RJ Sigurdson

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has increased the low yield allowance threshold for the 2025 crop year. This change means that when appraised crop yields fall below a set level, the appraisal can be reduced to zero. Thea djustment allows producers to use crops with low yield potential for livestock feed instead of harvesting them…

Alberta is marking the 75th anniversary of its Rat Control Program, a long-standing initiative aimed at preventing the establishment of rat populations in the province. The program, which began in 1950, was designed to address the risks associated with rats, including property damage and the potential spread of disease. Alberta remains one of the few…

The Alberta government has announced a one-time grant of $3.2 million to twelve applied research associations. This funding aims to upgrade essential equipment, facilities, and infrastructure, enhancing the province’s agricultural research and competitiveness. The grant will enable applied research associations to extend the life of their facilities, address health and safety issues, and improve the…

Starting with Budget 2025, the Alberta government is allocating $9.5 million over three years to the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). This funding will support the operation of a comprehensive veterinary diagnostic laboratory. UCVM’s diagnostic services provide local veterinarians with accurate diagnoses at competitive prices, aiding in treatment decisions that enhance animal…

Agricultural societies play a key role in Alberta’s rural communities by organizing events and improving the quality of life for residents. Alberta has the highest number of agricultural societies in Canada, with 292 organizations. The Alberta government has announced a one-time funding boost of over $7.4 million to help regional agricultural societies manage rising costs…

The Government of Alberta has a new campaign, titled ‘Buy Local,’ encouraging consumers to support the province’s agriculture and food industry by choosing local products. The campaign aims to encourage people to buy from Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, and food processors who provide safe and nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians, and the world. Minister of Alberta…

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) has announced an investment of over $7.5 million in research grants as part of the Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC). This funding aims to deliver impactful results for Alberta’s producers. The AFC, consisting of 18 agricultural organizations, coordinates funding to support sustainability, diversification, and growth in Western Canada’s agriculture and agri-food…

Alberta’s agri-food industry thrives on exports, with the United States being the most crucial trade partner for both Alberta and Canada. In 2024, Alberta’s agricultural exports to the U.S. totaled $9.3 billion, reflecting a 4.3 per cent increase from the previous year. To emphasize the mutual benefits of cross-border agricultural trade, Minister of Alberta Agriculture…

PIP Lethbridge Inc., an ag-tech company specializing in yellow pea processing, received a $215,000 Sustainable CAP grant from RDAR in 2024. This funding supports the development of an advanced extraction method that maintains protein quality while removing the bitter taste and undesirable textures often found in plant proteins. In the next phase, PIP plans to…

Alberta’s government has introduced new legislation aimed at expanding and diversifying the agriculture sector while fostering the growth of the biogas industry. The proposed updates to the Bill 44: Agricultural Operation Practices Act are designed to reduce waste, enable farmers to use organic materials as fertilizer supplements, and attract investment that creates jobs. The act…