Sainfoin in alfalfa | New sainfoin varieties tolerate cutting and control bloat caused by alfalfa
LETHBRIDGE — The pink flowered sainfoin is a good addition to a forage stand because it prevents bloat in cattle that have indulged in too much alfalfa. Yet few people use it in their grazing programs, say forage specialists. It may need more promotion be-cause economic studies and performance trials on grazing cattle show it […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Alberta canola at high risk for lygus bugs
BROOKS, Alta. — It is time to start sweeping canola fields for lygus bugs. This summer’s heat, with temperatures at or above 30 C, is encouraging faster reproduction of the damaging insects, said Scott Meers, an entomologist with Alberta Agriculture. “This year will be a high risk for lygus. You should start sweeping,” he said. […] Read more
Canola DNA test may one day help with spraying decisions
BROOKS, Alta. — Testing the DNA of spores on canola petals could tell farmers when and what fungicide to spray. Canola petals are collected and examined for sclerotinia spores using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction to identify and differentiate the DNA traces. Known as a PCR test, it can yield results in about five hours […] Read more
Greenhouse looks to sun for flower power
Relaxing on a restaurant patio often includes being surrounded by greenery and flower displays. If the patio is in the Calgary re-gion, there’s a good chance those displays came from Patty and Vern Bretin’s greenhouses southeast of the city. “About 90 percent of my focus is on what I call the entertainment industry. I provide […] Read more
Wash up when you’re done work
BROOKS, Alta. — Consider the Smartie. A piece of soil the same size as the candy could harbour up to a billion clubroot spores. Next, consider how much dirt comes off a piece of farm equipment, and the potential to spread the costly disease increases exponential. Cleaning equipment should be standard practice, but it has […] Read more
Watershed plan said to be missing local voice
South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Alberta ranchers seek recognition for their land and water stewardship efforts
The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan has been released with promises to protect Alberta watersheds and create more conservation areas while also allowing growth. The provincial land use policy document outlines a strategy for energy development, watershed protection, sustainable farming and ranching, as well as forest management and tourism. It goes into effect Sept. 1. Yet […] Read moreCOOL opponents lose bid in court for injunction
Groups opposed to country-of-origin labelling in the U.S. lose their appeal seeking a preliminary injunction against the rule
The fight against the U.S. country-of-origin labelling law has been set back after an appeal seeking a preliminary injunction against the rule was lost. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected the case in a 9-2 decision on the basis it “was unlikely to succeed.” The 70 page decision was […] Read moreFrom farm to market garden
Community supported agriculture | Former grain farmers operate a five acre business outside Calgary
Dick and Sue Pearson did not want to leave agriculture when they decided to retire from grain farming. The farm on the edge of Calgary had been in Dick’s family since 1925 and the couple wanted the operation to continue producing food. They decided to turn the grain operation over to a beginning farmer and […] Read moreAlberta at high risk for lygus bugs
BROOKS, Alta. — It is time to start sweeping canola fields for lygus bugs. This summer’s heat, with temperatures at or above 30 C, is encouraging faster reproduction of the damaging insects, said Scott Meers, an entomologist with Alberta Agriculture. “This year will be a high risk for lygus. You should start sweeping,” he said. […] Read more
Sungold incentive plan pays for quality lambs
Premiums for consistency | Sungold Specialty Meats hopes the premium will encourage producers to expand flocks
INNISFAIL, Alta. — A pricing grid that rewards producers for selling quality lamb could be an incentive to increase the Canadian flock. “If you are in the business, you are going to want to get the best price you can,” said Dwayne Beaton, chief executive officer of Sungold Specialty Meats in Innisfail. Sungold wants to […] Read more
