CNS Canada –– As the El Nino weather phenomena slowly loosens its grip across Western Canada, many weather watchers say its impact has been somewhat underwhelming. However, one meteorologist said its lingering presence, coupled with the pending arrival of the La Nina weather event, may still play a large role in determining how much moisture […] Read more
Timing of La Nina to play key role in Prairie moisture
Oregon refuge searched for evidence, explosives after occupiers leave
Burns, Ore. | Reuters — Police and federal agents searched a U.S. wildlife refuge in Oregon for explosives and evidence on Friday, a day after the last holdouts in a protest over federal control of Western land surrendered to end a six-week armed standoff. Federal authorities said the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon […] Read more
Diamond City couple newest Outstanding Young Farmers
Reading Time: 2 minutes Two city kids and a 32-year-old with nearly two decades of farming under his belt were among the entrants vying to be Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2016. In the end, Shane and Kristin Schooten were selected to represent the province in the national event, which will be held in Niagara Falls in November. Kristin, […] Read more
First La Nina since 2012 expected in coming months
New York | Reuters –– Even as the El Nino weather phenomenon continues to impact global temperatures and crops, its counterpart La Nina is increasingly expected to emerge in the coming months for the first time in four years. The return of La Nina, Spanish for “the girl” and characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures, […] Read more
Nominees sought for Agriculture Hall of Fame
Deadline for nominations is April 30
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the province’s agriculture and agri-food industry, and to the development and sustainability of rural life in Alberta. “Every two years, Alberta’s Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes up to three Albertans whose outstanding leadership, innovation, and business […] Read more
Agrium’s forecast disappoints
Reuters — Canadian fertilizer and ag retailer Agrium has joined rival PotashCorp in forecasting a weaker-than-expected 2016 profit, as prices for crop nutrients remain weak. Agrium’s Toronto-listed shares fell as much as 5.2 per cent to $110.89, its lowest in a year, as investors ignored a better-than-expected quarterly profit. The company, which sells seed, fertilizers […] Read more
Saskatchewan expects mainly below-normal spring runoff
Barring any weather surprises, most of Saskatchewan outside of east-central regions can expect below-normal runoff this spring. The province’s Water Security Agency on Tuesday released a preliminary outlook which, based on a “warmer- and drier-than-normal winter” and a resulting snowpack below normal levels, points to below-normal spring runoff. Exceptions include parts of the east-central region, […] Read more
Drought-related tax deferral zones expand in West
More livestock producers in the West who had to sell breeding stock due to drought in the 2015 tax year will be able to defer some or most of that income at tax time. Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay on Tuesday announced more designated areas in all four western provinces where producers will be eligible […] Read more
Ducks Unlimited shifts forage incentive for Manitoba
A program encouraging Prairie farmers to improve waterfowl habitat by flipping cropland into hayland or pasture will continue the same this spring, except in Manitoba. The DUC/CPS forage program, offered by Ducks Unlimited Canada and Crop Production Services (CPS) Canada, will still see growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta get a rebate of $100 for each […] Read more
Grazing winter cereals can work
First-year results of study on grazing winter cereals found both grain and silage yields were affected
Reading Time: 2 minutes Mixed farmers looking to cut costs may be able to hit two birds with one stone — by grazing the fall growth of a winter cereal. “This is a practice that’s quite common in other parts of the world, but it’s one that we haven’t really delved into, likely because we’re a little bit light […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
