Reading Time: 3 minutes The sheep have returned to Fort Saskatchewan for the summer. But for the first time in 28 years, they’re being managed by new shepherds. The Alberta community’s flock has become an institution over the past three decades, and a major tourist draw. So many were worried when Ralph and Kathy Playdon, who have been tending […] Read more
The sheep are baa-ck — and Fort Saskatchewan is thrilled
Being tense and temperamental may not be good for a cow’s health
The way cattle exit the chute could be an indicator of their chances of falling prey to a disease
Reading Time: 3 minutes Can your herd health improve if you know how to spot and cull the temperamental cattle? That’s what Diego Moya Fernandez is hoping to find out. “We are not trying to look for happy or sad cows,” said the assistant professor and researcher at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. “When I talk about temperament, […] Read more
Having a field day: Everyone’s excited about return of in-person learning
Remember when you’d leave home to attend events and get together with experts, friends and peers?
Reading Time: 5 minutes After a year of too many Zoom meetings to count, ag organizations across the province are gearing up for a summer of in-field learning. “I’m so excited — there’s only so many online meetings that you can stay engaged with,” said Jamie Puchinger, assistant manager of Farming Smarter. “I cannot wait to get back out […] Read more
Would you like a supercomputer with your cattle herd?
Big Data: Armchair Rancher will harness the power of big data and AI, and give Alberta producers ‘a leg up’
Reading Time: 3 minutes The ‘ancestry.com’ of the cattle industry is in development — and the app could give Alberta ranchers a leg up on the rest of the industry. Livestock Gentec, in collaboration with Alberta Innovates and the University of Alberta’s David Wishart, is creating an app that will help ranchers make better and faster decisions on the […] Read more
They’re more creepy than cuddly — but bats need your help
The insect-gobbling critters can eat their own weight in bugs each night, including farm pests
Reading Time: 3 minutes Bats aren’t pretty and their reputation isn’t either. But the insect-gobbling critters are friends of farmers — and they need help from producers, says the co-ordinator of the Alberta Community Bat Program. “In Canada, all of our bats are eating bugs — insects and spiders,” said biologist Cory Olson. “Their diets are fairly diverse, but […] Read more
It’s (once again) go time for a host of organizations in rural Alberta
Reading Time: 4 minutes Alberta’s agricultural societies, 4-H and Open Farm Days are all gearing up for Alberta’s reopening. “We are seeing our ag societies start to fire up,” said Tim Carson, executive director of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies. They are also scrambling a bit as two months ago, there was no indication the province was going to be […] Read more
Beekeepers got knocked down but they got up again
Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite many tribulations, beekeepers are optimistic about getting a good honey crop this year After two terrible, no-good, very bad years, Alberta’s beekeepers are feeling a little more optimistic. Poor weather severely reduced production in 2019, then came high overwintering losses, then the pandemic brought a maelstrom of troubles, and then more bad weather. “Last […] Read more
No ivory tower approach to this unique partnership with farmers
Reading Time: 4 minutes Normally when you need help on the farm, you need the workers to know something about farming and to be physically present. But for some members of the Food Artisans of Camrose County, having some city kids working virtually was no problem at all. Nearly four dozen students from the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus […] Read more
Calgary beer lovers create business to bring craft beer to the world
Along with great malt and fresh water, brewers here have quickly become elite at their craft
Reading Time: 3 minutes Alberta has seen its craft beer industry boom in the last 10 years — and now a trio of three entrepreneurs want the world to know what provincial craft brewers have to offer. “Canada has a global reputation for its clear skies and clean water,” said Don Tse, a beer writer and consultant who operates […] Read more
W.A. Ranches hoping to reel in youth
U of Calgary’s working cattle ranch viewed as an ideal setting to showcase farming to young people
Reading Time: 3 minutes [UPDATED: June 22, 2021] Get them when they’re young. That’s the new strategy from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation and the University of Calgary’s W.A. Ranches when it comes to attracting youth to the beef industry. And there’s no better way to get people interested in the beef industry than letting them get onto a ranch, […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
