Veterinarians and farmers had not seen swine dysentery for so long that they thought it was gone for good. Newly trained vets are now having to educate themselves about the widespread problem because it didn’t appear while they were in vet college. “This is something that is re-emerging across North America,” Al Theede, chair of […] Read more
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Swine dysentery cases rise
Fertilizer plan excites farmers
Farmers of North America is pleased with the initial grower re-sponse to its proposed $1 billion nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant. The group has conducted 50 town hall meetings across Western Canada that have attracted 1,000 farmers. The idea is to explain the project and raise seed money for the venture. “They’re going really well. It […] Read more
Umbrella for Westman products
The Westman Group is putting several of its brands under one name. In 2013, products made by Behlen Industries, Sakundiak Equipment and Meridian Manufacturing will all be branded Meridian. “This merger will expand our resources and experience, and will present all parties involved with greater team knowledge,” said Glenn Friesen, senior vice-president of Meridian Manufacturing, […] Read more
Corporations, Alberta praised in report
In the midst of its annual report about a lack of action to deal with poverty and growing food bank use, Food Banks Canada offers rare praise this year. In its HungerCount 2012 report and news conference Oct. 30, FBC executive director Katharine Schmidt said corporate Canada is increasing its help for food banks and […] Read more
National food bank use reaches record levels
Rural use increases 12 percent | Food bank use increases 14 percent in Manitoba but falls slightly in Saskatchewan, Alberta
The federal government regularly brags about Canada’s strong economic performance compared to other nations, but the country’s food banks see a different side of the economy. When Food Banks Canada did its annual hunger count in March, member food banks reported that more than 882,000 people were helped that month, which was a record number. […] Read moreLack of communication major cause of conflict
OLDS, Alta. — Many confrontations with energy companies could be avoided if people were told in advance about work that is planned for a community. “We want them to do more than leave a letter or a package on your doorstep,” said Tracey McCrimmon, executive director of the Sundre Petroleum Operators Group. SPOG has been […] Read more
New methods open doors to opportunity, controversy
Hydraulic fracturing | The new technology requires more water and creates more noise, dust and concerns about environmental damage
RED DEER — Unconventional gas wells are becoming the new normal for the North American energy industry. “Given the proper tools and technology, we can unlock resources that we previously believed we could not unlock,” said Don Allen of the Canadian Society of Unconventional Resources (CSUR). Conventional oil and gas reservoirs usually flow easily to […] Read moreUnderground resources create issues above
RED DEER — Western Canada is not only bread basket to the world but also a secure source of oil and gas. But as farms grow larger with heavier and wider equipment, the chances for conflict over damage to the land and energy installations increase, says Humphrey Banack, second vice-president of the Canadian Federation of […] Read more
Conservationists need backyard bird watchers
Program tracks bird numbers | Bird watchers count the number and kinds of birds at feeders and share it with the project
The hobby of feeding birds in the backyard during winter can play a significant role in supporting bird conservation. To that end, Project FeederWatch begins Nov. 10 and runs until April 5. By sharing information about which birds visit feeders during this time, participants can help scientists at Bird Studies Canada and the Cornell Lab […] Read moreTwo-year-old Genesiscrowned male champion
Third win since June | Participation in shows and competitions increases exposure for 70 head alpaca farm at Lloydminster, Sask.
EDMONTON — There’s something in the air tonight for Genesis. That’s TnC Genesis Next Generation, a 21-month old alpaca named after a 1970s musical group. Genesis won supreme champion male at the Alpaca Odyssey Show at Farmfair International in Edmonton Nov. 4. A fleece from Genesis won supreme champion in an international fleece competition at […] Read more
