Issues & Insights

AFSC is adjusting the low yield allowance for 2023 to encourage farmers to put more poor-quality crops towards livestock feed.  For 2023, AFSC is doubling the low yield threshold to allow for additional cereal or pulse crops to be salvaged for livestock feed. For example, the barley crop threshold will be increased from 150 to…

The University of Alberta is partnering with AgKnow, the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network, to conduct a study on the health and well-being of Alberta farmers and ranchers. Farmers, ranchers, and anyone who lives or works on a farm can participate in this online survey, which will cover what they find stressful about their work,…

The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) recognizes that due to the current very dry conditions and poor grass pastures, summer feeding of cow-calf herds may be required. Under normal conditions, cow-calf confined feeding during the grazing period may be considered a confined feeding operation that requires a permit. However, due to the extenuating circumstances, the…

By the Beef Cattle Research Council This summer producers across the country are experiencing extreme dry conditions, drought and wildfires. While the elements themselves cannot be managed, there are six decisions that can be made on-farm to reduce the impact of dry conditions. Read More ‘What We’re Reading‘ is a quick look at some of…

If you’ve been impacted by Alberta’s recent wildfires, you may be wondering how to help your pastures recover. While there is more research on pasture recovery after a late season fire, there are still some guidelines to consider in light of early season fires. Grasslands evolved with fire, and in most cases their roots won’t…

The Province of Alberta has released emergency grazing options to support producers who have evacuated their livestock due to the ongoing wildfires. The guidelines from the provincial government are as follows: Under the provincial state of emergency, grazing disposition holders with grazing capacity can accept livestock from other producers subject to the following conditions: The…

For several years, Prairie farmers have been keenly participating in Cleanfarms’ seed, pesticide, and inoculant (SPI) bag recycling pilot project in search of more environmentally friendly alternatives for managing these items once empty. Starting in 2023, Cleanfarms is pleased to announce that SPI bag recycling is launching across the prairies as a full-time permanent program…

By Tonya Lwiwski, Riparian Specialist at Cows and Fish Springtime. Returning birdsong marks the morning hours, the lengthening daylight and the melting snow are all welcome signs of the end of winter. While this season of rejuvenation makes us want to get outside, spring is also a sensitive time for riparian areas. Before turning those…

Ranchers are receiving recognition for their role in managing Alberta’s Crown rangelands with the creation of a new grazing framework. The Rangeland Grazing Framework, announced Wednesday, outlines the standards for sustainable use and management of Alberta’s Crown rangelands, highlighting the contributions of grazing disposition holders in the stewardship of these public lands. “The framework recognizes…

Many beef and dairy producers in Alberta protect livestock feed by covering it with special plastic film widely used in agriculture today. Whether it’s silage bags or tubes, large tarps that cover the top of the silage piles, or plastic stretch film used to wrap hay bales, once the plastic is removed and no longer…