Water quality entering, flowing through and exiting Alberta’s irrigation systems is being analyzed in a five-year study that tests samples from 90 sites. Jollin Charest, research agrologist with the water quality branch of Alberta Agriculture, said the study is designed to monitor quality of water used in food production, change in water flows throughout the […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
Role insects play evolves with changing environment
Pest control | While agriculture relies on managing damaging pests, biocontrol research puts them to work against weeds and other insects
As president of the Entomological Society of Canada, Rose De Clerck-Floate has been asked about the specific gravity of butterfly wings and whether fireflies could safely be released at a wedding. It is all part of heading the ESC during its 150th anniversary year, and part of the seemingly infinite variety of subjects available in […] Read more
Protecting birds can boost bottom line
Birds and electrical lines can be a deadly combination. The number of wild birds injured or killed by collision or electrocution cannot be accurately measured, but it is thought to be substantial. Nikki Heck, an environmental adviser for electrical transmission company AltaLink, has worked to reduce bird fatalities by implementing the first avian protection plan […] Read more
Hog producers fear barn conversion too costly
Prairie pork producers are being encouraged to make their views known about the proposed code of practice for pigs. The code, officially released June 1, is open for comment until Aug. 3 and is expected to be finalized by year end. Alberta producers got a preview at a series of Alberta Pork meetings last week, […] Read more
National lamb co-op aims to stabilize pricing
Members sign for three years | The co-op will arrange transportation and slaughter and develop its own product brand
A new national co-operative plans to buy and market lambs from across Canada and improve returns to sheep producers. The Canadian Lamb Producers Co-operative last week announced it had approvals from the Canadian Securities Administration to proceed with national co-op operations, a process that has been in the works for about three years. The co-op […] Read moreThe curious case of the solitary headstone
Theories abound | Why is Mary Fitzpatrick’s grave outside of the cemetery boundaries in Granum, Alta?
GRANUM, Alta. — A caragana hedge encloses the Granum graveyard, marking its boundary with leafy greenery. But Mary Fitzpatrick’s grave sits alone outside the hedge, its headstone and wrought iron enclosure in full view of heavy traffic along Alberta’s busiest highway. “Sept. 5, 1865 – Apr. 16, 1908,” the stone reads. “Beloved wife of E.R. […] Read moreCanada draws up list for trade retaliation against U.S. COOL rules following WTO win
Canada today will release a list of U.S. products that will be subject to retaliatory tariffs if the Americans do not modify their mandatory country of origin labelling requirements. In a morning news conference from Vancouver, federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said the list of items is comprehensive. Its release is a pressure tactic designed […] Read more
Ram prices a potential sign of better market
Breeding stock | Average ram prices were down from last year, but one seller is hopeful of market improvement
Prices for sheep breeding stock are down slightly compared to last year but surprisingly good considering the low lamb market, says recent ram sale consignor and sheep buyer Warren Moore of Stavely, Alta. The seventh annual Pound Maker ram sale May 23 in Fort Macleod, Alta., averaged $754 per head on 105 rams, down $112 […] Read more
Canada leads the way in BSE research
Evolving science | Research and policy have expanded and intensified since BSE was first discovered in Canada in 2003
The way the world thinks about and reacts to BSE has changed thanks to Canada’s experience and influence. An international panel praised the country for its thorough inquiry and trace back after Canadian authorities completed their investigation into the first case reported in May 2003. “It has really positioned Canadian science in a very visible […] Read moreForage research to suffer following Ag Canada cuts
Consolidation of resources | Industry officials say closure of research facilities is regrettable
Forage and pasture research seems to have taken a disproportionate hit in recently announced research program cuts by Agriculture Canada, say some involved in forage and grazing. The department recently announced plans to close the Grassland Applied Technology Centre in Kamloops, B.C., close the research facilities at Onefour and Stavely, Alta., transfer beef grazing systems […] Read more
