Reading Time: < 1 minute The provincial government says it’s changing the grant formula to help agricultural societies, which have been hit hard by the pandemic. Part of the funding for ag societies is based on events they hold. “As a result of COVID-19, most of these events did not happen, which is why Agriculture and Forestry changed the 2021-22 […] Read more
Government pledges funds for agricultural societies
Government exits the agricultural research game but questions abound
New publicly funded body launches drive for ‘farmer-led’ research but details still aren’t known
Reading Time: 7 minutes With a flurry of announcements — and a leaked layoff plan — the UCP government has made it clear that it’s largely exiting ag research. But what comes next is still up in the air. In mid-October, the province shifted several research programs to universities and colleges while also informing the union representing agriculture employees […] Read more
Universities and colleges to take over key provincial research programs
Schools will get transition grants to take on former government programs and researchers
Reading Time: < 1 minute The provincial government is transferring several research programs to universities and colleges. They are: University of Alberta Will receive $3.7 million for taking on four programs and their lead researchers. They are Sheri Strydhorst (cereal agronomy), John Basarab (beef genomics and feed efficiency), Marcos Colazo (reproductive management in beef and dairy cattle), and Valerie Carney […] Read more
The axe comes down at Alberta’s Agriculture Ministry
Notification letter to union opens window on upcoming loss of 190 positions
Reading Time: 2 minutes The province is cutting 247 jobs at Agriculture and Forestry, according to a letter sent to — and then publicly released by — the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. The letter provides some specifics of the “phased workforce transformation,” but also notes that its plans haven’t been completely finalized. It also says cuts will be […] Read more
Alberta agriculture shines ‘during these tough times’
Government touts record crop production, rebound in cattle sector, and food processing
Reading Time: < 1 minute The provincial governments says “record crops and strengthened cattle prices are leading Alberta’s economic recovery.” “Crop yields are estimated to hit a new record high in Alberta with farmers harvesting more than seven per cent above what is normal,” the government said in a news release. “Livestock market sales are estimated to also reach a […] Read more
Exhibition Park gets provincial funding for redevelopment
Province is putting nearly $28 million into ‘an agri-food hub’ in Lethbridge facility
Reading Time: 2 minutes As part of its economic recovery plan, the Alberta government will put $27.8 million into “an agri-food hub” at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge. The agri-food hub is part of the centre’s larger redevelopment project, and “will serve as an anchor for growth of Alberta’s value-added food sector,” the government said. “This project will bring a […] Read more
Province announces new ag research agency
The new Results Driven Agriculture Research will fund both pure and applied research for the crop and livestock sectors in Alberta
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s back to the future for ag research in Alberta. After holding a series of consultations across the province as well as an online survey, the provincial government has created a new organization that “takes the best parts of previous research models.” That’s a reference to two former agencies — the Alberta Livestock and Meat […] Read more
Opinion: What does Alberta’s Farm Freedom and Safety Act mean for you?
Insurance, employment standards and OHS compliance are three areas producers need to consider
Reading Time: 3 minutes Farmers, we get it. Whenever a new agriculture-specific bill is adopted, you rightfully ask, ‘How does this apply to me?’ Rarely are there easy answers, especially when they come in the form of legislation that is long, wordy, and, let’s be honest, not that fun of a read. A recent example of this is the […] Read more
Bite-sized lowdown on ag economics
New series looks at economic trends in Alberta’s agricultural and agri-food industries
Reading Time: < 1 minute Producers can turn to a new series that looks at economic trends in Alberta’s agricultural and agri-food industries. Called ‘Explained in Brief,’ the fact sheets cover topics including farm economics and cost of production, economic impacts of crop and livestock diseases, and environmental and trade issues. “Agricultural economic topics can be complex,” said provincial research […] Read more
Producers and their farm workers urged to take workplace safety survey
The new government wants views and suggestions before introducing the Farm Freedom and Safety Act
Reading Time: 2 minutes Farmers, ranchers, and their workers are being asked by the provincial government what they would like to see in new farm workplace safety legislation. The United Conservative government says it plans to introduce the Farm Freedom and Safety Act this fall “to put choice back in the hands of farmers and have legislation that reflects […] Read more
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