Reading Time: 3 minutes As we enter the peak season for severe weather across the Canadian Prairies, I figured now would be a good time to continue our look at severe weather and tornadoes. While Alberta doesn’t see the same number of tornadoes relative to areas to the east and south, the province is still subject to these events. Before […] Read more
It’s that time of year when severe summer weather and tornadoes can form
Tornadoes have occurred in nearly all regions of Canada — here is what to look for when a severe storm is approaching
More environmental good work is in the works
The Heart River Watershed Restoration is the latest in a long line of environmental projects funded by the foundation
Reading Time: 3 minutes An Alberta foundation has invested nearly $100,000 for projects that will help protect the province’s environment. “The environment is critically important, and the people who are supporting it — which is who we’re working with — do incredibly valuable work,” said Rod Ruff, program director for the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation. “You can see it across […] Read more
Producers careful with antimicrobials, survey finds
Only 20 per cent of those surveyed ever used antimicrobials important in human medicine, but some resistance was found
Reading Time: 2 minutes Cow-calf producers are being careful with antimicrobials — and that’s a good news story the industry needs to share with consumers, says one of the researchers of a groundbreaking study of cattle production on the Prairies. The cattle health network, which has been tracking production practices of more than 100 cow-calf producers since 2012, found […] Read more
AgCoalition hosting workplace safety meetings for farmers
Alliance of farm groups wants the views of farmers and their employees to be heard by the province
Reading Time: < 1 minute The AgCoalition will host three meetings across Alberta this month to engage farmers, ranchers and their employees on farm and ranch safety-related subject matter. The meetings are intended to gather input and strengthen the producer voice in preparation for the provincial government’s consultation sessions. The province has set up six groups to advise it on […] Read more
Alberta scientists discover new heat-resistant strains of E. coli
The new strains found by U of A scientists can survive the temperature recommended by Health Canada for proper cooking
Reading Time: 2 minutes You might need to cook your meat at a higher temperature next time you fire up the barbecue. Scientists from the University of Alberta have found a new heat-resistant E. coli that can survive at 71 C — the level of heat advised by Health Canada for proper cooking. “We discovered that some strains of […] Read more
Don’t buy equipment from an unlicensed dealer or distributor
Reading Time: < 1 minute When buying new farm equipment, part of making an informed decision is checking to make sure the dealer or distributor is licensed. “Farmers should be aware that if they are conducting business with an unlicensed farm implement business, they will not have any protection under the Farm Implement Act,” said Jeana Les, rural engagement and […] Read more
Capturing value from riparian areas
The first step is to have a plan before you start fencing, says riparian management expert
Reading Time: 5 minutes Ask just about any Alberta farmer about the worst drought in recent memory and there’s a good chance they will say 2002 — a year that saw water supplies devastated throughout the province. For Sean McGrath, some foresight around land management that year prevented what could have been a disaster. Fencing off a dugout and […] Read more
Postal workers pledge to move bees, chicks if striking
Canada Post and its unionized staff have agreed to set up a system in which workers would volunteer to move live animals, such as day-old chicks or bees, during a strike or lockout. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said Tuesday it has a new agreement with the Crown corporation to move and deliver social […] Read more
Navigating Alberta’s solar energy boom
Experts weigh in with some best practices for installing solar energy arrays — and getting the job done right
Reading Time: 4 minutes Interest in solar energy on farms and ranches is reaching a fever pitch, thanks in large part to the provincial government’s $5.5-million commitment in February to help farms and municipalities connect solar panels to the electrical grid. And farmers are not the only ones taking notice. With the decline of Alberta’s oil sector, there are […] Read more
Funding available for green projects
Reading Time: < 1 minute Do you need help making environmental improvements to your farm? Canada’s Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative will provide $1.9 million to help farmers, non-profits, and other organizations hire post-secondary graduates who are 30 years or younger and want to work in agriculture. Projects must offer an environmental benefit, be completed by March 2017, and the […] Read more
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