Desperate prairie farmers continued to chip away at unharvested acres this week, but lodged crops, damp grain and muddy field conditions added further delays to what has already become one of the latest and most difficult harvest seasons in recent memory. “It will take a miracle to get this crop off,” said Alberta grower Geoff […] Read more
Farm Living
VIDEO: Hunger called human rights issue
Varayayi Pugeni knew all about hunger when he was growing up in rural Zimbabwe. “There is nothing as depressing as when a mother has to make a choice on which child to feed, or to make a choice on which child should go to bed hungry,” Pugeni said on World Food Day Oct. 16. “My […] Read more
Dairy operation strives to improve, educate
Couple is involved with industry groups to keep up with current issues and also hold farm tours to educate the public
KILLAM, Alta. — A dairy provides the Child family with a good lifestyle, a stable source of income and an efficient production system that matches supply to consumption. “We’re not producing something people don’t want,” said Louise. Added Allan: “And not relying on government subsidies.” The couple, with their daughter, Kristyn, milk 120 Holsteins on […] Read more
Take your time driving through Alberta’s Icefields Parkway
Towering snow-capped peaks, magnificent river valleys, picture-perfect waterfalls galore, wandering wildlife and walls of ice dripping from the largest glaciers in the Rockies can all be seen without getting out of the vehicle. National Geographic described the Icefields Parkway as one of the world’s most spectacular driving tours. Fortunately for those of us living in […] Read more
Make ahead pizza dough versatile for lunch, appetizers
Every cook needs a good pizza dough recipe and it’s a bonus if it makes a big batch. The long fermentation of this dough is the reason no kneading is required. The gluten becomes fully hydrated and strong over the 12 to 18 hours that it rests. The longer fermentation also develops a rich flavour […] Read more
Fear of others and ‘making strange’ won’t last
Q: I am embarrassed. My favourite aunt came to my house last week to spend time with my daughter and me. My aunt was with us shortly after my daughter was born about five months ago and I loved watching her with my little girl. She has so much love to give but this time […] Read more
Food prices increasing in rural Sask.
Rural Saskatchewan families paid an average of $246.65 per week on food last year, according to a survey by the Dietitians of Canada. That number is just slightly higher than the provincial average of $243.64 per week but $40 more than the cost in 2009. Overall, average food costs are up 11.5 percent over the […] Read more
Alta. county declares ag state of disaster over harvest woes
Brazeau County in Alberta’s Drayton Valley region southwest of Edmonton has declared an agriculture state of disaster because of weather that has hindered harvest. The county said today that council voted unanimously yesterday to make the declaration, noting excessive rain has essentially halted harvest in the region. “These extremely wet conditions over the past few […] Read more
#Harvest16 photo contest
The Western Producer holds a spring and a fall photo contest each year and our fall contest, #Harvest16, has come to a close. WP editors chose their favourite 20 images, and then randomly drew the winner. Kim MacDonald Cameron was drawn, and she is the winner of a $1000 gift certificate from Don’s Photo. Here […] Read more
FCC offers flexible terms due to harvest
Farm Credit Canada says it will offer flexible financing to some prairie farmers who are facing cash flow issues as a result of this year’s weather-delayed harvest. In an Oct. 31 new release, FCC said it work with farm customers to find solutions to financial issues. Those solutions could include deferred principal payments and amendments […] Read more
