A federal grant covered half the cost of this new $200,000 air cart, which has made his family’s farm more efficient and cut diesel consumption substantially, said Mackenzie Fingerhut.

The federal government sows cash to reap environmental rewards

Millions are being given to farms to lower greenhouse gas emissions but applying isn’t quick and easy

Reading Time: 3 minutes The federal government continues to distribute millions of dollars to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farms, but the application process is time consuming, says a successful applicant. Under the Agricultural Clean Technology program, 47 farms and ag businesses recently received a total of $15.2 million in grants for solar panels, energy-efficient grain dryers and […] Read more



Environmental measures to be studied

Environmental measures to be studied

Reading Time: < 1 minute Old College’s Smart Farm has been given a $440,000 federal grant for research on livestock production — specifically to “test products and technologies for improving environmental sustainability and climate change resiliency in Western Canada.” The money will be used by the college’s Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production, specifically a 308-acre site at Pitstra Farm […] Read more

Tillage radish is one of the species that Brady Valgardson uses in his cover crops.

Cover cropping program looks to encourage innovation 

The program is quite flexible, says head of the provincial agency administering funding

Reading Time: 2 minutes The feds are putting up $33 million to encourage Alberta farmers to adopt three practices that can lower greenhouse gas emissions: rotational grazing, 4R fertilizer practices, and cover cropping.  Alberta’s share of the $183-million On-Farm Climate Action Fund program is being administered by Results Driven Agriculture Research, the provincial research funding agency.  Although details are […] Read more


At the heart of the issue of greenhouse gas emissions is laying responsibility at the feet of industries that produce gases which have a long-term warming effect.

Schoepp: It’s time to dispel a key myth about cattle and greenhouse gases 

We can reduce cattle emissions but the focus should be on the real source of atmospheric warming

Reading Time: 3 minutes On the small island of Meares off the West Coast of Canada there is a herd of wild cattle. They are a cross of Shorthorn, Hereford and Jersey and the offspring resemble a long-legged red and white calf. What is unique about these cattle is their diet. Just as the coastal wolves are fishing wolves, […] Read more

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to media at the GLOBE Forum 2022 in Vancouver on March 29, 2022. (Photo: Reuters/Jennifer Gauthier)

Canada lays out $9.1 billion roadmap to meet 2030 climate targets

About $1 billion earmarked for new or expanded ag programs

Reuters — Canada released its first real roadmap to meeting 2030 climate targets on Tuesday, laying out detailed plans and $9.1 billion in new spending to cut planet-warming carbon emissions after years failing to meet its goals. The Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) is the first time Canada has had a comprehensive plan, rather than just […] Read more


Many producers are already using rotational grazing and 4R practices, but now Ottawa is sweetening the pot for Alberta producers with $33 million worth of incentives.

An open road ahead? Feds offer cash for fertilizer stewardship

Farmers could get up to $75,000 to move to rotational grazing, cover cropping or 4R stewardship

Reading Time: 5 minutes Upping your management game just got a lot more attractive. Producers willing to adopt rotational grazing, 4R fertilizer stewardship or cover crops will be able to get as much as $75,000 per farm from Ottawa’s On-Farm Climate Action Fund. [Read more] Feds seek ideas and feedback on reducing fertilizer emissions “The objective of the program […] Read more

PHOTOS: The case for cutting N2O fertilizer emissions

PHOTOS: The case for cutting N2O fertilizer emissions

The federal government wants farmers to cut nitrous oxide emissions by 30 per cent

Reading Time: < 1 minute The charts included in this gallery are from a federal government document that lays out the case for cutting GHG emissions from fertilizer use in Canada by 30 per cent by 2030. It can be found at the Government of Canada website at ‘Share ideas: Fertilizer emissions reduction target.’


German farmers feel the timelines are too short to accomplish the reductions in GHG without alternatives in fuel or fertilizer, technology, infrastructure and systems.

Schoepp: The cost of climate change action shouldn’t fall on the few

Big changes are being contemplated — farmers should be part of the planning and be fairly supported

Reading Time: 3 minutes Climate consciousness has been replaced by a sense of urgency, much of it focused on Canadian agriculture. Before we begin the climate conversation, let us go to other areas of the world. Recently I spoke at length with friends in Europe where the momentum on climate action in Germany had resulted in embracing wind power. […] Read more

Carbon markets are diverse and often confusing, but farmers should view them as a business opportunity, says the head of the Alberta-based non-profit Biological Carbon Canada.

Approach carbon markets with an open mind, says proponent

Farmers need to consider what the developing carbon market could do for their business

Reading Time: 3 minutes Glacier FarmMedia – Despite all the uncertainties, carbon markets are an opportunity for farmers and should be seen as a business opportunity, says the head of the Alberta-based non-profit Biological Carbon Canada. “Carbon represents a brand new market,” Graham Gilchrist said at a recent virtual event hosted by an Ontario input supplier and grain dealer. […] Read more