Albertans know that winter is coming and that autumn brings cooler temperatures and the threat of over-night frost; but, before September 15, early widespread frosts were all but absent from most of the agricultural areas of the province. However, since that time, overnight cool northern air, clear skies and light winds combined to bring heavy frosts to most of the agricultural areas north of Red Deer.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has produced a series of videos for farmers, called This Country Called Agriculture. The series is hosted by Rob Eirich, and focuses on agribusiness topics in Canada.
Autumn is in the air and it’s the time to turn your thoughts to canning and preserving – and, of course, making jam with all of the delicious fruits that you can find at the local farmers’ market. Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association maintains a great website that features information on local markets, as well as a wealth of recipes to enjoy.
The Ag Info Centre has been receiving calls about high levels of ergot in screening pellets. This can be a very serious situation, as Russell Horvey, a rancher east of Red Deer, found out last year. Horvey says he lost three heifer calves as a result of ergot in feed.
Rob Spencer, commercial horticulture specialist with Alberta Agriculture, says proper disposal is key, regardless of whether you think you have late blight or not; but he adds there are other management strategies to keep in mind as well.
Agriculture and Trade Focus of Trip to U.S. Conference
Addressing trade issues and opening new markets for agriculture were top priorities when Alberta’s Agriculture Minister attended a U.S. legislators’ conference. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Verlyn Olson and Edmonton-McClung MLA David Xiao participated in the Council of State Governments (CSG) National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 19 to 22, 2013.
Alberta Goat Breeders Association Convention and Production Sale
Laurie Fries, president of the Alberta Goat Breeders Association, talks about the annual convention and production sale and how the association is encouraging more youth involvement in the industry :
The Alberta Goat Breeders Association annual convention and production sale is September 27 to 29 at the Camrose Regional Exhibition. For more information, visit the AGBA website.
Factsheets for Neighbours of Confined Feeding Operations
A series of factsheets have been put together for neighbours of confined feeding operations. One of those factsheets, Statements of Concern for Directly Affected Parties is hot off the presses. Chris Ullman, a CFO extension specialist with Alberta Agriculture, talks about the factsheet. For more information visit the AOPA website.
The Confined Feeding Operations Stewardship Program under Growing Forward 2 was one of a number of programs launched earlier this year. Program Coordinator Jennifer Neden gives an update on the program.
Producers who have questions about agricultural production, business planning, markets, etc., can look to the many resources provided by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development for information. Tapping into these resources is easy.
Alberta Community and Co-operative Association Newsletter
The September 17 ACCA newsletter contains several interesting articles on the work the ACCA is doing in the province and the programs they support. To read more about ACCA and catch-up on their most recent news, click here.
Financial Advice Panel for Young Farmers
The Peace Country Beef and Forage Association is hosting a Financial Advice Panel event specifically for young farmers. Extension coordinator Monika Ross has a preview of the event.
The latest issue of Food News is available online. This issue contains information on flood recovery, upcoming workshops, mentorship, workforce development and Health Canada’s regulatory review.
The Agriculture and Food Council of Alberta (AFC) announced that Fairview-area producer Amber Moskalyk was recently elected as Chair of the Agriculture and Food Council (AFC). Moskalyk is also the Youth Director on the AFC Board. She brings enthusiasm and innovative ideas to the role of Chair.
Alberta’s Regional Land Use Plans – An Integrated Approach to Managing Water & Land
This is the first of a series of seminar sessions for municipal decision makers and community leaders to understand and navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by Alberta’s new direction for water and land use as defined in the draft regional plan for Southern Alberta. This seminar is being held in Calgary on November 27, 2013. For more information, contact Lisa Fox with Sustainability Resources Inc
Rural Development
New Co-op Teaching Skills to Enhance Community and Sustainability
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own cheese, soap, candles or mead? If these ideas sound interesting, you might want to learn more about SquareKnot, a Calgary co-operative that provides a myriad of do-it-yourself workshops, in an effort to create sustainability and stronger community connections.
ARDN executive director Dee Ann Benard provides an update on the Alberta Rural Development Network and talks ARDN One, an event being held in Leduc on October 7. For more information, visit theARDN website.
Organic Value Chain and Marketing Program Coordinator
Organic Alberta is looking for a value chain and marketing program coordinator. This is a two-year full-time position based out of the Edmonton office. Applications must be submitted by October 4 and the job start date is October 14, 2013.
The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), a Government of Alberta agency, is seeking a professional to write and edit a booklet relating to sustainability of the livestock and meat industry. This is a contract position. Please submit a Letter of Interest, including the information requested to Nicole Paradis.
Foragebeef.ca has added the following research papers to the website resource. The relationship between feed efficiency traits and fertility in young beef bulls, has been placed into the Nutrition and Reproductive Efficiency folder, and Suitability of cool- and warm-season annual cereal species for winter grazing in Saskatchewan, has been placed into the Extended Grazing Using Annuals folder.
Tim Reuter, a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture, discusses research into using compost piles to get rid of carcasses infected with such things as avian influenza. He comments on:
The Dairy Research and Technology Centre in Edmonton is home to many research projects. Marcos Colazo, a dairy scientist with Alberta Agriculture, talks about some of that research, specifically embryo transfer.