British Columbia poultry producers face renewed challenges with avian influenza as the highly pathogenic virus has again swooped into the province. Eight poultry farms have been confirmed to have outbreaks of the virus, according to a Nov. 8 release from the B.C. agriculture ministry, bringing the total to 14 commercial operations affected since Oct. 20. […] Read more
Alex McCuaig
Stories by Alex McCuaig
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
Sorghum used in double-cropping system
New sorghum varieties can be kept in the field for fall or swath grazing, as well as used for silage
Double-cropping strategies can take different forms. This year, Stamp Seeds of Enchant, Alta., conducted field trials in which the company seeded oats and forage sorghum this spring, following a hybrid fall rye harvest. Greg Stamp, Stamp Seed sales manager, said the test came after the fall rye was harvested with both sorghum and oats having […] Read more
Sask. farmer tracks down bison rubbing stones
Landowners are asked to take photos of rubbing stones and share them with others as a first step in creating a database
A Saskatchewan-based farmer and agricultural researcher is embarking on an initiative to document bison rubbing stones and share the special place they have on the Prairies. Rubbing stones are traditionally large boulders found on the Prairies, which were left following the retreat of the ice sheets that once covered the plains. They subsequently were polished […] Read more
Initiative aims to protect country’s grasslands
The Grasslands Conservation Initiative is designed to create a unified front in the effort to stem native pasture loss
Three organizations with a history of conservation on the Prairies have launched a new initiative to protect one of the most threatened agricultural and ecological landscapes in the West. The Grasslands Conservation Initiative is the product of joint discussions between the Canadian Cattle Association, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada that were […] Read more
Targeted feed assistance under fire in Sask.
Livestock producers question targeting AgriRecovery to certain areas, saying it should have been offered to everyone
HERBERT, Sask. — Applications for the latest livestock program assistance program are open in Saskatchewan but some cattle producers are less than enthused about this version of AgriRecovery. They’d prefer something like the 2021 drought recovery program that paid $200 per head to all producers. The 2023 program is targeted to certain areas and pays […] Read more
New Alberta farm group gets down to business
Province’s wheat and barley groups merged to form Alberta Grains; executive director in place, zone meetings planned
The fully merged Alberta Wheat-Alberta Barley producer organization rebranded as Alberta Grains is up and running with its new executive director taking the helm this month. Mike Flynn assumed the role Nov. 1 in the lead up to zone elections in January for board directors that will complete the executive team of the newly amalgamated […] Read more
Program hopes to prevent pronghorn deaths
Alberta and Saskatchewan work with other organizations to make Trans-Canada Highway crossings safer for the animals
Wildlife crossings in the Rockies are a regular sight but a group of conservation and government officials in Alberta and Saskatchewan are looking to install safe areas for migrating pronghorn herds to cross the Trans-Canada Highway. The PronghornXing program is a joint initiative between the Miistakis Institute, Alberta Conservation Association and National Wildlife Federation with […] Read more
New avian flu cases may be linked to fall bird migration
Wildlife organizations, domestic commercial operations have been working to refine already tight biosecurity measures
After months in which only a few cases of avian influenza have been reported in Western Canada, the highly infectious strain of the virus has made a limited return. The end of October has seen four commercial poultry operations with positive cases of avian influenza in British Columbia. Alberta has dealt with five since the […] 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
