It’s a surprise to only a few at this point to hear we’re currently at a 20-year high in the fertilizer markets. The reasoning comes from a combination of things, but as Ryan Furtas, market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry explains, a hike in crop prices, an increase of feedstock costs, and as we… Read More
Tag: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen is resigning from cabinet, following allegations made against him related to excessive alcohol consumption. The former minister made the announcement via social media November 5. “This morning, I offered Premier Jason Kenney my resignation as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and he has accepted,” Dreeshen wrote. He went on… Read More
Provincial governments across Canada are consulting with farmers and the agriculture industry as they prepare to hammer out a new five-year federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) — the $3 billion 5-year investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments — is set to expire in 2023. While federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau… Read More
Reforming business risk management (BRM) programs, such as the AgriStability program, has been top of mind for many across the agriculture industry. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau proposed changes to the program at the federal-provincial-territorial agricultural ministers’ meeting in November, which the federal government says would increase AgriStability payouts by 50 per cent, but the… Read More
Farmers in Alberta will see a significant reduction in their crop insurance premiums for the 2021 growing season. Announced January 25 by the Alberta government and the Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), a 20 per cent reduction will save farmers more than $55 million on their crop insurance premiums this year. Minister of Alberta Agriculture… Read More
Alberta’s agriculture minister says his federal counterpart’s proposal to move ahead with changes to AgriStability at the annual agriculture ministers’ meeting was “set up to fail.” Reforming business risk management, specifically the AgriStability program, was the top item on the agenda heading into the annual federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers meeting, which wrapped up with a final… Read More
The Alberta government has been making good on its promises to tighten budgets and revamp how agriculture research is done in the province. Earlier this year, the province announced the Results Driven Agriculture Research program— RDAR — an arms-length government entity that would administer funding and guide agriculture research. Then, last week, approximately 250 Alberta Agriculture… Read More
This week marks a “difficult” time in Alberta for the public sector working in agriculture. By the end of this week, it’s estimated that over 250 people will have lost — or will be in the process of losing — their jobs with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, with the layoffs being on the agriculture side…. Read More
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has reached an agreement to transfer key research programs to the University of Alberta (U of A), expanding its agriculture research capacity. The $3.7 million grant will assist in the transition of critical agriculture research programs and researchers. Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, says that the U of A… Read More
Leveraging a loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the province of Alberta and eight southern irrigation districts will pony up over $400 million for new irrigation projects. A 50 per cent commitment from the federally-backed bank will cover off the remaining $407 million, for a total funding of $815 million for new reservoirs, enhancements to… Read More
According to weather experts, the Prairies are in for a long fall and good remaining harvest weather. It’s the perfect opportunity for fall field work, and it’s also good time to go out and take stock of what’s happening in your fields. “This fall gives us an opportunity we haven’t had in the past, without… Read More
Olds College is receiving a $200,000 investment from the Alberta government to support a new partnership with SVG Ventures’ THRIVE accelerator and startup platform, which focuses on bringing technology-driven solutions to the agriculture and food sectors. The investment, funded through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP), builds on the Alberta government’s September 21 commitment of $1… Read More
As part of the Alberta government’s $10 million Irrigation Rehabilitation Program, the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District (SMRID) will receive an allotted $2.6 million in funds to address water infrastructure. The irrigation district provides water for irrigation and agricultural operations, municipal use, recreation and wildlife and habitat enhancement. “Crumbling infrastructure on the St. Mary River… Read More
Amendments to Alberta’s Meat Inspection Regulations could mean greater access for consumers to locally produced meat while still maintaining food safety standards, the province says. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry minister Devin Dreeshen has announced regulation changes to give operators more flexibility to meet legislated requirements. “Alberta produces the world’s best beef, pork, and poultry products,… Read More
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used to control or modify plant growth processes. There are a few products on the market, and in the case of cereals, the most common PGR is used to influence the hormones responsible for cell elongation, which results in shorter, thicker stems. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Agronomic Research Scientist, Sheri… Read More