Reading Time: < 1 minute With tax season looming, producers are being reminded that they are eligible for a tax credit if they paid a checkoff for an organization that funds research. For example, the tax credit rate for canola producers for 2022 is 20.93 per cent (meaning a checkoff total of $1,000 generates a tax credit of $209.30). The […] Read more
It’s tax credit season again
Nature Conservancy adds wildlife corridor
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Nature Conservancy of Canada has purchased two parcels of land next to Waterton Lakes National Park that it says will serve as a key wildlife corridor. Although the 630-acre purchase “may seem like a relatively small addition … it will result in a large benefit for nature,” the organization said. The properties, located just […] Read more
Round 2 of climate grants opening
Reading Time: < 1 minute Applications for the second round of grants from the On Farm Climate Action Fund open today. RDAR, the agency delivering most of Alberta’s share of the $200-million federal program, has posted new resources on its website. They include an updated seven-page FAQ document that answers common questions on eligibility, applying, receiving funding, and general program […] Read more
Insurer moves to monthly drought coverage payouts
AFSC also cancelling pasture coverage program that relied on satellite imagery
Reading Time: < 1 minute Producers can expect several changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s insurance products for 2023. The changes include a move to monthly payments for Moisture Deficiency Insurance, an increase in the reseeding benefit compensation rate, the addition of a bear predation pilot project (for hives and bees) to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, increased coverage for […] Read more
One newcomer on RDAR board
Reading Time: < 1 minute David Chalack has been re-elected to the board of RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) and will continue as chair. Bentley producer Jason Lenz was also re-elected earlier this month to a three-year term. New to the board is Josie Van Lent, dean of agriculture technology and applied research at Lakeland College. Directors are elected by […] Read more
Round 2 of climate funding set to start
Reading Time: < 1 minute Producers will again be able to apply for grants from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. More than 700 applications were received from Alberta producers during the first round of funding last year by RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research), which is administering most of Alberta’s share of the $200 million federal program. Farms can get up […] Read more
Peak diesel prices may be ending but at a price
Analyst says softening economy should push down fuel prices, but that could hit farmers in other ways
Reading Time: 4 minutes Farmers could soon see some relief from high diesel fuel prices but they may not like how it happens, says a Calgary energy analyst. Canada is shortly going to feel the effects of last year’s ground-breaking interest rate hikes, complete with slowdowns in the economy, the GDP and consumer demand, said Vijay Muralidharan. With that […] Read more
Schoepp: We need to get past the perception that ag is ‘just farming’
The sector has to attract bright young people but first we need to get rid of old stereotypes
Reading Time: 3 minutes Just what is agriculture to youth who are looking at career choices? That was one of the questions asked by Nuffield Scholar Claire Peltzer, whose 2020 report focused on attracting youth into agriculture. The short answer is that agriculture is considered “farming” and does not include the existing plethora of career opportunities. The fields of […] Read more
Venture capitalists urged to check out Alberta ag tech
Hempalta and Livestock Water Recycling are two companies featured on influential Top 50 list
Reading Time: 3 minutes Two Alberta companies — one making hemp products and the other recycling livestock manure — are among the most investable clean tech ventures in the country. Hempalta Inc. and Livestock Water Recycling, both headquartered in Calgary, are two of eight ag-focused technology companies on the 2022 Foresight 50 list. The list is compiled annually by […] Read more
UNDER PRESSURE: Group boosts aid for farmers hit by stress
Reading Time: 4 minutes The mental health of farmers is getting more attention these days, but the situation in Alberta isn’t well understood and there are big gaps in support, says a provincial researcher. A landmark study done by the University of Guelph six years ago revealed that many farmers suffer mental-health issues, said Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, a research associate […] Read more
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