Canada has bounced back from the COVID-related downturn quicker than what is normally seen after a recession
Canada has rebounded from an historic but short-lived COVID recession, says a banker. Canada’s gross domestic product plunged 18 percent in April from its peak in February, making it the worst recession in modern history, said Patrick Lemelin, vice-president of agriculture at National Bank. During a typical recession, gross domestic product may fall in the […] Read moreNews
When retired farmers leave the farm
A couple rented a house in a nearby community while looking for an acreage but discovered that they like living in town
CAMROSE, Alta. — It has been four months since Don and Marie Ruzicka moved off their Killam, Alta., farm to retire in nearby Camrose and there have been no regrets. What eased the transition was finding the right buyer for their organic farm and being mentally ready to make the transition from farming to retired. […] Read more
Women also retire when couples quit the farm
Some women find more time for canasta, sewing and painting, while others tackle new projects such as canning potatoes
CAMROSE, Alta. — It’s been more than a year since Virginia Liebl moved from the farm into Camrose and the transition has been smooth. “For me, I haven’t had trouble finding new things to do,” said Liebl. On the farm, Liebl spent hours in her large flower and vegetable garden, as well as doing daily […] Read more
Retired producers find more time for physical activity
CAMROSE, Alta. — Lorne Enright doesn’t know if his son believes him, but sometimes he cancels a pickleball game to help out on the farm. If his body would allow, Enright said he would play pickleball every day. Instead, the retired farmer plays pickleball three times a week, golfs in the summer and walks on […] Read more
Retired farmer enjoys helping out at harvest
Producers say it makes sense for them to hire ex-farmers at harvest because of their experience: ‘they just figure it out’
FAIRVIEW, Alta. — It’s been 14 years since Nigel Cleland sold his farm, but each fall he takes time away from his trucking company to help out other farmers harvest. “It still connects you back to the farm. I enjoy being part of a team and the camaraderie it brings,” said Cleland of Fairview. For […] Read more
Fungicides, fertilizer did not aid hail recovery
Products applied in Alberta within three days of a simulated hail event had no consistent effect on wheat, peas or beans
Fungicides and nutrient blend applications did not improve the recovery of wheat, field pea or dry bean crops damaged by hail, according to one research study. Gurbir Dhillon, a researcher with the Farming Smarter applied research group, said various products applied within three days of a simulated hail event had no consistent effect on any […] Read more
Mating season – photo essay
Photo essay | Freelance photographer Mike Sturk spent time last month with a flock of bighorn sheep in the Sheep Sanctuary near Turner Valley, Alta. The rut or mating season takes place during November and December. | Mike Sturk photos
Freelance photographer Mike Sturk spent time last month with a flock of bighorn sheep in the Sheep Sanctuary near Turner Valley, Alta. The rut or mating season takes place during November and December. | Mike Sturk photos
Young brothers battle midnight hockey fever
Winter cold and late night darkness weren’t going to stop two farm boys as they played Canada’s game on a frozen pond
It was around midnight and I felt a shake on my shoulders while I was deep in sleep and among my blankets. It was a December evening in 1975. In the darkness and in my sleeping stupor, I could barely discern the figure of somebody slightly smaller than I, but who looked similar — my […] Read more
Indian farmers receive support
Canadian politicians have expressed support for farmers in India, who are protesting three new farm laws recently enacted there. India said it plans to register a formal complaint against comments by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in support of Indian farmers, warning “such actions will have seriously damaging impact on ties.” Meanwhile, protesters rallied across the […] Read more
Indian farmers promise to step up protests
Producers fear reforms would give private businesses too much control and have rejected government changes to law
New Delhi, India (Reuters) — India’s farmers rejected a government proposal last week to amend three controversial laws and said they would step up protests seeking withdrawal of these laws, which they said would harm their economic interests while helping big food retailers. Farmers have been demonstrating since late last month over reforms enacted in […] Read more
