Articles by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

Participants wanted for dairy cost study

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 3 days ago

Alberta dairy farmers are wanted for the 2021 edition of the Dairy Cost Study. The pandemic has affected dairy producers, said provincial research analyst Pauline Van Biert. “For the dairy farmer, demand for milk production has fluctuated as processors made adjustments to meet changes in the marketplace,” she said. Participants in the study will receive […] Read more

News

Beekeepers get increased support

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 6 days ago

The Alberta Beekeeper Stock Replacement Program is being expanded and extended. The $1-million government program helps beekeepers offset increased colony replacement costs by ensuring any queens purchased between April 1 and Sept. 30 will be eligible for funding, and by extending the submission deadline to Jan. 29. Many of the province’s beekeepers saw substantial losses […] Read more

News

Tips for your dugout inspection this fall

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry October 26, 2020

When checking your dugouts this fall, start with the area that feeds into the dugout, says a water specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. ‘Make sure this area is free of debris that might flow into your dugout,” said Dan Benson. “This area should be mowed and kept clear of trees and weeds.” Leaves add […] Read more

Beef Cattle, News

Beef carcass weights falling back in line

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry October 21, 2020

Carcass weights rose after COVID-19 disrupted processing at the Cargill and JBS beef plants but are now getting back to normal, says provincial livestock market analyst Jason Wood. “During a three- week period at the beginning of May, steer carcass weights rose 28 pounds to 926 pounds, above average for that time period.” Steer carcass […] Read more

Canola, News

Canola prices have been ‘a pleasant surprise,’ says analyst

Production issues here and abroad, Chinese demand, and speculators have all played a role in rally

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry October 7, 2020

There are several factors behind the rally in canola prices, says provincial crop analyst Neil Blue. On the supply side, lower production of palm oil began to support those prices back in the spring, he said, adding the primary driver of canola prices are the vegetable oil markets, of which palm oil is the largest […] Read more

The cost of grain bins has risen $1 a bushel — a 25 per cent jump — in the last five years, says a provincial market analyst.

Markets, News

Do the math before adding more grain storage

Lots of bin space can help you wait out low prices at harvest, but the cost of storage is rising

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry October 5, 2020

Having more grain storage can be a big plus, but it’s not a slam dunk, says a market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “Farmers in Alberta along with growers in other Prairie provinces have more grain storage than most of their worldwide competitors,” said Ryan Furtas. “However, having storage capacity can be a marketing […] Read more

The Canadian Grain Commission offers its Harvest Sample Program at no charge.

Crops, News

Get harvest samples as the crop goes in the bin

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry September 30, 2020

Don’t forget to take samples before every crop goes in the bin, says provincial crop market analyst Neil Blue. “The goal is to have a sample that has the same characteristics as the large volume of product that it represents,” said Blue. “Producers will then have a sample that can be used to shop around […] Read more

Livestock, News

University of Alberta conducting genomic prediction trial

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry August 14, 2020

The University of Alberta’s Genomic Prediction Project is developing tools to predict the feed efficiency and carcass traits on any beef cattle in a herd, including crossbred animals. It costs participants $25 per animal to be genotyped with about 100,000 DNA markers, which will be used to provide a report. The report, to be available […] Read more

The Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program can now accept cattle that haven’t been branded but are instead identified by their RFID tag.

Beef Cattle, News

Co-op’s pilot paves the way for identifying feeders with RFID tags

Feeders have another option to branding after pilot shows reading pages is ‘reliable and sustainable’

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry August 4, 2020

Feeder associations can now trace their livestock via RFID tags thanks to a pilot project conducted by the Picture Butte Feeder Co-operative. Provincial regulations were recently amended so radio frequency identification tags are now an approved method of identifying cattle in addition to branding. The change comes in the wake of a successful pilot project […] Read more

Livestock, News

Keep an eye out for blue-green algae in dugouts

The cyanobacteria is highly toxic and it’s better to be cautious, says water engineer

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry July 30, 2020

When temperatures rise, you need to be on the watch for toxic bacteria in dugouts. “Blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria, and can produce toxins that can be very dangerous,” said Shawn Elgert, agricultural water engineer with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “It can cause organ damage or even death if ingested by livestock or pets.” “If […] Read more

Tighter timeline set for dairy farmers’ trade pact compensation

Versatile to move tillage equipment work to Winnipeg

Prairie cash wheat: Choppy U.S. futures lead to mixed bids

GFM Network News