In August we wrote in this space about the need for better water management. At that time, it was already dry in much of the Prairies, and getting drier by the day, but we didn’t pull the fire alarm. The editorial instead listed ways farmers were conserving water and additional ways they could do more. […] Read more
Irrigation
Let us always know water’s worth
In August 2022, a friend offered a boat ride on the Oldman Dam reservoir. It was a hot, sunny day with minimal wind — uncharacteristic at the aptly named Windy Point on the reservoir’s eastern edge. It was an ideal day for such an excursion. We enjoyed the breeze created from the motorboat’s speed and […] Read more
Alta. producers feel pinch as reservoirs shrink
A booster shot of rain falling across southern Alberta and the last major irrigation district closing its canal will buoy dwindling reservoir and river levels as the first week of October ends. But the short-term forecast will see a return of warm, dry conditions and the seasonal forecast is unclear, though El Nino is expected […] Read more
Coal mining fears resurface on Eastern Slopes
Company attempts to gain approval from Alberta Energy Regulator to begin drilling and exploration at Grassy Mountain
A company’s bid to start coal exploration at Grassy Mountain in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes has raised fears the initiative will renew a wider push for open-pit coal mining. It makes no sense to conduct coal mining that could potentially contaminate water used by farmers, ranchers and irrigation across southern Alberta, said High River mayor Craig […] Read more
‘Situation is not ideal’
A generational hydrological drought is occurring in rivers in southern Alberta, resulting in water levels rivaling the lowest seen in 50 years, the activation of a county’s emergency operations and a warning from the province. “While it appears we will be able to complete the 2023 irrigation season without significant detriment, the situation could become […] Read more
Alta. irrigators survived ’23 but ’24 remains dire
Irrigators were able to get through the 2023 season but not without getting bounced around in what has been a year marked by drought conditions, a quick melting mountain snowpack and little precipitation. The situation facing irrigators is best summed up by the latest bulletin from the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. “While it appears we […] Read more
Yields look strong for sugar beets
Despite little precipitation across southern Alberta and low river levels, irrigation districts came through for high-value cash crops this year. The 2023 sugar beet harvest is set to match 2022 yields despite fewer acres planted, and potatoes look good heading into the end of the season. A late contract between beet farmers and the Taber-based […] Read more
Alta. irrigators watch river levels
Growers will need to decide whether to use upcoming efficiency gains to expand acres or protect their existing capacity
Late August rains in parts of southern Alberta are providing relief but river levels remain far below historical averages. That has caused irrigation districts to post early shut-off notices. Flow rates for the Oldman and Bow rivers, which converge to form the South Saskatchewan just upstream from Medicine Hat, have been stifled all season as […] Read more
Renewable energy growing quickly
The route to Little Bow Provincial Park in southern Alberta takes you through the rolling prairie in Vulcan County before descending steeply to the Travers reservoir. Massive wind turbines tower above the plains to the south and inspire hope for an energy transition that is badly needed if we’re going to avoid ever increasing natural […] Read more
Strip till works for irrigated seed canola
The practice causes less erosion compared to full tillage, but allows soil to warm up faster compared to direct seeding
The wind that blows across southern Alberta provides a welcome relief to sub-zero temperatures during winter, when Chinooks can turn double-digit negative temperatures to positives. But those same winds can be a menace when it comes to protecting topsoil. Strip tilling is seen as part of the solution to prevent soil from leaving the farm […] Read more
