Learning curve is steep as family searches for information about raising ducks while convincing consumers to switch eggs
FAIRVIEW, Alta. — Erin Moskalyk isn’t afraid to jump into the deep end with new farm projects. When she and her husband, Darren, got the opportunity to buy 200 ducks about to start laying eggs, they didn’t hesitate. “We had never had a bird in our life, but we thought this had potential,” said Erin […] Read moreAuthor Archives
Rebuilding for success
When John Cote and Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote sold their Saskatchewan grain farm 11 years ago they were on the top of their game. They were fifth generation farmers, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers alumni, had studied and consulted around the world, Barb was a Nuffield Scholar and together they farmed 5,000 acres of owned and rented land. […] Read more
Retired feedlot manager never stops learning
Brenda Schoepp embraced education during her career and went on to receive a masters’ of arts degree in global leadership at age 60
CAMROSE, Alta. — Brenda Schoepp doesn’t have a job title any more, but she has lots of jobs in her retirement, including writing a book based on research from the master’s degree she obtained after leaving the farm. “There is life after the farm. It is a great one, and the soil and the space […] Read more
Ex-farmer took hard road to the pulpit
Former Alberta hog producer and now Lutheran pastor struggled for years with an unwillingness to let go of the farm
SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. — It took Colin Millang 27 years to earn his master’s of divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary to become a pastor. Along the way, he farmed, lost his farm, recognized his depression, beat his depression and finally embraced his new life as a pastor. “There is life after the farm and it […] Read more
Big city life appeals to retired farmer
Former farm leader and municipal politician enjoys giving up past responsibilities: ‘for once, I am in control of the day’
CALGARY — The move from an acreage near the tiny hamlet of Kelsey in central Alberta with a population of 12 to the sprawling city of Calgary with more than a million people has brought big change, but a good change, says former farmer and municipal councillor Don Gregorwich. “In Calgary, there are a lot […] Read more
Dairy producers transition to quilts
Alberta couple says their new business shares many similarities with the farm where they once ran a dairy operation
CAMROSE, Alta. — Running a quilting store and a dairy farm have plenty in common, according to Roger and Ardelle Kerr. A store ties you down, just like a dairy. It’s hard work that can be as never-ending as you want, it’s a large investment and both places encourage families to work together, they said. […] Read more
Contract squeeze worries farmers
CAMROSE, Alta — As heat and drought burn up crops across the Prairies, many farmers wonder if they will have enough crop to fill what they thought were modest production contracts. “I worry about my barley because my barley is 70 percent priced and my canola is at 50 percent priced. A lot of farmers […] Read more
Extreme heat wave takes toll on Peace country crops
What started as a promising spring with good crop emergence is now looking like it may be one of the worst crops ever in Alberta’s Peace River country. “It is the hottest, driest, without-rain year we have ever seen,” said Rycroft farmer Bryan Woronuk. “Without rain at this point we will suffer large yield losses.” […] Read more
Will resistant wild oats bend to the plow?
The Resistant Wild Oat Action Committee uses an inversion plow as it seeks answers to a growing problem on the Prairies
CAMROSE, Alta. — Tackling herbicide resistance in wild oats may require a look back to farming methods long ago discarded, including plowing. “It takes a while to wrap your head around plowing when you have not tilled for 35 years,” said Nathan Eshpeter, project manager for the Resistant Wild Oat Action Committee, a subcommittee of […] Read more
Alta. farmer spends winters on the trapline
Neil Kimmy says the money earned from trapping isn’t what it used to be; now the incentive is spending time in the bush
MILLET, Alta. — Neil Kimmy loves the land and loves the bush. For nine months of the year Kimmy farms with his family near Millet. But from November to January he works on his traplines near Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Alberta. His passion for trapping started early, and it didn’t take long for […] Read more
