Alberta farmers can continue to recycle their grain bags and twine thanks to a recent extension of the successful Alberta Ag Plastic. Recycle It! pilot program. Cleanfarms, the non-profit organization operating the program, is excited to announce that it will continue until the end of 2025. This marks the second extension of the program, which launched in October…
Alberta’s government has announced an investment of $19 million to revitalize the province’s irrigation infrastructure. The $19-million boost is a part of Budget 2024 and represents an increase of $5.5 million from the previous year. Producers and irrigation leaders have already identified priority areas for utilizing these funds effectively. Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation,…
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and Starbucks Canada (Starbucks) have launched a new collaborative effort to help advance sustainability in the dairy sector. Starbucks has committed $500,000 to support sustainability-focused projects in dairy over the course of this year, rewarding the continued efforts to Canadian dairy farmers on their path to net zero. The partnership…
In the wake of 2023’s unprecedented wildfires, Alberta’s government is investing in improved wildfire preparedness. Central to this investment is the allocation of funds for two additional airtanker groups and two new helicopters equipped with night-vision technology. “I am encouraged by the increased interest in both the FireSmart and Fireguard Programs this year,” says Todd…
There is alignment between farmland rental rates and the appreciating value of farmland across Canada according to a new analysis from Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The farmland rental rate analysis presents the rent-to-price ratio for cultivated farmland in Canada. The ratio uses insights from data sets on cash rental rates and the Farmland Values Report. A…
Over the past five years, the Archbold-Alltech Alliance has created a model for estimating the carbon footprint of Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch in Florida. The results show that on average, Buck Island Ranch sequesters more carbon each year than it emits, making it a net-carbon sink. This research shows that grazing ruminant animals on land…
The Alberta government has announced an investment of $50 million over the next three years to the province’s Water Management Program. The move aims to enhance Alberta’s water management infrastructure, which is vital for irrigation, municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational use, as well as for fish and wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and erosion protection. A…
Alberta Open Farm Days registration is now open. The annual event, which celebrates Alberta’s vibrant agricultural industry, invites producers to open their gates to the public. It’s a unique opportunity for agricultural enthusiasts to connect with local producers, learn about sustainable farming practices, and experience the rural way of life. The event fosters a deeper…
A new $500,000 grant to the University of Lethbridge will help explore water storage in lakes, restoring habitat for the endangered sage-grouse, and other key environment issues impacting Southern Alberta and other regions of the province. This collaborative research will help government and university researchers better understand and respond to droughts, species at risk, and…
Alberta’s government introduced the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit in spring 2023 to support economic growth and diversification. While the tax credit is attracting large-scale investment in value-added manufacturing, Alberta is set to house Canada’s largest renewable diesel facility. Imperial is announcing a $720-million project, with production set to begin in 2025. Imperial’s new facility will…
The Government of Canada unveiled Budget 2024 this week. The budget recognizes Livestock Tax Deferral, the importance of interoperability, the potential for AI, capital gains exemptions, and the Advance Payment Program (APP). Below are some of the ways that Budget 2024 impacts agriculture. Livestock Tax Deferral What is it? The Livestock Tax Deferral is an instrument…
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) has undergone some significant changes in its water program. The Sustainable CAP Water Program supports primary producers in securing, protecting, and managing sustainable water sources. Whether through new or expanded dugouts, farmers can enhance water security at the farm level. Changes to the grant were brought forward from…