Danish organic dairy farmer Lone Anderson speaks during a panel discussion on sustainability and innovation at the North American European Union conference in Charlottetown, P.E.I.  |  NAEU photo

Gov’t policy on ag technology worries producers

Farmers in Europe and Mexico say roadblocks for some forms of agricultural innovation stand in the way of sustainability

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Farmers from countries reluctant to approve new tools such as gene editing say they could use those technologies to meet demand, be profitable and ensure environmental sustainability. Several representatives, including organic farmers, said during a North American European Union farm leaders conference that innovation is critical. The pandemic, war in Ukraine and […] Read more

Agriculture Canada’s Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey includes checkbox questions on the state of flooding, frost, heat stress and severe weather on the farm, as well as sections where farmers can write about the tangible impacts caused by weather events.  |  File photo

Producers asked for input on weather impact

Farmers urged to contribute to Ag Canada’s Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey to provide a more detailed picture

As harvest comes to a close, Agriculture Canada is encouraging farmers to contribute to their Agroclimate Impact Reporter survey. The survey is available on the federal government’s website, where farmers can join a mailing list. The information is expected to be mapped and published on the government’s Drought Watch website. When monitoring weather systems, precipitation […] Read more

Wind projects have attracted opposition in Alberta.  |  Alex McCuaig photo

Alta. sets stage for renewable energy inquiry

Interested parties will be able to attend in-person meetings or make written submissions as part of the review

The Alberta Utilities Commission is announcing details of its public engagement schedule that will form part of an inquiry into renewable power development in the province. The AUC will divide its renewables inquiry into two sections with the initial part examining land impact issues of the energy resource development as well as the role of […] Read more


Despite the small but sharp increase in affected operations, the situation is a far cry from that faced by poultry producers in Alberta and the country last year and early 2023 when more than seven million birds were destroyed because of outbreaks. | Getty Images

Avian flu found on Alta. farms

After going nearly 10 months without any cases of avian influenza outbreaks on commercial poultry operations in Alberta, the province has seen four farms affected since mid-September and one in Maple Creek, Sask. Despite the small but sharp increase in affected operations, the situation is a far cry from that faced by poultry producers in […] Read more

While most southern Alberta reservoirs are starting to fill again, levels at the Oldman Dam reservoir are at 27 percent and continuing to fall as of Oct. 15, with more water continuing to be discharged than is going in from the upper Oldman, Castle and Crowsnest rivers.  |  Barb Glen photo

Reservoirs fill back up in southern Alberta

Improvements in water levels have yet to impact the 41 shortage advisories that have been issued across the province

Reservoirs across southern Alberta are starting to fill again after a year in which irrigation water resources were stressed but managed to get through a growing season dominated by dry conditions and little precipitation. The one major exception is the Oldman Dam reservoir, which continues to see levels drop, albeit at a much slower rate […] Read more


Agriculture Canada decided earlier this year to allow voluntary disclosure for seeds produced using gene editing techniques.  |  File photo

Organic growers renew gene editing demands

Sector cites media reports alleging secret discussions among proponents of voluntary disclosure of gene edited seed

The Canadian organic sector has repeated its call for mandatory disclosure of gene edited seeds, citing a media report suggesting closed-door discussions led to Ottawa’s decision to make disclosure voluntary. Radio-Canada, the French arm of the CBC, reported that a partnership between the government, CropLife Canada and the Canada Grains Council, known as the Tiger […] Read more

Agricultural societies own or operate more than 900 facilities across Alberta, including community halls, ice rinks, grandstands and riding arenas, said agriculture minister RJ Sigurdson. | Screencap via twitter.com/@AlbertaAg

Alberta ag societies receive funding to upgrade facilities

Provincial government commits to spending $2.5 million per year to help agricultural societies maintain infrastructure

A new provincial program that will provide $2.5 million per year to upgrade the facilities of Alberta’s agricultural societies is being welcomed despite the fact their infrastructure totals about $1.4 billion. “These volunteer organizations have been doing the best job they can to ensure that infrastructure has remained as viable as possible,” said Tim Carson, […] Read more

An Alberta farmer combines purposely distressed wood, leather, studs, pieces of barbed-wire and feathers to make works of art such as this leather and wood frame.  |  Angela Look photo

Venture has a western theme

One farmer-artist has learned to combine purposely distressed wood, leather, studs, pieces of barbed-wire and feathers to make works of art. Angela Look of Rose Point Farms, east of Didsbury, Alta., has been working with her husband for 10 years on a line of goods that she has dubbed Classy Western Frames and Home Decor. […] Read more


The smart farm is located at Area X.O, the research and development complex for next-generation smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity. It was established by Invest Ottawa and the City of Ottawa. | Screencap via areaxo.com

FCC works with Ont. smart farm

Farm Credit Canada is expanding its sponsorship of the Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert over the next three years. The smart farm is located at Area X.O, the research and development complex for next-generation smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity. It was established by Invest Ottawa and the City of Ottawa. It is one of […] Read more

It looks like 2023 will be the hottest year on record for the planet. | Getty Images

The planet continues to grow hotter

You may have seen an article or two about how September shattered the record for warmest month, after the warmest August on record. It looks like 2023 will be the hottest year on record for the planet. Let’s dig a bit deeper. I am using data provided by the Copernicus Earth Observation Programme and Copernicus […] Read more