Expansions and extensions for tax credits of use to Manitoba farmers and small agribusinesses were laid out Thursday in the province’s latest budget. Finance Minister Greg Dewar’s plan calls for an expansion of the province’s small business venture capital tax credit, broadening its list of eligible businesses to include “non-traditional farming” ventures, as well as […] Read more
Farm business tax credits on tap in Manitoba budget
Antimicrobial use in livestock under the microscope
Expert says ‘there definitely is a chain’ connecting farms to the rise in antimicrobial resistance
Reading Time: 4 minutes Antimicrobial resistance is like a forest fire — because only you can take steps to prevent it. Think about resistance every time you use antimicrobials, producers were told during Alberta Pork’s latest telephone town hall. “Any single time one of us uses an antimicrobial, we are tipping the scales toward resistance, said Dr. Leigh Rosengren, […] Read more
Antimicrobial resistance in livestock a global threat: WHO
Resistance is developing because of farm use of antimicrobials
Reading Time: < 1 minute While Canadian farms haven’t been shown to be a source of bacteria resistant to human medicines, tests at abattoirs have found up to 70 per cent of bacteria are resistant to tetracycline, says veterinarian and consultant Dr. Leigh Rosengren. That shows resistance is developing because of farm use of antimicrobials. And that’s a major concern […] Read more
Ag matters: What should be on the agenda for the next government
Election 2015: As Albertans gear up for a provincial election, provincial farm groups share the big issues that matter to them
Reading Time: 4 minutes Investing in agriculture’s future, the nightmare of finding workers, and fair rules for sharing land and water. Those are three big issues for Alberta farm organizations, but not the only ones. None of the farm leaders and officials who spoke to Alberta Farmer had any ‘if you want our vote’ demands for the parties contesting […] Read more
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation closing nine offices
Reading Time: < 1 minute The province is closing nine offices of the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation as part of its deficit reduction efforts. Sixteen people will lose their jobs, 14 vacant positions won’t be filled, and seven employees have been offered transfers to other branches, said AFSC spokesperson Nikki Booth. As of May 1, eight branches will be closed, […] Read more
Confused about wildlife compensation?
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Beef Producers has created a road map for accessing compensation programs for carnivore, ungulate, and bird damage to livestock and crops. The system can be “rather convoluted” as there is one process for hay and crop damage, and another for predator damage (but not for coyotes), shot livestock and waterfowl damage prevention. As well, […] Read more
Make a list and check it twice before loading a livestock trailer
Here’s a list of what to inspect — which should include everything from brakes and bearings to tires and flooring
Reading Time: 3 minutes In order to haul livestock safely, there are a few things to check on both the truck and trailer before hooking on, loading up and heading out. “Knowing the load capabilities of your truck before using it to haul livestock is important,” says Kenda Lubeck, farm safety co-ordinator for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Just […] Read more
Year-end values have a big impact on inventory
Breeding stock can have an especially big effect on the value of inventory
Reading Time: < 1 minute When it comes to doing an accrual, an Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development specialist says it’s important to remember that a change in value for an inventory item can have a dramatic effect in calculating the accrual adjustments. As an example, if you had 500 cows with a value of $2,000 each on Dec. 31, […] Read more
RCMP livestock investigator hangs up his hat — but not his spurs
"It’s hit and miss sometimes, looking for people’s cattle, but there’s nothing better than finding a guy who has stolen some cattle and putting him behind bars.” – Corporal Dave Heaslip
Reading Time: 2 minutes Cpl. Dave Heaslip will be hanging up his red serge coat and putting away his tall, dark boots — but he doesn’t plan to give up his horses. And when he retires April 2, his 45 years and 192 days of service will make him one of the longest-serving members in RCMP history. But the […] Read more
Producers wanted for Open Farm Days
Province-wide event to be held August 22 - 23, 2015
Reading Time: < 1 minute Organizers of Alberta Open Farm Days are looking for producers to be hosts this year. More than 60 farms and ranches signed up last year, and farmers who are considering being part of this year’s event can get more information and see videos of past participants at albertafarmdays.ca. The main event is on Aug. 23 […] Read more
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