Two finalists from the 4-H Canada Science Fair — Mark Norregaard of Balzac, AB, and Nia Smith from Brandon, MB — have earned their way to the prestigious 2024 Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). Following an initial virtual round in January 2024, the second round of the 4-H Canada Science Fair was hosted by Olds College…
The Alberta SPCA, in collaboration with the former Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce plans for the future of the AFAC ALERT Line. With the dissolution of AFAC underway, effective March 21, 2024 calls to the ALERT Line will be answered by the Alberta SPCA. “We are pleased to…
The average value of Canadian farmland continued its steady climb in 2023, increasing by 11.5 per cent, slightly less than the 12.8 per cent increase reported in 2022, according to the latest FCC Farmland Values Report. The highest average provincial increases in farmland values were observed in Saskatchewan, Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario, with double-digit average increases…
The United States Department of Agriculture (UDSA) has officially changed its voluntary “Product of the USA” labeling regulations, as of March 11, 2024. The rule states that to qualify for the label meat must be derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the U.S. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) says they are disappointed…
Clinics that help B.C. farmers and ranchers care for their animals will have extra sets of skilled hands in their offices through a new program that covers summer placement costs for both veterinary and veterinary technologist students. The $300,000 pilot program offers up to $6,000 per placement to help with wages and travel costs, and…
The Government of Canada has announced funding of up to $1,697,850 to Animal Health Canada to support their role in foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts in Canada, including for African swine fever (ASF) and Food and Mouth Disease (FMD). Animal Health Canada brings together the agriculture industry, and federal, provincial, and territorial partners…
Valuable wheat research across the country will receive crucial funding through the newly announced Canadian National Wheat Cluster, worth more than $20 million over five years. Administered by the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC), the Wheat Cluster will fund research projects that advance wheat genetics, agronomy and sustainability for the benefit of Canadian farmers. Jake…
Through Alberta’s Broadband Strategy, the Alberta government is investing $390 million over five years in rural broadband service so Albertans can stay connected, improve digital literacy, support their livelihoods and improve access to education, health care, and the global marketplace. The initiative builds upon an existing agreement between the two levels of government. Back on…
Both livestock and crop receipts experienced an increase from January to December 2023, according to Statistics Canada (StatsCan). Livestock receipts experienced a 9.8 per cent increase in 2023, reaching $37.3 billion, while total crop receipts saw a 2.0 per cent increase, reaching $54.9 billion compared to the previous year. The cattle industry accounted for over…
Recent research examining worker shortages throughout Canada’s agricultural industry is projecting that the fruit and vegetable industry will bear the brunt of the domestic labour gap and could be required to fill more than 35,000 jobs during its peak season by 2030. This funding, published in the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council’s (CAHRC) latest labour…
Pending the passing of Budget 2024, $125 million is set to be invested over the next five years for Alberta’s new Drought and Flood Protection Program. This program is designed to help vulnerable municipalities and Indigenous communities across the province develop the long-term infrastructure needed to improve their drought and flood resilience and adapt to…
Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC) was started in 1993 by Alberta livestock producers. Throughout the past 30 years, AFAC has developed into the collective voice of the livestock industry on matters of livestock welfare and provided an opportunity for the industry to work together to advance and promote responsible livestock care. AFAC’s vision was…