British Columbia farms and ranches will have mandatory premises identification when the province implements a regulation under the B.C. Animal Health Act, which is expected in early 2022. Premises identification is designed to better equip livestock producers and rural communities for emergencies and help responders locate sites. It can also be useful in managing outbreaks […] Read more
Farm Living
Valentine’s Day does not have to be boring during a pandemic
Before long we will have all experienced a pandemic first. First birthday, first Christmas and now a first Valentine’s Day season without social gatherings to feed our spirits. In winter, these little social perks are important. One thing that is often done during Valentine’s Day is dining out, and sharing with special people in our […] Read more
Farmer’s struggles show signs of cognitive dissonance
Q: I think my husband, otherwise known as either Mr. Lucky or the Miracle Farmer, has finally met his match. A little piece of land he picked up a few years ago is proving a challenge. My husband has always been a successful farmer. He has worked hard, studied almost as hard, and has been […] Read more
Couple retired when they were ready
Howard and Susan Jackson didn’t set an age deadline for retirement; instead, they waited until all the ducks fell in a row
MANNVILLE, Alta. — After 40 years, Howard and Susan Jackson have turned their farm and trucking business over to two of their sons and retired. The decision didn’t happen overnight. The search for the best transition for their farm and six children began 13 years ago. “We didn’t have a specific age when we wanted […] Read more
Young farmers get involved to shape policy
On the Farm: Paige Stewart is one of many younger prairie producers who are taking leadership roles in farm groups to help make a difference
(Editor’s Note: This story has been updated from the original Feb. 16, 2022.) Resolving conflicts is a useful skill in all aspects of life. Whether you’re a manager of a fast-food restaurant or a mother of two daughters that fight about toys, clothes and everything else, you’ll likely be in the middle of a dispute […] Read more
Lambing season – photo essay
Photo essay | More than 700 lambs are expected over the next two months at the Lomond Hutterite Colony near Lomond, Alta. These photos were taken Jan. 14. | Mike Sturk photos
More than 700 lambs are expected over the next two months at the Lomond Hutterite Colony near Lomond, Alta. These photos were taken Jan. 14. | Mike Sturk photos
Canadian blueberries not a trade problem: ITC
Canada’s blueberry exports to the United States do not injure the American industry, the U.S. International Trade Commission has found. The ITC began an investigation in September and held hearings in mid-January to see if Canada’s blueberry exports harmed markets for blueberry growers in the U.S. The Feb. 11 ruling was welcomed in B.C. by […] Read more
Alta. reverses coal policy decision following backlash
In a stunning reversal, the Alberta government has announced it is fully reinstating the 1976 provincial coal policy following public opposition by everyone from ranchers and farmers to Canadian entertainers. “An important part of being a responsible government is to admit when you’ve made a mistake and to fix it, and that’s what we’re doing […] Read more
Grain bag vandals sought
Eight grain bags filled with barley were damaged by vandals at the end of January near Pincher Creek, Alta., and the local RCMP detachment is seeking information. According to an RCMP news release, each bag is worth an estimated $225,000. If all the grain becomes unusable after exposure to weather, total damage could be nearly […] Read more
Bird watching soars during pandemic
Participation has increased significantly in a project that converts backyard enthusiasts into conservation researchers
Bird watching and backyard feeding are flying high. The pandemic has opened up a bright new world into backyard birds as many people, socially distancing at home, are staring out their windows. “One of the really great spots about the pandemic is watching birds from home. It’s a great source of entertainment and solace. They […] Read more
