Reading Time: 2 minutes The carbon tax, research funding, and farm safety are three top-of-mind issues for Alberta’s farm leaders heading into the provincial election — but they’re not the only ones. Here’s what seven farm leaders had to say about other priorities for the next provincial government: 1. Market access “We want to make sure that, with these […] Read more
More ag issues for Alberta’s next government
There are a host of issues that affect farm profitability — here are seven key ones
New type of school offers fresh air and fresh thinking
Reading Time: 3 minutes Every day for the past six years, Lindsey Morrison’s son has asked her, ‘Mommy, do I have to go to school today?’ “I started to think of school as a jail sentence for him,” said the Airdrie-area mother. “For him, it’s just not a good fit for how he learns. It’s not a good fit […] Read more
They’ve upped the bar on the century award
Some farms have shot past the 100-year mark and now qualify for the 125 Year Recognition award
Reading Time: < 1 minute It turns out a century award isn’t long enough for some Alberta operations. So last year, the province came up with a new award to recognize farm families who have continuously owned and actively operated the same land for 125 years or more. Antler Valley Farm, north of Innisfail, received the 125 Year Recognition last […] Read more
Four Albertans chosen as Youth Service Leaders
Reading Time: < 1 minute Four Albertans are among the 22 young people chosen for this year’s Hands to Larger Service program. The program gives senior 4-H youth and young alumni the opportunity to travel across the country in the summer, working in partnership with youth taking part in 4-H Canada’s Club to Club Exchanges to plan and implement community […] Read more
Apply now to be an Open Farm Days host farm
Deadline for host applications is May 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute Applications are now open for farmers and ranchers wanting to host visitors during this year’s Open Farm Days. The annual event, which takes place on Aug. 17-18 this year, set records in 2018 for the number of participating farms and on-farm sales. Now entering its seventh year, Alberta Open Farm Days features open houses, culinary […] Read more
New post-diploma program for agriculture technology
Applications open in fall 2019
Reading Time: < 1 minute The province has approved Olds College to offer a new post-diploma certificate in Agriculture Technology Integration. Designed for students who already hold a diploma or degree, the new certificate will provide them with an understanding of how related technologies and components interact to provide accurate information and real-time monitoring and controls to the agriculture producer. […] Read more
Safety is the new norm at Will Farms
Elaine Bellamy says not having a farm safety plan is a risk you simply can’t afford
Reading Time: 4 minutes Elaine Bellamy suspected she had her work cut out for her when the provincial government announced its plans to improve farm safety in the fall of 2015. So in January 2016, just as the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act was coming into effect, Bellamy attended a workshop on creating a farm safety […] Read more
Online training for safe handling of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer
The popular fertilizer is a toxic and highly corrosive gas that needs to be treated with great care
Reading Time: < 1 minute Farmers can renew their training on the safe handling and use of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer through a newly updated safety manual and video put out by Fertilizer Canada. Anhydrous ammonia is classified as a dangerous good under federal regulations. It bears the number 2.3 (8) — 2.3 means it’s a toxic gas while the (8) […] Read more
Scholarships for students pursuing an ag education
Application deadline is April 30
Reading Time: < 1 minute Applications are now open for scholarships offered by the Canadian Agri-Business Education Foundation. There are seven Pathways to Agri-Food Scholarships awarded across the country, including one in Alberta. They are given to students entering or currently pursuing an agricultural or agri-food-related program at a Canadian college, university, or technical institution. The scholarships are worth $2,500 […] Read more
Building a little trust with bovines can produce big dividends
Low-stress handling isn’t new but it’s gaining new attention thanks to a (gentle) push from a major animal health company
Reading Time: 3 minutes Does the thought of working cattle bring to mind shouting, pushing unwilling cattle in directions they don’t want to go, and excessive prodding? It doesn’t have to be that way. The late Bud Williams started training producers and feedlot workers in low-stress handling methods three decades ago and today that work is carried on by […] Read more