Website helps improve ag efficiency
Finding the information needed to guide an agricultural business through business management is easier with recent website updates.
Alberta farmers and processors can get tips and tools from the Productivity Improvement Initiative’s website.
It now includes tools, other resources, case studies, profiles, opportunities and events that relate to productivity.
The reworked site includes videos and profiles that provide viewers and readers with examples of how Alberta producers and food processors used lean principles to improve operational efficiency and productivity.
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One of the site’s tools is The Lean Journey interactive learning resource.
Ten modules each focus on a different aspect of a continuous improvement program based on lean manufacturing principles and tools. It was developed specifically with the needs of the Alberta food processor in mind.
Another resource is Energizing Productivity for Agribusiness, a series of tools and tip sheets to introduce lean and green principles into an operation.
Lean business management is a culture shift in organizations that results in a sustainable approach using less time, energy, space to accomplish more.
It includes organizing workplaces and work areas, reducing the time spent searching for equipment, reducing clutter, increasing product flow and efficiency and providing a safer work environment.
Photo contest celebrates Alberta
The Agriculture and Food Council of Alberta is looking for photographs that celebrate agriculture in the province.
Entries for the Celebrate Agricul-ture in Alberta contest will be accepted between Aug. 15 and Oct. 15.
People who Like AFC on Facebook are eligible to vote for their favourite images between Oct. 16 and Nov. 15.
The winner in each of five categories will be determined by the number of votes it receives on Facebook. The first place winner in each category will receive $100. The winning photographs and other selected entries will be featured in future Agriculture and Food Council publications, including the 2012-13 annual report.
The categories are:
- Farming today: Depictions of modern farming, machinery and infrastructure in Alberta
- Animals: Portraits of livestock, poultry and other farm animals in Alberta
- Western lifestyle: Depictions of rural living in Alberta
- People in agriculture: Portraits of people in an agricultural setting in Alberta. These are images that do not fit in categories 1, 3 or 5
- Processing and preparation: Images of food manufacturing, processing or preparation, machinery and infrastructure in Alberta
For more information, visit www.agfoodcouncil.com/photo-contest.
Extending the grazing season field day
The Peace Country Beef and Forage Association is hosting the Extending the Grazing Season Field Day Aug. 31 to show how corn, tillage radish, turnip, millet and sorghum can be included in a grazing rotation.
Special guests are Leo Lutz of Alpine Plant Foods and Bill Lemontre of Pickseed.
The field day starts at 10:30 a.m. at the L’Heureux Farm at Joussard and continues in the afternoon at the Gaschnitz Farm near High Prairie.
The cost is $25 for members ($30 non-member) or $40 for a farm pair ($45 non-member pair). Lunch is included.
For more information, call Karlah at 780-523-4033.
