There are still a few big “ifs” to be sorted out, but an Alberta Peace River region farmer is talking about plans to establish a biodiesel plant in northern Alberta to process nonfood grade canola and pennygrass into fuel. Published reports say High Prairie farmer Stan Peacock is working with a U.S.-based company to build […] Read more
Biodiesel Plant Considered In The Peace
Lessons Of The 2010 Season
hether growing conditions were too wet or too dry, the 2010 season taught Prairie farmers some valuable lessons about crop production and management, according to farmers contacted for the December Farmer Panel. Their advice? Follow proper seeding practices, pay attention to varieties, try to be as timely as possible in the use of crop protection […] Read more
The Phenomenon Of “Shacking Up”
What is it about guys and shacking up? I’m not talking about co-habitating with some bikini-clad kitten who thinks you’re a god (boy, if I had a nickel for every time that happened, gosh, I’d have about three cents). No, I’m talking about the phenomenon of the male species, at various stages of life, who […] Read more
Ear Tag Silence Is Not Golden
George Svederus of Eureka River, Alta., is frustrated with the ear tag business. He’s not impressed with how well the RFID tags approved by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) stay in the ears of cattle. And then when he calls the offices of people who should be concerned about these matters, no one will […] Read more
Assessing And Maintaing Hoof Health
Lameness takes a huge economic toll on the dairy industry. An ongoing research project, spearheaded by Alberta dairy producers and processors, is looking to find out what causes lameness in dairy cattle and then come up with management recommendations on how to reduce the instances of lameness. The Alberta Dairy Hoof Health Project, ( www.hoofhealth.ca) […] Read more
Saskatchewan and Ontario couples named Canada’s outstanding farmers
A grain farming couple from Saskatchewan and market gardeners from Ontario were named Canada’s newest Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF), Friday, at a national awards ceremony held at the elegant Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. Ryan and Lauren Maurer, who crop 11,300 acres with their family at Grenfell, Saskatchewan, and Steve and Lisa Cooper, who along […] Read more
Moses needed on the crop nutrition front
I am not sure whether to feel sorry for farmers or give them credit. It is impossible for producers to go anywhere – to a conference, trade show, field day, wherever – without some very knowledgeable and trustworthy person telling them “this is the product to buy that will give you that little extra ummph […] Read more
Events not to miss
Whether you are a crop or livestock producer there are important events coming up over the next three weeks, you should plan to attend. SACA – MEDICINE HAT, AB The Southern Alberta Conservation Association is holding a two day conference Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2010 at the Medicine Hat Exhibition Centre in Medicine Hat. […] Read more
Make your plans for China trip
If you’ve every wanted to go to China, but were afraid of driving there, a long time Southern Alberta ag consultant is organizing his 10th travel excursion to The Far East this coming March. The China Venture Tour 2011 is being organized for March 11 to 28 (almost three weeks) by John Calpas of […] Read more
Don’t be an ATV wimp
This looks like a great modification for anyone using an ATV, whether it is for checking cows or roaming the bush looking for elk or deer – a set of quad tracks for the four-wheeler. I haven’t done a lot of ATV riding, but I know they are great little machines, with some limitations. If […] Read more