Issues & Insights

By Glenn Cheater, Alberta Farmer Express After growing its acres by 20 per cent last year, ALUS has lined up two big sponsors for a new initiative called Grazing Forward that will fund stewardship projects on 6,000 acres of Prairie ranchland. “A&W Canada and Cargill will together provide $1.8 million to support ranchers in Alberta,…

On Thursday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the early designation of the Livestock Tax Deferral provision for prescribed drought regions, as well as federal support to Prairie provinces for immediate bilateral adjustments to AgriInsurance program to make drought-damaged crops available for feed. “Our Government is working closely with our provincial partners…

With the historic heat wave hovering over Alberta in past weeks many of us have been longing for rain to cool things off and revive crops. But heavy rains can increase the risk of a manure release. A release of manure from a confined feeding operation (CFO) is a serious issue that needs to be…

By Ian Cook, Grassland Conservation Manager, Birds Canada The Prairies, with their rich biodiversity, are one of the most important ecosystems for birds in North America. This article is the second installment in a three-part series exploring the connections between the Canadian Prairies, prairie producers, and birds.  Prairie plants and animals evolved alongside free-roaming bison…

Inspiring Youth, Building Community and Next Generation in Agriculture For many past generations of youth who grew up in rural Alberta, farm and ranch chores were part of the daily morning and evening routine before and after school. For a growing number of rural schools today, students are now doing chores when they get to school. At Altario, a…

Some American ranchers are ‘making a lot of noise’ but odds of a return to COOL law seem slim By Jennifer Blair, Alberta Farmer Express Mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL) is gone, but there’s a new effort by American beef producers wanting to bring it back. “It’s still hugely on our radar,” said Alberta Beef Producers…

By Anne Wasko, National Newswatch  You have heard it on the news, seen it in the headlines and clicked it on social media: we should reduce meat consumption to decrease our individual carbon footprint and protect the environment. Recently, restaurants and food websites have removed beef from their menus and recipes in claims to be doing…

“Having a 1,000-head cattle ranch as part of our facility at the University has been a game changer, providing students with a connection to the land and the cattle and making the University of Calgary’s already exceptional Faculty of Veterinary Medicine become one of the most sought-after programs on the continent.” Dr. Ed Pajor,  Professor of Animal…

In an effort to encourage Albertans to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, the Alberta Government is holding an Open for Summer Lottery, with three draws for $1 million, travel prizes from Air Canada and WestJet, and now Calgary Stampede admissions. “Offering Albertans the chance to win admission to one of the province’s iconic events shows we…

From health to the environment, we’ve all heard arguments for and against cutting meat consumption. This week, we’re reading a few articles that relate to the push to eat more plant protein, and less meat. Why Global Prosperity Does Not Require Eating Less Meat by Dr. Kees Blokland – Founder & Managing Director of Agriterra Whether…