September 2026

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

CAAR in Action

August was all about advocacy in action for CAAR’s Board and staff — working with industry partners, bringing agricultural retailers to the table and making sure the issues facing our members are heard.

Building stronger industry partnerships

Collaboration makes our industry stronger. In the continued spirit of partnerships, work is progressing on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fertilizer Canada. Both organizations are working toward a framework for greater collaboration on issues affecting agricultural retailers. This initiative began in the spring and has continued through CAAR's Board and Advocacy Committee review. CAAR and Fertilizer Canada will meet again in September with the goal of finalizing the MOU this fall.

CAAR is also continuing its partnership with Nutrients for Life. Executive Director Myrna Grahn is on the board of directors and will be attending a fundraising event as part of the Fertilizer Canada conference in PEI in September. In turn, Nutrients for Life is holding its board meeting in Regina in November to coincide with CAAR’s convention.

A seat at the table

CAAR and its members continue to have a direct role in discussions around customer formula fertilizer bulk labelling. A joint committee, co-chaired by CFIA and Fertilizer Canada, is meeting every two weeks to identify practical solutions to the regulatory challenges. CAAR and its members are part of the conversation and participate in the bi-weekly meetings to help develop solutions.

CAAR is also contributing to the development of the National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy (NASH). CAAR Chair Myrna is leading the subcommittee focused on extension and learning — the strategy’s training pillar. This work aligns directly with CAAR’s priority of ensuring ag retail employees have access to the education and training they need to support farmers and promote responsible agriculture.

Standing up for BC retailers

CAAR has also been actively engaged on the impacts of drought and water restrictions in British Columbia. Three meetings have focused on the challenges facing retailers and their customers as restrictions affect orchard and vegetable growers — with farmers already experiencing crop losses.

CAAR is working with BC retailers to understand the impacts and support efforts to address the government’s approach and its consequences for agriculture.

August board meeting

CAAR’s board of directors continues to move forward on its strategic priorities and governance. The CAAR board met virtually in late August to take action on strategic priorities and plan for the new year. Updated bylaws are now in place with a full complement of quarterly board meetings.

Two board positions will be open for nomination at CAAR’s Annual General Meeting, which takes place during the convention on November 18. Chair Stu Rasmussen will move into the role of Past Chair as Lucas Bell becomes Board Chair in November bringing continued momentum and leadership to CAAR.

Are you interested in getting involved — or know someone who would be a great addition to the Board? Connect with CAAR Executive Director Myrna Grahn or Chair Stu Rasmussen.

Expanding the national conversation

Myrna is heading to Prince Edward Island in September to attend the Fertilizer Canada conference and connect with agricultural retailers across Eastern Canada. While in the Maritimes, CAAR will build on a pre-COVID tradition by bringing ag retailers in Atlantic Canada together for a Canadian Agricultural Retail Forum — a day designed to listen, learn and share.

The full day session, which will take place in Moncton, New Brunswick, will feature industry presentations in the morning, followed by an afternoon ag retail forum focused on the issues, concerns and opportunities facing retailers in Eastern Canada. CAAR is expanding its national voice by hearing directly from retailers across the country and bringing those perspectives into broader industry and government discussions. Advocating. Educating. Uniting. That’s CAAR in action.

As always, if there are issues or concerns that you'd like to raise, please reach out to Myrna anytime at myrna@caar.org. CAAR is your member association and we want to represent your interests as the voice of ag retail in Canada.

2026 CAAR Connect Convention

Join us in Regina in November!

The energy around CAAR has been building over the past two years — and connection is a big part of that momentum. The annual CAAR Connect Convention is where agricultural retailers come together to learn, share ideas, build relationships and talk about the opportunities and challenges shaping our industry.

Networking is a big part of the convention and you need to be in the room to discuss the issues and share ideas. Come for the learning and stay for the conversation!

Registration is now open for the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention. Join us at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina from November 17 to 19! Click othe link to register here.

2026 CAAR Connect Convention Program

We have an exciting line up of speakers to keep you updated on the issues and trends impacting ag retail. Hear from industry leaders about the global outlook for agriculture, learn about the newest innovations and get insights into farmer perceptions to help enhance your business. Visit the convention website.

TUESDAY, November 17

7:00 – 11:00 p.m. Welcome Reception

WEDNESDAY, November 18

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. WELCOME & CAAR IN ACTION YEAR IN REVIEW

Stu Rasmussen, Chair
Myrna Grahn, Executive Director

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING IN CANADIAN AGRICULTURE?

Shaun Haney, Founder, RealAgriculture

9:45 – 10:15 a.m. Networking Break

10:15 – 11:15 a.m. THE GLOBAL AG OUTLOOK: WHAT’S NEXT FOR CANADA AND THE WORLD?

Moderated by Shaun Haney, Founder, RealAgriculture
Cornie Thiessen, General Manager, Canada, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions
Donnelly McEwen, Channel Strategy Manager, BASF
Brent Derkatch, President and CEO, Canterra Seeds
Jason Newton, Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, Nutrien

11:15 – 12:00 p.m. SETTING THE STAGE: THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE IN A CHANGING ECONOMY

Desmond Sobool, Director, Economics and Deputy Chief Economist, FCC

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. CAAR AGM

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. REDUCING RED TAPE AND POSITIONING CANADA FOR SUCCESS

Pierre Petelle, President and CEO, CropLife Canada
Dan Wright, Chief Executive Officer, Seeds Canada

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Networking Break

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. DECODING FARMER DECISIONS: AG RETAILER PERSPECTIVES AND POSITIONS

Krista MacLean, Vice President, Client Services, Stratus Ag Research

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CAAR Connect Happy Hour with Exhibitors

6:00 - 10:00 p.m. CAAR Connect Convention Gala

THURSDAY, November 19

8:45 – 9:45 a.m. READY FOR TAKE OFF? THE DRONE DEBATE

Rory Cranston, Technical Strategy Lead, Cereals, Bayer Crop Science
Corteva – TBC
CADA – TBC

9:45 – 10:30 a.m. ALL ABOUT AI FOR AGRIBUSINESS

Chris Bunio, Co-founder and CEO, TheoryMesh

10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Networking Break

11:00 – 12:00 p.m. INNOVATION THAT MATTERS: DRIVING AG RETAIL FORWARD

Mike Twining, Chief Innovation Officer, Willard Agri-Service/Vice Chair, ARA

Become a sponsor!

The annual CAAR Connect Convention is a great opportunity to meet potential customers, suppliers and other valuable partners. Become a convention sponsor today. There are still plenty of opportunities to get involved from sponsorship to securing a Cruise & Connect table to promote your brand and your business to convention attendees.

Another way to get involved is to donate a prize for our auction. All of the proceeds go towards investing in our talent pool under our EDUCATE pillar, from scholarships to bursaries to training our ag retail staff to keep current and informed on new innovation. Whether it's bidding on a product donation or a fun prize pack, the live auction is always a big hit and lots of fun.

The convention wouldn't be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. Thank you to ADAMA Canada, BASF, Bayer, Canterra Seeds, FCC, Meridian Manufacturing, Q-Line Trucking, SeCan and Scotiabank for sponsoring the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention.

Check out the sponsorship package to learn more or contact Tracey Shelton, Communications & Convention Manager, at tracey@caar.org.

Reserve your room at the Hotel Saskatchewan

Be sure to book your hotel room at The Hotel Saskatchewan as soon as you register for the convention. Space is limited and the CAAR room block is filling up quickly.

Click here to book your room today!

Bringing Atlantic Canada's ag retail leaders together

CAAR is inviting ag retailers in Atlantic Canada to attend a one-day event to learn and share and grow our national voice. The CAAR Ag Retail Forum brings ag retail leaders, agronomists and industry partners together for a day of insight, candid conversation and meaningful connection. Hear fresh perspectives, share what's happening in your business and region. Be part of the conversations shaping the future of ag retail!

Monday, September 21, 2026

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Four Points by Sheraton Moncton - Moncton, NB

To register and learn more, click here.

Ag Retail Management Certificate Program

CAAR's inaugural Ag Retail Management Certificate Program, which is sponsored by FCC, continues this fall with online learning and another in-person session prior to the CAAR Connect Convention in Regina in November.

We introduced you to the first four of our 12 participants last month. Meet the next four as we introduce you to the class of 2026!

"I enrolled in CAAR's Ag Retail Management Certificate Program to grow my leadership skills and help our organization thrive.”

Mike McGregor

Retail Manager, The Rack / Rack Petroleum Ltd.

“I want to expand my knowledge and gain other perspectives on best practices in ag retail management."

Troy Lyster

Territory Manager, McEwens Fuels & Fertilizers

"I want to strengthen my leadership skills so I can better support my team, customers, and company.”

Laurissa Fedorchuk

Sales & Operations Manager, Riverbend Co-op

“I'm in this program to improve in my current role and advance my career in ag retail.”

Travis Clarke

Operations, Holmes Agro

Join the Class of 2027!

Planning is still underway for the second session of the Ag Retail Management Certificate Program, anticipated to begin in January 2027. If you are interested in participating or considering investing in one of your future leaders, complete this expression of interest form to help us plan and receive priority notification when the 2027 program details become available.

To learn more about the program, visit the Ag Retail Management Certificate Program page.

Fewer Leak Paths. Better Protection.

Meet a Member: CANTERRA SEEDS

Growing connection one field at a time

CANTERRA SEEDS is a Canadian, farmer-owned seed company that has been making a meaningful difference in Western Canadian agriculture for three decades.

We offer a diverse portfolio of high-quality seed, including canola, wheat, barley, pulses, and specialty crops, carefully selected to meet the unique needs of every farm we serve. In 2025, we welcomed Alliance Seed into the family, broadening our cereal and pulse lineup and giving our retail partners and their customers even more choice.

But seed is only part of the story. We exist to build relationships rooted in trust, integrity, and shared success. We genuinely care about the farmers and seed retailers we work alongside, because we know the long days, the unpredictable seasons, and the resilience it takes to succeed in agriculture.

As a farmer-owned company, we are part of the same communities we serve. We stay close to the people and places that make western Canadian agriculture what it is, and we remain committed to growing connection, one field at a time.

Fall CAAR Connect sessions

We've been busy over the summer planning a full schedule of CAAR Connect sessions this fall. The sessions are a great way to find out about new products and innovation, stay updated on industry issues and trends and learn something new! We're planning sessions on biologicals, drone regulations, plant breeders' rights, transportation, mental heath, succession planning, Clean Farms, AWSA audit preparation, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research and more.

Stay tuned for registration information and detais on each session coming soon!

CAAR Choice Awards: Nominate an ag retailer today!

The annual CAAR Choice Awards celebrate the achievements, dedication, and impact of CAAR members who support their communities, growers, and the ag retail industry. Help us recognize excellence and champion the people and businesses making a difference by submitting a nomination for a CAAR Award for 2026.

Nominations are open for the following categories:

Agronomist of the Year
Retailer of the Year
Supplier of the Year
Retailer Hall of Fame
Growing Connections Award presented by CANTERRA SEEDS.

Awards will be presented at the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention Gala on Wednesday, November 18 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Nominations for the CAAR Awards close on October 15, 2026. To learn more or nominate someone today, click here.

New CAAR alumni membership

Are you a former ag retailer or industry member who wants to stay engaged and up-to-date on industry issues? CAAR is introducing a new membership category for alumni members.

The CAAR board introduced a new Alumni membership. For $250 a year, be part of the CAAR community to stay connected and engaged! For more information, visit Join CAAR!

How AI-powered agtech increases sustainability & efficiency

AI is a powerful, multi-purpose technology that has the potential to hyperoptimize on-farm activities to a more precise level than ever to help farmers reduce costs, manage data, and increase productivity. Of the 30+ equipment and technologies being demonstrated and tested on EMILI’s Innovation Farms powered by AgExpert in 2026, a third involve AI. By deploying technology in a fully-operational Manitoba farm setting, EMILI, is able to validate what works and provide innovators with feedback on areas of improvement. Read more.

EMILI is an industry-led non-profit committed to driving agriculture innovation, partnership and engagement.

Growing opportunities: Hire a student

Why bringing students into your operation is the smartest hiring

move you can make

As the agriculture sector continues to evolve, one thing is becoming crystal clear: employers who invest in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements aren’t just filling short-term gaps; they’re future-proofing their operations. With new technologies and a rising demand for talent, bringing students onto your farm or agri-business is one of the most strategic moves you can make heading into the fall term.

Programs like CAHRC’s Growing Opportunities Student Work Placement Program make this easier than ever by helping employers access funding and tap into new streams of emerging talent. Students from across Canada in STEM, environmental science, business, communications, engineering, ag-tech, biology, GIS, data analytics, and more are eager to explore agriculture. You’re not just giving them a job; you’re giving them a real-world pathway into an industry that needs their skills.

Why WIL matters for employers

Work-Integrated Learning isn't just a recruitment tool ... it’s a workforce strategy. Employers who bring students into their teams are:

Closing labor gaps by building their own talent pipelines
Boosting innovation through fresh perspectives and digital-skills
Strengthening workplace culture by fostering mentorship and knowledge transfer

With CAHRC’s support, employers don’t have to navigate this alone.

How employers can find students over the fall and winter term:

If you’re planning ahead, you’re already winning. Here are the top pathways employers can use to connect with top talent and get ready for funding:

Connect with Post-Secondary Career Services & Co-op Offices - Universities and colleges across Canada have dedicated WIL and co-op teams who share job postings directly with students seeking summer placements. Many can target your posting to specific programs - agriculture, environmental sciences, data science, engineering, business, and more.
Leverage CAHRC’s Growing Opportunities Partnerships - CAHRC works with career centers, national networks, and WIL organizations like CEWIL. Employers can reach out for guidance on where and how to post roles that match the funding criteria.
Post on Platforms Students Actually Use - Students aren’t browsing traditional job boards; they’re on LinkedIn, school portals, and sector-specific pages. Posting early for summer positions (December–March) dramatically increases applications.
Build Roles That Highlight Growth and Impact - Students want experience that feels meaningful. Roles that blend hands-on work with technology, sustainability, or data attract significantly more interest.
Highlight That You’re a SWPP-Eligible Employer - When students know the role qualifies for SWPP funding, they’re more confident applying because it signals legitimacy, structure, and mentorship.

A win-win

Every student placement is more than a hire ... it’s an investment in the next generation of agriculture talent. When employers open their doors to students, they help reshape perceptions of the sector, build a stronger and more inclusive workforce, and keep Canadian agriculture competitive in a rapidly changing world. With the support of CAHRC's Growing Opportunities program, employers can access funding, build meaningful roles, and play a direct role in shaping the future of agriculture.

Apply today or learn more here.