Ag and food council chair
The Agriculture and Food Council of Alberta has announced that Donalda-area producer Heather Broughton has been elected as the first chair under the organization’s new structure.Broughton was first elected to the council in 2006 and served as its last chair under the group’s previous configuration, which had a limited number of members.The new nine-member board of directors also includes: Larry Malazdrewicz of Calgary, vice-chair; David Anderson of Calgary, secretary treasurer; Amber Havens of Fairview; Todd McKinnon of Airdrie; Leo Meyer of Woking; Shelley Morrison of DeBolt; Sharon Mueller of Barrhead; and Sheri Strydhorst of Leduc.The council helps promote Alberta’s agriculture and food industry through partnerships with industry and governments and its programs.
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Irrigation capacity questioned
Some are highly skeptical that Canada could massively expand irrigation in Saskatchewan and Alberta so that 10 per cent of Canada’s farmland is irrigated.
Forage plan
The Manitoba Forage Council recently released the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Industry Strategic Plan.Two key areas included in the plan are the need for research and technology transfer in the forage and grassland areas and the importance of greater co-ordination and producer input in prioritizing and implementing research and extension activities.As well, the plan emphasizes a strong organization to provide leadership and says that for the council to fulfill its role, it requires adequate funding. It explores various operational and funding alternatives.Jim Lintott, chair of forage council, said about 7.4 million acres, or 39 percent of Manitoba’s farmland, is in pasture of some kind.The strategic plan also pointed out a need to build on forage marketing potential by identifying new markets.Wayne Digby, executive director of the council, said that with the formation of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association located in Manitoba, along with a strong forage and grassland industry, Manitoba is positioned to take a lead role as a centre of excellence.To view the complete Manitoba Forage and Grassland Industry Strategic Plan go to: www.mbforagecouncil.mb.ca/ and find the strategic plan under the resources menu.
Wetlands for kids
School kids will have a chance to get their feet wet as they take part in a hands-on learning experience about wetlands and waterfowl with a donation of $118,000 to Ducks Unlimited Canada from Enbridge Pipelines Inc.Enbridge has now contributed more than $1 million to Ducks Unlimited.Its recent commitment will help more than 1,500 students connect with nature in an outdoor classroom experience.In total, 78 classrooms across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will learn about wetlands through DUC’s Project Webfoot youth education program.Through Project Webfoot, students learn that Canada’s wetlands are essential to waterfowl, wildlife and people in the community.A portion of Enbridge’s commitment will also sponsor Ducks Unlimited dinners in Sherwood Park and Hardisty, Alta., Kerrobert and Regina, Sask., and Virden, Man.
