Public given the opportunity to see cattle dogs and their owners in action during trials held as part of a recent farm show
Every ranch might have a dog or two hanging about but those who put them to work handling cattle swear by their abilities and as a time- and cost-saving exercise. Judging by the popularity of the cattle dog event debut at the Ag in Motion farm show, the working dogs may have created some converts […] Read more
Alex McCuaig
Stories by Alex McCuaig
Avian flu risk continues despite lull, researchers warn
Poultry farms in Western Canada saw few cases of the disease this spring, but the reasons continue to remain unclear
It was a quiet spring for avian influenza outbreaks at commercial poultry operations in Western Canada. Only two commercial operations, one each in Alberta and British Columbia, have reported infections, compared with the dozens hit in 2022 in both provinces. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have seen no cases so far this year. Last year, a highly […] Read more
Cocaine found in corn shipment
Border agents in Manitoba are claiming one of the biggest cocaine seizures in years at the Port of Emerson after stopping a commercial vehicle whose primary load was made to appear to be corn. Canada Border Services Agency officials say the incident occurred on July 14 when agents deployed a detector dog to assist in […] Read more
Young farmers appreciate both the challenges and opportunities brought by technological advances
Getting into farming can be costly for young people and, once in, it requires commitment and focus. Yet farming maintains a strong allure for many who’ve been raised in agriculture. The technological advances, size of the operations and cost of equipment and inputs have raised the costs of getting established in agriculture. Mossbank, Sask., farming […] Read more
Alta. still hopes for an average canola crop
The scattered rain showers that have fallen in the province during the first two weeks of July ‘gives us a little bit of hope’
It’s been a topsy-turvy year for canola growers in Alberta with variability in crop conditions reported in different quadrants and, in some places, even from field to field. Roger Chevraux, chair of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, said he suspects the situation might result in an average year for producers. But the overall provincial yields […] Read more
Producers remain on the brink in Alberta
Conditions across southern Alberta continue to challenge producers. Intermittent rains have hit some areas in July after being non-existent in May and June, and it’s become a crapshoot what crops and pasture will be able to benefit from the additional moisture. “On our farm, there is a lot of uncertainty how we’re going to pull […] Read more
Potato industry plays major role in economy
New report finds that the sector contributes billions of dollars to the national economy and has created thousands of jobs
Alberta’s potato growers continue to produce more than just spuds. A new report on the sector’s economic impact has found that it contributes nearly $3 billion to the Canadian economy. The report, commissioned by Potato Growers of Alberta, said the surge in potato production in Western Canada continues, accounting for almost half of all production […] Read more
Rural communities in Alberta on the hunt for ag workers
A county, a municipal district and four towns work together to access the provincial Rural Renewal Stream program
Southern Alberta’s agriculture sector may be booming but the workforce necessary to underpin the growth needs a spark if it is to match the industry’s plans. A collection of communities along the Highway 3 corridor between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge hopes to tap a provincial immigration program to help fill the gap between jobs and […] Read more
Ag portfolio keeps rookie cabinet minister busy
Lack of rain in Alberta is top priority as the spectre of crop failures and feed shortages push producers to the edge
Alberta’s newest agriculture minister has a full plate as wildfires, drought, growing fears of a feed shortage and low river levels impacting irrigation districts are creating a not-too-tasty dish to swallow as he assumes his first cabinet position. RJ Sigurdson was re-elected in May for his second term in the riding of Highwood, which borders […] Read more
Day 2 of AiM sets attendance record; Day 3 underway
The anticipated big crowd for the second day of Ag in Motion came through in a hefty way with a new one-day record being set. Show manager Rob O’Connor said 13,084 attendees came to the Langham, Sask., event on Day 2, breaking the record set in 2019 and coming on top of 9,800 people filing […] Read more
