Issues & Insights

University of Alberta by Bev Betkowski Online classes during COVID-19 can feel a bit distant. But add in 48 farmers and a real-time calf birth, and things perk up considerably.  That vivid minute-by-minute experience of watching a Black Angus cow give birth was a matter of lucky timing as Jesse Emery gave University of Alberta…

Applications for the 2021 program year will be accepted until 6:00 p.m. EST April 21, 2021 or until funding has been fully committed or until otherwise announced by the program. The 2021 program year begins on January 1, 2021 and will provide funding for workers who arrive in Canada on or after January 1, 2021 and up to April 21,…

The Globe and Mail by Carrie Tait Alberta intends to offer vaccines to about 2,000 meat-packing employees at their worksite this month as part of an effort to target citizens most at risk of contracting the coronavirus and who might otherwise struggle to access or accept shots. A mass vaccination clinic for employees at Cargill…

The NFAHW Council has put together an informative March newsletter with information on Animal Health Canada’s 2021 priorities, the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System, and updates from the Animal Health Emergency Management Project and Canadian Livestock Transport. Read the newsletter

The Western Producer by Robert Arnason About three million Canadians lost their jobs last spring as COVID-19 forced thousands of businesses to shut their doors or lay off staff. Many farmers needed employees last spring and summer, but few Canadians applied for farm jobs, despite record levels of unemployment across the country. A survey of…

Alberta Open Farms Days is scheduled to take place August 14-15, 2021, and organizers are looking for farms and ranches interested in hosting visitors. Open Farm Days is a province-wide open house that showcases Alberta agriculture by welcoming neighbours of all ages to participate in engaging and meaningful weekend events. Host registration is open if…

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has been working with the Alberta Health Operations Centre to confirm that Temporary Foreign Workers arriving through the Calgary International Airport with Alberta work permits will now receive a requisition to complete their day 10 test at a participating Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy. This change is only applicable to Temporary Foreign…

The Government of Alberta has released details on the public consultation to inform the development of a modern coal policy. An initial survey to help inform next steps is available online for Albertans to share their thoughts until April 19.  An independent committee has been appointed to develop and lead the public engagement process. Ron Wallace will…

The Western Canadian Animal Health Network (WeCAHN) recently held the third quarterly meeting of the beef network discussing animal health events and data from the beef sector during the period October-December 2020. Highlights included an update on the investigation into the Anaplasmosis outbreak in Manitoba last fall, as well as recent Bovine Leucosis Virus testing….

Ducks Unlimited Canada, McDonald’s Canada and Cargill support expansion of Canadian grazing land and forages to help combat impacts of climate change and protect wildlife. Beef farmers and ranchers play an important role in providing quality food, but few people know they also play an essential role in protecting Canada’s land, water and wildlife. With…