Tyler Eresman, a wildlife and outreach technician with the Milk River Watershed Council Canada, installs a bat monitor station.

Group launches wildlife monitoring project in Milk River watershed

Acoustic monitoring project aims to determine population levels and valuable habitat for bats and amphibians

Reading Time: 4 minutes Some people find bats and frogs creepy, but the Milk River Watershed Council Canada wants to examine them through its “Wild Nights” monitoring project. The aim is to understand how many bats and amphibians live in the watershed, in southeastern Alberta, and how they’re distributed. The group is particularly interested in the little brown myotis […] Read more

“In terms of where they are being built and what we need, there is not pressure on agricultural land from renewables.” – Jorden Dye.

Study finds renewable energy footprint light on agricultural lands

Alberta Utilities Commission says wind and solar would have less impact than petroleum sector

Reading Time: 4 minutes Alberta’s booming renewable energy sector poses little threat to agriculture or the environment, stated the Alberta Utilities Commission in a report released in mid-March. “After doing a comprehensive review on the agricultural impact, the AUC found there were no significant concerns for agriculture or the environment from renewables. In fact, they found that existing protections […] Read more



Mountain View County landowners say industrial overuse of water hurts area

Mountain View County landowners say industrial overuse of water hurts area

Gravel pit mining among key concerns as area residence report water quality issues

Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s a tale of landowners versus industrial development. Landowners and concerned citizens from the South McDougal Flats area spoke recently at a hearing about the area structure plan for their region. Neil Konner, who owns land in the area, said many people in Mountain View County are concerned about the use of water, specifically in […] Read more


Province’s renewable energy industry will cause little threat to agriculture or the environment

Province’s renewable energy industry will cause little threat to agriculture or the environment

Renewable energy development will result in less than one per cent of agricultural land loss by 2041, said the Alberta Utilities Commission report

Reading Time: 2 minutes The province’s booming renewables industry will not be a threat to Alberta’s agricultural or environmental industries, said a report released by the Alberta Utilities Commission.  If all renewable development locates on (some of Alberta’s best) land, the percentage of agricultural land loss is estimated to be less than one per cent by 2041, said the […] Read more

A bit of preparation can make calving season go a lot more smoothly for animal and producer alike.

Preparation is key to smoother calving season

Making checklists, preparing equipment can help producers navigate stressful season

Reading Time: 4 minutes Calving can be stressful for both people and animals. Preparation far in advance is one way producers can better ensure success for a safe and productive calving season. “Some of that preparedness starts well before calving season, if you think about herd health programs or nutrition, or making sure cows are in good shape coming […] Read more


Ferruginous hawks are endangered, but the government and conservation groups have a recovery plan.

Plan aims to protect ferruginous hawk

Ferruginous hawks control the ground squirrel population and are a huge benefit to landholders

Reading Time: 3 minutes The Alberta government and several conservation partners have released a recovery plan for the ferruginous hawk. The largest North American hawk, with a wingspan up to 55 inches, it is classified as both at risk and endangered in Alberta. “It’s been a while to come out, but it’s great to finally see it out in […] Read more

Alberta government asks people with water licence to move their licences online

Alberta government asks people with water licence to move their licences online

Moving licences online will simplify things and make sure the government can track water availability

Reading Time: 2 minutes To make things simpler and faster, the government of Alberta is asking thousands of water licence users to move their licences online. The province has a digital system that lets users report on water use and manage their licence through a confidential online tool.  A typical water licence allows the holder to divert water and […] Read more


Preliminary results suggest that Alberta grasslands fared better than others in weathering the effect of drought.

Researchers delve into drought and grasslands

Global project will provide valuable insights as droughts increase, Alberta scientist says

Reading Time: 3 minutes A global study is examining the surprising ways short-term droughts can affect grasslands. “It’s not surprising that less water is going to lead to less plant growth. We’re all very familiar with that,” said Cameron Carlyle, associate professor of rangeland ecology in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta, […] Read more

Carol Reynolds, the new communication manager with the Canadian Cattle Association, brings a broad skill set and a wealth of knowledge to the position.

New communications manager joins Canadian Cattle Association

Carol Reynolds joined the CCA as communications manager in early January

Reading Time: 3 minutes The Canadian Cattle Association has a new teammate. Carol Reynolds is the group’s new communications manager who started the job Jan. 4. “Agriculture is literally in my blood,” said Reynolds, who grew up on a mixed family farm near Nipawin, Sask. “I’ve got a lot of fond memories of the farm, pitching bales and picking […] Read more