AFSC offers two hail insurance options to Alberta producers: hail endorsement and straight hail insurance.

Alberta dwarfs the Prairies in hail claims

It’s not just because we get more hail, says crop insurance expert

Reading Time: 3 minutes When a province has a huge chunk of its geography referred to as “hailstorm alley,” it’s not surprising crop producers would get a lot of payouts for hail damage. But does that alone explain why total insurance payouts for hail damage in Alberta are about seven times more than the other Prairie provinces? According to […] Read more

(Lightspeedshutter/iStock/Getty Images)

Debt decisions need strategy

Take a strategic approach rather than reacting to immediate trends

Reading Time: 2 minutes Glacier Farmmedia — With interest rates swinging around like apes in the jungle, farmers might feel a lot of pressure to react to their debt and financing situations. Debt and financing decisions today, however, will have a long-term impact, so farmers should be tying decisions to the strategic vision for their operations, Backswath Management consultant […] Read more


 Photo: Thinkstock

Prairie forecast: Warm weather returns

Issued Jan. 24, 2024, covering Jan. 24 to 31

For this forecast period, it looks like our weather pattern will undergo a shift back to the mild pattern we experienced at the beginning of the winter. It also looks like the warm weather will stick around for at least a couple of weeks. The million-dollar question is whether we will see another outbreak of cold arctic air, or will we see an early start to spring? Well, if I knew that answer to that, I would be rich, but I don’t think winter is over quite yet.

Lobbyist Dave Carey at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon, Man., on Jan. 16, 2024. Photo: Jim Timlick

Share concerns, build relationships with MPs, lobbyist says

Stay informed and hold representatives to account regardless of affiliation, farmers hear

“Meet with your member of Parliament annually. That’s how you inform politicians. That’s where you can gain some real momentum and leverage. It only takes one MP to stand up at caucus and say I visited my constituents and this is the big issue,” said Dave Carey.


Livestock Gentec’s goal is to help beef producers improve profitability and sustainability.

Beef research centre wins ag tech award

Alberta’s Livestock Gentec was formed in 2010 to use genomics to help producers improve profitability and sustainability

Reading Time: 3 minutes Glacier FarmMedia – An applied research centre using genomics to help beef producers sharpen their competitive edge has been honoured with a Best in Agriculture Sector Award at the ASTech Awards, which are given for technology and science innovation in Alberta. “We’re very proud that our team received that award,” said John Basarab, head of […] Read more

Peter Dhillon (left) speaks at the Arrell Food Summit on Nov. 14.

Future of food, sustainable business top agenda at Arrell Food Summit

Leaders and investors in Canada’s agriculture sector discuss climate change, avoiding food crisis

Reading Time: 3 minutes Glacier FarmMedia – Industry leaders discussed climate solutions and the future of Canadian food at the Arrell Food Summit: Pathway to Change, hosted by the Arrell Food Institute in Toronto earlier this winter. The eventt brings together agri-food leaders and experts to exchange ideas and learn more about topics affecting global food systems. In the […] Read more



Calgary brewery gets $9.6 million shot in the arm

Calgary brewery gets $9.6 million shot in the arm

Banded Peak Brewing to expand with investment from owner Labatts

Reading Time: < 1 minute A one-time microbrewery in Calgary has announced a major expansion with plans to more than double its staff.   A $9.6 million investment by Labatt Breweries of Canada will see the Banded Peak Brewing Co. expand its 4,800 square foot brewery by an additional 7,000 square feet.  The company is also increasing staff by 68 […] Read more


Alberta and B.C. producers stand out at young farmer event

Alberta and B.C. producers stand out at young farmer event

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer event recognizes excellence

Reading Time: 2 minutes Producers from Alberta and B.C. are among the winners of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (COYF) national event. Greg and Sarah Stamp of Enchant, Alberta and Brad and Travis Hopcott of Pitt Meadows, B.C. were chosen from seven regional farmers at the event, held in Laval, Quebec November 22 to 26. “Every year the regional finalists […] Read more

File photo of an Alberta wheat field. (ImagineGolf/E+/Getty Images)

Coalition seeks farmers, ranchers to join climate change forum

Farmers for Climate Solutions aims to gather diverse viewpoints

A farmer-led group is hoping to cut through the politics surrounding climate issues by bringing together a diverse group of Prairie farmers and ranchers for discussions around sustainability. “There’s a number of loud voices that tend to dominate the conversations,” says Ian McCreary, a grain and cattle farmer from Bladworth, Sask. McCreary is co-leading the […] Read more