Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta producers who have paid checkoffs through the provincial wheat, barley, pulse and canola commissions are eligible for a scientific research tax credit. In the case of wheat, nine per cent of checkoffs are eligible for a tax credit, which is based on the amount invested in R&D that meets the criteria laid out by […] Read more
Tax credits for checkoffs
Have your financial ducks in a row before spring hits
Farm business specialist says there are four financial documents you need to prepare and share with your advisers before things get too busy
Reading Time: 1 minute Now is the time to review operating plans, investment plans and cash requirements for the upcoming year, says an Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development specialist. “The need to develop a strong business plan has been never greater,” said Rick Dehod. “With grain prices flattening, margins have been squeezed. Being proactive allows your business to strategically […] Read more
Soil moisture outlook generally good
Reading Time: < 1 minute The latest provincial soil moisture outlook is generally promising. South of the Trans-Canada, below-normal snowpacks are being offset by above-normal soil moisture levels, said Ralph Wright, manager, agro-meteorological applications and modelling section, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton. The situation is reversed north of the Trans-Canada. “One notable exception remains in the extreme northern Peace […] Read more
Farm-direct-marketing workshop on boosting profitability
Registration deadline of March 4!
Reading Time: < 1 minute An upcoming Explore Local workshop looks at marketing and pricing for profit. “This workshop looks at how you can use low cost, simple pricing, marketing and display tools to maximize sales and ramp up your business potential,” said Eileen Kotowich, farmers’ market specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. The workshop will feature Jenny Berkenbosch, […] Read more
Alberta Invasive Species Council conference
Conference date of March 12 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Invasive Species Council conference and AGM takes place March 12 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Topics include stopping aquatic invasives in Alberta, herbicide research for invasive weed control, working with industry to stop baby’s breath, and Russian olive invasiveness. The keynote address will look at what makes invasive species initiatives successful. The cost, […] Read more
Getting the lowdown on your farm’s financial health
Simple Farm Ratio Analyzer is a quick way to determine whether your farm is on the right financial track, says farm finance specialist
Reading Time: 2 minutes An Excel program available from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development can help producers assess the financial state of their farm business. The Agricultural Business Analyzer (ABA) Simple Farm Ratio Analyzer gives users a quick idea of the financial health of their farm or ranch as well as a comparison of their business’s ratios to industry […] Read more
New legislation for sales of farm implements
New act establishes minimum requirements for sale agreements, warranties, and availability of spare parts
Reading Time: 2 minutes The new Farm Implement and Dealership Act will come into force this year. The new act, which combines the old Farm Implement Dealerships Act and the Farm Implement Act, came into effect in December when Bill 6, the Statutes Amendment Act, received royal assent. Bill 6 also includes numerous changes to sections of the former […] Read more
Farm Fresh learning sessions
Reading Time: < 1 minute There will be a number of learning opportunities at Alberta Farm Fresh School at Olds College Feb. 26-27. “Come and learn about soil, both soil biology and soil fertility, vegetable production using plastic mulch and low tunnels, and integrated weed management from leading experts,” said Rob Spencer, provincial commercial horticulture specialist. There will also be […] Read more
After the culling comes the marketing
Reading Time: 2 minutes Once you’ve decided on what cows to cull, you need to decide whether to sell them immediately, leave them with the herd in anticipation of increased cow prices, or separate and feed them a higher grain diet before sale. That decision is based on factors such as expected price changes, feeding costs versus potential weight […] Read more
Rural leadership pilot project looking for participants
Registration deadline Feb. 18
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Inspiring Rural Leadership pilot project is looking for participants. “At some point in everyone’s life –— whether it’s in the workplace, the community, or a family setting — we’re called upon to be a leader,” said Shari Hanson, leadership specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “The Inspiring Rural Leadership program aims to help […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
