Features
Alberta Open Farm Days
The 5th annual Alberta Open Farm Days is set for August 19-20 this year and the deadline for farms to register is May 31. Some of those farms will have the opportunity for coaching to help them be successful at this event. Keleigh Cormier is one of the coaches and founder of Clearthink Group, and she discusses keys to success.
Public Consultations Through NPF Survey
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is asking for input on the next agricultural policy (NPF) framework via an online survey that is open until May 8.
Fiesta Lasagna
This hearty, protein-packed meal is like a party in your mouth! This week’s tasty recipe comes to us courtesy of Alberta Pulse Growers.
Markets
Crops
Ascochyta on Field Pea Seed
Growers have had a lot questions about ascochyta disease levels on the seed in field pea. Mark Olson, head of pulse research with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, looks at ascochyta disease levels. He starts with whether there are there normal or acceptable disease levels for ascochyta disease on field pea seed.
Prioritizing Breeding Objectives
On an earlier Call of the Land program, listeners heard about the breeding priorities at the Field Crop Development Centre in Lacombe. Flavio Capettini, Flavio Capettini, head of research at the centre, says those objectives must also be prioritized, and based on relevance.
What’s New in Ag Information
Farm Income Forecast
Agriculture Canada has recently released its 2016 and 2017 farm income forecasts for Canada and the provinces in its 2017 Canadian Agricultural Outlook publication. Roy Larsen, senior statistician with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, discusses the Agriculture Canada farm income forecast and how it differs from the Statistics Canada farm income release.
Livestock
Jim Gerrish 3-Day Grazing School
The Foothills Forage and Grazing Association is hosting the Jim Gerrish 3-Day Grazing School at Gem in June. Environmental and Communications coordinator Rachel McLean has more on the event.
News from the Horse Industry
If you own horses and/or are responsible for the care of horses, the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada would like to hear from you about the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. This industry-developed survey is to gauge awareness, adoption and use of the Code.
Business and Marketing
Marketing Essentials Workshops
Explore Local has a marketing stream in its workshops this spring. Karen Goad is with Explore Local and she discusses a couple of workshops coming up that build on one another.
Labelling for Local Markets Workshops
Most foods in Canada must be labelled by law. To find out more about food labelling, Explore Local is hosting two Food Labelling for Local Markets workshops this spring. Eileen Kotowich, farmers’ market specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, has details on the workshops, and what participants will learn by attending.
Financial Resources from Farm Credit Canada
Farm Credit Canada financial resources are now available, and Agriculture Day 2018 is announced. Look for the FCC resources under “Ag Knowledge.”
Rural Living
AHEA 2017 Conference
The Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association (AHEA) is holding its 2017 conference on April 28-29, 2017, at the Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, 4100 Stewart Creek Drive, Canmore.
Personal Donation to Create Smart Agriculture Hub
Olds College has been given a $16 million donation it will use to create an institute specializing in ‘Smart Agriculture.’ With a vision to be the world’s premier destination for an integrated agricultural leadership learning experience, the Werklund Agriculture Institute will engage students, researchers and industry in smart and sustainable agriculture and agri-business solutions, leadership and education with the aim of contributing to Western Canada’s leadership position as an agriculture and food powerhouse.
Jobs In Agriculture
Section Administrator
Edmonton – Reporting to the director of the international relations and marketing section, you will be responsible for a wide range of administrative support services, including the support of domestic and international incoming and outgoing ministry and staff missions within the branch. You will assist with administrative processes including travel authorities, event approvals, grants, contracts and budgeting. You will be cross-trained in other administrative support roles to provide as needed support to the branch administrative team and the executive director’s office. This competition (Job ID #1041578 will close on April 11, 2017.
Area Forester
Peace River – As an area forester, you will ensure the sustainability of the forest resource in the Peace River forest area. This position will play a key role in the review of forestry operational plans and the monitoring of forest operations to ensure adherence to the Forests Act disposition, forest management plans, provincial legislation, and, policy and departmental directives.This competition (Job ID #1041260 will close on April 18, 2017.
Trade Policy Analyst
Edmonton – As trade policy analyst, you will provide analysis, advice and policy recommendations to the senior trade policy analyst, senior managers and executive directors on international trade negotiations and agreements,along with policies and strategic direction for enhancing market access and the competitiveness of Alberta’s agri-food sector. There is an emphasis on knowing key trade issues within North America. This competition (Job ID #1041442) will close on April 14, 2017.
Summer Student Positions
Organic Alberta is looking for outgoing, self-motivated, highly organized individuals to join their team as summer students: Program Coordinator, Organic Week Coordinator, Event Coordinator.
New Proposed Food Safety Requirements
If your business imports food into Canada, exports food to another country, or sells food across provinces, you may be subject to the proposed requirements of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.
Visions 2017
Visions 2017, the annual conference of the Alberta Agricultural Economics Association is April 27 and 28 in Red Deer. The hotel group rate is available until April 12, and the early bird registration deadline is April 19.
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Coming Events
Negotiating Renewable Energy Leases
Troubleshooting Shelf Life Workshop
Marketing Essentials: Intro to Marketing
Food Labelling for Local Markets
Cover Crop, Soil and Plant Health Conference
Marketing Essentials: Telling Your Story
Cows, Crops, Culverts & Fish
4-H Horse Grooming and Showmanship Clinic
Soil School featuring Nicole Masters
Jim Gerrish 3-Day Grazing School
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