2013 crops | Specialist says problematic pests will include bertha armyworms, flea beetles and cabbage seedpod weevils
Potential insect threats in Alberta this year include bertha armyworms, wheat midge, flea beetles and the evil weevils — cabbage seedpod and pea leaf. Scott Meers, insect management specialist with Alberta Agriculture, gave his pest predictions at the Jan. 16 agronomy update in Lethbridge, along with an assessment of 2012 insect problems. Meers said 200,000 […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
Hair trail sheds new light on Alta. grizzly population
Bear essentials | Monitoring project uses hair to count number of threatened bears
Ryan McClelland of Beaver Mines, Alta., doesn’t know how many grizzly bears live in his southwestern corner of the province. But he knows there are at least nine. The rancher saw all nine of them at once when they were in his yard this past October looking for food in grain bins and sheds. Since […] Read moreMany prairie fields could use phosphorus boost
More than 80 percent of sampled Saskatchewan fields could benefit from additional phosphorus and so could more than 65 percent of fields sampled in Alberta and Manitoba. Farmers in Alberta and Manitoba tend to use manure more often than those in Saskatchewan, but they all could benefit from better phosphorus management, says Tom Jensen of […] Read more
To spray or not to spray, that is the question
Timing is not everything | Decision to spray most important, followed by timing and product type
The benefits of fungicide come down to one crucial decision, said plant pathologist Mike Harding. Go or no go. Research shows that the decision to spray or not to spray represents about 70 percent of the risk versus reward in using fungicides. About 25 percent relates to the timing of application and only about five […] Read more4-H clubs expand their base, incorporate ‘city projects’
4-H has its roots in agriculture, but there are many kinds of clubs and projects. Here are a few projects from each province that might surprise:
National food drive for food banks. Online 4-H living history experience. $100,000 fundraising campaign. National public speaking contest and youth summit. May 30 gala in Winnipeg. Regional events throughout 2013. Adopt a grandparent. Honeybees Leather craft Rabbits Welding Veterinary Snowmobiling Cake decorating Lego robotics Food discovery Computers Fibres and fabrics Alpacas and llamas Drama Maple […] Read moreAquatic researcher may focus on pesticide, herbicide effects
A renowned researcher in aquatic health will be turning his attention to southern Alberta water bodies in coming years. Gregory Pyle became the chair in aquatic health at the University of Lethbridge earlier this month. The aquatic ecotoxicologist is considered an expert in the effects of environmental contaminants on aquatic animals. He has worked for […] Read more
The perks of forest bathing
Immunity boost? | Meditation in a forest setting may have health benefits
Carmon Frick indulges in forest bathing every day. The practice is not quite as risqué as it sounds at first blush. It simply involves spending time among trees and “bathing” in the peace and tranquility that forests can provide. Frick owns and operates Sprouts Greenhouse and Sprouts Yoga Loft near Winfield, Alta., which is located […] Read moreWhy less is more: biologist
As a speaker during the holiday season, riparian specialist Lorne Fitch took a contrary view to consumption that dominates the season. His message challenged those in his Dec. 20 audience to reduce their focus on consumerism in the new year. “Consider this simple proposition: buy less, consume less and live on a healthier Earth longer,” […] Read more
Genex outlines franchise plan
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — Bob Notenbomer envisions a one-acre greenhouse with heated concrete floors, roof panels that can open to the sky, sophisticated electronics and live webcams for operator and public viewing. Inside will flourish 3,000 feeder pigs. The current garden centre and greenhouse operator and former chief executive officer of Pure Lean Hogs Inc. […] Read more
Grain terminal remains a landmark in Lethbridge
Test of time | Built in 1931, the 17-storey Alberta Terminals Ltd. facility continues to be a hub for modern agricultural production
The baby in a family of three giant inland grain elevators in Alberta is still the tallest building in Lethbridge, even though it was completed in 1931. Tall buildings are not the preferred structures in a place where chinook winds blow up to 100 km-h, but solid concrete construction has kept the 194-foot Alberta Terminals […] Read more
