As calving draws closer, producers know that, as always, the season is a busy one. A little preparation and some advance management practices can go a long way in ensuring a successful calving season in 2014.
As cereal grains go, barley is a winner when it comes to good nutrition. It is packed with fibre and contains important vitamins and minerals. Not only that – but it’s a delicious addition to so many dishes. This stew is stick-to-your-ribs thick with meat, vegetables and, of course, barley! The BarleyFoods website is a treasure drove of nutrition and health information, and a great source of additional recipes.
Many businesses are turning to social media as a way to promote themselves and their products. There are a number of social media tools, from Google+ to Pinterest, to Twitter and blogging. David West, an internet consultant, says it would be wise for businesses to pick and choose which tools to use. David West is an internet consultant offering a webinar on January 21 on managing social media networks. For more information, contact Cindy Cuthbert at780-538-5287, or go visit the Explore Direct website.
Explore Local is conducting a pair of needs assessments. The first, completed in December, focused on determining what learning opportunities Explore Local should be offering, and how and when they should be offered to meet client needs. Vince Ohama, a business development officer with Explore Local, provides details on the second needs assessment survey. Click here for more informationon the needs assessment. For more information on the survey or do the survey over the phone, call 780-643-6693.
New and intermediate growers who are interested in learning about financing, economics, production and growing in the bedding plant industry, have two opportunities to attend the two-day Bedding Plant Production Workshop. The workshop includes presentations and information on the industry, economics of the industry, marketing and production, and a Slow Greenhouse Tour, which is a full day spent in a greenhouse.
Cereals Canada Announces Location of New Corporate Headquarters
Today, Cereals Canada announced that it will be locating the organization’s head office in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a commitment to support entire cereals value chain. “A great deal of thought and consideration went into making this decision,” says Greg Porozni, Cereals Canada Chair. “Through this process it became clear to us that Winnipeg will best serve the long term needs of the organization.”
If you’ve ever wondered how to reduce the heating costs and emissions associated with operating a commercial greenhouse, the Agriculture & Food Council of Alberta is hosting a very unique tour next week. Chair Amber Moskalyk provides details. For more information, visit the AFC website.
Agronomy Update is being held in Red Deer on January 14 and 15. Neil Whatley, part of the organizing team for the event, talks about the event and why it’s important for producers to attend. To register for Agronomy Update, call 1-800-387-6030.
The January 9 edition of the Canola Watch e-Newsletter has been posted to the Canola Council of Canada website. This issue covers a range of topics including an update on Canadian canola production; a list of events where producers can talk with CCC representatives; information on crop rotations for 2014; fertilizer plans for this growing season; clubroot-resistant variety information; and, canola storage.
Mohyuddin Mirza, a director with the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association discusses some of the research projects being undertaken by the association.
The combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas marks the biggest time of year for turkey producers. In fact, the two holidays account for over 75 per cent of turkey sold in Canada all year. By collaborating with the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency and other industry partners, Alberta Turkey Producers is hoping to convince consumers to add turkey to their everyday meal plans.
A reminder the Adding Value to Livestock Tour is being held in Lethbridge on February 3 and 4. Bert Dening, direct marketing meat specialist with Alberta Agriculture, provides details. For more information on the tour, contact Dening at 780-674-8247.
Needs and Wants — Equipment Replacement Plan for 2014
Winter can be a good time to contemplate and realistically weigh needs and wants and formulate an equipment replacement plan for the coming year. “When thinking about replacing equipment it’s important to define what equipment needs to upgraded this year, and what can be afforded, spent or financed,” says Rick Dehod, agriculture farm financial specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. In a recent interview, Dehod talks about farm business planning.
The MD of Big Lakes is hosting two workshops in High Prairie in January and February, one on Succession Planning and the other on Agri-Tourism. The workshops are will be jointly hosted by Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
Kathy Bosse, new venture specialist with Alberta Agriculture, discusses evaluation and operation of businesses and the keys to build and maintain a successful business.
Application Deadline for the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program
Application Deadline for the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders ProgramThe application deadline for the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Development Program is January 19, 2014. Jolene Noble, program coordinator, talks about the program and the deadline for applications. For more information call Noble at 403-275-8558 or visit the website.
Today’s Irrigation Systems Help Producers Grow More with Less
Alberta farmers are investing millions to upgrade irrigation equipment that’s far more water-efficient and uses much less energy. The widespread adoption of low pressure centre pivot irrigation equipment has resulted in southern Alberta’s irrigation districts diverting one-third less water than they did 15 years ago. The Growing Forward 2 Irrigation Efficiency Program is helping producers make the switch to low-pressure centre pivot systems.
Two seminars specifically designed to provide a relatively high level of technical information to farmers and industry agronomists on a wide range of fertilizer and nutrient management topics are being held in Lethbridge in February. The featured presenter at the seminars, Ross McKenzie talked about the focus of the seminars in a recent interview.
A second Calgary Round Table on sustainability and the Built Environment is being held on January 24, 2014. The discussions will build on the P2S conference that was held in Calgary in May 2013. The event will include presentations from leading builders, developers and city planning. Topics such as policies, practices, community resilience, transportation and energy are on the agenda.For more information, visit the Pathways 2 Sustainability website.
Alberta Wheat Commission – AGM In conjunction with FarmTech, attendees do not need to be registered for FarmTech to attend the AGM January 29, 2014 at 11:30 AM in Hall E
Clubroot Disease in the Canadian Canola Crop Edmonton, Jan 31 Details >
Canadian Association of Farm Advisors – Current & Connected Red Deer, Feb 6 Details >
Trends and Trade Issues in Beef Markets Brooks, Feb 10 Details