Reading Time: 4 minutes A third option has been thrust into the seed royalty review fray — but whether it will be the answer farmers are looking for remains to be seen. “At this stage, there are still more questions than answers about all of the models that have been put forward,” said Tom Steve, general manager of Alberta […] Read more
Alberta Wheat and Barley cool to latest seed royalty scheme
There are now three options on the table but all offer ‘more questions than answers,’ says groups’ GM
Diversification drives success at Alberta alpaca farm
Alpaca-assisted therapy, children’s camps, and other programs add to revenue streams
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alpacas may look like a fun farm pet, but for Geri Wayslow, they’re a true labour of love — one that requires a whole lot of hard work and a little bit of luck to turn a profit. “It’s fun as a breeder to see what I’ve created, but more importantly, it’s about what I […] Read more
Rain turns fortunes around for many, but not all
In the north and central regions, crops are looking very good, but the south and Peace are suffering
Reading Time: 3 minutes Some much-needed moisture during the month of June may have turned this year’s crop prospects around — at least in some parts of the province. “It’s been an interesting growing season so far — from a very dry May to the central areas getting quite a bit of precipitation in June,” provincial crop specialist Mark […] Read more
Struggling with cash flow? Take a second look at these farm lending programs
Giving yourself some financial breathing room can make your operation stronger — and reduce your stress
Reading Time: 5 minutes Hammered by dry weather and trade upheaval, many Alberta producers are struggling with cash flow. And more will be in the months ahead. But there is help out there. “It’s important for producers to know that there are more options out there than they may realize,” said Don Anderson, Farm Credit Canada’s senior vice-president of […] Read more
Vermilion family creates pet food fit for a king — and other people
Raised Right’s pet food for cats and dogs uses traceable ingredients and food-grade safety standards
Reading Time: 4 minutes It all started when Braeden Ruud nearly ate some food meant for the family farm dog. He had just walked into the kitchen after school in search of something to eat. And there on the counter was some freshly cooked food that looked delicious and smelled even better. Ignoring the family rule of sitting down […] Read more
Manitoba puts $52 million in stewardship program — should Alberta be next?
More government funds for farms providing eco-services would be welcomed here — and put to good use
Reading Time: 3 minutes Is the idea of paying farmers for ‘ecological services’ finally ready for prime time? The Manitoba government is winning praise for setting up a $52-million endowment fund to create a province-wide version of a program that pays farmers for stewardship efforts such as protecting riparian areas and habitat restoration. The program will be based on […] Read more
There’s progress but best practices often ignored
A deep dive into uptake of recommended cow-calf practices shows ‘there’s room for improvement’
Reading Time: 7 minutes ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ seems to be the common thread among cow-calf producers who haven’t yet adopted recommended practices on their own operations. “Producers are happy with the performance and productivity that they’ve been getting, so they see no reason to change,” said Brenna Grant, manager of Canfax Research Services. “That can […] Read more
Does genetically engineered alfalfa have a place in Alberta?
There are advantages to GE alfalfa — but for most Alberta producers, the benefits don’t outweigh the risks
Reading Time: 6 minutes Genetically engineered alfalfa is gaining traction in Ontario — but don’t expect to see it in Alberta any time soon. During its June board meeting, the Alberta Forage Industry Network reaffirmed its 2016 position that Alberta should remain GE alfalfa free. That decision was an easy one, said Strathmore-area hay grower and marketer John Bland. […] Read more
Land stewardship for the long term
“Regenerating the land is a step ahead of sustaining it,” says one Alberta producer
Reading Time: 7 minutes Tom Towers grew up on stories of plenty and lack. As a boy, his grandfather would tell him about a time when you could take a boat from the family farmstead into town — and in the next breath, about a time it was so dry, you could drop a crowbar down the cracks in […] Read more
New provincial government will ‘stick up’ for farmers, says ag minister
Defending modern agriculture, workplace safety, and research funding are top priorities, says Devin Dreeshen
Reading Time: 4 minutes Alberta’s new agriculture minister is ready for a fight. “Standing up for modern Canadian agriculture is something that was a theme during the campaign,” said Devin Dreeshen. “There are elements out there that attack Alberta’s energy sector, modern agriculture, and the forestry industry, and I think it’s something we heard loud and clear during the […] Read more
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