Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agricultural Business Analyzer has recently been upgraded, and user support has been enhanced with a user video tutorial, frequently asked questions, and Microsoft Excel program user tips. The online tool is free and powerful, said farm financial specialist Rick Dehod. “The program can help analyze the financial strength of a farm […] Read more
New version of ag business analyzer now available
The online tool can be used to measure a farm’s financial health and identify problem areas
Trade ‘balancing act’ in focus at ag ministers’ meeting
With foreign governments urging Canada to open up its protected dairy, poultry and egg markets, the country’s provincial agriculture ministers are unanimously counter-urging in supply management’s defense. Pressure from trading partners and strong regional support in principle for supply management are nothing new. But Canada’s annual ag ministers’ meeting, held this week in Charlottetown, wrapped […] Read more
Recent bison deaths in North Battleford due to anthrax, more suspected
Keep a close eye on your herd and contact your vet immediately if you suspect anthrax on your farm
Reading Time: 2 minutes With high temperatures and drought, cattle and bison are at a higher risk of anthrax. Two bison deaths northwest of North Battleford, Saskatchewan have recently been confirmed as caused by anthrax, and seven others are suspected. Producers are encouraged to keep a watchful eye and to refresh their memories on what to do when anthrax […] Read more
Get rid of unwanted meds and pesticides
Reading Time: < 1 minute Farmers and ranchers in southern Alberta will be able to dispose of unwanted or obsolete pesticide and livestock medications this fall. The Canadian Animal Health Institute and CleanFARMS will conduct the collection from Oct. 26-30 at 20 collection sites. A list of pickup sites will be posted at the CleanFARMS website later this summer. A similar […] Read more
Direct-farm marketing, a steep learning curve with big rewards
Reading Time: < 1 minute It’s a phenomenon that has swept across the continent — farmers selling direct to consumers. Some are seeking a bigger share of the food dollar or a way to grow without expanding their land base. Others love dealing with people or are energized by the entrepreneurial challenge. And for every farmer who opts to sell […] Read more
Forging deep bonds — one customer at a time
It’s a whole different world, but these Alberta farm entrepreneurs say direct marketing gets in your blood
Reading Time: 7 minutes Grazed Right Grass Fed Beef / Black Diamond As one of four children of one of seven brothers who jointly own the family ranch, Ben Campbell knew a farming career was simply out of reach. Even if he had the land base, the cost of starting a commercial-size herd is huge. “Cattle are so expensive […] Read more
Funding available for agricultural business skills training
Business Management Skills Program will cover 75 per cent of tuition fees or the cost of hiring an instructor for a group
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Business Management Skills Program is now accepting applications. “This program helps agricultural producers, new producers and processors, agri-processing industry staff, and producer groups improve their business management skills through timely training and targeted skills development,” said Stephanie Kosinski, business opportunity grant specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. The Growing Forward 2 funded program aims […] Read more
U.S. senators ponder voluntary COOL for beef, pork
Considering a repeal for a meat label law ruled offside by world trade regulators, members of the U.S. Senate’s ag committee are also asking aloud if a voluntary label law for beef and pork would do. At the agriculture committee’s hearings Thursday in Washington, D.C., chairman Pat Roberts told senators trade retaliation from Canada and […] Read more
Canada must be part of TPP, will defend farmers: Harper
Ottawa | Reuters — Canada must join a proposed Pacific trade pact but will strive to protect farmers, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday, referring to foreign pressure to scrap tariffs that protect the dairy industry. Some of the 12 nations taking part in talks on a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) want Canada to start dismantling […] Read more
Reservoir formed by Hoover Dam dips to record low
Reuters — The largest capacity reservoir in the United States has hit its lowest water level in history following years of severe drought that have dramatically reduced flows from the Colorado River, water managers said on Wednesday. Officials said Nevada’s Lake Mead, the 79-year-old reservoir created by the massive Hoover Dam, registered 1,074.98 feet (327.7 […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
