Reading Time: 4 minutes Thunderstorm season isn’t too far off so we’ll continue our annual look at what is arguably one of the most fascinating weather phenomena we see in our part of the world. I always like to begin our look at thunderstorms by touching upon one of my biggest weather pet peeves, which is when people mix […] Read more
Cooking up thunderstorms with Mother Nature
Severe thunderstorms are a fascinating phenomena and you need the right conditions to come together
African farms are vastly different but share common bonds
Subsistence farming is still the norm in Africa, but agriculture is the key to changing its economic fortunes
Reading Time: 3 minutes Africa is a world apart but as in Canada, farming is increasingly being recognized as a key driver of economic growth. “There’s no other way to fight poverty than to create wealth,” South African farmer Theo de Jager told an international gathering of farm journalists here last month. “And there’s no other sector in this […] Read more
Don’t let livestock graze too early
Reading Time: < 1 minute Turning animals onto pastures while grass plants are still small, succulent, and their second leaf barely fully emerged, may be doing more harm than good. Provincial forage specialist Karin Lindquist said if the grass is bitten before it has reached that three-leaf stage, it is forced to revert back to those energy stores to regrow […] Read more
Feeding the planet is challenging, dealing with its waste is even harder
Earth is becoming an urban planet and that raises a host of issues we’ve never had to deal with before
Reading Time: 3 minutes The migration of rural persons to cities hit a historical milestone in 2008 when urban residents outnumbered those in rural areas. The result has been congestion in cities that were ill prepared for this growth and an intense pressure on rural areas to produce more food with less people. The United Nations claims six out […] Read more
Ag census shows fewer total farmers, but more young ones
The typical farmer has already missed the Freedom 55 boat, but the sector is attracting more young people and women
Reading Time: 3 minutes There are fewer Canadian farmers, and those over 55 still outnumber their younger peers. But the number of operators under age 35 years has increased for the first time since 1991. But the number of young farmers remains modest, according to the 2016 Census of Agriculture. According to the census, there were 271,935 farmers in […] Read more
Hit the road — there’s summer fun in every direction in Alberta
Reading Time: 4 minutes If you’re planning to head out on the highway this summer for adventure, consider trying some new routes. The events you can experience may be closer than you think — or take you to a corner you’ve never seen before. But two things are clear. The definition of fun is as vast as the Alberta […] Read more
Alberta 4-H leader stands out in a very big crowd
Reading Time: < 1 minute There are nearly 7,400 volunteers working to support 4-H clubs across the country — and so standing out isn’t easy. But that’s just what Caroline Boddy of the Golden Prairie 4-H Club has managed to do. The Forestburg resident was recently chosen as the 2016 National Volunteer Leader of the Year. The award recognizes the […] Read more
Rain hinders seeding progress, slows harvest of over-wintered crops
Alberta crop conditions as of May 16
Reading Time: 2 minutes Over the last week, another major weather system swept across the province, bringing more rain (10-50 mm) to the Regions. Affected areas that are currently too wet are experiencing delays in seeding progress, as well as in the harvesting of overwintered crops. However, in the Southern and Central Regions, the weather has cooperated, allowing for […] Read more
Win $1,000 in young speakers competition
Deadline for applications is June 30
Reading Time: < 1 minute Young Albertans have a chance to win $1,000 and a trip to the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition in Toronto. Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture will hold its second annual public speaking competition on July 12 during the Calgary Stampede. The event offers young people an opportunity to share their views in a speech […] Read more
Alberta Open Farm Days coming up
Over 90 farms expected to open their doors for August event
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Open Farm Days gives farmers and ranchers a chance to invite their urban cousins and rural neighbours to stop in for a visit to share stories, see demonstrations, and learn more about the people who grow their food. The event takes place Aug. 19-20 and it’s expected more than 90 farms, ranches and ag-tourism operators […] Read more