Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) interim board of directors has announced its inaugural call for nominations. The AWC is seeking nominations for two directors and three regional representatives in each of its five regions. To be eligible, producers must grow wheat in their region and have paid a checkoff to the AWC. Directors and regional […] Read more
Alberta Wheat Commission calls for regional nominations
Check feed grain for ergot this fall
Conditions Cool, damp weather in late spring and early summer increases ergot contamination
Reading Time: 2 minutes Haying is wrapping up and many herds are still out grazing, so winter feeding might not be a top-of-mind topic right now. However, it is never too early to start thinking about what grain will be used in your herd’s winter ration. It’s important to purchase the highest-quality feed grain you can. Ergot contamination is […] Read moreUse caution in feeding hail-damaged crops
Reading Time: 2 minutes Storm damage to crops can result in problems with nitrate accumulations, especially if the crops were heavily fertilized in the spring to optimize yield. Nitrates are a poison that can kill ruminants. Cattle are the most susceptible to nitrate poisoning, sheep and goats less so, but still susceptible. “The problem with nitrates is that you […] Read more
DDCs a useful tool, but consider all possibilities before signing
Details Make sure you are comfortable with both delivery and pricing provisions of the contract
Reading Time: 3 minutes Many farmers find contracting a useful method for marketing production. The most common type is a deferred delivery contract (DDC), an agreement by a producer to deliver grain to a buyer by a certain date. The contract usually specifies price, quantity, quality or grade, the delivery location and date, and sometimes the transportation method. Many […] Read moreNew credits for conservation-cropping improvements
Records The new protocol also lists the positive proof requirements needed to meet new verification standards
Reading Time: 2 minutes A new Conservation Cropping Protocol is now available for use by farmers to get paid for making environmental improvements. By increasing soil carbon levels through no-till management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use, farmers can earn carbon offset credits. The newest opportunity is for farmers in the brown and dark brown soil zones […] Read moreConventional hen cages to be phased out
Reading Time: 2 minutes Egg Farmers of Alberta currently recommends that no new conventional cages be placed on Alberta egg farms, and reiterates that Alberta egg farmers have always had the ability to choose from conventional cages, enriched cages, free run and aviary hen housing systems. In fact, the first enriched cage housing system in Canada was placed on […] Read more
Three chances to walk the line in CTF cropwalks
Reading Time: < 1 minute Three cropwalks have been planned by the Controlled Traffic Farming Alberta (CTFA) project team. Each of the cropwalks includes area-specific features and will prove interesting to producers who already practise controlled traffic farming or who are considering this as a beneficial management practice. June 14 – Rolling Hills. A bonus for this cropwalk is that […] Read more
Stakes are high for Alberta farmers as hail season begins
Timing Crops can rebound from early damage, but not after they’re podded or headed out
Reading Time: 3 minutes As crops start to grow and another hail season gets underway, high commodity prices and input costs are raising the stakes for farmers this year, says Chris Dyck, with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), Alberta’s provincial crop insurer. “Hail is a threat every growing season in Alberta because we have one of the highest incidences […] Read moreFactors for spring termination of hay land
Reading Time: 2 minutes Traditionally, forage stands are terminated in the fall so that a good seedbed can be established and the sod root system has some time to decompose. However, hay stands can also be terminated in the spring. Producers just need to be aware of a number of factors that can impact success. Spring termination of hay […] Read more
Crop report schedule for 2012
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development recently posted the 2012 crop report schedule online. Since 1940, this program, has captured and delivered timely information relating to crop production in Alberta during the current crop season. This is achieved through the use of surveys, which collect data on moisture and crop conditions, progress of seeding and harvesting, […] Read more
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