Corn, grass, oats | Producer says there are new high yielding grazing corn varieties available
PONOKA, Alta. — Cattle aren’t the only animals that benefit from rotational grazing in the summer and grazing corn in the winter. Improved pasture and grazing management also increases bison weight gain at reduced cost, said a northern Alberta bison manager. Brian Olfert, manager of Adam Ranch Bison, said he successfully grazes 450 bison cows […] Read moreStories by Mary MacArthur
This police chase didn’t break any speed limits
A slow speed police chase across fields involving a tractor, cop cars and a police officer hitching a ride on a borrowed snowmobile was like an episode out of the television show Corner Gas. “I’m from Saskatchewan, and it sort of was,” said Blackfalds RCMP cpl. Barry Larocque. “This is the first time we’ve had […] Read more
Couple takes slow, steady approach to manage risk
Number crunchers | Alberta dairy farm operators make sacrifices until expansion is feasible
ST. PAUL, Alta. — Nicole and Richard Brousseau would have liked to have built a new dairy barn when they returned to the farm eight years ago. It would have been easier than milking in the old parlour, which was so small that four workers were needed to milk and move the cattle. However, they […] Read more
Steady demand keeps bison at profitable price
Consumer cap | If prices exceed $4 per pound, demand tends to slide
PONOKA, Alta. — It’s the kind of illustration that the executive director of the Canadian Bison Association never gets tired of showing. Terry Kremeniuk said the graph that shows bison prices steadily increasing and now hovering around $4 a pound is just one more indication that the bison industry is in a healthy state. Bison […] Read moreProducer outlines details of bison rental agreement
PONOKA, Alta. — Producers shouldn’t be afraid to look at the grain and cattle industries for creative ways to finance their entry into the bison business. It took some thinking, but Paul Kolesar said being creative helped him sell his cattle when prices were at rock bottom. It was the 1990s, and he had 120 […] Read more
When trains come, permits will allow delivery
EDMONTON — Alberta farmers will be able to ask for special permits this spring to haul grain to the elevators despite the road bans. Transportation minister Wayne Drysdale said his department is working with the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties to allow farmers to haul grain from their farms to the elevator on […] Read more
Alta. farmers welcome funding for road paving
EDMONTON — It’s taken 36 years, but the 430 kilometres of road from Slave Lake to east of High Level in northern Alberta will finally be completely paved. The final stretch of pavement will be put on Highway 88 this summer in a project that began in 1978. “I want to thank the Alberta government,” […] Read more
Party infighting forces Alberta premier to resign
Surprise announcement | Deputy premier Dave Hancock takes over as interim leader
Six hours after giving a rousing speech to rural councillors, Alberta premier Alison Redford announced her resignation. The announcement was a surprise to Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties president Bob Barss, but he said looking back at two days of meetings with the premier, she looked stressed. “It was definitely a shock. Especially […] Read more
Distressed herd arrives at sale
PONOKA, Alta. — The new manager of the Tsuu T’ina Nation’s bison herd is apologizing for the highly stressed, stunted and parasite-infested animals that were recently brought to a commercial bison sale. James McGuiness said he was embarrassed by the 130 bison brought to the Vold Jones Vold Auction bison sale March 15, which followed […] Read more
Online hail insurance broker lowers premiums
AG Direct Hail Insurance | New service tailored to internet-savvy farmers who don’t mind doing their own paperwork
An Ontario hail insurance broker is trying to entice tech savvy farmers to buy top-up hail insurance through his online company. Bruce Lowe of AG Direct Hail Insurance said the service would be for farmers who want lower premiums and don’t need a hand to guide them through their paperwork. “There’s a new breed of […] Read more
