Reading Time: 4 minutes Although chunks of Alberta got some major rainfall the weekend of July 21-22, the jury’s still out on whether it will make a difference to what has so far been a mediocre year for hay.
Mid-June rain a ‘godsend’ but forage growers manage expectations
Rain was plentiful in some areas — spotty in others
Agriculture students learn farm machinery operation risk-free with tech
Northwestern Polytechnic uses computerized simulator to even playing field for less-experienced students
Reading Time: 3 minutes Students at Northwestern Polytechnic are using technology to enhance their education, utilizing farm equipment simulators for a hands-on experience without having to leave the classroom.
Klassen: Feeder market may have overextended to the upside
For the week ending July 4, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada due to holidays on July 1 and July 4. Major auction markets in the U.S. were also closed or had limited numbers on offer. Prices quoted from south of the border were steady to $4 higher on average but the market was hard to define.
Tara Sawyer, former Alberta Grains chair, wins provincial byelection
Sawyer far outpaces nearest NDP competitor for MLA seat
Reading Time: < 1 minute Tara Sawyer, former chair of Alberta Grains, has been elected to the provincial legislature in the riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.
Prairie forecast: Stormy start to the west, summer heat to the east
Forecast issued July 2, covering July 2 to 9, 2025
We start this forecast period with warm high pressure in place across the eastern Prairies and a developing area of low pressure over Alberta.
Federal byelection called in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot riding
Conservative leader Poilievre to to be on ballot after MP resigns seat
A federal byelection has been called in the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot where Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will seek to regain a seat in Parliament.
Alberta Crop Report: Conditions improve
Crop conditions still behind historical averages
Crop conditions improved in Alberta during the week ended June 24, but they are still behind historical averages.
Klassen: Feeder market eyes deferred delivery prices
For the week ending June 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Volumes moving through the ring were limited and the quality was quite variable.
Beef check-off rules to change in Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C.
Aug. 1 changes will keep check-off dollars in seller’s home province
Beef check-off rates in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan will change to align with the seller's home province as of August 1, regardless of where the sale takes place.
Prairie forecast: Looking warm and dry for Canada Day
Forecast issued June 25, covering June 25 to July 2, 2025
A broad but unorganized area of low pressure impacts all three Prairie provinces for at least the first half of this forecast period. Unsettled weather means it will be a difficult forecast to pin down. It also means seasonable temperatures with no big intense heat waves expected—though that doesn’t mean we won’t see a few hot days.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
