5 Trump Tariff Impacts on Alberta Agriculture in 2025
The Trump tariffs impact Alberta’s agriculture, causing shockwaves across Canada’s farming sector. Every day, rail cars loaded with wheat, barley, and other grains move between Canada and the U.S. Semi-trucks carrying cattle and pigs also cross the border regularly.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture calls this one of the most significant agriculture trading relationships in the world. In 2023, cross-border trade in agriculture and agri-foods reached $72.5 billion, according to the Canadian government.
Alberta alone exported $6.5 billion worth of agricultural products while importing $2.3 billion. Many of these imports are essential for producing other goods.
Ryan Kasko, owner of Kasko Cattle Company in Coaldale, is baffled by the situation.
“This is unexpected. Our closest allies and neighbors shouldn’t be pushing a trade war on us,” said Kasko.
He warns that the Trump tariffs impact Alberta’s agriculture by disrupting cross-border trade. A 25% tariff on live cattle could add $1,100 per head. While most of his herd is processed in Canada, 40% is shipped south. These exports would face the same tariff.
Dave Bishop, regional director of Alberta Grains, shares similar concerns.
“We export a lot of wheat, barley, pulses, and canola to the U.S.,” he said. “We sell at world market prices, but where that price will go is uncertain.”
Bishop also highlights broader issues. “Our fertilizer goes south. We get crop production products from the U.S. Farm machinery is another concern. Parts cross the border multiple times before final assembly. How will tariffs affect that?”
Seeking Long-Term Solutions Amid Uncertainty
On Monday, the tariff deadline was extended by 30 days, but uncertainty remains. The Trump tariffs impact Alberta’s agriculture by leaving farmers in limbo for weeks.
Bishop believes that finding new markets is the best long-term strategy. “This dispute is frustrating, but it may push Canadian producers to explore other options.”
The unpredictability worries him. “What’s Trump going to do next? What about us? This could escalate quickly.”
Kasko agrees. He believes diversification is key to reducing reliance on the U.S. market.
“We need alternative ways to sell our cattle,” he said. “The U.S. is a natural market, but we can’t let Trump bully us. Canada must stand together.”
Key Stats & Takeaways
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Alberta’s 2023 U.S. exports: $6.5B in agriculture/agri-food products.
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Potential tariff cost: $1,100 per live cattle head.
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Canada’s global rank: 3rd in wheat exports for the second consecutive year.
The Trump tariffs impact Alberta’s agriculture in multiple ways, from trade disruptions to rising costs. As uncertainty looms, farmers push for diversification and new markets to safeguard their future.