Shingling and repairs are underway on the Fluet barn, built in 1933 near Mosside, Alta.  |  Les Dunford photo

Future brightens as barn gets new bones

For more than 84 years, the big, old barn on the Fluet farm just east of Mosside, Alta., has been part of the scenery. It has stood out as a landmark that many people may not give more than a glance. But there is a lot of history to it, some still being learned, and […] Read more

Environmental winner seeks long-term impact

Rancher says his goal is to keep animals and plants healthy 
and water sources clean for the next generation

CALGARY — Tom Thompson is passionate when he talks about his Winding Creek Ranch located about 15 kilometres northwest of Mayerthorpe, Alta., near to where he was raised on his parent’s farm. “I’ve always had a hankering for plants and animals, and growing up, there was something always pulling me into this direction, you know, […] Read more

Don Crews of Lloydminster, Alta., raises his hands in victory Oct. 1 with his winning 1,365 pound pumpkin at the Great White North Pumpkin Fair in Smoky Lake, Alta.  |  Les Dunford photo

How many pumpkin pies does 1,450 pounds make?

SMOKY LAKE, Alta. — This Alberta town really comes alive on the first Saturday of October when the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta hosts the annual Great White North Pumpkin Fair. “We are very pleased with the turnout of people,” said Pat Palechuk, president of the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Growers Association and a town councillor. “This […] Read more


Small breed draws big crowds

The Nelsons of Colinton, Alta., have been promoting their cattle,  including their Dexters, at Edmonton EDMONTON – Regular visitors to the cattle barns at Farmfair International in Edmonton often see familiar faces among those who show and promote their cattle. Probably no couple is more familiar to Farmfair goers than Allyn and Rita Nelson of […] Read more

Records fall at pumpkin festival

SMOKY LAKE, Alta. – Two festival records were broken at the 21st annual Great White North Pumpkin Fair and Weigh-Off held in Smoky Lake Oct. 3. The previous pumpkin and squash records fell to new champions. There were 28 entries in the pumpkin category this year, with weights starting at 60.8 pounds and working up. […] Read more