RJ Sigurdson

The Alberta government in introducing a One Health Antimicrobial Resistance Framework for Action (AMR Framework). This comprehensive plan aims to tackle AMR through coordinated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications that once effectively treated them. This…

The Alberta government is taking decisive action to enhance food safety by proposing significant amendments to the Meat Inspection Act. The sale of uninspected meat is currently illegal in Alberta, posing serious risks to both human and animal health, and potentially jeopardizing the province’s entire livestock and meat processing industry. Under the proposed Meat Inspection…

In a bid to alleviate the administrative burdens faced by Alberta’s farmers, the Governments of Canada and Alberta have announced significant changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)’s AgriStability program. These changes are set to reduce paperwork and lower costs for producers. Starting in 2025, a new option will allow farmers to align their AgriStability…

In a move to address the growing water demands and potential drought risks in central Alberta, the provincial government has announced a feasibility study for a new reservoir east of Red Deer. The initiative aims to bolster water storage capacity for communities, businesses, and agricultural operations in the region. The proposed reservoir on the Red…

Alberta’s Local Food Week is set to take place from August 14-20, highlighting the contributions of local farmers, ranchers, and food processors. In a statement released on August 12, 2024, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, emphasized the importance of supporting local food producers during this week. “Alberta is known around the world…

RDAR is making a $2.2 million investment into Livestock Gentec, a biotechnology company specializing in livestock genetics. With RDAR’s financial backing, Livestock Gentec aims to accelerate genetic progress within the beef industry. The support will fuel research and development efforts towards more accurate and efficient genetic markers. These markers play a crucial role in identifying…

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,…

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…