Giving Alberta its own farm paper wasn’t a slam dunk — but it worked

Giving Alberta its own farm paper wasn’t a slam dunk — but it worked

A look back at the decision to start a new paper for the province’s farmers and ranchers

Reading Time: 3 minutes How come there’s never been a provincial farm paper in Alberta?” For many years, that question often came up when a group of farm writers got together over a drink. Though it has many readers across the Prairies, the Western Producer had its roots in Saskatchewan and had proven successful. The Manitoba Co-operator, with a […] Read more

Agriculture has long been a male-dominated industry but that is finally changing, say those at the forefront of the effort to tear down barriers faced by ‘farmwives.’

The times are finally changing for women in agriculture

Changing attitudes and support networks are allowing women to forge a new path in a male-dominated sector

Reading Time: 5 minutes Women have always been an important part of family farms — but over the past 15 years, their roles have evolved, both on the farm and in the agriculture industry as a whole. “A lot of women have taken on different roles that we didn’t see them in actively 15 years ago,” said Kim Keller, […] Read more


Canadians don’t necessarily need to know about how to raise cattle, but they do need to have trust in beef, says one industry representative.

As the gap widens, farmers urged to reach out to consumers

The ag sector is better at both documenting its stewardship 
and communicating — but more is needed

Reading Time: 6 minutes Ever noticed you don’t hear the phrase ‘rural-urban gap’ as much these days? A decade and a half ago, farmers and ranchers — realizing most Canadians were, at best, a couple of generations removed from farming — were reaching out to urbanites at events such as the Calgary Stampede or through programs such as Ag […] Read more

In 1923, the department of household economics boasted a state-of-the-art “nutrition lab.” Often dismissed as being about ‘cooking and sewing,’ the discipline of what is now called human ecology has always been much more than that.

A century on, ‘home ec’ remains as vital as ever

Reading Time: 4 minutes While much has changed in the last century, the study of home and family life remains relevant. This year, the University of Alberta marked the centennial of the founding of the Department of Household Economics. “There aren’t a lot of programs at the U of A that have been around for 100 years, so it […] Read more


4-H leadership awards gala coming up

Event to be held in Saskatoon on Jan. 31

Reading Time: < 1 minute 4-H Canada will hold its second annual leadership awards in Saskatoon on Jan. 31. The leadership awards recognize outstanding 4-H members, leaders, and alumni who are contributing to 4-H in Canada and their communities. The event is 4-H Canada’s premier annual fundraising event, and the organization is looking for travel vouchers, event tickets, unique experiences, […] Read more

Trio inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame

Reading Time: < 1 minute Nora Paulovich along with Mark and Pat Sayers are the newest inductees into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Paulovich, from Manning, has been a 4-H leader and volunteer for more than 20 years. “She has made positive impacts to the 4-H program both in the Peace region and across the province,” the Agriculture Ministry said […] Read more


Canadian Dollars White Background

Beat your cash flow woes with the cash advance program

The only cheaper money is a forgivable loan from the bank of Mom and Dad, says administrator

Reading Time: 4 minutes Not too many hands shoot up when Dave Gallant asks a room full of farmers if they’ve used the federal cash advance program before. “For those who aren’t using the cash advance program, I want you to ask yourselves why you’re not taking advantage of this program,” the Canadian Canola Growers Association official said at […] Read more

Stephen Hughes wasn’t reading from a script when the sustainable beef commercial was filmed at his Longview ranch — instead he was encouraged to just speak his mind.

Alberta ranchers hit the big screen and steal the show

A McDonald’s commercial that ran in movie 
houses across the country is getting rave reviews

Reading Time: 5 minutes You’re in a movie theatre, popcorn in hand, and the lights dim. You’re expecting another car or soft drink commercial but suddenly, there’s a rancher on your screen. You may even know him. It’s Stephen Hughes, and he’s talking about transparency in a McDonald’s commercial about beef sustainability. “I learned how many people go to […] Read more


Boys on hay bale

New program focused on well-being of rural youth

Reading Time: 2 minutes 4-H Canada is launching a new two-year initiative “that supports the emotional and physical well-being of rural youth across Canada.” The first year of the 4-H Canada Healthy Living Initiative, which will launch in spring, will address mental health issues faced by rural youth. “Young people living in rural and remote communities are at greater risk […] Read more

4-H Foundation awards largest set of scholarships

4-H Foundation awards largest set of scholarships

Reading Time: < 1 minute The 4-H Foundation of Alberta has awarded the largest monetary scholarship in 4-H Alberta’s history — a total of $80,000 to 10 young rural Albertans. The Elmer and Ona Hansen Memorial Fund Scholarship assists farm youth who must leave home to pursue a post-secondary education or trade. The scholarship was established by Lillian and Edward […] Read more