Alberta 14 year old is farming his own crops for a second year and getting it done with vintage equipment
LACOMBE, Alta. — When Carson Ebeling seeded his crops this spring, he started with barley before moving on to canola. It’s a very common scene on prairie farms, but what’s uncommon about this scenario is that Ebeling is just 14. This will be his second crop, which comprises 21 acres of barley on the family […] Read moreAuthor Archives
Alta. farm embraces unconventionality
The owner of a livestock trucking company says he technically doesn’t farm; he leaves that up to his kids
LACOMBE, Alta. — “Technically, I don’t farm,” says Murray Ebeling, who operates his livestock hauling business, Proudash Cattleliners Inc., from the family farm. Ebeling’s wife, Candace, is also an experienced livestock trucker, but driving has taken a back burner. Instead, her energies are devoted to their family of four teenaged children and the farm, which […] Read more
Goats make this Alberta farm a lively place
On the Farm: Chris Grab started with the Nigerian Dwarf breed in 1997 and later added registered Nubians to her flock
LEDUC, Alta. — Chris Grab enters her goat pen and is quickly surrounded by a welcoming committee of does and kids. The rambunctious Nigerian Dwarfs and larger, lop-eared Nubians rub and nudge for attention. They are personable, entertaining and friendly. Grab, who raises and sells the miniature breed as well as the larger Nubian goats […] Read more
Rural school not allowed to fade away
LACOMBE, Alta. — On a winter’s day in January 1895 a petition was accepted for the formation of Lakeside School District No. 348. Plans and specifications for the rural school southeast of Lacombe were forwarded for approval to the Board of Education, which at the time was in Regina, Northwest Territories. It was a decade […] Read more
Alta. sheep farm anticipates room to grow
Producers feel there’s a huge demand and not enough supply, considering Canada produces only half of what it consumes
PONOKA, Alta. — It’s busy at East Valley Ranch — and loud. The collective“baa, baa, baa” of well over 1,000 sheep and lambs bleating together under one roof is surprisingly loud as ewes ensure their lambs stay close and lambs in turn want to feed or confirm the whereabouts of mom. Ben Rodenburg processes three-day-old […] Read more
Livestock operation believes in the benefits of diversification
PONOKA, Alta. — Mark Stewart recalls the most memorable teaching moment he received at Olds College in 1987. “They said to diversify,” he said. Not only did he take that advice to heart, but he and his wife, Tina, who own MSW Farms at Ponoka, have taken it to another level. Tina was raised on […] Read more
Third generation continues legacy on Alta. farm
LACOMBE, Alta. — Zuidhof Feeders sprawls over the rise of a hill in the rolling parkland of central Alberta. Its towering feed mill can be seen for miles. Pens of feeder cattle are squared off over the hillside. Hundreds of bales are stacked in rows nearby. Adjacent to the farm site, cattle dot the landscape. […] Read more
Alberta farm loses 300 goats in barn fire
CLIVE, Alta. — Meindert and Johanna Dijkstra were nearing home around 10:30 p.m. Feb. 4 after being out for the evening. As the couple got closer to their farm, set in the hills a few kilometres southeast of Clive, they wondered at the orange glow in the night sky. Upon turning south at their range […] Read more
College students treated to local fare
CAMROSE, Alta. — It’s lunch time at the cafeteria at the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus in Camrose. Students are lining up, chatting and laughing, awaiting their turn. The main course menu items today are spicy sausages, tender baby potatoes, and creamy dilled carrots, all locally sourced. A homemade bun rounds out the main course. […] Read more
Benalto’s ‘mini-mall’ provides gathering place
This Alta. general store comprises a convenience store, post office, ATB branch, hair salon and courier depot
BENALTO, Alta. — Some things about the traditions of a community general store never change. “We’re a meeting place, a gathering place,” says Karen Turner-Padley, referring to the Benalto General Store. She adds that some people jokingly refer to it as the mini-mall of Benalto, and for good reason. All together under one roof in […] Read more
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