Map: Better Moisture for Some Prairie Areas in October

Oct 31, 2022

Large swathes of Western Canada remained dry through October, although the month brought at least some welcome precipitation to various pockets.

Most notably, areas of southwestern Saskatchewan and southern Alberta experienced above to well above normal precipitation in October (see map below), a welcome development following a particularly warm, dry month of September that saw temperatures occasionally reach into the 30s degrees C and less than 40% of normal rainfall in many cases.

On the other hand, northern Alberta and northern Saskatchewan were both much drier than normal again in October, after similar dryness the preceding month. In fact, 60- and 90-day maps show generally below normal precipitation for virtually the entire Prairie.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.