Issues & Insights

Dr. Renate Weller says veterinarians have important role to play in solving ‘big, global challenges’ By Jennifer Allford, for Faculty of Veterinary Medicine So far this week, Dr. Renate Weller, DVM, PhD, has moved into her new office at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, greeted first-year students at the Foothills campus, met with…

By Alexis Kienlen, Alberta Farmer Express The first drought relief payment of $94 per head should be in the hands of cattle producers soon. Alberta Beef Producers has been working with the provincial crop insurer to get the drought relief money out as quickly as possible, said general manager Brad Dubeau. “We’re continuing to work with Agriculture Financial Services…

By Dr. Silke Nebel, Vice-President – Science and Conservation, Birds Canada Climate change and loss of biodiversity and are two challenges threatening the future of humanity. They are referred as “twin crises” because the factors driving them – and the potential solutions – are tightly linked. Trying to address one without addressing the other may…

By RealAgriculture Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) executive vice president Dennis Laycraft’s recent trip to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) convention in Nashville was a busy week. To start, Laycraft met with new leaders of organizations that frequent the convention, who were really appreciative that CCA made the effort to get down there. On Laycraft’s…

Provinces across the country are announcing further support to livestock producers impacted by drought. Here are some announcements and reactions released this week. Saskatchewan commits over $100 million in drought support to livestock producers By Canadian Cattlemen Staff With drought burning off pastures, drying water sources and raising feed costs, Saskatchewan’s provincial government pledged $119…

By Kara Oosterhuis, RealAgriculture It’s hot and it’s excessively dry. Every year we seem to have this conversation about fire safety at harvest, but I think this year especially, it’s crucial that we are having the discussion. I am no expert at this topic, however, a recent grass fire half a mile from my house…

In response to the extraordinary costs faced by producers through drought and wildfires, the Government of Canada is making available $100 million through the AgriRecovery Framework. “There are a lot of farm families across the West and in parts of Ontario who are making tough decisions in a difficult situation,” said Minister of Agriculture and…

In the last few months, we’ve received quite a few questions, comments and concerns around high beef prices at a retail level. In the last year and a half, we’ve seen major supply disruptions and demand shocks, as food service quickly shifted to retail. But, beyond local changes in demand, there are many factors that…

Farmers and ranchers are being urged to use caution when making hay and feed-related purchases. According to Saskatchewan RCMP and Livestock Services Saskatchewan, several producers in the province have been the victims of fraud in trying to purchase hay. In the cases, advertisements placed on social media and other buy/sell platforms requested immediate payment, even…

The Government of Alberta is dedicating a webpage to up-to-date information on the dry conditions in the province. Farming in dry conditions offers the latest precipitation maps, situation updates, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) crop insurance activity, and quick access to resources for farmers and ranchers managing through the drought. It is also providing information…