Better Farming Prairies

By Farms.com Alberta's journey towards renewable energy has been under scrutiny over the past few months. The Alberta Utilities Commission recently released a report highlighting the minimal impact of renewable energy development on agriculture and the environment. The findings come at a crucial time, shortly after the government lifted a moratorium on new renewable energy projects, signaling a brighter future for the province's green energy sector. The report, requested by the United Conservative government, addresses public concerns about the agricultural land loss and environmental repercussions tied to the rise of solar and wind energy projects. It reassuringly estimates that even if renewable projects were to occupy some of Alberta's prime land, the loss would constitute less than one per cent by 2041. Further easing worries, the commission points out that renewable projects present "well-understood and relatively contained reclamation risks" compared to other industrial developments. These projects are unlikely to significantly affect groundwater or cause off-site contamination, positioning renewables as a safer alternative for Alberta's landscapes. The analysis extends beyond environmental concerns, touching on the effect of renewables on "pristine viewscapes" and the financial implications of reclamation. It suggests that the current regulatory framework is equipped to manage these challenges, although recommendations for clearer reclamation timing and financial assurances were made. Critics of the government's restrictive stance on renewable development find vindication in the report's conclusions. It dismantles previously voiced concerns, advocating for a nuanced, case-by-case approach to managing renewable energy projects. This perspective encourages leveraging Alberta's natural resources—wind and sunlight—especially in regions where these elements are most abundant, without blanket restrictions that could stifle innovation and investment. As Alberta moves forward, the report underscores the importance of balancing renewable energy growth with agricultural preservation and environmental stewardship. It represents a step towards reconciling economic development with ecological responsibility, ensuring that Alberta remains at the forefront of sustainable energy practices in Canada.

By: Farms.com Canada is currently facing an alarming drought situation, sparking widespread concern across various sectors. After a notably warm winter with insufficient moisture, experts from the University of Alberta are stepping up to decode the potential impacts of these dry conditions on the nation's future. Wildfires, agriculture, the economy, and daily lives could be reshaped in the face of dwindling water supplies. The conversation around water law is crucial as it underpins many of the challenges and strategies related to drought management. The drought's influence on consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of sustainable food choices, is explored by agricultural economist Ellen Goddard. She notes the growing consumer emphasis on sustainability and the potential for drought-induced price increases to shift purchasing habits significantly. Boyd Mori raises an alarm about the potential for grasshopper infestations to ravage prairie agriculture, a consequence of the mild winter failing to curb their populations. As Canada navigates these turbulent waters, the insights from these experts underscore the urgency of adopting innovative solutions to address the wrath of mother nature. The collective wisdom gathered here paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of ecological health, legal frameworks, economic stability, and community resilience in the face of agriculture adversity.

An ag event that’s gained popularity in other parts of the country is coming to Saskatchewan. This August 10 and 11, farmers in the province will host members of their local community in Saskatchewan’s inaugural Open Farm Days. Organized by Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, this event sees participating farmers engage with people from urban neighbourhoods about agriculture, how farms work and how food ends up on grocery store shelves. “I think it’s going to be very inspiring for people to see agriculture in our province because it is so ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability practices, (and) when we come to ethical farming,” Ashley Stone, Open Farm Days coordinator, told the Prince Albert Herald. “There are some really positive things and stories that will come out of this.” In addition, Open Farm Days provides an opportunity for on-farm sales. In Alberta, for example, more than 100 farms participated in 2023. In total, on-farm sales during the event in 2023 reached $299,000. That’s up from $224,000 in 2022. Since it started in 2012, Alberta Open Farm Days has generated more than $1.4 m

If Paige Dueck, a dairy and grain farmer from Four Oak Farms in Kleefeld, Man., could go back in time to give her 12-year-old self some advice, the elder Dueck would tell the younger one to keep exploring. “Try different jobs, work at different places and see what speaks to you,” Dueck told Farms.com. “That way, when you do choose a path, you know what you like. Mess around with this stuff when you’re young so you can succeed in your career sooner.” This piece of advice comes from Dueck’s lived experience. Dueck didn’t grow up on a farm but as a young girl her parents moved to rural Manitoba to nurture her love of horses and animals. No matter how big or small, if a creature was around, Dueck wanted to see it. “I always had a horse addiction. I could sniff them out at any fair, petting zoo or parade,” she said. “I loved finding little frogs in the backyard. And I spent lots of time in my youth working at chicken barns or pig barns or dairy barns. I’ve always been fascinated with living things.” This interest in living creatures prompted Dueck to attend the University of Manitoba where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in animal systems. And it was at university where she met her now husband Marcus.

An Alberta organization dedicated to ensuring livestock in the province were properly looked after has halted operations. Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), which local livestock producers founded in 1993 to promote responsible and humane animal care, announced its immediate closure on March 1 citing a lack of resources. “AFAC has been hit hard in recent months, including a lack of government funding,” Merna Gisler, chair of AFAC, said in a statement. “This is by no means the conclusion we wished to see happen, but the Board feels this is the responsible action to follow.” AFAC’s expenses have been in the red in recent years. In its 2022 annual report, for example, the organization ran a deficit of $56,478. The losses were “partially due to lack of government funding,” AFAC’s report says. The organization’s work is funded primarily through membership dollars. Throughout its 30-year history, AFAC has been involved with multiple initiatives to support the ag sector.

The collaboration between researchers at the University of Manitoba and the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands has yielded crucial insights into the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). PRRSV is a pathogen that causes severe illness in pigs, resulting in substantial economic losses for pork producers globally. “This disease in pigs is important worldwide and is economically fairly significant,” says Marjolein Kikkert, Associate Professor of Virology at Leiden University Medical Centre. “The aim of the project was to improve vaccines for this disease, and it turned out that it was very difficult.” It is estimated that PRRS costs the Canadian pork industry $130M annually. Kikkert and collaborator Brian Mark, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba, investigated the targeting of a type of protein known as a protease. PRRSV uses these proteins to suppress a host’s immune system, causing severe illness. By modifying the structure, researchers can design altered viruses upon which to base new vaccines. With the support of the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Mark and Kikkert were able to visualize the unique structure of the PRRSV protease. The insights gained from their study are valuable for developing new vaccines against PRRSV and also contribute to the development of vaccines against emerging human viruses. The team has conducted similar research on coronaviruses — which also utilize proteases to suppress human and animal immune systems — and has successfully designed new vaccines. “The trick and hypothesis we had for improving the PRRSV vaccine didn't quite work,” says Kikkert. “However, we did learn a lot about how these viruses work. And it may certainly be a basis for further work into possibilities for improving vaccines against these viruses and coronaviruses.” The team’s findings also open new avenues for understanding how viruses like PRRSV use proteins to replicate, making this a significant academic discovery. “The Canadian Light Source provided the technology we needed to determine the structures of these proteases, and this knowledge has provided tremendous insight into the biochemistry of these viruses, which is the cornerstone of modern vaccine development,” says Mark.

Saskatchewan organizations want the provincial government to bring back a program to help address nursing shortages in rural communities. The provincial government needs to reinstate the 2014 Rural and Remote Nurse Practitioner Recruitment Strategy, which provided wages, benefits and other incentives to encourage nurse practitioners to work in communities with populations of 10,000 or less, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) says. “Instead of recruiting, we must grow our own, right here at home,” Ray Orb president of SARM, said in a statement. “The government needs to consider incentives for Nurse Practitioners in the form of contributions towards relocation expenses and potential bonuses for hard-to-fill positions.” SARM and the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (SANP) are making these calls following a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. The report indicates 1,760 nurses worked in rural and remote areas in 2022 and that number has declined each year since 2018 when Scott Moe became premier. That year, Saskatchewan had 2,234 nurses in rural and remote communities. The province is short more than two dozen nurses, who could provide care to those in need, industry experts say. “30 (nurse pracritioners) could immediately provide care to approximately 36,000 patients. That is equal to the population of communities such as Moose Jaw, Lloydminster, or Prince Albert,” Johanne Rust, president of SANP, said in a statement.&

With International Women’s Day on the horizon, Farms.com is speaking with female farmers about various topics, including who they consider to be a hero or inspiration. Westman, Man., farmer and agribusiness owner Sally Parsonage doesn’t have to look far for someone she puts into that light. Her older sister, Jennie, spent 14 years in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a logistics officer. These officers “provide the various means of transportation, equipment and supplies for the movement of Canadian Armed Forces members and all types and sizes of cargo throughout the world,” the CAF website says. Jennie now uses some of the skills she learned in the military to help on the farm and as a dispatcher with the family’s agribusiness, Air Greenway. “Jennie started farming after me and already had a full career before coming back to the farm to work with us,” Sally told Farms.com. “She’s such a hard worker and to know she spent almost 15 years serving in the Canadian military, it’s easy to look at her as someone I want to emulate.”

Farms.com Photo Credit: As previously reported on Farms.com, new data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has found that by 2030 there will be more than 100,000 vacant jobs to fill in the agriculture industry. In 2023, CAHRC found a 15 per cent increase in the number of job vacancies compared to 2022. “This is your chance to help the agriculture industry ensure top talent for the future,” says Kathryn Doan, CVO, Director, Talent Solutions Team at AgCareers.com (a Farms.com company). Aimed to provide valuable data to the agricultural industry for attracting and retaining employees, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is performing an Agricultural Producers Compensation Survey. AgCareers.com is conducting the survey on behalf of CAHRC. CAHRC invites grain, oilseed, dairy, swine, fish, and apiculture producers to participate in this crucial survey. Topics covered will include: Monetary Benefits: Wages for Farm Managers, Farm Supervisors, Farm Workers, Farm Labourers, and Specialized staff. Non-Monetary Benefits: health, dental, vision, relocation, housing, and more! Hiring and retention tactics of flexible scheduling, bonuses, and vacation and sick time The deadline for participation is March 15, 2024. Producers can find out more and take the survey at this link, or contact compensation@agcareers.com for additional information. Participants will receive a copy of the full results to aid in compensation, recruiting, and retention practices, plus they will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a $250 gift card for Mudeas or Durnin Workwear. About AgCareers.com The AgCareers.com mission is to provide global talent solutions in agriculture and food. They strive to “Feed the World with Talent” in the industries they serve. AgCareers.com’s passion is agriculture, demonstrated through their investment in time and resources that engage candidates and employers in the industry. They work to build the pipeline of talent to the industry by expanding knowledge about the breadth of career opportunities in agriculture. For more information, visit www.AgCareers.com. About CAHRC The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada. CAHRC works with industry leaders, governments, and educational stakeholders, to research, develop and communicate solutions to the challenges in employment and skills development in primary agriculture. For more information visit www.cahrc-ccrha.ca.

The Greenview Agricultural Service Board (ASB) is addressing the challenges of the challenging agricultural landscape by advocating for the prosperity and viability of its farming community through direct action and understanding the complexities of the local agriculture sector. In late 2023, Greenview's ASB made headlines by exploring the potential for an Agricultural Disaster declaration. This move came after a thorough analysis of crop reports and consultations with local farmers, highlighting the year's mixed fortunes with record yields in annual crops but struggles in forages. Ultimately, the decision against recommending a disaster declaration was based on specific criteria not being met, showing the complex balance required in such decisions. The exclusion of Greenview from the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance Program sparked considerable concern. This decision, influenced by a lack of recognition for the unique agricultural landscape of Greenview, prompted the ASB to take action. In early 2024, a letter was sent to the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, advocating for reconsideration and highlighting the essential need for tailored support mechanisms that acknowledge local conditions. Understanding the power of a collective voice, ASB Council Member Dave Berry emphasized the role of local producers in advocacy efforts. By engaging directly with political representatives, farmers can amplify their needs and challenges, pushing for policies that offer meaningful support and recognition. The ASB's work reflects a deep dedication to not only navigating the present challenges but also paving the way for a thriving future for Greenview's agricultural sector. Through continued advocacy, collaboration, and a keen understanding of the agricultural landscape, the ASB aims to foster a resilient and prosperous farming community. ASB Chair Warren Wohlgemuth stated, "The road ahead may be tough, but with everyone pitching in and working together, we believe our agricultural sector in Greenview can not only weather the challenges but come out even more robust and resilient than before. " This sentiment captures the essence of Greenview's agricultural advocacy efforts, marking a path forward filled with hope, resilience, and a collective commitment to the sector's long-term success.

Members of an Alberta community came together in support of its local grain elevator. The people of Nanton, Alta. and the surroinding communities drew the winning ticket of a 50/50 raffle on Valentine’s Day, with half of the winnings, $4,910 to be exact, donated to the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre. The community purchased 6,382 tickets for the raffle. This money is being used to recoup costs from a theft that occurred after Christmas. On Dec. 29, thieves stole one 30-metre 240vac cable and nine 15-metre power cables. These cables were rented or loaned to the discovery centre, CTV reported. These cables supply power to lights used for special displays throughout the year. The winning ticket went to a familiar face in the community. Jen Handley, the mayor of Nanton, won the raffle, the discovery centre’s website says.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash The Migrant Community Worker Program will be holding its annual this Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Leamington, Ontario. The primary goal is to bring together diverse organizations and companies in Windsor-Essex County to collectively share vital information and resources that meet the needs of local migrant workers, and conversely, to bring together migrant workers to the services and support available to them and ensure they have barrier-free access to any other resources they would need. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the migrant population, the mission of the Migrant Community Worker Program is to create a collaborative platform that promotes a supportive and informed environment. The one-day event will provide free services, such as general information, legal assistance, and much more. Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024; Time: 3–6 PM; Location: Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot Street West, Leamington, Ontario. The Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) seeks to build a stronger community support system for the approximately 20,000 migrant workers who come each year to live and work on Windsor-Essex County farms. The MWCP mission provides information and support to migrant workers by helping them gain educational, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, while also helping them navigate available support services such as health and wellness, legal aid, and travel and immigration support in Spanish, English, and Tagalog. Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, is a project under the Migrant Worker Support Program (MWSP), providing migrant workers with accurate information and access to available services and support, and assisting them in learning about and exercising their rights while in Canada. To learn about the MWCP, visit www.migrantworkercommunityprogram.com. To learn more about the TeaMWork Project, visit www.TeaMWorkProject.ca.

Chart via BonusFinder Canada Would you believe us if we said that the ag industry has the fifth highest incidence of liars, according to an industry survey? It’s no lie, although we should state that the numbers involving the ag industry are also lumped in with forestry, fishing, and hunting. We’re not talking about the camper who claimed to have seen Bigfoot rummaging through the garbage cans behind the local A&W Restaurant in Nelson, BC. Neither are we talking about regular folk talking about how they hunted and shot a 24-point buck when it was their pick-up truck that did the killing. And neither are we talking about the fisherman who claimed to have caught a fish “this big.” No, this one is about industry personnel who sometimes offer up a little white lie to the whopper, to the full-on baldfaced lie with regards to their salary. According to BonusFinder Canada—a Canadian online gambling business that has no affiliation with Farms.com—the average person lies four times a day. Sure, it could be to promote oneself, perhaps to protect someone’s feelings, or maybe to just not have to answer a telephone spammer’s questions. The gambling site asked some 3,000 Canadians for their take on lying. By the way, for all sectors, Canadians were more likely to lie or avoid discussing salary. Here are some of the highlights: According to the survey, the hospitality industry lies the most about their salary, at 66.3 percent. 6.0 percent of Canadians have lied about their salary. 37.7 percent have said their salary is lower than it is, and only 28.0 percent have inflated their salary. Folks from Ottawa lie the most about their salary, at 63.4 percent - more on that below, because it's not necessarily all a bad thing. People said that negotiating leverage is the most common reason for inflating salaries, according to 37.8 percent of the respondents. 28.4 percent said that they deflated their salary to others to avoid jealousy or resentment in the workplace. Interesting. The best way to avoid lying about salary is to not have such discussions. If a person chooses to reveal their salary, that’s one thing, but asking others seems... wrong. Unless that’s something Gen Z and the Millennials seem more comfortable with. Other reasons why people said they inflated their salary included: social status and image; family and social expectations; business or networking reasons; comparisons with peers (and the need to fit in); fear of judgement or discrimination; and insecurities (feelings of inadequacy). Yes, Ottawa had the most people lie about their salary (63.4 percent), but to be fair, of the Top 10 cities, Ottawa’s population was more likely to state that their salary was lower than it was (40.6 percent), but the second-most likely to inflate their salary (33 percent). The next biggest liar about salary—again, based on a total of 3,000 people surveyed—was Saskatoon (60.4 percent), with 37.6 percent lying low

By Farms.com Alberta's Open Farm Days, an event that bridges the gap between farmers and consumers, marked another year of impressive growth and community engagement in 2023. According to Tim Carson, CEO of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, the event attracted fewer visitors than the previous year but saw a significant increase in on-farm sales, jumping from $224,000 in 2022 to almost $299,000. This not only reflects a growing consumer trust in Alberta's agriculture but also a deeper appreciation for it. The event boasted an expansion in both the number of culinary experiences offered and the diversity of host farms, with about 35% of the 133 participating farms being new entrants. Despite challenges such as flooding and wildfires, the event was on the verge of surpassing its goal of 150 host farms. Efforts to enhance the event included the provision of 10 training sessions aimed at assisting farms with early planning and permitting acquisition. In addition to the host farms, 10 agricultural societies across Alberta participated, underscoring their crucial role in community support and local food promotion. Feedback from the host farms underscored the importance of direct engagement with consumers, offering insights into farming practices and the significance of agriculture in Alberta. With Open Farm Days generating over $1.4 million in on-farm sales since its inception, the event continues to be a vital platform for promoting Alberta agriculture. Looking forward to 2024, registration is already open, with anticipation for another successful year of showcasing the province's agriculture and food sectors. Mark your calendars for August 17 and 18 for the 12th annual Alberta Open Farm Days, a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Alberta's agricultural community

By farms.com The agricultural sector in northern Alberta celebrates a significant milestone with the opening of SARDA Ag Research's new $2 million facility in Donnelly, marking a new chapter in agricultural research and community involvement. This development was sparked by a generous donation of 15 acres of land and $750,000 in funding from the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF), under its Accelerating Capacity Initiative. Previously limited by an aging infrastructure, SARDA Ag Research now enjoys a modern 10,000 square foot building strategically located along Highway 2. This location not only increases visibility but also facilitates easier access for farmers and researchers alike. Executive Director Vance Yaremko highlighted the community's excitement, noting the impressive turnout at the grand opening despite inclement weather. This new facility represents not just a physical upgrade but also a leap forward in research capabilities, allowing for the establishment of long-term trials crucial for the region's agricultural development. Simon Lavoie, chair of SARDA Ag Research and local farmer, highlighted the importance of a research center that enables farmers to directly observe trial progress, highlighting its value as a crucial resource for the agricultural community. The facility's impact extends beyond research; it's envisioned as an educational hub for local students to learn about agriculture. Plans for school tours and a comprehensive program are in the works, aiming to connect the next generation with agriculture. Looking ahead, SARDA Ag Research seeks additional funding to further enhance the facility, create new jobs, and expand its programming. A second phase, including the construction of a cold storage facility, is also planned. SARDA Ag Research, directed by producers from the region, is dedicated to providing unbiased research on various agricultural aspects. The organization's efforts are supported by the WGRF, a farmer-funded body investing in research to benefit western Canadian producers. With over $240 million already invested in crop research and a $32 million commitment to expanding research capacity, the future of agricultural research in northern Alberta looks promising.

; Image courtesy of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA) has named Don Brubacher as its deserving winner of the . The retired long-time General Manager of the Ontario Potato Board was presented with the award at the annual OFVGA industry banquet in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on February 20, 2024. “As a potato grower and current chair of the Ontario Potato Board, it is a particular honour for me to see Don receive this year’s Industry Award of Merit,” exalted Shawn Brenn, the Chair of the OFVGA. He continued: “Don devoted his entire working life to the potato industry and was respected by growers for his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to working on their behalf to make things better for the industry. He always enjoyed the people this industry brought together and was passionate about the work being done.” &

Image by Ariel Núñez Guzmán from Pixabay Beans, beans, good for the wallet. Dry beans, such as pinto, navy, and kidney beans, are big business in Canada and around the world. Adzuki beans were Ontario’s top moneymaker per acre in 2023. Last year, Ontario farmers planted a record 23,000 acres of the niche crop, which was up from the 19,000 acres planted in 2022. Even still, those numbers paled in comparison to the almost three million acres of soybeans grown in Ontario last year. Then again, dry beans such as adzuki, pinto, navy, and kidney do cost more to produce. While some dry bean farmers will grow these beans every year, some only grow dry beans when prices are strong and they are likely to fit into their crop rotation. One of the biggest concerns for dry bean farmers, however, is weeds. Because the dry bean is a short-stature crop—and one that does not form a full canopy until mid-July—weeds tend to have free reign, which is one reason farmers must only grow it on fields that are already relatively weed-free. Other issues for dry beans include seedling diseases, where they suffer seed rot, and seedling blight diseases caused by , , and . And then there’s viral diseases such as bean common mosaic virus or yellow mosaic virus. Oh, and we all know that rust never sleeps. And bacterial blight. White mould. . Grasshoppers. Cutworm. It’s a wonder anyone can grow any type of dry bean sometimes. And it’s because there is a real need to grow these dry beans more efficiently and sustainably that money has been donated by Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) and an anonymous donor to the University of Guelph’s (U of G’s) Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). This $2 million donation will also be used to support the OBG Assistant Professorship in Weed Sciences faculty position at U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. Additionally, the U of G has announced the renewal of the Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management faculty position at Ridgetown Campus. Collectively, these faculty hires will better ensure that the University of Guelph will continue to be among the world’s best in dry bean agronomy and weed management research. The new OBG Professorship in Weed Management and the Professorship in Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management fill the vacancies left by Dr. Peter Sikkema, who recently retired, and OAC’s Chris Gillard, who will retire later in 2024. “Peter and Chris have had an immense impact on the Ontario bean industry for years,” stated Dr. Rene Van Acker, the interim Vice President (Research) at U of G. “This renewal of these professorships will ensure their legacy continues and

By farms.com Announced in 2020 by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project stands as a crucial water management initiative, poised to invigorate over 500,000 acres of agricultural land. Supported by both federal and provincial investments, this project is a symbol of hope for numerous rural municipalities (RMs) affected by persistent drought conditions, aiming to fortify the viability of their farmland and the economic resilience of rural communities. The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), along with its member RMs, has actively advocated for the expedited commencement of this project. With 90% of the canal infrastructure for Phase 1 already completed by 2023, the anticipation for water delivery is high. Beyond the scope of irrigation, the project is anticipated to catalyze economic growth in various smaller communities, enhance construction employment, encourage farm expansion, and increase local traffic. The forthcoming Phase 2, dubbed Project 2 Westside, promises to extend irrigation to an additional 260,000 acres, amplifying these advantages. Ray Orb, SARM's President, has highlighted the enduring benefits of the project for enhancing crop diversity and improving farm profitability. In the wake of agricultural disaster declarations due to drought in 2023, the need for the project's swift realization is more pressing than ever. Saskatchewan's farmers, lauded for their commitment to land stewardship, urgently require this irrigation infrastructure to boost food production for both Canadian and international consumers. SARM's request to the provincial government for a clear launch date for Phase 1 underscores the critical demand and enthusiasm for the project. With the canal system nearly complete, it's time for action and to witness the transformative power of water flow, heralding a promising future for Saskatchewan's agricultural landscape.

Manitoba cattle producers want a public protective service available for livestock crimes. That’s one of the resolutions members of Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) debated and passed during its annual general meeting on Feb. 8 and 9. Manitoba is the only province in Western Canada without a Livestock Investigations Unit and a dedicated RCMP officer to investigate livestock theft and fraud. Without those safeguards in place in Manitoba, criminals are finding ways to commit livestock related crimes. “It could be paper cattle, fake cattle being recorded and not inspected, or actual physical cattle theft, which happens unfortunately,” Carson Callum, general manager of MBP, told the Brandon Sun. “They might take (cattle) and if they take it to a sale barn or auction mart that doesn’t have inspection services, it doesn’t matter about the brand, or it doesn’t matter about any identification, because whoever brought it is selling him, right? And then they’ll get the dollars for it, and that’s what makes it a challenge and an issue in the sector.” Alberta has two, and B.C. and Saskatchewan have one livestock investigator each. Corporal Owen Third, an RCMP veteran with almost 20 years of experience, became Saskatchewan’s livestock investigator in October 2022.

Now is the time for members of Alberta’s ag community to nominate a peer deserving of a spot in the province’s ag hall of fame. Albertans have until May 3, 2024, to submit the name of someone who has “demonstrated leadership in farm, rural or commodity organizations or in the food industry,” the application page says. “Leadership must have been demonstrated over many years at the provincial level, and the candidate must have made a significant province-wide impact on the industry as a whole.” The ag hall of fame welcomes new members every two years. After the nominations are received, Deputy Agriculture Minister Jason Hale will appoint a selection panel to examine the candidates and select up to three inductees. The most recent class of inductions occurred in 2022. The inductees included Simone Demers-Collins, an ag advocate, educator and 4-H leader. Farms.com spoke with Demers-Collins following her induction announcement.