Reading Time: 2 minutes A shortage of feed has prompted many producers to bale pea straw. “In travelling around Alberta, it seems that a lot of field pea straw has been baled,” said Mark Olson, unit head of pulse crops with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry in Stony Plain. “However, many producers selling or purchasing field pea straw for feed […] Read more
Pea straw is a feed solution but it presents challenges
How much do you pay for it? And how do you use it in your ration?
Learn the ins and outs of direct marketing
Marketing Made Easy workshop in Calgary on Nov. 5
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Marketing Made Easy workshop takes place Nov. 5 in Calgary and Jan. 20 in Fort Saskatchewan. “This workshop examines selling products at Alberta-approved farmers’ markets and beyond,” said Delores Serafin of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “You will learn strategies for creating a lasting first impression, clearly identifying your target clients, and how to make […] Read more
Database for gauging soils available
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Soil Information Viewer can help with an understanding of soils in the province. “The viewer accesses soil information stored in database tables called the Agricultural Regions of Alberta Soil Inventory Database,” said David Speiss, geographical information systems engineer. The online tool looks at the ability of Alberta soils to grow grains […] Read more
Building the herd: The downside of strong cattle prices
Cattle prices are expected to remain strong into 2016, but what does that mean for replacement cattle next year?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Next year could see continued strong or even stronger cattle prices — and that’s a double-edged sword for producers who’ve reduced their herds this year and plan to buy replacements in 2016. Producers in prescribed drought regions who have reduced their breeding stock by at least 15 per cent can tap into the Federal Livestock […] Read more
Short on feed? You need a multi-pronged plan, says expert
Get your winter feed in place now, fatten up light cows, save your pastures, and talk to your neighbours
Reading Time: 4 minutes Faced with tight hay supplies and high feed prices, producers are naturally focused on how to feed their livestock over the winter — but they need a comprehensive plan, says a forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “If you don’t do a good job feeding these cows properly this winter it’s going to affect […] Read more
The devil is in the detail when it comes to workplace rules
Farms aren’t like other workplaces and regulations need to reflect that, say farm leaders
Reading Time: 2 minutes Doug Chorney has some advice for Alberta farmers who are nervous about upcoming changes to health and safety regulations: “Don’t be scared of having the conversation.” “You’re better off having the conversation with government rather than just waiting for regulations to come in without your input,” said Chorney, past president of Keystone Agricultural Producers, Manitoba’s […] Read more
New version of ag business analyzer now available
The online tool can be used to measure a farm’s financial health and identify problem areas
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agricultural Business Analyzer has recently been upgraded, and user support has been enhanced with a user video tutorial, frequently asked questions, and Microsoft Excel program user tips. The online tool is free and powerful, said farm financial specialist Rick Dehod. “The program can help analyze the financial strength of a farm […] Read more
Alberta producers tap into energy management program
There have been more than 400 applications in Alberta for the Growing Forward 2 On-Farm Energy Management Program
Reading Time: 2 minutes Across Alberta, agricultural producers are using new ideas and emerging technology to reduce their energy consumption. For greenhouse operators in Alberta’s challenging climate, managing energy costs is an issue of the highest importance. At Broxburn Vegetables, which operates a three-acre greenhouse growing peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers near Lethbridge, owner Paul de Jonge has tried a […] Read more
Anthrax detected in northern Alberta
Two cases confirmed from two separate beef cattle farms in the Fort Vermillion area
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has been notified of confirmed cases of anthrax in two separate beef cattle farms in the Fort Vermillion area. Given these findings and recently confirmed cases in Saskatchewan, producers are reminded to be on the look-out for anthrax. The recent hot, dry weather has led to conditions that are favourable for […] Read more
Garlic and onion disease survey underway
Samples across the province have revealed a number of diseases
Reading Time: < 1 minute Over the last several years, a number of issues has been observed in garlic crops in Alberta, with reduced yields, poor storability, and poor performance. Plant and soil samples collected from across the province in the last two years have found a number of diseases, including aster yellows, white rot (sclerotinia), fusarium basal plate rot, […] Read more
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