Barley group official
R. Michael Leslie has been appointed general manager of the Alberta Barley Commission.
Leslie has worked in Asia for the past 16 years as president of a resource-based management firm. He also worked for AVAC Ltd., a non-profit organization that promotes Alberta processing and diversification in agriculture. There, he worked as manager of new ventures and as investment manager for wellness products.
Leslie was also one of 30 Canadians to join the Canadian Agricultural Leaders for a Lifetime from 1997-99.
At the barley commission, one of Leslie’s priorities will be to increase the knowledge and use of barley in food and bioproducts such as fuel and cosmetics.
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As well, Leslie is expected to work on market access issues, fuel costs, pesticide use and develop recommendations that improve support and economic returns for farmers.
Food charter
A group in northeastern Saskatchewan has developed a food charter designed to raise the profile of local food products and food security in the region.
Made up of agriculture, food and health industry professionals in the Tisdale area, the Northeast Saskatchewan Food Charter was designed to help guide community residents in food production, storage, distribution, food buying practices and other food security issues.
“One of the reasons I became involved in this project is that, in Saskatchewan, we are approximately 10 percent self-sufficient in growing our own vegetables, whereas Manitoba and Alberta are around 40 percent self-sufficient,” said Leroy Bader of Saskatchewan Agriculture. “There is obviously a lot of room to grow out foods locally and room for value-added processing locally as well.”
Gift books
Several agricultural publications, CDs and videos are available from Alberta Agriculture:
- Alberta Yards and Gardens: ($15) Ð This book is suitable for homeowners, hobby gardeners and serious horticulturalists. It offers a look at what grows best in Alberta with information about selecting ornamental trees, shrubs, lawns, small fruits, flowers, vegetables, herbs and water plants. It also provides pruning tips, information on wintering roses, container gardening and attracting birds and butterflies.
- Pruning In Alberta ($3) – This book takes the mystery out of pruning and shows how to control and maintain trees and shrubs without destroying their natural form. It also includes tips for increasing fruit harvest and better flowering.
- Horse Health ($15) – This books presents information combined with photographs and illustrations that give a thorough understanding of parasites, pests, infectious diseases, lameness and other common medical problems. It shows how to prevent problems, how to treat problems and when to call in the veterinarian.
- Growing Native Plants of Western Canada: Common Grasses and Wildflowers ($30) – This book includes 48 species of native plants that have shown promise for ecological repair.
4-H gets donation
Gallagher Canada has donated $20,000 to 4-H programs in Canada. The donations are the result of Gallagher’s second national 4-H fundraising program. The Owen Sound-based Power Fencing company held a series of product demonstrations at local dealerships across Canada this year. For each Fence or SmartScale product the company sold at the demonstrations, a portion of sales revenue was donated to the 4-H.
Last year Gallagher raised $25,000 in a similar fundraiser. Each provincial 4-H agency will receive a portion of funds raised. A portion of the overall funds raised will also go to the Canadian 4-H Council in support of national 4-H programs and the administration of the program.
