New research manager for Alta. wheat commission
The Alberta Wheat Commission has hired a research manager to help establish and implement wheat research in the province.
Lauren Comin will be responsible for helping the commission implement its strategic direction for wheat research and then work with the commission’s research and extension partners to monitor and report on projects that will help Alberta wheat producers improve their bottom line.
“I think this is an excellent time for farmers to support scientific research so that scientific research can support farmers,” Comin said in a news release.
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General manager Rick Istead said the commission is building a team that will help the organization focus its vision and strategic priorities.
Comin completed her PhD in bioresource and food engineering in 2011 at the University of Alberta.
“Lauren’s skills, knowledge and enthusiastic attitude will serve us well as we look to invest in innovative research projects that will bring new technologies and best management practices to Alberta’s wheat produces,” said Istead.
Alberta farmers grow more than 6.6 million acres of wheat a year.
New interim president for trade alliance
The Alberta Barley Commission recently named general manager Lisa Skierka to the position of interim president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance.
Skierka fills the vacancy left by departing CAFTA president Richard Phillips. Phillips was recently appointed president of the Canada Grains Council.
ABC chair Matt Sawyer said Skierka’s presidency is a major boost to the agri-food industry.
CAFTA comprises national and regional organizations that support increased open and fair international trade for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.
New Dairy Commission chair
Randy Williamson has recently been reappointed chair of the Canadian Dairy Commission.
The chair is responsible for leading the CDC’s three-member board of directors, which also comprises the commissioner and chief executive officer. The position is the commission’s primary liaison to the federal agriculture minister.
The CDC is a crown corporation established in 1966 to co-ordinate federal and provincial dairy policies and create a control mechanism for stabilizing milk production and revenues.
Williamson’s reappointment is effective Aug. 1 and lasts for two years.
Test ticks for Lyme disease
Albertans who find ticks this summer are encouraged to submit them for testing for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease in humans. Since 2007, the province has tested ticks found on farm animals and pets to determine if they carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
The program is being expanded to test ticks found on humans and in the environment.
Anyone who finds a tick on themselves or in the environment is asked to call the closest participating Alberta Health Services office. Staff will provide instruction for submitting a tick to one of the offices.
Once testing is complete, Alberta Health Services will contact individuals to discuss the results.
Veterinarians are also asked to continue to submit ticks found on farm animals or pets to Alberta Agriculture, as in previous years.
This program is not intended to diagnose Lyme disease in an individual. Those questions should be addressed with your physician.
For more information, visit www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/lyme-disease.html.
Alta. seeks to expand exports
Alberta agriculture minister Verlyn Olson recently visited Kazakhstan on a trade mission to boost the province’s potential for trade exports there.
Olson joined federal and industry representatives May 16-26 to develop trade opportunities and explore how Alberta can help the emerging market expand its agricultural economy.
The trip follows up on a 2012 mission that generated an estimated $25 million in economic spinoffs for Alberta companies, according to the Alberta government.
Gordon Stephenson, general manager of the Canadian Hereford Association, participated in the mission.
“There is tremendous economic potential for our cattle and livestock genetic industry in Kazakhstan,” said Stephenson in a news release.
