Reading Time: 2 minutes ‘Holy cow, prices are high!’ That’s what some of Canada’s desperate grain customers are probably saying right now, says Todd Hames, the outgoing chair at Cereals Canada. “We have quite a few loyal customers in the world and they’re looking for Canadian wheat because of the quality and consistency of our products,” said the Alberta […] Read more
The world loves our wheat, but just wishes there was more of it
Global buyers deeply worried given the war in Ukraine and the low supply from Canada
Nuffield tour bridges the distance, shares good ideas around the globe
Reading Time: 4 minutes On a mission to feed the world through smarter farming practices, a Three Hills agronomist recently toured southern Alberta with some of the world’s most curious farmers. “The best way to feed the world is to teach farmers new practices,” said Steve Larocque. “The best way to do that is to get outside of your […] Read more
Give cover crops a shot and have some fun, says soil health expert
Despite challenges in our climate, there are ways to profit from this much- discussed practice
Reading Time: 4 minutes Cover crops aren’t a magic bullet but they’re worth a try. That was the message an American expert delivered to a group of Alberta producers who considered whether the much-hyped soil health practice can work during the short growing season. “Cover crops don’t solve everything,” said soil scientist Abbey Wick. “It’s not all puppies and […] Read more
Young Alberta farmer soars into the future of agriculture
Reading Time: 4 minutes A high-flying young Alberta farmer has taken a significant step into the future of agriculture by using a robot to sow part of his canola crop. Wade McAllister used an OMNiPOWER autonomous platform to seed a small part of his family’s 3,500-acre farm near Innisfail this spring — although he was present at the same […] Read more
Vacancies put vet clinics in ‘near crisis’ situation
More funding, more vet and vet technologist training won’t fix problem overnight, warns the AVMA
Reading Time: 3 minutes There’s a major shortage of veterinary professionals in Alberta causing long wait times for routine livestock medical procedures. There are more than 840 veterinarian and veterinary technologist vacancies in Alberta — a “near-crisis” situation that poses a risk in terms of animal welfare, livestock production and public health, the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association said in […] Read more
Rain sprouts hope among southern Alberta farmers
The subsoil moisture bank is empty, so many will need rain every week or two
Reading Time: 4 minutes Recent rain has prevented a disaster for many farmers, but additional moisture is needed to sustain crops and pastures through summer. “It’s actually lightened the mood quite a bit around my area,” said Jason Hale, vice-chair of Alberta Beef Producers, who ranches near Bassano. “But in saying that, we’ve been so dry that it’s going […] Read more
Grain contracts a dilemma for farmers this year
Bad memories are front of mind for farmers as they consider how much grain to contract
Reading Time: 3 minutes Seize the day — or sleep soundly at night? That’s a dilemma faced by many producers as they ponder the always tricky question of signing a delivery contract for crops that are a long way from being harvested. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew and be patient,” said Jay Schultz, who operates a […] Read more
Meat warning label proposal slammed by Alberta beef producers
Ground meat is a nutritious food and saying it is high in saturated fat is misleading and harmful, groups say
Reading Time: 3 minutes Alberta cattle producers say they are feeling betrayed by the federal government after Health Canada recently announced a plan to add saturated fat warning labels to ground meat. “Labelling ground beef — an affordable, nutritious and versatile protein, and a staple food for most Canadians — is misleading and does not make sense to us,” Alberta […] Read more
The buyers are willing but the equipment supply chain is weak
Farm equipment sales jump but availability of new machines and parts for older ones remain an issue
Reading Time: 4 minutes Driven by high commodity prices and low interest rates, sales of farm equipment shot up last year — but getting delivery was a huge headache for many. Sales of four-wheel-drive tractors in Canada rose 33 per cent, 100+ horsepower tractors were up 34 per cent, and combines were up 23 per cent, according to data […] Read more
The federal government sows cash to reap environmental rewards
Millions are being given to farms to lower greenhouse gas emissions but applying isn’t quick and easy
Reading Time: 3 minutes The federal government continues to distribute millions of dollars to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farms, but the application process is time consuming, says a successful applicant. Under the Agricultural Clean Technology program, 47 farms and ag businesses recently received a total of $15.2 million in grants for solar panels, energy-efficient grain dryers and […] Read more
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