Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities

08/25/2026

What makes YOU feel like you belong in agriculture? 🌾

What makes you feel like you belong in agriculture? 🌾

In our recently published research on farm culture, one thing came through clearly: belonging matters.

For some farmers, that sense of belonging comes easily. They've got a supportive family, a group of friends, employees, and friendly neighbours.

For others, they question whether they're experienced enough, connected enough, or even "farmer enough" to feel like they fully belong.

And then there are others who still feel alone in this, despite looking like they "have it all together."

Those experiences matter because farming isn't simply what people do. For many, it's an important part of who they are and where they feel they belong.

If you've ever questioned whether you fit -- or felt alone even when surrounded by others -- you're not the only one. Belonging isn't something you earn by farming longer, knowing more, or proving yourself to others.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing more of what farmers told us about farm culture, identity, values, and connection.

So we're curious: What makes you feel like you belong in agriculture?

07/22/2026

ACSRC Director Dr. Clark Banack and Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson for collectively receiving over $800,000 in funding from SSHRC Insight Grants to support their research! Banack's research will explore the social and political implications of the consolidation, death, and even rebirth, of local newspapers in rural Canada and the USA. Purc-Stephenson's research will look at how farmer identities shape meaning, inclusion, and agricultural well-being. Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson is part of our research fellow network and one of our executive council members, congratulations!

University of Alberta researchers will seek new insights into culture and language, education, artificial intelligence, climate adaptation and more, thanks to nearly $8 million in new grants from the Social Sciences and Research Council of Canada.

07/20/2026

Our annual report is out! Learn about our projects, the communities we work with and the folks that help make it happen!

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/alberta-centre-sustainable-rural-communities/about-us/acsrc-annual-report_2025-26.pdf

U of A Augustana University of Alberta - Sustainability University of Alberta

07/20/2026

Check out what AgWell Alberta has been up to!

07/08/2026

New University of Alberta-led research suggests that if current clearcutting cycles continue, certain slow-recovering forest communities may disappear.

06/23/2026

Farmers in Alberta are invited to participate in this research project!
Please send it along to your farming friends.

**Help Us Spread the Word**

🌾 Farmers know a lot about weathering through hard times.

Most farmers don't need a lecture, and they don't always need professional help. Sometimes they need practical ways to manage the daily pressures that come with farming, from weather and finances to uncertainty and long hours.

AgWell is looking for Alberta farmers to participate in a research project exploring the strategies farmers use to stay steady under pressure. What works and what doesn't work for farmers?

Your feedback will help us develop practical, farm-informed resources that fit the realities of farm life and support other farmers in Alberta.

Because some of the best ideas come from the people living it every day.

Interested in sharing your perspective? We'd love to hear from you!

06/22/2026

Rural Albertans share your experiences of accessing pharmacy services in the Access to Pharmacy Services in Rural Alberta Study!

06/18/2026

A Q+A with Laticia Chapman-Rainway, Postdoctoral scholar at Augustana’s Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities.

06/13/2026

Check out this podcast from the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association

"Welcome to the inaugural episode of Forage and Grasslands Unpacked, a Canadian Forage and Grassland Association podcast exploring forage, grasslands, and grazing through a multifocal lens. This season opens by grounding listeners in a deceptively simple question: What is a grassland?"

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/1-what-is-a-grassland/id1896583474?i=1000767339383

Podcast Episode · Forage and Grasslands Unpacked · May 12 · 1h 6m

06/12/2026

"Disruptions are coming at a breakneck pace. The future belongs to those who can adapt."

"If adaptability is emerging as the prime survival skill of the 21st century, can it actually be taught?"

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/newtrail/ideas/all-hail-the-kludge-machine.html

“Recalculating.” The voice on your GPS never loses its cool when you make a move it wasn’t expecting. The graceful pivot belies the calculations happening out of sight.