convention in November in Regina.

Nominations for the CAAR Choice Awards will open soon. You can help CAAR celebrate excellence and champion people and businesses by submitting a nomination for the CAAR Choice Awards. Stay tuned for an upcoming Member Alert with information on nomination submissions and deadline in the coming weeks!

2026-27 CAAR membership campaign

It’s time to renew your CAAR membership or join our organization if you aren't already a member. CAAR's fiscal year ends on June 30, 2026 and we're focused on membership for the 2026-27 year, which begins July 1. Your investment in our organization is critical to the success of our industry and the future of ag retail in Canada.

To renew your CAAR membership, log in to CAAR's Member365 portal here. Complete your membership application or renewal by June 30, 2026 to stay connected with CAAR. If you need assistance accessing your Member365 account or have any questions, contact Lisa Siragusa at lisa@caar.org.

Seeds Canada Annual Conference: July 6 - 8

Meet with the seeds industry in Saskatoon, SK from July 6 to 8 for Seeds Canada's annual conference. Leaders from across agriculture will come together this summer to strengthen the foundations of the seed industry. This year’s theme Growing Together, Emerging Stronger sets the stage for several importatn conversations - including variety development, variety registration and agriculture partnerships. Anchored by keynote speaker John Stackhouse, Senior Vice-President in the Office of the CEO, Royal Bank of Canada, the agenda features three days full of opportunities to connect, learn and collaborate.

Learn more and register at the conference website.

2026 Canadian Census of Agriculture

2026 Census of Agriculture—in support of a strong agriculture sector in Canada

The Census of Agriculture begins in early May 2026. Farm operators will receive a letter with easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. To access the questionnaire, farm operators can visit the

Statistics Canada's website.

Since 1921, the Census of Agriculture has provided a detailed portrait of the agricultural industry across Canada. Census data are key to strengthening the economic growth, international competitiveness, and sustainability of the agricultural sector and to ensuring that farm operators have the support they need to continue producing fresh, healthy food for Canadians. Census data are Canada's sole source of community-level data on agriculture.

Key decision-makers – including farm businesses – use this information to act in the interest of farm operators, farming communities and agricultural associations across Canada. Farm organizations are also heavy users of census data, drawing on this information to formulate policy recommendations, develop communications and outreach work, and conduct market research. Government policy advisors use Census of Agriculture data to develop strong farm support programs, evaluate the impacts of external events on the agricultural sector, and provide rapid, effective assistance in times of natural disasters—such as floods, droughts, storms and wildfires.

Farm operators can support their community by filling out the Census of Agriculture questionnaire in May 2026. The questionnaire can be completed by anyone who is responsible for, or knowledgeable about, the day-to-day management decisions of the farm's operations.