Reading Time: 3 minutes The Battle River Railway is a little engine that could — and it just keeps chugging along despite challenges thrown its way. “The grain business looks good. We moved 2,100 cars last year and we have every expectation of moving that much or more this year,” said Ken Eshpeter, the railway’s chairman and CEO and […] Read more
The little railway that could
The railway moved 2,100 rail cars last year but getting them is an ongoing challenge
Egg farmers say there’s ‘zero tolerance’ on abuse
Farms caught abusing birds can have their egg-production licence pulled immediately
Reading Time: 4 minutes Egg producers in Alberta are now required to sign a “zero tolerance” pledge for animal abuse. “Any form of abuse, neglect, cruelty, or mistreatment of the birds under our care will not be tolerated and may be grounds for immediate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal,” the pledge states. Any farm that has severe […] Read more
No hill of beans — soybeans get a boost with expanded insurance plan
The New Crops Insurance Initiative, which also covers forages and other special crops, will give coverage for soybeans in specified areas
Reading Time: 2 minutes Soybeans are here to stay in Alberta and the announcement they now qualify for Agricultural Financial Services Crop insurance coverage is expected to boost acreage. “There were a number of people who were waiting for that program to be in place before growing soybeans, so I see it as a positive step for expanding the […] Read more
Beavers cause problems, but also provide benefits
Understanding beaver biology and ecology can help you coexist with beavers on your property
Reading Time: 2 minutes They’re one of Canada’s national symbols but for some farmers, beavers are nothing more than pests who destroy trees and flood land. But it’s time to think of the industrious rodents in a new way, says Lorne Fitch, provincial riparian specialist with Cows and Fish. “Beavers are a keystone species,” said Fitch. “They are one […] Read more
In their words: Beef leaders talk about new national strategy
More co-operation, research, and efficiency — and less red tape — hailed as keys to a more prosperous future
Reading Time: 4 minutes The new national beef strategy is being led by a group of “Canadian beef advisers.” Five of those industry leaders spoke about the five-year plan at the recent Alberta Beef Industry Conference. Here is a condensed version of some of their comments. Jeff Warrack, National Cattle Feeders Association past chair, on working together: “We’ve been […] Read more
Decisions, decisions — what will you plant this spring?
It’s only a small sample, but rotation looms large for these four farmers — although there’s an opening for something that’s the right fit
Reading Time: 4 minutes Ag Canada is forecasting a jump in canola, barley and wheat acres this year — but rotations and sticking with the tried and true seem to be top of mind for many Alberta producers. But specialty crops are getting a look as grain and oilseed producers look for options that could beef up the bottom […] Read more
Officials stress need for testing
The latest BSE case only increases the need for Canada to test 30,000 animals yearly
Reading Time: 4 minutes Keep calm and carry on testing. That’s the message going out to producers following the latest case of BSE in an Alberta cow. “At times like this, it’s as important, if not more so, to continue with surveillance and be vigilant,” Canadian Food Inspection Agency official Craig Price told attendees at the recent Alberta Beef […] Read more
McDonald’s sustainable beef pilot moves into high gear
Fast-food giant has a long list of ‘indicators’ and is seeking producers ready to prove they’re good stewards
Reading Time: 5 minutes Updated Mar. 16, 2015 for clarification: This story states below (paragraph six) that the indicators for the verified sustainable initiative are scored from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). In fact, McDonald’s Canada is still developing the terms that go with the scoring system. In its presentation at the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, an example was given […] Read more
Canola and barley markets offer opportunities in a time of low crop prices
Fundamentals favourable for canola and barley but not other grains and oilseeds, says commodity strategist Moe Agostino
Reading Time: 2 minutes In a time of flat or falling prices, canola and barley offer a little ray of hope, according to Moe Agostino, chief commodity strategist with Farms.com Risk Management. Tight supply is positive for canola, but the key is strong demand fuelled by the plunge in the Canadian dollar, Agostino told a packed room at FarmTech. […] Read more
Crop prices tied to petroleum and that’s not good for farmers
British economist says the biofuel boom led to a massive increase in production of grains and oilseeds, which firmly linked agriculture to energy markets
Reading Time: 2 minutes Producers in the FarmTech conference room looked crestfallen after David Jackson told them the global oilseed market is tied to petroleum — and that oil prices will remain low for a long time. “A lot of it is out of your control,” said the British economist and director of oilseeds at LMC International, a global […] Read more