Reading Time: 21 minutes Jay Fox and Brian Van Camp both died in farm accidents involving loaders right before Christmas, leaving their families in shock and still trying to run their farms. Jay and Angie were Outstanding Young farmers in Manitoba and leaders in the cattle industry. Brian and Maggie were also leaders in their community and agriculture. Here’s […] Read more
Because I love you
Two widows discuss how forward planning helped their families carry on following the farm accidents that claimed their husbands
Nominees sought for Agriculture Hall of Fame
Deadline for nominations is April 30
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the province’s agriculture and agri-food industry, and to the development and sustainability of rural life in Alberta. “Every two years, Alberta’s Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes up to three Albertans whose outstanding leadership, innovation, and business […] Read more
Awards competition for ag students
Students can gain up to $1,500 towards their education
Reading Time: < 1 minute Ag students can gain up to $1,500 towards their education in the Excellence Award for Agricultural Students competition. The award from Farm Management Canada and the Canadian Association of Diploma in Agriculture Programs encourages agricultural students to enhance their communication skills and raise awareness of the importance of farm business management. Entrants must submit a […] Read more
Oil bust could mean skyrocketing property taxes
Some Alberta municipalities are being hit hard as oil companies stop paying
Reading Time: 2 minutes With oil prices bottoming out around $30 a barrel, oil companies are scrambling to save money — sometimes at the expense of farmers. “Some companies are just deciding not to pay the annual rentals,” said Daryl Bennett, who represents the Action Surface Rights Association in southern Alberta. Last year, the Surface Rights Board had more […] Read more
Nominations sought for AFAC’s Awards of Distinction
Deadline for nominations is Feb. 15
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farm Animal Care is seeking nominations for its Awards of Distinction, which recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions in the field of livestock welfare. There are three award categories: The communication award recognizes those who have taken an active role in effectively getting the message out about livestock issues, and informing […] Read more
Top guns for agri-tourism workshops coming to Airdrie
Agri-tourism, farm-direct marketing workshops being held Feb. 23 – 24
Reading Time: < 1 minute You can learn from the best about agri-tourism and farm-direct marketing at two workshops being held on Feb. 23 in Leduc and Feb. 24 in Airdrie. They will be led by Mark Saunders and Angela Grant of Saunders Farm, an award-winning operation near Ottawa that began welcoming farm visitors 25 years ago. “Originally a strawberry […] Read more
Ag minister vows to listen to farm groups
Groups create ‘historic collaboration’ to fight for sensible workplace rules
Reading Time: 3 minutes After ramming through new farm safety legislation at year’s end, the provincial government seems to have changed its tune. “I want to be clear right now — we will be taking the time necessary to make sure we get this right,” Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier said at the Alberta Federation of Agriculture annual […] Read more
Workplace safety officers have ‘serious powers’
They include the right to compel statements, inspect what they want, and take samples without a warrant
Reading Time: 3 minutes Alberta farmers are right to be worried about how the industry’s new health and safety legislation will be enforced. “Officers have some broad, sweeping powers,” said David Myrol, a lawyer at McLennan Ross LLP who specializes in occupational health and safety (OHS) law. “When the OHS officer comes knocking at the door, the playing field […] Read more
The downside of farm subsidies
Government money is usually welcomed but those who take it soon learn it can come with a heavy price
Reading Time: 3 minutes There are certain aspects of farming around the globe that are subsidized either directly or indirectly. In the world of trade, these are sensitive issues. For example, what is the true level of subsidization in China? How does it enhance its competitive advantage? What is the real cost of production? We have many guests in […] Read more
Tim Hortons, Burger King to move toward cage-free eggs
The owner of Canadian coffee-and-donut giant Tim Hortons and North America’s No. 2 burger chain, Burger King, has reset its goal to take the chains’ egg supplies “cage-free.” Restaurant Brands International, the parent firm for the two chains since their merger in late 2014, announced Monday it will move to 100 per cent cage-free eggs for […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
