TABER, Alta. — In this part of the world, PGA stands for Potato Growers of Alberta. In the wider world, especially that of sports, PGA stands for something vastly different. That’s why Alberta potato growers found themselves in negotiation with the Professional Golfers Association in 1996. “Who knew what a domain name was back then,” […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
Chinese wool demand unlikely to help Canada
The Chinese government is making new uniforms for its military and government workers, but those garments won’t contain much Canadian wool. However, such large quantities of wool needed for this project could affect other parts of the wool market, said Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers general manager Eric Bjergso. “Unfortunately, our fine wool production is such […] Read more
Bale net wrap proves deadly for livestock
FORT MACLEOD, Alta. — Bale net wrap is handy stuff when it comes to hay quality preservation, bale uniformity, ease of handling and protection from the elements. However, it’s not quite so handy when net wrap ends up in a cow’s stomach, impedes digestion and eventually leads to the animal’s death. Doug Leeds saw a […] Read more
Alberta promotes livestock emergency trailers
The number of emergency livestock handling trailers in Alberta continues to grow. A trailer recently installed by the M.D. of Taber Regional Fire Service brings the total to 16 units able to respond to traffic and vehicle accidents involving livestock. Alberta Farm Animal Care is working to increase awareness of the trailers’ availability and it […] Read more
Municipal district wants to learn from devastating fire
The Alberta municipality looks to province, power company for compensation and reviews communication system
The Municipal District of Acadia, which saw more than 12,000 acres of farmland burned and about 190 head of cattle killed in an Oct. 16 wildfire, plans to ask the province of Alberta and Atco Electric to compensate affected residents for their losses. The municipality declared a local state of emergency during the fire, which […] Read more
Alta.’s United Conservative Party names ag critic
The new leader of Alberta’s United Conservative Party, Jason Kenney, has wasted no time since winning the job Oct. 28 with 61 percent of the membership vote Oct. 28. Kenney today announced the list of critics “who will hold the Notley NDP government to account, and stand up for Albertans under attack from the Trudeau […] Read more
Ranch operations hit by TB likely to see added tax deferrals
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — Alberta and Saskatchewan ranchers affected by the discovery and investigation of bovine tuberculosis last year are likely to see an improved set of income tax deferrals. About 11,500 cattle were destroyed as part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s investigation and control measures and owners of those cattle received compensation. About […] Read more
Young rancher remembered as dedicated community member, volunteer firefighter
Things were pretty quiet at the coffee shop in the hamlet of Walsh, Alta. Until James Hargrave walked in. Then the conversation livened up as everyone had something friendly to say to the young rancher and operator of the 25,000 acre JH Ranch nestled near the Saskatchewan border. That’s how Bob Lowe of Alberta Beef […] Read more
UCP candidates stress fiscal management
The three men vying for leadership of Alberta’s nascent United Conservative Party squared off in their fifth and final debate Oct. 17 in Lethbridge. Brian Jean, Jason Kenney and Doug Schweitzer talked turkey to party members in the final push to the UCP membership vote scheduled for Oct. 28. There was no mention of agriculture […] Read more
Program explains consequences when farm safety ignored
TABER, Alta. — Fresh shavings cover the floor of this classroom in a barn on a farm near Taber. Some of the time the Alberta high school students enrolled in AGR 3000, an agricultural safety course, listen to instructors and take notes at their tables. At other times, they examine sites and farm equipment where […] Read more
