Reading Time: 2 minutes Got a plan for 2016? If not, you can start by reviewing the goals you had for last year, says a provincial farm financial specialist. “This is an important process,” said Rick Dehod. “Reflecting on how you have done helps you set goals for the farm business in 2016 and influences what you feel is […] Read more
You can’t get with the (farm) plan until you create one
There’s a lot of power in sitting down as a family and writing down your short-term and long-term goals
Tech conference brings together bright minds to ‘hack’ ag industry issues
The Emerging Agriculture conference Jan. 9-11 aims to foster ag industry innovations
Reading Time: 3 minutes Move over, Silicon Valley — hackers will soon be setting their sights on Saskatoon to solve the industry’s biggest problems. The agriculture industry, that is. “Emerging Agriculture is a weekend hackathon where we get students and non-students interested in agriculture together to collaborate on agriculture-based technology and ideas, and hopefully make some startup companies out […] Read more
What if interest rates went up here?
An immediate hike isn’t likely, but the U.S. move could signal future changes
Reading Time: < 1 minute Recent changes in U.S. interest rates could have a ripple effect for Alberta producers, says a provincial analyst. In mid-December, the U.S. Federal Reserve — the country’s central bank — announced it was lifting its key rate by a quarter-point to a range of 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent. The long-expected move put […] Read more
Get the lowdown on marketing your farm products
Workshop takes place in Fort Saskatchewan, register by January 13
Reading Time: < 1 minute Want to sell farm products to the public? The Marketing Made Easy workshop on Jan. 20 in Fort Saskatchewan “examines selling products at farmers’ markets and beyond,” said provincial marketing specialist Karen Goad. “It’s a chance to uncover strategies for creating a lasting first impression, clearly identify your target clients and make them choose you. […] Read more
VIDEO: Down to earth jewelry made in Manitoba
Provincial soil turned trinkets travel the world
Reading Time: < 1 minute Manitoba Soil Sciences Society members have been using Newdale Clay Loam to make a series of pendants/keychains, bracelets, earrings and rings since Manitoba proclaimed it the provincial soil in 2010. MSSS members Marla Riekman and John Heard explain how the idea originated, how the jewelry is made, and the intent behind the ongoing initiative. All […] Read more
Five reasons to celebrate 2015
There's no denying it was a troubled year, but don't forget the many good things that happened
Reading Time: 5 minutes As you look back on 2015, do you feel the January blues coming on? The oil price crash went from bad to awful, tighter margins were made worse by summer drought, and ‘disaster’ seems a charitable description for Bill 6. But there were lots of positive developments in the past year and now’s not a […] Read more
What does your grain sell for at port?
When grain gridlock hit two years ago, the gap between the elevator and port price appears to have skyrocketed — and cost farmers billions
Reading Time: 4 minutes The jury’s still out on whether knowing the price of export grain relative to local cash prices will help producers get better prices. But the Alberta Wheat Commission intends to find out. “The port price would provide an indication of whether the system is constrained or functioning efficiently,” said Tom Steve, the commission’s general manager. […] Read more
Christmas came early for beef and pork producers
Faced with the prospect of punishing sanctions, Congress includes repeal of COOL law in omnibus bill
Reading Time: 2 minutes Elated.” That was the word the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association used to described the U.S. Senate passage of Congress’s omnibus appropriations bill that would repeal U.S. country-of-origin labelling (COOL) for Canadian beef and pork. “This is fantastic news for Canada’s beef cattle producers,” said CCA president Dave Solverson, who ranches near Camrose. “The CCA initiated this […] Read more
Public invited to name Bar U’s new residents
The famous Alberta ranch was once home to 1,000 Percherons, and Parks Canada wants help naming its newest gentle giants
Reading Time: 2 minutes Parks Canada has acquired a brand new pair of Percheron draft horses at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. Before the horses begin to welcome visitors, we need to name them. Animals this magnificent deserve equally impressive names, and Parks Canada is inviting the public to submit name suggestions for Bar U’s newest gentle […] Read more
4-H forum for equine project leaders
Equine Leaders’ Forum will be held in Westerose on Feb. 5-7
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Equine Leaders’ Forum will be held at the Alberta 4-H Centre and Lakedell Arena in Westerose on Feb. 5-7. The forum features sessions and speakers to assist equine project leaders working with 4-H project members. This year’s schedule will include an equine project roundtable discussion, where you’ll meet new counterparts and swap ideas. Sessions […] Read more