Reading Time: < 1 minute Applications are now being accepted for the Irrigation Efficiency program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The program offers grants for new low-pressure centre pivots or upgrades to existing pivots (such as sprinkler and nozzle packages, control panels, and variable-rate irrigation) as well as drip irrigation. Any active producer who owns an irrigated agricultural operation in […] Read more
Grants available for irrigation upgrades
Grants to reduce water use or energy use can be as much as $15,000 for each irrigated parcel
New learning resource explains farming in ‘bite-sized’ chunks
Facts sheets a good fit for Alberta Open Farm Day
Reading Time: < 1 minute Agriculture in the Classroom Canada has launched a new online resource called snapAG that allows students and others to explore hot topics affecting the agriculture industry. The organization has created more than 40 two-page fact sheets covering topics such as farming basics, animal health, animal care, the environment, pesticides, food, growing crops, and organics. “Ag […] Read more
Farmers racing to tap into $35-million energy efficiency program
Interest is high, so producers and processors should get applications in as soon as possible, says official
Reading Time: 4 minutes Producers have been flooding the Alberta government with applications for its new suite of energy efficiency incentive programs. The province is offering a total of $35 million to producers and agri-processors pursuing solar, irrigation, heating, lighting, and other energy reduction projects. Included in the suite is the new Farm Energy and Agri-Processing (FEAP) program, a […] Read more
The sun doesn’t always shine on every solar project
It’s a good time to install a solar system, but you need to consider many factors before plunging in
Reading Time: 5 minutes If you’re a producer who has recently decided to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) array on your farm or ranch, your timing is right. Under the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry On-Farm Solar Voltaics Program, the provincial government is offering to cover up to 35 per cent of costs for producers building on-farm, grid-tied solar systems. […] Read more
Weed pressure ramps up in late spring
Weeds that emerge a week before the crop can cause up to 50 per cent yield loss
Reading Time: 3 minutes In a late spring like this one, you might be tempted to skip spraying for weeds to make up for lost time — but that decision could cost you. “The last few years, we’ve had early springs, so people weren’t feeling like they were under the gun,” said Harry Brook, crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture […] Read more
Latest Alberta wildfire info available at one website
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has a dedicated website with news and information on wildfires. The Alberta Wildfire website has a Wildfire Status map that is updated throughout the day and provides an overall look at the current wildfire situation across the province. The map also includes links to updates from the province’s 10 forest areas. […] Read more
Halal beef a huge opportunity for Alberta, say market experts
The market for beef and food products produced in compliance with Islamic law is big and getting bigger
Reading Time: 4 minutes More needs to be done to tap into the huge and growing market for halal meat, say experts. “It’s a market that people seem to be a little afraid of or haven’t quite understood,” said Grant Winton, a manager with the International Relations and Marketing Section of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. The word ‘halal’ simply […] Read more
There could be some gain from the bone-chilling pain
Record cold temperatures provide silver lining by killing off bertha army worms and alfalfa weevils
Reading Time: 2 minutes Last month’s cold weather snap could pay some dividends for crop producers. “It could be good news. The bad news is that we got snow at the beginning of it, so snow tends to insulate,” said Scott Meers, insect pest management specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. The deep freeze gripped the entire province, with […] Read more
‘Go local’ also applies to Christmas trees
Reading Time: < 1 minute Thinking of cutting your Christmas tree on Crown land this year? “To do this, you will need to obtain a permit from an Alberta government forestry office,” said provincial woodlot extension specialist Toso Bozic. “When cutting your own tree, you know that it’s fresh.” For information on obtaining a permit, go to the Alberta Agriculture […] Read more
Christmas gift suggestions for green thumbs (and bee lovers)
A comprehensive how-to guide might be an ideal gift for someone keen on gardening, beekeeping, or starting a sideline enterprise
Reading Time: < 1 minute Know someone interested in commercial production? These Alberta Agriculture and Forestry books might be a perfect gift. Commercial Vegetable Production on the Prairies ($20 plus GST): A comprehensive 300-page resource and reference tool suitable for new and experienced vegetable growers at all scales of commercial production. Key topics included planning for vegetable production, seeding, transplanting, […] Read more
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