Reading Time: 3 minutes Each year, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development publishes a compilation of all 13 of the province’s irrigation districts’ data for the previous year. The latest figures show cereals and forages (pasture, hay and silage crops) still account for two-thirds of the 1,390,000 acres in the districts, but the trend is clear — forage production isn’t […] Read more
The big two irrigated crops seeing some competition
Forages and cereals still dominate irrigated acreage, but oilseeds and specialty crops are growing in popularity
Feed barley likely topping out for now in Alta.
CNS Canada — Feed barley prices have shown some strength over the past month in Alberta, but are likely topping out for now as attention starts to turn to the new crop. Feed barley is now trading at about $217 per tonne for April/May delivery in the key Lethbridge, Alta. feeding area, according to feed […] Read more
Exhibition Park looks to the future with expansion plans
A $90-million redevelopment would see construction of a 250,000-square-foot convention centre and 75,000-square-foot Agriplex
Reading Time: 3 minutes Ag Expo in Lethbridge could be even bigger — if only there was room. As the Lethbridge and District Exhibition marks its 118th year, its board finds itself on the threshold of an exciting, but challenging, growth opportunity. “The last construction at Exhibition Park took place in 1999 with the construction of the Main Pavilion, […] Read more
The arrival of Ag Expo signals the growing season isn’t far away
Although there’s 200,000 square feet of space, about 50 of the 350 exhibitors have to line up their machinery outdoors
Reading Time: 2 minutes A sure sign spring is on the horizon in southern Alberta is when Exhibition Park at Lethbridge fills up for Ag Expo. The three-day annual event showcases all things agriculture — from equipment to technology — for both crops and livestock. It’s also home to the North American Seed Fair. “It’s really an economic barometer […] Read more
Employers wanted for Lethbridge job fair
Reading Time: < 1 minute If you’re looking to hire, employers are wanted for the job fair in Lethbridge on Feb. 26. “We had 18 companies at last year’s fair in Lethbridge and we’re hoping for even more this time,” said Al Dooley, labour recruitment specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. Employers that participated at past job fairs include: […] Read more
Distillers grains are good for livestock gut health
The yeast in distillers grains feeds bacteria called prebiotics, and they may promote health and improve feed efficiency
Reading Time: 2 minutes Bingeing on baked goods and beer may actually be a boon for your belly, suggests a study recently completed by a team of international researchers. “Yeast, which has become a component of the human diet, is degraded by bacteria that live in the intestines of humans,” said Wade Abbott, a research scientist with Agriculture and […] Read more
Lethbridge horseman founds first equine-training college in Canada
Ernie Knibb is financing the $7.5-million project and expects to have the school up and running in late March or early April
Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s the first of its kind in Canada — and a labour of love for one Lethbridge-area horseman. Would-be horse trainers are already beating down Ernie Knibb’s door, and he hasn’t even opened the door to the Lethbridge Community Equine College. The private college, located just outside Lethbridge on Highway 25, will be the first […] Read more
Hi-Pro buys and closes New-Life Mills feed plant in Lethbridge
Reading Time: < 1 minute Hi-Pro Feeds LP has purchased and closed Parrish & Heimbecker’s New-Life Mills feed plant in Lethbridge. The company is taking “the next step in our growth strategy” after improving its manufacturing capabilities, delivery systems, and customer support following its acquisition of Viterra’s North American feed business in April 2012, said Daren Kennett, Hi-Pro founder and […] Read more
Hi-Pro buying, shutting Lethbridge feed mill
The livestock feed business in southern Alberta is set for consolidation as feed miller Hi-Pro Feeds moves to buy, then close, a fellow feed mill. Hi-Pro, the former feed milling business of grain handler Viterra, announced Wednesday it’s bought New-Life Mills’ Lethbridge feed plant for an undisclosed sum, will hire three New-Life employees and will […] Read more
‘Cover your butt’ when it comes to temporary foreign worker program
Farm businesses are seeing frequent rule changes, inconsistent decision-making, and red tape following changes to the temporary foreign worker program
Reading Time: 3 minutes Changes to the temporary foreign worker program has made hiring foreign labour more difficult and costly — especially for lower-skill, lower-wage positions most often seen in agriculture. And while primary agriculture gets some exemptions under the new rules implemented in June, the big challenge is red tape, says an immigration consultant who works with farms […] Read more
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