Reading Time: 3 minutes If you want to know what happens when research doesn’t get done, ask Doug Wray. “Where the hay yields haven’t increased in the last 10 years, the canola, wheat, and barley yields have,” says the cow-calf producer from Irricana. “It’s created a real challenge to keep forages on the landscape in that dynamic where the […] Read more
Experts decry lack of long-term forage research
Research projects tend to be commodity specific and short term
Flags of Remembrance fly in central Alberta
A tribute to Canada’s war dead gains national attention
Reading Time: 2 minutes In the brisk October air of early morning on a dark highway in central Alberta, a quiet group of men and women stood sentinel alongside 116 Canadian flags waving in the breeze. And as the clock struck 8 on Oct. 29 — exactly one week after the tragic shooting of a soldier in our nation’s […] Read more
Something for everyone at Farmfair International
Today's Farmfair isn't just cowboy hats and cattle sales
Reading Time: 2 minutes Heading into its 41st year, Farmfair International is set to impress visitors once again with its unique blend of livestock sales, entertainment, and western hospitality. “It’s one of the longest-running agricultural events in Alberta and in Western Canada,” said show manager David Fiddler. “When you combine the Canadian finals rodeo and Farmfair International, you’ve got […] Read more
Building winter cattle rations without wrecking your bottom line
Improving your feeding efficiency and reducing waste can help you save money overwintering your cattle this year
Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite record-high cattle prices and strong demand for beef, margins remain tight for cattle producers who are battling the high price of land and feed. But cattle feeders can widen their margins as they head into winter by taking measures to improve feed efficiency and reduce waste right now. “To prepare your cattle for winter, […] Read more
Cow-calf producers needed for benchmark survey
Reading Time: < 1 minute More than 1,500 western Canadian cow-calf producers are needed for a management survey that will help guide provincial extension and research activities for the beef cattle industry. “What we’re hoping to do is get farmers to fill out the survey and tell us what they did last year,” said Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist […] Read more
Farmers can kick tires and talk shop at 31st Agri-Trade farm show
With more than 425 exhibitors and an even bigger floor space, Agri-Trade is the place to check out new equipment and connect with old friends
Reading Time: 2 minutes Central Alberta’s biggest farm show is back and the 31st edition of Agri-Trade is bigger than ever, with new exhibitors, new spaces, and, of course, new equipment for farmers to explore. “I think they’re going to be very impressed with the exhibitor mix we have in the show,” said show manager Dianne Smirl. “If you’re […] Read more
High costs slowing cattle herd expansion
Canada’s beef cattle industry is poised for expansion, but will high capital costs cause delays?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Strong prices are signalling that it’s time to start retaining heifers and build the cattle herd — but rising capital costs could cause some producers to hold off. “There’s lots of opportunities, but it’s costly,” said Rick Dehod, farm financial specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. A decade of pain and low prices means […] Read more
Officials at Red Deer hog facility vow animal abuse won’t happen again
Western Hog Exchange chair says he doesn’t like animal rights group’s tactics but says its undercover video will result in ‘very positive changes’
Reading Time: 4 minutes The Western Hog Exchange has one message for the pork industry in the wake of animal abuse allegations at its Red Deer facility. “What we saw is not acceptable,” said Brent Moen, chairman of the farmer-owned exchange. “We’re introducing changes, and we’re taking responsibility for this. And we will make improvements to our process.” An […] Read more
Big farm trade shows offer a chance to reconnect
Every year, Alberta’s farm shows attract hundreds of thousands of visitors — and socializing remains the major draw
Reading Time: 3 minutes Before there were smartphones, Twitter and Facebook, farmers perfected the art of social networking the good old-fashioned way — face to face at meetings, trade shows, and conferences during the busy winter season. And that’s still what keeps ’em coming back for Alberta’s two biggest farm shows. “For agricultural folk, whenever they gather, networking is […] Read more
Hormone-free beef for European markets the next big export opportunity
Half a million cattle raised without implants will be needed to fill the quota in the new trade deal with the European Union
Reading Time: 4 minutes The proposed trade deal with Europe has a simple story line for Alberta cattle producers — build the herd. “To take advantage of the European agreement, we’re going to have to expand,” said John Masswohl, director of government and international relations for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) finalized late […] Read more
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