News

The AFIN Board of Directors has decided to run a series of science-related webinars for the benefit of producers and other interested parties. 

This episode features Courtney O’Keefe from Blue Rock Animal Nutrition, she will update the Alberta Pasture Sampling Project – Preliminary Results

Pasture Sampling Project Preliminary results (2-year Forage Quality results) presented by Courtney O’Keefe, M.Sc., Ruminant Nutritionist from Blue Rock Animal Nutrition

 Mineral content of pasture is highly variable and largely dependent on geographical region, history of the land, surrounding oil and gas activity, grass species, and weather patterns. Both deficiencies and toxicities have negative consequences on cattle health, reproduction and when severe, can be life threatening. This presentation will discuss our preliminary results showing the mineral content of pasture in 9 different regions of the province, and how mineral levels change throughout the grazing season. 

The AFIN Board of Directors has decided to run a series of science-related webinars for the benefit of producers and other interested parties. 

This episode features Malinda Thilakarathna,  Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta

Drought stress poses a significant challenge to forage production, making it crucial to better understand how forage plants respond to this stress. Forage legumes engage in beneficial partnerships with specialized soil rhizobia bacteria, residing in root nodules and aiding in atmospheric nitrogen fixation. However, legumes are vulnerable to drought stress, impacting
nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. In our study, we assessed the effects of drought stress on nodulation, plant growth, physiological parameters, nitrogen fixation, soil nitrogen levels, and soil microbial diversity in alfalfa and red clover using a greenhouse pot experiment.

Drought treatments, simulating severe, moderate, and well-watered conditions, were applied during the flowering stage. The results showed significant reductions in nodulation, root and shoot growth, and nitrogen fixation under drought conditions, particularly in severe drought.

Interestingly, severe drought led to increased soil available nitrogen, and the soil microbial community exhibited changes in the abundance of key bacterial groups. Overall results indicate that drought has deleterious effects on nitrogen fixation and plant growth, affecting soil nitrogen availability and soil microbial diversity.

The Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) is pleased to announce the offering of the current web site “Farming the Web” for sale. AFIN built this website with a Government of Alberta grant through the years 2020 to 2023. This website had an injection of upwards of $355,000 into it over a timeline from 2020 to 2023.This significant investment was not limited to cash only. AFIN’s volunteer board of directors took on the task of construction and operation of this website, spending countless hours ensuring functionality to provide a product for all those in the Ag Community to use.

Due to the closing of the former “Ropin the Web” website operated by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, there was a significant volume of responses to the Government of Alberta with a demand for a replacement website. An expression of interest was placed out and AFIN felt there was a space to increase the profile of AFIN while also contributing to the needs of the Agricultural community. AFIN was made aware of and received a grant and expression of interest in building this website as a replacement for the classified section of “Roping the Web” in 2019.  AFIN’s volunteer board established a working committee to take on the work of modelling, creating, building out, and managing this website as a place to buy and sell agricultural related items along with a build out for a knowledge-based housing service.

As we enter 2024, the usage metrics of “Farming the Web” do not support the ongoing maintenance costs of a volunteer organization continuing to run this website. If there is not an increase in the usage base of this website which AFIN can use to justify its existence by the end of April 2024, AFIN will have no choice but to shut down the website.

Shutting down the website will result in a sunk cost of the initial investment dollars utilized to build such a wonderful product. As such, the AFIN board has decided to place the website and domain up for sale to any interested parties who would like to take advantage of the existing work that has been done and continue running the website as a place for agricultural listings.

This turnkey website is ready to go with great features that you can use to expand your site. Some common features of this agriculture classified site include the ability to post and browse listings for farm equipment, livestock, feed, and other agricultural products. There is also a section for job postings in the agriculture industry, an event listings page, and a document repository page ready to go.

In terms of monetization, you can generate revenue by charging a fee for premium listings, by taking a commission on transactions that occur through your site, or through Advertising or Event listings. It’s important to have a clear and transparent pricing structure for your users.

The Board of Directors of AFIN would like to express their gratitude towards the Government of Alberta for providing the initial grant money and responding to the call of the public when the “Ropin the Web” site was initially closed.

If you are interested in purchasing the rights to the “Farming the Web” site, please reach out via the email address below. If there is not a transfer of ownership of the rights as of April 1, 2024 (with a possible extension), the “Farming the Web” website will be shut down.

albertaforages@gmail.com

www.farmingtheweb.ca

The forage industry is significant in Alberta. According to the most recent census of Agriculture (Statistics Canada) there are 28.8 million acres of forage land in Alberta.

Up until 2002 the Alberta Forage Council represented the interests of the forage industry in Alberta. However, in 2002, the Council merged with applied research associations to become the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA). ARECA has evolved to become a broader umbrella organization representing the whole agriculture industry in Alberta. Several consultations were held with all facets of the Alberta forage industry between the years 2007 and 2010 to see if there was an interest/need to have an organization representing the forages in Alberta. This resulted in the formation of the Alberta Forage Industry Network Society or “AFIN” in 2010.

AFIN is directed and managed by a volunteer board of directors along with an advisor from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and an advisor from the Agri-environment Services Branch of AAFC. The board Members are located across the province. For more information and contact information about the AFIN board of directors please refer to the “Contact Us” section of the AFIN Website. www.albertaforages.ca

Since 1992, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) has recognized farms and ranches across the province whose natural resource stewardship practices contribute to the environment and enhance productivity and profitability.

Alberta Beef Producers, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada are pleased to announce Wray Ranch and the Wray family as the recipients of the 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award.

Read the Article Here.

The Sustainable Forages Podcast is a series of informative and engaging conversations about sustainable forage production and management practices. Each episode features experts and innovators in the field discussing a range of topics, including soil health, grazing management, and the latest research on forage crops. Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, or just interested in sustainable agriculture, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the importance of forages in a sustainable food system.

The Sustainable Forages Podcast is a series of informative and engaging conversations about sustainable forage production and management practices. Each episode features experts and innovators in the field discussing a range of topics, including soil health, grazing management, and the latest research on forage crops. Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, or just interested in sustainable agriculture, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the importance of forages in a sustainable food system.

Pasture weeds can markedly reduce forage quantity and availability, and are often a function of grazing practices. Understanding the options available to achieve weed control in grazed land is important, and often includes the integration of different management tools, such as herbicides, managing pasture fertility, and the deliberate use of rotational grazing to directly and indirectly control unpalatable weeds. This seminar will review nearly 20 years of research into the control of Canada thistle on pasture in central Alberta, including integrated weed control.

The Sustainable Forages Podcast is a series of informative and engaging conversations about sustainable forage production and management practices. Each episode features experts and innovators in the field discussing a range of topics, including soil health, grazing management, and the latest research on forage crops. Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, or just interested in sustainable agriculture, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the importance of forages in a sustainable food system.

Evacuated farmers and ranchers:

o   Should visit alberta.ca/emergency to and find the most up-to-date information on the current wildfire situation.

o   Can contact the wildfire resource line at 310-4455 with agriculture and livestock related questions.

o   Should register online or at the reception centre identified for their community so staff can quickly assist them and connect them with the resources they need.

Agriculture and Irrigation is also sharing pertinent emergency-related information on our social media channels, so please follow and share.

Facebook: @Agriculture Alberta

Twitter: @AlbertaAg

Instagram: @albertaagriculture

For your information:

Agricultural societies and auction markets may have room for livestock evacuated from wildfire areas, and may be able to help connect livestock owners with transport:

o   Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies

o   Alberta Auction Markets Association – For available space at auction marts for livestock call:

• • • 780-789-3915 (north)
    • 403-358-0456 (south)

Albertans with firefighting training or other resources or supplies to volunteer can email emergencysupportoffers@gov.ab.ca for more information. 

Farmers with questions about business risk management should:

o   reach out to their AFSC branch office,

o   visit AFSC.ca,

o   email info@afsc.ca, or

o   call 1-877-899-2372.

During the election period, Government of Alberta responses are limited. These limitations are outlined in the Elections Act and Elections Communication Policy and are in place until the end of the election.