Potato grower who bought the government-owned land says deal done by the rules, but groups decry loss of grassland
A quarter of publicly owned native prairie grassland near Taber, Alta., was sold to SLM Spud farms March 31 amid concerns voiced by various groups about the need to preserve such land and despite prior government assertions that it would not sell public land. The quarter, located 29 kilometres east of the town near Sherburne […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
Fibre demands growing for Alberta hemp
Hemp can be grown for seed, fibre or both, as well as cannabinoids, and agronomics depend in part on the crop’s end goal
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — Results of hemp research trials in Alberta are providing guidance on the agronomics of the crop. Seeding dates, seeding densities, fertilizer use, nitrogen application rates and harvest dates were explored at Falher, Vegreville and Lethbridge, said hemp expert Jan Slaski of Innotech Alberta. Because hemp can be grown for seed, fibre […] Read moreFarms require a plan in case workers fall ill
Staff shortages are a real possibility as the number of people infected with the virus continues to rise across the Prairies
What would happen if the primary manager of the farm or ranch fell ill with COVID-19, or if there weren’t enough healthy employees to do the work? It’s a question every operation should consider in these pandemic times, and once considered, a plan should be made for the worst-case scenario. Jennifer Wright, senior human resources […] Read more
B.C. closes provincial parks
All provincial parks in British Columbia closed April 8 and are scheduled to remain so as the province attempts to limit the spread of COVID-19. A news release said the closure is temporary but is a way to discourage groups of people or out-of-province visitors, particularly as the Easter holiday looms. “This applies to British […] Read more
B.C. bans most open burning
British Columbia is banning most open burning effective April 16. The province has suffered major forest fires in recent years and the prospect of having to fight fires during the COVID-19 pandemic is a likely driver for the new rules. Some 40 percent of B.C. wildfires have been caused by humans and are therefore preventable. […] Read more
Update: Beef plant to reopen after temporary halt
Operations at the Harmony Beef processing plant in Balzac, Alta., were expected to be back on track March 31 after a stoppage March 27 related to COVID-19. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency stopped work at the plant after a worker tested positive for the virus. Original: CFIA inspectors refused to continue until concerns over potential […] Read more
Building biobeds benefits Alberta agriculture
MEDICINE HAT — The gauntlet has been thrown. After building a biobed on its site near Lethbridge and a portable model on a trailer, Farming Smarter wants to see 50 biobeds built by farmers in southern Alberta within the next two years. Biobeds are systems used to process and neutralize leftover pesticides and sprayer rinsates […] Read more
Alta. sets up new ag research group
Results Driven Agriculture Research is expected to allow producers to decide how research should be approached
Alberta Agriculture minister Devin Dreeshen revealed a new plan for farmer-led research March 30. Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is described as a non-profit, arm’s length agriculture research organization. Dreeshen said its formation was a result of January consultations with farmers, ranchers and the agriculture industry. An interim board was announced, headed by Dr. David […] Read moreAlta. group honours three for contributions to livestock welfare
Three people and companies prominent in Alberta livestock circles were honoured by the Alberta Farm Animal Care conference March 19 for their contributions to livestock welfare. Barbara Duckworth, livestock specialist with The Western Producer, received the award of distinction for communications, Rich Vesta, the chief executive officer of Harmony Beef received the award of distinction […] Read more
Groups protest Alta. grassland sale
UPDATED – April 4, 2020 – 0945 CST – A quarter of publicly owned native prairie grassland near Taber, Alta., was sold to SLM Spud farms March 31 amid concerns voiced by various groups about the need to preserve such land and despite prior government assertions that it would not sell public land. The quarter, […] Read more
