Grains on Tap

Season 2 | Episode 7: Buckley Belanger

Welcome back to our last episode of the season!  As Parliament wraps up, major decisions loom for Canada’s grain sector. From shifting global trade dynamics, to transportation pressures at home, to growing uncertainty in key export markets, producers are navigating a landscape that’s evolving by the day. In this episode, we sit down with the Honourable Buckley Belanger, newly elected Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River and Canada’s Secretary of State for Rural Development. With over thirty years of experience in public life, spanning municipal, provincial, and now federal politics, Buckley brings a unique perspective shaped by his northern Saskatchewan roots and deep understanding of rural communities. We explore his journey from Île-à-la-Crosse to the House of Commons, the values that guided his path in politics, and his early priorities in his new federal role. From international trade tensions and rail capacity challenges to broadband expansion and the future of rural economic development, Buckley offers candid insights into the issues that matter most to grain farmers. So, pour yourself a cold one and tune in as we break down the policies shaping Canadian grain farming, right here on Grains on Tap. Thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this podcast.

Season 2 | Episode 6: Emma Harrison

Grains on Tap is back with a new episode. With Parliament deep into a busy sitting and major decisions ahead for Canada’s grain sector, the policy landscape is shifting fast. From uncertainty in key export markets, to infrastructure pressures at home, to the upcoming 2026 CUSMA review, grain farmers are facing a pivotal moment for long-term competitiveness. In this episode, we sit down with Member of Parliament Emma Harrison, a third-generation farmer who was recently elected to represent Peterborough, Ontario. Emma shares her journey from growing up on a family farm in Selwyn Township to taking her seat in the House of Commons, bringing a grounded perspective shaped by real on-farm experience. We explore her transition into federal politics, her work on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee, and the issues she believes are most important for producers today. From trade uncertainty and research funding to rural leadership and support for farm families, Emma offers candid insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Canada’s grain sector. So, pour yourself a cold one and tune in as we explore the policies shaping Canadian grain farming, right here on Grains on Tap.

Season 2 | Episode 5: David Bexte

After a busy few weeks on Parliament Hill, Grains on Tap is back with another episode. With Budget 2025 now tabled and parliamentarians deep into the fall sitting, grain farmers are watching a fast-moving policy landscape. From escalating trade tensions to stalled infrastructure priorities, it is a critical moment for Canada’s grain sector. Joining us this week is David Bexte, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Bow River, Alberta. Born and raised on a multi-generational grain farm and bringing more than 25 years of experience from the oil and gas sector, David offers a unique perspective on how Ottawa’s decisions ripple back to rural communities. In this episode, David walks us through his journey from the farm to the private sector to the House of Commons. He reflects on what surprised him most about life on the Hill, shares his early experience on the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee, and weighs in on the issues dominating conversations across the agriculture sector.  We dig into the mounting trade uncertainty facing Canadian farmers, his reaction to Budget 2025, and the federal government’s new “nation-building” infrastructure agenda – including why the absence of the Port of Vancouver stands out. So, pour yourself a cold one and tune in as we sit down with a new voice in Parliament bringing producer experience directly to Ottawa, right here on Grains on Tap. A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this podcast.

Season 2 | Episode 4: Peter Watts

After a quick summer break, Grains on Tap is back with another episode! As harvest commences across the country, Canada’s barley is once again in the spotlight. From global trade dynamics to changing consumer trends, the future of malting barley and beer has never been more important to farmers, brewers, and drinkers alike. Joining us this week is Peter Watts, Managing Director of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC). Since 2014, Peter has led the Centre’s work to support Canada’s barley value chain, from world-class research and technical support to strengthening export markets and connecting farmers with maltsters and brewers worldwide. In this episode, Peter walks us through the story of Canadian malting barley, from the field to the pint glass. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities for farmers in a shifting trade environment, highlights why Canada’s barley is considered the best in the world, and shares his outlook on where the beer and malting industry is headed. We also dive into his recent new crop tour, exploring what makes Canada competitive and what farmers should watch for in the year ahead. So, pour yourself a cold one and tune in as we sit down with a leader helping shape the future of Canadian barley, right here on Grains on Tap.  A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this podcast.

Season 2 | Episode 3: MP Randy Hoback

Grains on Tap is back with another episode! With parliamentarians set to return home over the summer months, key decisions are still unfolding that could shape the future of Canada’s grain sector, from rising tariffs and aging infrastructure to legislation that could limit future trade deals. Joining us this week is Member of Parliament Randy Hoback, a longtime advocate for agriculture and international trade. Representing Prince Albert since 2008, Hoback brings a unique perspective as a former farmer, equipment manufacturer rep, and past Chair of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association. In this episode, Hoback shares stories from his journey through grassroots advocacy to Parliament Hill, reflects on Canada’s shifting relationships with the U.S. and China, and weighs in on where global trade is headed, including his take on Bill C-202 and the urgent need to modernize export infrastructure. So, pour yourself a cold one and tune in as we sit down with a key voice for farmers in Ottawa, right here on Grains on Tap.   A special thank you to Beer Canada for sponsoring this episode.