Reading Time: < 1 minute A popular calving record keeping book is getting an update. The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency says it has received positive feedback with the launch of its new calving record book. The previous incarnation was popular with producers, but the group felt it was time to make improvements. Working closely with Verified Beef Production Plus and […] Read more

CCIA issues new edition of calving record book

Research to reduce avian influenza impact
Reading Time: < 1 minute After 1.4 million birds were culled on Alberta farms in 2022 due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, a consortium of agriculture groups is funding research at the University of Calgary aimed at lessening the disease’s impact during any future outbreaks. Results Driven Agriculture Research, Alberta Chicken Producers and Egg Farmers of Alberta awarded $733,801 […] Read more

Watch for post-harvest grain pests
Reading Time: < 1 minute As farmers prepare to put their next crop into storage, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has some tips to help identify insects (and know if they’re pests) if they appear in stored grain. The commission identifies 20 species of insects as primary pests (19 beetle species and one species of moth). Over 33 species are […] Read more

Alberta Grains to be post-merger name
Reading Time: < 1 minute Effective Aug. 1, Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commission is now known as Alberta Grains. The farmer organizations released the new moniker in the run-up to their merger, which will be effective with the start of the 2023-24 crop year. The merger aims to “…build on the strengths of both organizations to create a […] Read more

Loan limits get beefed up
Reading Time: < 1 minute The provincial government is giving feeder association members more options to purchase and market livestock and to generate better cash flow for their operations. It is amending the Feeder Associations Guarantee Regulation. The changes raise individual and joint membership loan limits, excluding advances, to $3 million from $2 million. Cattle prices have increased 25 per […] Read more

Temporary livestock water assistance available
Reading Time: < 1 minute Livestock and poultry producers impacted by water shortage and drought conditions can receive streamlined temporary livestock water assistance through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA). Producers who have an urgent need for water should contact EPA for support to identify alternative water sources and receive authorization for use under the Water Act. A fact sheet […] Read more

Alberta dairy producers fight food insecurity
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Milk has launched phase two of a campaign in which it encourages Albertans to help it reach a $100,000 donation target to support people facing food insecurity through a partnership with Food Banks Alberta. Until Aug. 1, Alberta Milk will match donations made to foodbanksalberta.ca/abdairyfarmers to a maximum aggregate amount of $50,000, which will […] Read more

AFSC announce changes to low yield allowances
Reading Time: < 1 minute Agriculture Financial Services Corp. is adjusting the low yield allowance for 2023 to encourage farmers to put more poor-quality crops toward livestock feed in dry areas. For 2023, AFSC is doubling the low yield threshold to allow for additional cereal or pulse crops to be salvaged for livestock feed. For example, the barley crop threshold […] Read more

Pea growers urged to keep score on ascochyta
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta farmers have a new tool to manage ascochyta blight in field peas. The Alberta Pulse Growers have added a disease ‘scorecard’ to its app to help pea growers make the decision on whether or not to spray. Ascochyta blight is the most destructive foliar disease of peas in Western Canada and around the world. […] Read more

Lamb and sheep market remains resilient
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta sheep producers can expect to see continued market strength, according to one official in a recent provincial publication. “The long-term outlook for global sheep meat consumption is strong, due to economic development, growing populations and household income growth,” stated Ann Boyda, provincial livestock market analyst with the Alberta government. “As always, there are several […] Read more