It wasn’t a beet season for the faint of heart in southern Alberta, as water deliveries were delayed at one of the major irrigation districts, rainfall was in short supply and an early and prolonged frost hit in mid-October. Despite the challenges, Alberta Sugar Beet Growers are looking at above average yields with the possibility […] Read more
Irrigation
Water sharing agreements ‘helpful’ in a drought
As reservoir levels stabilize in southern Alberta, a consulting company says it’s crucial that all stakeholders work together
Irrigation districts in southern Alberta managed a tough growing season as drought maintains a stubborn hold and calls for maintaining co-operation between stakeholders and better water storage infrastructure continues. From the Milk River along the U.S. border to the Hay River running into the Northwest Territories, 50 water shortage advisories are currently in place across […] Read more
Time to realize Sask. irrigation potential: CAPI report
New report endorses province’s commitment to massively increase the Lake Diefenbaker-based irrigation system
It’s time for Saskatchewan to finally achieve its irrigation potential after decades of frustration and failure. That’s the bottom line of a new report released by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute. Irrigation: Saskatchewan’s Unfulfilled Dreams, written by Quebec journalist and agricultural researcher Nicolas Mesly, endorses the Saskatchewan government’s commitment to massively increase the Lake Diefenbaker-based […] Read more
Sprawling Alberta ranch on the market with big price tag
The owner of a 25,000-acre operation in eastern Alberta that is focused solely on raising cattle is asking $45 million
It’s a big price tag for a ranch but worth it, says the owner of a massive everything-you-need operation located on the banks of Alberta’s Red Deer River. Simon Schonhofer, who ranches near Jenner, Alta., in Special Areas No. 2, is asking $45 million for the operation. It is definitely an eye-catching property with a […] Read more
Alta. vows to tackle water shortages
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says there will be public engagement on how to best manage provincial water supplies as the situation threatens to become worse if moisture levels in southern Alberta don’t improve. “My environment minister (Rebecca Shultz), who is responsible for water, is looking into this (and) is going to be engaging with the […] Read more
Producers asked for input on weather impact
Farmers urged to contribute to Ag Canada’s Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey to provide a more detailed picture
As harvest comes to a close, Agriculture Canada is encouraging farmers to contribute to their Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey. The survey is available on the federal government’s website, where farmers can join a mailing list. The information is expected to be mapped and published on the government’s Drought Watch website. When monitoring weather systems, precipitation […] Read more
Reservoirs fill back up in southern Alberta
Improvements in water levels have yet to impact the 41 shortage advisories that have been issued across the province
Reservoirs across southern Alberta are starting to fill again after a year in which irrigation water resources were stressed but managed to get through a growing season dominated by dry conditions and little precipitation. The one major exception is the Oldman Dam reservoir, which continues to see levels drop, albeit at a much slower rate […] Read more
Ranchers feel the heat as water supplies dwindle
Cattle producers forced to haul water since early in the summer as lack of rain dries up dugouts across the province
The drought in Alberta has caused multiple rural municipalities to declare agricultural disasters, urban communities to issue water restrictions and warnings from the province about tough times for next season if present conditions continue. That warning includes irrigation districts that got through the 2023 season by tapping into its robust reservoir system built over the […] Read more
Invasive mussel alert in Idaho raises concern in Alberta
Idaho state officials have activated a rapid response plan after invasive quagga mussels were found on the Snake River near Twin Falls. State officials warn the invasive mussels threaten the Columbia River basin, which runs across the Pacific Northwest including British Columbia. Related stories on this issue: Mussels close in on Alberta irrigation district Pink […] Read more
Irrigators warned to plan for shortages
The situation along rivers and in reservoirs across southern Alberta received a reprieve from deteriorating conditions on the last day of September, but challenges remain as the last few irrigation districts shut off their taps for the season. Rainfall in late September was among the largest seen in weeks and was also widespread and felt […] Read more
