Reading Time: 3 minutes Climate consciousness has been replaced by a sense of urgency, much of it focused on Canadian agriculture.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
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
You can leverage sustainability to boost profitability, says producer
‘Climate positive’ is the new buzzword but prioritizing stewardship is good business, says Kristjan Hebert
Reading Time: 5 minutes New buzzwords are old news at Hebert Grain Ventures, where ‘climate-positive practices’ have been just another part of doing business for decades. That makes the Saskatchewan grain operation a model for how farmers here can improve sustainability without hurting their profits. “The hashtags that are now used are climate positive and sustainable, but we implemented […] Read more
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
When cows have a choice of chow, what tickles their palate?
Knowing forage preferences of free-range cattle could help boost productivity and influence breeding
Reading Time: 2 minutes The dietary preferences of free-range cattle are being studied like never before — and the findings could boost productivity, influence cattle breeding, and lighten the environmental footprint of herds. “This is pioneering work — no one has ever at this scale linked together the productivity and associated economics, genetics and environmental outcomes of free-range grazing,” […] Read more
Grazing benefits riparian health
Reading Time: < 1 minute Managed grazing in riparian areas pays dividends, says Cows and Fish, which has released results of an assessment of ranches along two headwater streams of the Bow and Oldman rivers. The sites had already been assessed twice over the last two decades. Not only had the riparian health improved but is now above the provincial […] Read more
Using a conservation assessment as a springboard
Program offers a check on wildlife and ranch health, and works with ranchers to make improvements
Reading Time: 4 minutes Sometimes, you don’t know what you’ve got until you have a wildlife habitat assessment done. That was the case for Melissa and Murray Downing, who were among the first to participate in a relatively new initiative by the Alberta Conservation Association. “We learned a lot about the different species that exist here,” said Melissa who […] Read more
Water outlook ‘bleak’ as glaciers recede in Rocky Mountains
Loss of glaciers would greatly affect summer flows of rivers, already seeing lower water levels
Reading Time: 3 minutes Reuters – Where fly fisherman Shane Olson once paddled summer tourists around in a boat, he now guides them by foot — carefully navigating shallow waters one step at a time. “Every year, these rivers seem to be getting smaller, faster,” the 48-year-old said as he whipped a fishing line over the Crowsnest River. “We […] Read more
Alberta stakes its claim as a solar energy power
Vulcan County to be home to country’s largest solar farm as big corporations go green
Reading Time: 2 minutes Vulcan County will soon be home to the country’s largest solar farm — with the world’s largest online retailer buying most of the power from the 465-MW facility. The Travers solar farm, to be built eight kilometres southwest of Lomond, will occupy 3,300 acres of cropland. It will be built by Greengate Power Corporation, a […] Read more
Province funds watershed protection
Reading Time: < 1 minute In the midst of the outcry over coal mining and its impact on water, the provincial government is giving $1 million to Cows and Fish for “projects and initiatives that protect creeks and streams along Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.” The organization, formally called the Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society, will work with other groups on specific […] Read more
EU countries approve deal to overhaul farming subsidies
Subsidies to focus on sustainability, 'eco-schemes'
Brussels | Reuters — European Union countries on Monday gave the green light to reforms of the bloc’s huge farming subsidy program, after a three-year battle over rules to make it greener and support smaller farms. Negotiators representing the EU’s 27 countries and European Parliament struck the deal on Friday to reform the Common Agricultural […] Read more