Tap strengths to revitalize community

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — If you live in a small community that has seen its share of change in recent decades and is wondering about its future, don’t fret, plan. Finding ways to invigorate communities and make them prosper was explored at a regional development conference in St. John’s, N.L., Oct. 13-16. Embracing local culture, […] Read more

Harvest canola despite green seed, says agronomist

Growers waiting for green seed counts to drop before harvesting canola should rethink that approach, says the Canola Council of Canada. The only way that will happen is if rain and humidity lift canola moisture back above 20 percent. But if moisture levels get that high there is a good chance the crop would not […] Read more

Webinars on sustainability

Alberta Agriculture will be offering two free webinars in the coming months that introduce lean and green principles for primary producers, supply chains and producer organizations. They are designed to provide a clear understanding of lean principles and green sustainability and how those principles and processes can be applied in primary agriculture operations. The first […] Read more


Healthy food to satisfy witches and goblins

Fall into the magic. I had not thought about this time of year as magical, but as I thought about it, it truly is. Have you ever worked hard on a warm autumn day to rake a pile of leaves, only to have the kids come and jump in it? The season is also magical […] Read more

Customer opinion mixed on CWB change

Canadian wheat buyers are expressing feelings that range from neglect and confusion to relief and anticipation in the wake of legislation intended to pave the way for an open market for wheat and barley. Some say they have been left in the dark throughout the process. “This has all been about farmers. I don’t think […] Read more


Elm pruning ban lifted

The annual Dutch elm pruning ban is now over for 2011 in Alberta. It is in effect during the time of year when elm bark beetles are potentially most active. Pruning elm trees is prohibited throughout Alberta from April 1 to Sept. 30 to reduce the risk of the disease. Fresh cuts from pruning may […] Read more

Bringing food production closer to urban residents

A big disconnect between city dwellers and agricultural producers could be resolved with urban agriculture, said a member of the Toronto Food Policy Council. June Komisar, an architect and professor in architectural science, explores how municipalities can find new ways for residents to create fresh, local food in the book,Carrot City: Creating Places for Urban […] Read more

Canfax Report – for Oct. 27, 2011

FED PRICE RALLIES The Canfax weighted weekly average fed steer price was $110.15 per hundredweight, up $1.21, and heifers were $110.37, up $1.81. Tight market-ready volume lifted prices, but the rising loonie limited gains. Large volume packages proved desirable because packers were eager to acquire inventory. Some producers opted to ramp up offerings because of […] Read more


Farmfair next month

Farmfair International will be held Nov. 5-13 in Edmonton. The international livestock industry has come together for more than 35 years to see, show and sell top quality livestock. Farmfair showcases more than 1,000 head of cattle, 800 horses, alpacas and sheep dogs. The week-long event features cattle shows and events, equine sales, competitions, clinics […] Read more

Husband-wife team shares the load

NEW NORWAY, Alta. — The birth of Cathy and Wade Mowat’s second child gave the young couple the pause needed to re-evaluate their farming life. Knowing that rural child care would be an issue, Cathy gave up a 16-year career as a travel agent and joined Wade full time on the farm where she learned […] Read more