Meet CAAR's Board of Directors | | CAAR is focused on strengthening meaningful connections across the ag retail industry—both with our members and non-members. Our board of directors plays a strong role in that and has a clear vision to support CAAR’s growth. Several new directors have joined our board for 2026 and we look forward to adding their voices and insights to our team. | Back (L to R): Craig Senchuk, Martin Kiefer, Wes Arnfinson, Kevin Genest, Lucas Bell, Brian Cummings, Tim Dietz, Marc Davy Front (L to R): Myrna Grahn, Stu Rasmussen (Chair), Stan Loewen (retired), Luke Walker, Eric Gregory (Missing: Taylor Olsen) | | Join one of CAAR's committees! | | |
Interested in getting involved and helping to further the ag retail industry in Canada? Join one of CAAR’s committees and share your insights and industry experience.
1. Advocacy Committee (Chair – Tim Dietz)
2. Communications Committee (Chair – Kevin Genest)
3. Membership/Value Committee (Chair – Luke Walker)
4. Marketing & Advertising Committee (Chair – Eric Gregory)
5. Training Committee (Chair – Marc Davy)
Learn more about CAAR committees here and contact Dianna Sveinson to get involved.
| | Next CAAR Connect session: February 5 | | |
Cash advance: Expanding farmers' buying power through low-cost financing for crop inputs
Join us for a timely and informative session with the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). Dave Gallant, Vice-President, Finance & APP Operations, will explore how the federal Advance Payments Program (APP) can help strengthen farmers’ cash flow and purchasing power. Administered by CCGA, this loan program provides valuable marketing flexibility and affordable access to capital. Learn how farmers can access:
- Up to $1 million in working capital financing
- Up to $500,000 interest-free in 2025 and 2026
- Additional funds at an interest rate of prime less 0.25%
Whether you work directly with producers, manage credit conversations, or support farm operations, this session will provide practical insights into how the cash advance program can benefit farmers and ag-retail businesses. Register now to secure your spot here. For the full CAAR Connect schedule, visit our website.
| Bulk fertilizer labelling concerns | |
The proposed new bulk fertilizer regulations have caused concern and debate in the industry. Fertilizer Canada’s president and CEO Michael Bourque wrote an opinion piece about the new bulk fertilizer labelling rules and the challenges with the proposed regulations in December.
In his op/ed, Bourque says the federal government has made red tape reduction a centrepiece of its new “Build Canada” approach, and this is a clear opportunity to walk the talk. Removing these unnecessary labelling requirements would prevent a needless $120 million cost increase, avoid further regulatory drift from international standards, and ensure bulk fertilizer is governed according to real-world use.
CAAR supports Fertilizer Canada’s position on this issue. To read the op/ed, visit realagriculture’s site here.
| Federal budget cuts impact CFIA and AAFC | |
Last week, the federal government announced new measures to reduce the size of the public service by 2029.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that it will be eliminating 587 positions due to the government’s cost cutting measures. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has announced that it will be cutting 665 position and closing seven R & D sites. This includes research centres in Guelph, Ontario, Québec City, Quebec and Lacombe, Alberta, and four satellite farms in Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Details on these cost-cutting measures have not been confirmed. CAAR will monitor the situation and share updates as we learn about the impact on inspections, approvals, and regulatory services for our members.
| New Ag Retail Management Certificate Program | | |
CAAR is committed to empowering and growing our industry through education. We’re excited to launch a new training program for ag retailers this spring. CAAR’s Ag Retail Management Certificate program builds the personal, professional, and technical capabilities needed for success in the ag retail industry. Designed for new supervisors and managers, this program offers targeted learning that enhances decision making, strenghthens communication, and expands operational and business knowledge.
Designed for professionals seeking growth and greater responsibility, the certificate program provides practical tools and real-world insight delivered by industry and subject matter experts. It features a combination of in-person, online and self-directed online courses covering topics that include financial and HR management, communication skills, and building strong customer relationship strategies.
Watch our newsletter, social media, and your inbox for more information and registration details coming soon!
| | CAAR online training courses | | |
Keep your team safe, certified and compliant
With the busy season approaching, ensuring your staff are properly trained is essential to protecting your people, your customers, and your business. CAAR’s online training courses are designed specifically for the ag retail environment and provide flexible, accessible learning that supports regulatory compliance and builds confidence across your team.
Available courses:
- Anhydrous Ammonia – Retailer Safe Handling & TDG Certification
- TDG Fundamentals – Retailer TDG Certification
- Workplace Safety – WHMIS
Click here for courses and to register. For more information, contact Lisa Siragusa at training@caar.org.
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Making connections with our members and industry
CAAR kicked off the New Year meeting with members and agriculture organizations in Western Canada.
Executive Director Myrna Grahn attended the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon in early January and was joined by board chair Stu Rasmussen to meet suppliers and ag retailers attending this key agriculture event. This included attending The Rack’s annual Fields of Trust customer appreciation event, which was well attended by ag retail suppliers and industry associations. There was a lot of positive energy and support for the work that CAAR is doing to rebuild and grow the organization, listen to our members and provide meaningful support to the industry.
Myrna continued to make connections the following week at Manitoba Ag Days. CAAR board member and finance chair Craig Senchuk joined Myrna in Brandon to meet and talk with current and potential members and discuss the important role that many companies play in supporting the ag retail sector. She also attended Assiniboine Community College’s partner breakfast and continued to build connections with post-secondary institutions to strengthen CAAR’s training and education initiatives.
The first CAAR board meeting of the year was held in mid-January. The CAAR board and team met virtually to set direction for 2026 and establish committees and priorities for the organization. An in-person meeting is set for mid-April in Winnipeg. CAAR is currently undertaking a thorough review of its bylaws to ensure that they are up to date with standards and regulations and reflect the current work the association is doing.
Looking ahead, CAAR will be attending the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s (CFA) annual meeting in Ottawa in late February. A formal meeting with Fertilizer Canada is being planned at that time to discuss mutually beneficial initiatives and opportunities to collaborate on issues of importance to ag retailers. CAAR will continue to update its members with any new developments and activities.
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Myrna, Adama Canada's Cornie Thiessen
and Cassandra Morari from The Rack Ltd.
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Ray Redfern, Redfern Farm Services, and
Myrna at Manitoba Ag Days.
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Myrna with Dale McKay(L) and Blaine Cochrane(R)
from Shur-Gro Farm Services at Manitoba Ag Days.
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L to R: CAAR board member Craig Senchuk,
Myrna and Chris Beaudry, Saskatchewan
Minister of Energy and Resources.
| | Member Spotlight: Grow Plan Fertilizers Ltd. | | |
Grow Plan Fertilizers Ltd. has built its success around the core philosophy of enhancing grower efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Led by Frank and Mitchell Bond in Choiceland, Saskatchewan, their team’s approach to business is proactive, innovative, and deeply customer-focused — always looking for ways to improve the grower experience and ensure success from seed to harvest.
The Grow Plan team was named Retailer of the Year at the 2025 CAAR Connect Convention in Saskatoon. The award recognizes a CAAR member who demonstrates outstanding business performance, leadership, and service to both their growers and their community.
By continuously upgrading their fleet and storage systems, Grow Plan has eliminated bottlenecks in fertilizer logistics, ensuring growers spend less time waiting and more time in the field. Their precision technology and in-field testing programs — including the use of their own weigh wagon for large-scale trials — demonstrate their commitment to evidence-based agronomy and long-term grower trust.
Frank and Mitchell have cultivated a workplace built on safety, teamwork, and professional development. Their open-door policy, regular safety meetings, and investment in staff training create a culture where employees feel valued and take pride in their work. Beyond the business, the Grow Plan team has shown extraordinary commitment to their community — supporting local causes, events, and facilities that strengthen Choiceland and surrounding areas. From spearheading fundraising efforts for the community skating rink to providing ongoing support for youth and local initiatives, they are truly invested in the success of their hometown. Grow Plan Fertilizers exemplifies the innovation, service, and community spirit that defines Canadian ag retail.
| | 2026 CAAR Connect Convention | | |
Meet us in Regina in November!
Mark your calendars for the 2026 CAAR Connect Convention.
CAAR’s premier event, the annual convention, will take place in Regina, SK from November 17 to 19, 2026.
Planning is underway, so stay tuned for more details this spring.
| | | AAFC launches Ag Policy Framework consultations | | |
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has launched consultations that will inform the development of the Next Policy Framework (NPF). The NPF will succeed the 2023-2028 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) as the main federal, provincial and territorial mechanism for supporting Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector from 2028-2033.
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald will host roundtables across Canada to hear from regional associations, producers, and processors, and AAFC will organize national online consultations through the NPF webpage. These consultations will focus on gathering feedback on current and emerging challenges as well as opportunities facing the sector and provide Canadians and stakeholders further opportunities to share their perspectives and help shape the future direction of the framework.
“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is a cornerstone of our economy and our food security. Meaningful engagement is essential in developing policy, and these consultations will help ensure the Next Policy Framework is grounded in the experiences and perspectives of those who know the sector best,” says MacDonald. “We are committed to working directly with farmers, producers, processors and partners to provide support that reflects their realities, tackles new issues, and guarantees the sector’s long-term success.”
CAAR will be participating in the consultations and will share opportunities to get involved. We will share details as we learn more about opportunities to participate.
| | Discontinued pesticides - December update | | |
Health Canada's Pesticide Compliance Program (PCP) has shared the latest report of discontinued pesticide products with a last date of permitted sale after January 1, 2025. Products are sorted by categories*:
- Domestic: p.1 to p.9
- Commercial: p.10 to p.18
Consult the Health Canada Pesticide Product Information Database (Product Search Section) to confirm the registration status of any pesticide product and, if applicable, the last date on which the sale is permitted. Products discontinuations are generally driven by:
· A Health Canada re-evaluation or special review decisions or
· A registrant decision to discontinue the commercialization of the product for business reasons.
For more information, contact pcp-pcp@hc-sc.gc.ca.
| | Celebrate Canada's Agriculture Day | |
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Mark your calendar!
Did you know February 10 is Canada’s Agriculture Day? It's the 10th anniversary of this special day that was established to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of agriculture in Canada. Share your pride and support by celebrating Canada’s Ag Day with your customers and partners.
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) has put together a toolkit of resources. Click here to access the free resources and share your ag pride on February 10!
| | | | Staying well on the farm this winter | | These long winter months can be challenging on the farm, both physically and mentally. Lesley Kelly (@highheelsandcanolafields), co-founder and board member of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, shares practical ways to maintain well-being: get outside, keep up routines, attend farm events, and stay connected with friends and family. These small steps can make a big difference in staying resilient, energized, and supported all season long. Read more on Do More Ag’s website. | | | |
February 5: CAAR Connect session
Cash advance: Expanding farmers' buying power through low-cost financing - Dave Gallant,
Canadian Canola Growers Association
[*View the full CAAR Connect schedule here.]
February 10: Canada’s Agriculture Day
February 11-12: CropConnect 2026
February 12: CAAR Connect session
The Prairie Crop Disease Monitoring Network: Turning Awareness and Risk Assessment into Sharper Disease Management Decisions - Dr. Kelly Turkington, AAFC, Lacombe
February 19: CAAR Connect session
Prevention and Mitigation of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds - Shaun Sharpe, AAFC, Saskatoon
February 24-25: Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) AGM
February 26: CAAR Connect session
HR topic TBD - Victoria Schuler, Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council (CAHRC)
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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
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