Reading Time: 6 minutes The NDP government said it just wanted to make farms more safe, but instead ignited a firestorm. But faced with massive outrage and demonstrations from farmers and ranchers to Bill 6, the government backtracked and apologized for what it called “miscommunication.” “Myself, MLAs, ministers, and our premier have all heard from farmers and ranchers who […] Read more
Big Blow-Up: Workplace legislation has farmers up in arms
Skimpy consultation and lack of answers upsets Alberta farmers, even those who say the status quo wasn’t acceptable
Boosting the bottom line through better pasture management
It’s about more sunlight, rain, and forage types — and never overgrazing
Reading Time: 3 minutes If farming these days is all about managing inputs, then grazing comes down to managing the land itself — the sunlight, water, minerals, and biodiversity that make pasture lands grow. “We can’t control the price of oil; we can’t control the cost of steel for making farming equipment; but we can manage and control these […] Read more
Safety training for farm students
Reading Time: < 1 minute Syngenta Canada is partnering with Agriculture for Life to bring the Young Farm Workers Safety Day programming to Alberta youth. Safety Day targets students in Grades 9 to 12 with interactive sessions on the risks associated with rural and farm environments. It includes practical, hands-on learning on a variety of safety topics such as risk […] Read more
Know the rules and think of your neighbours
You don’t need a permit for temporary manure storage, but the rules don’t give you a free pass, either
Reading Time: < 1 minute Temporary storage is a regulated management option that allows a producer to store manure in the field for a short period of time without requiring permits or additional testing. “Temporary sites offer a number of advantages — operators can avoid spreading on snow and frozen ground, can compost the manure, and can minimize the impact […] Read more
Program helps injured farmers get back to work
The Back to Ag Program helps fund adaptive technology for producers who have suffered a traumatic injury
Reading Time: 2 minutes Injured farmers are urged to apply to the Back to Ag Program, which provides funding to support the cost of adaptive technology to producers who have suffered a traumatic injury. “Through Back to Ag, we can help injured farmers return to farm work safely and productively,” said Glen Blahey, agricultural health and safety specialist with […] Read more
Sow the seeds of farm workplace safety this winter
Here’s a list of recommended courses for reducing the risk on your farm
Reading Time: 2 minutes Winter is a good time to make your farm safer. “It’s the time of year when some farmers take a step back from their hectic physical farm work and make assessments for the future,” said Kenda Lubeck, a provincial farm safety co-ordinator. Here are some courses you might consider taking: First aid: This is a […] Read more
Poultry, eggs from seven U.S. states still blocked at border
While the U.S. has declared itself free of high-path avian flu, Canada is still warning cross-border travellers not to bring in poultry or eggs from seven previously affected states. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on Thursday — a.k.a. Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. — rolled out a statement to remind travellers that Canada’s restrictions […] Read more
Two 4-H leaders named to Hall of Fame
Reading Time: < 1 minute Two outstanding Albertans are being recognized for their longtime service to 4-H and their communities. Dorothy Carlson from Cherhill and Sherry Howey from Valleyview are the 82nd and 83rd inductees into Alberta’s 4-H Hall of Fame. Carlson has been a 4-H leader and volunteer for nearly 20 years at the club, district, and provincial levels. […] Read more
Dreaming of a warm Christmas? El Niño may grant your wish
Winter is still winter, but history says the El Niño phenomenon brings above-average temperatures
Reading Time: 3 minutes After a fairly mild first half of November, things have turned cooler and a little more wintery. While it’s beginning to look like winter might have moved in for good, the long-range models seem to be really hanging their hats on El Niño bringing more above-average temperatures in December and right through the rest of […] Read more
Brazil court probing state-backed loans to JBS
Sao Paulo | Reuters — Brazil’s federal accounts court, the TCU, said it had identified irregularities on loans to JBS SA, the world’s largest beef producer, and is deepening an investigation into the company’s relationship with state-run lender BNDES. The TCU is probing loans used to purchase U.S.-companies Swift and Co, for about US$225 million […] Read more