Reading Time: 3 minutes Many landfills don’t want it and you’re not supposed to burn it — so what do you do with old grain bags and twine? That vexing question led to the creation of the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group and, now, a $1-million, three-year pilot project that will see about 20 ag plastic recycling depots set up […] Read more
There’s now a (good) way to deal with grain bags and twine
Study aims to get a grip on pricey grain drying costs
Tens of millions are spent on grain conditioning in wet years but data on how to trim that cost is lacking
Reading Time: 4 minutes Alberta farmers learned the hard way last fall that wet harvests go hand in hand with grain drying — and the costs that come with that. But Alberta’s main crop commissions are looking for ways to trim those costs as harvests trend later and the need to condition grain goes up. “There has been an […] Read more
Crop sector eyes code of practice to showcase stewardship credentials
The initiative has widespread support among farm groups and industry
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s early days, but work has begun on developing a code of practice for field crops — a move aimed at reassuring consumers that producers are using sustainable methods to grow food. “It’s basically on the idea level — we’ve done a little bit of work on what it could potentially look like, but it’s […] Read more
It’s not glamorous, but feed barley is a bright spot
Demand has shot up over the past year but there’s a caveat — China has been the big buyer
Reading Time: 4 minutes Barley growers will have a tough choice this spring: Target an oversaturated malt market or go for the red-hot one — feed barley. “It’s got to be a question a lot of farmers are asking themselves, especially if you’re in a region where feed and malt prices have been about the same,” said Geoff Backman, […] Read more
New chairs for Alberta Barley and Alberta Wheat
Reading Time: 2 minutes Dave Bishop is the new chair of Alberta Barley and will soon be joined by another new chair of the commission’s sister organization, Alberta Wheat. Bishop, who farms near Barons and has been a director since 2015, was elected chair at Alberta Barley’s recent AGM, replacing Jason Lenz, who has been chair for the past […] Read more
Six crop commission directors acclaimed
Some director spots are still open as well as positions for regional reps and delegates
Reading Time: 2 minutes Several directors and reps on Alberta crop commissions have been elected by acclamation. Denis Guindon of Falher (Region 3) and Kevin Serfas from Turin (Region 9) will both serve a second three-year term on the board of directors of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. Wayne Schneider from Nisku was also acclaimed to the board, replacing […] Read more
Alberta grower groups call for provincial readiness
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta’s four crop commissions are calling on the province to be ready to respond promptly to unharvested acre claims. Although harvesting has since resumed, there were about 7.8 million unharvested acres as of Oct. 10. “The conditions at this point in the fall are worse this year than in 2016 when weather caused many acres […] Read more
Alberta Barley seeking nominations
Deadline is Oct. 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Barley is seeking nominations for 25 positions — two directors in Regions 5 and 6; one director-at-large for Regions 1, 3, 5, and 6; and 22 delegate spots. Any farmers seeking a director or director-at-large position must submit paperwork via fax to Alberta Barley at 1-403-291-0190 or by email to [email protected] by Oct. 31. […] Read more
Transport bill delays blasted
Reading Time: < 1 minute Delays in passing Bill C-49, the Transportation Modernization Act, means farmers could see another crop year with no mechanisms in place to hold the railways accountable, say the Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley. Read more: Grain groups rip lawmakers over derailed transport bill Political manoeuvring has stalled the legislation and there’s an increasing risk […] Read more
Transport minister wins praise for agreeing to amendments
The federal transport minister will put forward a motion to accept Senate alterations to the bill
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley — along with many other farm groups — are praising the federal transport minister for accepting several amendments to his transport modernization bill. Now they want Marc Garneau to get working and ensure the bill is passed before Parliament’s summer break. Read more: Farmers seek ‘urgent’ action from Senate on rail […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
