Features
Input Sought on Agriculture Programs
Albertans have the opportunity to share ideas about the future of provincial and national agriculture programs through an online survey. Alberta is working with the federal government, other provinces and territories, to develop a new five-year agricultural policy framework to replace the current Growing Forward 2 agreement.
Pea Leaf Weevil Risk
Research shows that treating pea seed with a systemic insecticide product is the most effective control measure to prevent pea leaf weevil damage. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry crop specialist Neil Whatley looks at the risk of pea leaf weevil in 2017 and discusses control measures.
Maple Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary
Pork tenderloin is lean, yet tender and flavourful. Its long, narrow shape allows it to cook quickly, making it a great choice for fast, weeknight meals. Searing the meat on the stove-top first in a drizzle of canola oil adds flavour by browning the exterior; it then finishes cooking quickly in the oven. A simple, five-ingredient marinade does double duty – after infusing the meat, it’s simmered into a sweet, savory sauce to serve alongside the roasted pork.
Markets
Crops
Cropping Plan Considerations
An Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) specialist says there are a few points producers should consider before committing acreage to some of the less common cropping alternatives such as flax, camelina and hemp.
“First off, at the beginning of crop planning, determine the various costs of production,” says Harry Brook, crop specialist, AF, Stettler. “By knowing your total production costs, you can find out where the combination of crop yield and price becomes profitable.”
Breeding Objectives at the Field Crop Development Centre in Lacombe
The Field Crop Development Centre, the FCDC, in Lacombe conducts breeding programs for all commercial types of barley, wheat and triticale. During its 42 years, the centre has released more than 43 varieties. It’s estimated that about half of the barley acres in Alberta are planted to FCDC cultivars. Flavio Capettini, head of research at the centre, outlines their breeding objectives.
Green Manure Tool Kit
The Prairie Organic Grain Institute has created a number of tools for producers, including the Green Manure Tool Kit. Iris Vaisman discusses how producers can use this tool in their operations.
What’s New in Ag Information
Off-farm Income Report
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has a new report out on off-farm income in Alberta. Ryan Furtas is a market analyst with the department and tells us more about the report.
2017-18 Agriculture Information Catalogue Now Available
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s (AF) 2017-18 Agriculture Information Catalogue is now available. The 2017-18 catalogue lists over 600 free and priced books, DVDs, and CD-ROMs that are distributed through the department’s publications office. These materials provide up-to-date information on a wide range of agricultural subjects.
Livestock
Cow-Calfenomics Recording Available
Cow-Calfenomics 2016 presentations are now available online.
“A vibrant beef sector looks to attract the next generation to take up the reins as producers retire or sell their assets,” says Rick Dehod, farm financial specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF). “To help with this, AF organized five provincial beef Cow-Calfenomics extension meetings across the province in the fall of 2016.”
This year, the Olds session was video recorded and is available on-line.
Livestock Producers Receive Tax Relief for 2016
The Government of Canada has released a list of additional designated regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia where livestock tax deferral has been authorized for 2016 due to drought conditions.
Heritage Chicks Available
The popular University of Alberta Heritage Chicken program is here once again, offering small flock enthusiasts the chance to order heritage chicks until April 19.
Extension and Learning
Troubleshooting Shelf Life Workshop
One of the challenges of producing your own processed food product is knowing how long the product is good for. The upcoming Troubleshooting Shelf Life workshop will help small scale food processors understand the process of determining shelf life, pH and water activity testing and much more. Karen Goad with Explore Local explains.
Labelling for Local Markets Workshops
What are requirements for food labelling, and how do they apply to your farm direct marketed food products? Those questions and an opportunity for one-on-one food label coaching are all part of the Food Labelling for Local Markets workshops being held April 12 in Airdrie and April 13 in Leduc. Karen Goad with Explore Local fills us in.
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.
Rural Living
Century Farm and Ranch Award Application Process Streamlined
The application process for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Century Farm and Ranch Award is being streamlined. Colin Gosselin, senior project coordinator, says the new changes make it easier and more inexpensive to apply.
Wildfire Protection Strengthened with New Rules
Albertans are reminded to take precautions to prevent forest fires as new wildfire protection regulations take effect March 31.
Food Safety at the Farmers’ Market
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is hosting a webinar on the ins and outs of food regulation as it applies to Alberta approved farmers’ market sales. Eileen Kotowich, farmers’ market specialist, has the details.
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.
Jobs In Agriculture
Product/Process Development Technologist (Seasonal – Two Positions)
Leduc – Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is currently recruiting two temporary seasonal staff as product/process development technologists. The primary responsibilities of the product/process development technologist are to assist branch scientists with product/process development projects, sensory evaluation studies, and analytical laboratory procedures. This competition (Job ID #1041387 will close on April 7, 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.
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Coming Events
Alberta Milk Spring Producer Meetings
Murray Hartman’s Science-o-rama
Alberta Health Services Food Regulations for Farmers’ Markets
Negotiating Renewable Energy Leases
Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease AGM and Conference
Transition to Organic Grains Workshop
Organic Grain & Field Crops Conference
Canadian Global Crops Symposium
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
4-H Horse Grooming and Showmanship Clinic
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