The government is holding engagement sessions and launching an online survey to gather feedback about the future of agriculture research in Alberta. “We are working with farmers to determine their research priorities. This is an opportunity to transform how we do research and attract investment from the private sector. I see world-leading agricultural research happening […] Read more
Government of Alberta seeks Albertans’ input on agriculture research
Online survey open until Jan. 31
Why baling hay and hot weather don’t mix
Uneven yields up the risk of mouldy, heated feed, while leaf loss increases when the temperature soars
This year is going to be a challenge deciding when to bale hay, says provincial beef and forage specialist Barry Yaremcio. “With yield differences in a field, areas with a low yield will be dry and ready to bale while areas of that field with higher yield potential may need more time to dry and […] Read more
Stack bales properly to help maintain quality
Moisture is a bale's biggest enemy so give it room to breathe
When it comes to stacking bales, a little forethought can go a long way to ensuring a better product. “Storage losses from improperly stacked bales can be anywhere from 15 to 20 per cent of the dry matter yield while protein and energy losses can be anywhere from five to 10 per cent,” said beef […] Read more
Most Alberta crops in good to excellent condition
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has issued its latest crop report with conditions to July 19. This is an abbreviated version; click here for the full report and tables by region. With significant rains across the province, particularly in the South and Central Regions over the past two weeks, most of the agricultural lands in Alberta […] Read more
Salvaging hail-damaged crops
Storm damage to crops can result in problems with nitrate accumulations, especially if the crops were heavily fertilized or manured in the spring to optimize yield. “With volatile weather comes storm damage and, for some producers, this means salvaging crops for feed,” says Andrea Hanson, beef extension specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Airdrie. Hanson cautions […] Read more
Anthrax detected in northern Alberta
Two cases confirmed from two separate beef cattle farms in the Fort Vermillion area
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has been notified of confirmed cases of anthrax in two separate beef cattle farms in the Fort Vermillion area. Given these findings and recently confirmed cases in Saskatchewan, producers are reminded to be on the look-out for anthrax. The recent hot, dry weather has led to conditions that are favourable for […] Read more
Stripe rust survey update for southern Alberta
This week, Dr. Denis Gaudet and his crew at AAFC-Lethbridge surveyed 23 spring wheat fields from Cardston to Vulcan for stripe rust. Stripe rust was seen in 50 per cent of the fields with the average incidence ranging from trace to 5 per cent. In three fields, incidences ranged from 15-90 per cent but severities […] Read more
“Exceptional” crop ratings in Alberta
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has released its biweekly crop report for July 24. The provincial summary follows. The full report is available alongside. Alberta has seen the return to more seasonal temperatures over the past several weeks following the hot weather experienced two weeks ago. Sporadic light and heavy showers were reported in all […] Read more
Beware of baling hay too early in hot weather
An Alberta Agriculture beef specialist warns that hay needs to be completely cured before being baled. Recent high temperatures, resulting in quick drying conditions, have some producers heading out to bale within two to four days after cutting. If hay isn’t completely cured, there could be damage to the hay after being baled. “Moisture probes […] Read more
First frost hits northern Alberta
Ralph Wright, soil moisture specialist with Alberta Agriculture, has released a map showing that overnight temperatures dipped below zero across two large areas on the night of Sept. 11-12 These areas are roughly centred around Edmonton and Grande Prairie. Several stations recorded overnight temperatures that dipped below 0 C, across two large areas; one centred […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
