Reading Time: 3 minutes The three newest members of the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame have more than a century of experience between them in the grain, greenhouse, and dairy sectors. Gordon Hilton, Mohyuddin Mirza, and Curtis Clark (posthumously) were recognized earlier this month at an event in Edmonton. “We owe a debt of gratitude to these three exceptional […] Read more
Alberta visionaries inducted into Agriculture Hall of Fame
Gordon Hilton, Mohyuddin Mirza, and Curtis Clark honoured for their contributions to soil conservation, greenhouse innovations, and dairy breeding
Tap into local food demand with ‘Explore Local’
Reading Time: < 1 minute Producers with an interest in tapping in to the local food markets are encouraged to get to know Explore Local. “We’re trying to help Alberta producers and processors build their knowledge and skills to successfully meet the demand in the local food area,” says Carmen Andrew, manager of Explore Local with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. […] Read more
Thinking of expanding your cattle herd? Here’s a to-do checklist
Successful expansions depend on assessing risk, knowing how per-unit costs will change, and having a marketing plan
Reading Time: 3 minutes When it comes to deciding on expanding a cattle herd, or taking over an existing one, there are a few critical checkpoints to be considered. “In recent months there has been a lot of talk about the potential for beef herd expansion due to the historically high beef and cattle prices the industry is experiencing,” […] Read more
Be safe when moving equipment
There are many pitfalls — from not wearing a seatbelt to free-wheeling in higher gears — that increase the chances of being in a serious accident
Reading Time: 3 minutes According to the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) program, 13 per cent of farm-related fatalities across Canada are traffic related, and most involved tractors. During the busy fall harvest season, farmers often travel long distances between fields, and this requires transporting equipment on public roads throughout rural Alberta. Farm equipment is oversized and slow compared […] Read more
Boost the bottom line with grain grading
The Canada Grain Commission’s Harvest Sample Program gives you an edge when marketing your harvest
Reading Time: 3 minutes When it comes to marketing, it’s important to know the product. And this is never more important than when selling crops. “Some crops are more complex than others to grade,” said Neil Blue, market specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in Vermilion. “For example, canola is typically graded based on appearance, smell, moisture content, […] Read more
The bottom line on grain storage
Reading Time: 2 minutes AARD Release / Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has a pair of new fact sheets on the pros and cons of various grain storage options. “With record crop yields and transport delays of 2013, came greater interest of on-farm storage options,” said Jennifer Stoby, provincial market analyst for agriculture inputs. “Choosing the right grain storage […] Read more
When should you fertilize winter wheat?
Research has shown that fertilizing at seeding can be very effective — and a big time saver come spring
Reading Time: 2 minutes AARD Release / Once the decision to grow winter wheat has been made, one question that frequently comes up is when to fertilize. “Traditionally, winter wheat has been seeded with very little fertilizer and then fertilized in the spring,” said Doon Pauly, agronomy research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in Lethbridge. “Sometimes, however, […] Read more
Is your well water safe to drink?
Water testing available free of charge through Alberta Health Services
Reading Time: 2 minutes AARD Release / Urbanites seldom worry about whether or not their water is safe to drink because regulations require municipalities to treat and test water quality on a regular basis. But it’s not so simple for rural residents who rely on wells, as they are responsible for managing and maintaining their wells, and ensuring their […] Read more
Be on the lookout for Dutch elm disease
Owners urged to water healthy trees well from April to mid-August
Reading Time: 2 minutes Albertans are being asked to be on the lookout for Dutch elm disease. “At present, Alberta has the largest DED-free American elm stand in the world, and it is important to protect this valuable resource,” says Janet Feddes-Calpas, executive director, Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED). “STOPDED is asking for everyone’s assistance to save […] Read more
Funding available for commercial manure applicators
Maximum grant raised to $70,000 on a 50/50 cost share
Reading Time: 2 minutes Growing Forward 2 has opened its Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) Stewardship Program to commercial manure applicators in Alberta. Commercial manure applicators — or custom applicators, manure haulers or corral cleaners, as they are sometimes called — are now eligible for $70,000 on a 50/50 cost share for equipment and other items related to safe manure […] Read more
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