REGINA — A federal environmental strategy for the agriculture sector should be viewed through an economic lens, says a report from consultations on the proposed Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. It should reflect regional differences, recognize early adopters and improve data and measurement. The “what we heard” report was posted to Agriculture Canada’s website during the holiday […] Read more
News
Farmers frustrated with equipment manufacturer
Multiple producers lodge complaints against Leon’s Manufacturing; company blames problems on supply chain issues
REGINA — Yorkton-based equipment manufacturer Leon’s Manufacturing has been the subject of multiple complaints about its sales and delivery practices over the past five years. The company’s name quickly pops up in posts by disgruntled customers in an online search with the Better Business Bureau website and farmers’ forums. Yet Leon’s continues to attract more […] Read more
Feeding problems worsen impact of cold weather
MEDICINE HAT — Poor grazing conditions last summer due to drought may make cattle especially prone to this winter’s extreme cold conditions, according to a Medicine Hat veterinarian specializing in livestock. Temperatures across Alberta dipped below -30 C in mid-January following a season of poor growing conditions across the southeastern rangeland portion of the province […] Read more
Livestock drought assistance expanded in Alta.
Drought assistance for livestock producers is being expanded in Alberta. The federal and provincial governments have announced that applications are opening up for an additional 23 municipalities. In addition to the expansion of eligible regions, the deadline for applying for funds under the Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance program has been extended to Feb. 22. The […] Read more
Prairie water users watch mountain snowpack
Alberta officials say the region’s moisture shortage remains dire but stress the situation could easily turn itself around
MEDICINE HAT — The best greeting for farmers attending last week’s Irrigation Production Conference was the dump of snow outside the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge. Inside, the need for that type of precipitation was laid bare in order to avoid a water shortage this year. The numbers tell the tale as to […] Read more
Project to help water users improve watershed planning
MEDICINE HAT — The organization that represents Alberta’s irrigation districts is spearheading a project that will better allow stakeholders in the South Saskatchewan River Basin to improve watershed planning. The project will use the South Saskatchewan River Operational Model (SSROM) to determine how to best develop infrastructure to benefit Albertans, said Margo Jarvis Redelback, executive […] Read more
Iowa farmers want Trump, despite talk of more trade wars
Many U.S. producers remember the record farm payments they received during the former president’s administration
DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) — Republican farmers in Iowa say they want Donald Trump as their U.S. president, buoyed by the historic sums of money his administration handed out to farms and despite his talk of trade wars that could tank already stifled U.S. agricultural exports. Farmers are a politically powerful voting bloc whom Trump […] Read more
Price peaks require smart livestock marketing
Rick Wright of Cattle Consulting doesn’t see any signs that the cattle price gravy train will be slowing any time soon. “There’s more than just optimism out there. The fundamentals support a pretty good market moving forward,” he said. “Will it be better than 2023? Maybe not, but I think it will be every bit […] Read more
Funding to help reduce large carnivore conflicts
Grizzly bears in particular have expanded their range further east from the Rocky Mountains during the past few years
CALGARY — A program that helps producers minimize conflicts with large carnivores such as grizzly bears, wolves and cougars in a key part of southwestern Alberta will receive $700,000 over five years from the provincial government. Grizzly bears in particular have increasingly been expanding their range further east from the Rocky Mountains during the past […] Read more
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers must pay off
ST JEAN BAPTISTE, Man. — Enhanced efficiency fertilizers work. They might even be able to pay for themselves. But right now the bottom line impact is too unclear for a lot of farmers to embrace them, acknowledged University of Manitoba soil scientist Mario Tenuta during a discussion at St Jean Farm Days earlier this month. […] Read more
