Reading Time: 2 minutes One of the best tools to improve the bottom line, reduce future grief, and lower the risks of pests, disease and weeds is by using a diverse crop rotation. “A good crop rotation is one where there is an adequate variety of crops grown so that any one type of crop is grown only once […] Read more
Make a difference with good crop rotation
Benefits include lower disease control and fertilizer costs
Algae could put dugout water safety at risk
Reading Time: < 1 minute An Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) water specialist has a warning about the dangers of blue-green algae. “Blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria, and can produce toxins that can be very dangerous,” says Shawn Elgert, agricultural water engineer, Barrhead. Elgert says the first and most important step is to identify the type of growth. “Blue-green algae […] Read more
Alberta farmland value growth second highest in Canada
Taber and Lethbridge held the highest average farmland values in 2016, reaching over $5,800 per acre
Reading Time: 2 minutes While the rate of increase appears to be slowing, average farmland values in Alberta continue to rise. “Farmland values rose rapidly in the 1970s but were met with a substantial decline in the 1980s,” says Aaron Lawson, program assistant, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF). “For the most part, prices recovered by the mid-’90s, and farmland […] Read more
Protection measures in place for wildfire season
A permit will be required for all planned fires in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta’s wildfire season officially starts March 1, bringing into effect annual restrictions on burning activities. A permit will be required for all planned fires in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, with the exception of campfires. “By beginning one month early, we can more effectively monitor burning activities and also ensure that our firefighters are well prepared […] Read more
Project supports rural Alberta women entrepreneurs
Rural women asked to participate in an online survey
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Agriculture & Food Council (AFC) is conducting a research project called Success for Women in Agri-Food (#S4WAg) to identify and assess barriers rural Alberta women entrepreneurs face and to develop a pilot program that will support the engagement of women in the growing regional food economy and policy discussions. “Women play key roles in […] Read more
FarmSafe workshops in March
Producers can register by visiting crop commission websites
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola Producers Commission and Alberta Pulse Growers Commission will host a series of FarmSafe workshops throughout Alberta this March. The free, one-day workshops will provide training and educational manuals to help farmers develop a complete health and safety management system tailored to their unique operation. “These FarmSafe workshops […] Read more
New Alberta Barley directors sought
Elections will be held at November regional meetings
Reading Time: < 1 minute Agri-News – Alberta Barley is calling for nominations to fill three open spots on its board of directors. Nominations are currently being accepted for the director positions available in regions one and two to replace Greg Stamp (Enchant) and chairman Matt Sawyer (Acme) respectively. Both Stamp and Sawyer are completing their second three-year term this […] Read more
Late blight confirmed in Alberta
Specific steps needed to prevent carryover of disease to future crops
Reading Time: 3 minutes Late blight is one of the most serious diseases of potatoes and tomatoes worldwide, resulting in significant yield and quality losses annually. In general, in Alberta, late blight occurs infrequently, but can have devastating impacts in the years when it reaches epidemic levels. “In the summer of 2013, late blight was confirmed in parts of […] Read more
Estimating the value of a standing hay crop
Buyer and seller can make a two-part agreement, with final payment made after harvest
Reading Time: 3 minutes “The month of July is usually the most difficult time of year to determine hay prices,” says Ted Nibourg, farm business management specialist, Ag-Info Centre, Stettler. “Yields and quality are uncertain and demand is an unknown factor. July of 2014 is no exception.” Last summer’s hay production was variable in quality, says Nibourg. “Two long […] Read more
Land rent realities for 2014
Rental rates started an upward trend in early 2008, and peaked in 2013
Reading Time: 3 minutes The year 2014 could prove to be a tumultuous one for cropland rental rates. The fact that rental rates will likely soften should not be a surprise. Cropland rents are a function of productivity and price for the most part. Other factors that play a minor role include proximity to the tenant’s existing operation, field […] Read more
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