Agri-Trade Equipment Expo in Red Deer gave farmers an opportunity to see the latest in agricultural technology
As many as 33,000 people from up to 16 countries figuratively kicked the tires as they checked out the latest advances in farming technology at the 39th annual Agri-Trade Equipment Expo. “The mood we’re seeing at the show, and the outlook we’re seeing in the ag industry in general, is very positive,” said Krissy Fiddler, […] Read more
Doug Ferguson
Stories by Doug Ferguson
Soil-moisture management in dry times
Soil cores can be used to see if a field has enough moisture reserves to carry a crop, or if fertilizer rates should be cut
Prairie farmers who dealt with drought during the summer are now facing a soil moisture deficit in several areas as they cross their fingers for snowfall needed to help launch next spring’s growing season. Although precipitation this fall boosted soil moisture in some areas, “there’s definitely these pockets that have been extremely dry,” said Phillip […] Read more
B.C. ranchers want focus on water management
Cattle industry lobbies for ‘beaver dam approach’ to storing water for irrigation projects, flood mitigation in watersheds
Beef producers in British Columbia who will receive help under a $71-million AgriRecovery program following record wildfires and drought want long-term solutions to what is becoming an increasing problem because of climate change. Major discussions are being held with provincial officials about how to improve water management, said Kevin Boon, general manager of the B.C. […] Read more
Four-wheel drive tractor sales strong in Canada
Long-term optimism in the sector cited as reason ag equipment sales have been strong for three years in North America
Soaring sales of four-wheel-drive tractors this year in North America is a vote of confidence from farmers in the long-term future of their operations as they embrace new technologies, says an industry leader. Sales have increased 43 percent in the United States this year and 22 percent in Canada, said Curt Blades, senior vice-president of […] Read more
Feral horse management can be PR challenge
An ecology prof says the public sees horses differently than other wildlife, which complicates population control efforts
The feasibility of a contraception program to help control the population of free-roaming horses in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes remains to be seen, says a scientist. Philip McLoughlin, professor of ecology at the University of Saskatchewan, said the program, which is part of a new framework introduced by the provincial government, is a work in progress, […] Read more
Alta. town keeps up pressure on biodigester plan
Residents call for provincial moratorium amid fears project would add to feedlot odours they already experience
Residents of an Alberta community want a moratorium placed on biodigester projects in the province. The construction of one such project has been proposed for a feedlot near High River, Alta., and residents fear it will add to the foul smells they already endure from the operation. Related stories on this issue: Residents remain fearful […] Read more
New research projects focus on genomics
Initiatives announced by Alberta’s Results Driven Agriculture Research agency target grazing, climate change and carbon
Scientists in Alberta and Saskatchewan will use cutting-edge genomics research to help beef and crop producers improve grazing management, climate resiliency and sequestration of carbon in soil. The research includes a $6.3 million project at the University of Alberta that will seek to promote climate action through grazing. It will look at microbes in the […] Read more
Sask. greenhouse co-operative was a unique employer
A 41-year-old documentary from the National Film Board of Canada is about more than a greenhouse business that provided jobs for 34 years to people who otherwise might have struggled to earn a living. “They had quite an adventure,” said Dave Fortman about his mother, Margaret, and her co-workers at the Churchill Park Greenhouse Co-op […] Read more
Alberta ag societies receive funding to upgrade facilities
Provincial government commits to spending $2.5 million per year to help agricultural societies maintain infrastructure
A new provincial program that will provide $2.5 million per year to upgrade the facilities of Alberta’s agricultural societies is being welcomed despite the fact their infrastructure totals about $1.4 billion. “These volunteer organizations have been doing the best job they can to ensure that infrastructure has remained as viable as possible,” said Tim Carson, […] Read more
Alberta unveils plan for feral horses
The management framework will allow licensed culls under certain circumstances but also includes adoption programs
A plan that the Alberta government says will use science to sustainably and humanely manage some of the largest populations of feral horses in Canada is a step in the right direction, said a rancher. “I think those horses have earned the right to be here,” said Bryn Thiessen of the Helmer Creek Ranch west […] Read more
