Agricultural News

The 2023 growing season was off to a dry start and saw below average rainfall for most parts of the province. Hot temperatures beginning in May right through August hastened maturity in peas and lentil crops across most of the province. Faba beans tend to be ready later in the harvest season. Growers may be looking for information on harvest tips to maintain premium quality pulses and insight into storage in case of pulse carry-over into the new year in anticipation of higher prices.

As fall is giving us spectacular leaf colours from hardwood species, the fall needle drop is a natural phenomenon that occurs in pine, spruce, fir, and arborvitae trees during the season. It is a process in which these trees shed their older needles, making way for new growth and ensuring the overall health and vitality of the tree. This shedding of needles is an essential part of the tree's life cycle and plays a crucial role in its adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

The United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) is currently seeking nominations for three (3) members to join their Board of Directors for a four year term, commencing March 15, 2024. The nomination period runs from September 11, 2023 - November 1, 2023, at 4 p.m.

The Peace Region Economic Development Alliance (PREDA)  has partnered up with Prairie Oats Growers Association to raise awareness of the value of oats, distributing over 7,500 bags of oats, courtesy of Save on Foods, to 27 municipalities throughout the Peace Region.

Crop Report, provided by the Government of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, as of September 5, 2023.

For trees and shrubs, winter presents a series of formidable challenges. Harsh conditions, from freezing temperatures to limited sunlight, can take a toll on their health and vitality. In the harsh winter climates of Alberta, trees and shrubs often face various threats that can lead to extensive damage. From the biting cold temperatures and dry air to the winter sun and the relentless forces of wildlife, salt, deep freezes, heavy snow, and ice, the challenges are plentiful. However, by taking a few proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the potential for damage and ensure the survival and vitality of your trees and shrubs.

Since the last report on August 31, 2023, modest rains fell across much of the western portions of the Central Region, and large parts of the the North East and the North West Regions, with many lands receiving between 5 to 10 mm of rain, just enough to put a temporary pause on harvest activities in these areas. Once again, most of the Southern Region and the eastern portions of the Central Region and parts of the Peace Region remained dry.

FarmCash is a cash advance program and cash flow management tool offered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to producers across Western Canada, in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Maintoba. It provides marketing flexibility when selling, low interest savings, risk mitigation during the growing season, and resources for wise investing.

The Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) provides Alberta's farmers and agri-businesses with loans, crop insurance, and farm income disaster assistance. For more information on all the funding and insurance programs offered, please visit their website at afsc.ca

Fall presents an excellent opportunity to plant larger caliper trees on your property. Caliper trees are older trees, with a minimum trunk diameter of 4 cm, measured 15 cm above ground level. Larger caliper trees have a trunk diameter of 10 cm, measured 30 cm above ground level. In Alberta, spring often brings dry soil and low humidity. However, during fall tree planting, soil moisture is higher due to summer and autumn rains, providing an advantageous environment for root establishment in preparation for the upcoming spring.