Stories by Alberta Agriculture | Canadian Cattlemen

Government of Alberta seeks Albertans’ input on agriculture research

Online survey open until Jan. 31

By Alberta Agriculture January 13, 2020

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

A feed shortage is a big financial hit, but how much depends on how you respond and the particular situation on your ranch.
Photo: Michael Moskaluk, special to Alberta Farmer

Hay, Livestock

Four options to help deal with a feed shortage

By Alberta Agriculture September 12, 2018

What is your best option if you’re short on feed? “Each farm is different and therefore doing your numbers as they pertain to your situation is paramount,” said provincial economics extension specialist Herman Simons. “In addition, each option has different pros and cons, which should be listed and taken into account when determining the best[...]
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Baling hay in hot weather often increases leaf loss.

Crops, Hay

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

By Alberta Agriculture July 25, 2018

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[...]
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Hay, News

Stack bales properly to help maintain quality

Moisture is a bale's biggest enemy so give it room to breathe

By Alberta Agriculture August 1, 2017

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[...]
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General

Answer these tough questions before asking for a loan

By Alberta Agriculture May 2, 2017

Looking for a loan or an increase in your line of credit? Here are five key questions you should be able to answer before talking to your lender.

This map shows Alberta’s growing season precipitation as a percentage of long-term normal

Crops

Most Alberta crops in good to excellent condition

By Alberta Agriculture July 22, 2016

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[...]
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Crops, Weather

Salvaging hail-damaged crops

By Alberta Agriculture July 21, 2016

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[...]
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Crops, Livestock

Three traits of profitable farms

By Alberta Agriculture March 30, 2016

“Recently, farm management expert Professor Eric A. DuVuyst of Oklahoma State University shared three traits common to all successful producers, drawing on observations and experience gained from working within five U.S. land grant universities,” said provincial farm management specialist Rick Dehod. “We definitely see these same three common traits in our successful Alberta producers.”

Livestock, News

Anthrax detected in northern Alberta

Two cases confirmed from two separate beef cattle farms in the Fort Vermillion area

By Alberta Agriculture July 30, 2015

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[...]
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Crops

Stripe rust survey update for southern Alberta

By Alberta Agriculture August 2, 2013

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[...]
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Conservatives’ new climate plan puts price on carbon

Agriculture, agrifood wish lists pile up ahead of long-delayed budget

Prairie cash wheat: Bids soar after weather events

GFM Network News