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AFIN Webinar – Dr. Hari Poudel presents. Sainfoin: A beneficial companion forage crop for your favourite perennials

There has been a renewed interest in sainfoin among western Canadian forage and beef-cattle producers over the last decade. A major trigger for this growing appeal has been the availability of new sainfoin cultivars (Mountainview and Glenview) that have increased compatibility with alfalfa. Grazing alfalfa sainfoin mixed pasture can eliminate alfalfa pasture bloat which costs ~ $30 to $50 million per year to the Canadian cattle producers. Recent research indicates that these new sainfoin cultivars also exhibit compatibility with perennial grass species, further expanding their potential benefits. This seminar will review historical sainfoin breeding activities and highlight current progress on the compatibility of sainfoin with perennial forages and prospects of sainfoin as a sustainable livestock feed.
 
Dr. Hari Poudel is a forage breeding research scientist at AAFC’s Lethbridge Research and Development. He has more than 10 years of forage breeding experience acquired through graduate and post-graduate research across different forage breeding programs in North America. His research interests are centered around the improvement and development of forage cultivars through phenotypic and genomics-assisted breeding. He currently devotes his expertise to enhancing forage cultivars tailored to the specific needs of the Western Canadian context by effectively addressing the challenges posed by changing climatic conditions. He is committed to applied research that directly benefits all the stakeholders of the forage industry in Alberta.

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.

 

 

Or listen to the Podcast here

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AFIN Webinar – Dr. Ed Bork presents An Overview of Work on Integrated Weed Control in Pastures

 

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.

 

 

Or listen to the Podcast here

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Alberta Ranchers and Farmers – Information for those effected by the AB Fires

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.

Ag & Livestock Evacuees 1 (2)

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AFIN Sustainable Forages Series – Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program (RALP)

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 AFIN Board of Directors has decided to run a series of science-related webinars for the benefit of producers and other interested parties. To start with we thought we will have a session about the new Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program (RALP) which is intended for our producers and can bring up to $150, 000 per producer for the next 3 years. This webinar is presented by Giselle Ulrich, BSc, PAg

 

 

Or listen to the Podcast here

RDAR

FEET IN THE FIELD, EYES ON THE STARS: AN AG RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Feet in the Field, Eyes on the Stars: AN AG RESEARCH SHOWCASE

We’ve been out in the field, and now it’s time to come together and
showcase the research bringing Alberta’s agriculture industry to new heights.

This January 10th, 2023, RDAR is proud to host Feet in the Field, Eyes on the Stars: our inaugural ag research showcase. This unique, must-see event will focus on the ‘stars’ – Alberta’s leading ag researchers and producers, brought together to showcase the impact research projects are having in the field. Feet in the Field, Eyes on the Stars is a celebration of the important and exciting ag research taking place in our province. Register today to hear firsthand the highlights of RDAR’s 2021/2022 business year and talk to the researchers deeply involved in the projects having an impact on Alberta’s producers.

Register for this event

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The Rangeland Sustainability Program

The Rangeland Sustainability Program

Alberta Environment and Parks is once again offering a grant program for rangeland initiatives. The Rangeland Sustainability Program aims to promote the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands and the ecosystem services these working landscapes provide to Albertans, through the following objectives:

  • Support Albertans and industry stakeholders in their efforts to implement rangeland stewardship through education initiatives and tool development.
  • Support research programs that increase knowledge and understanding of rangeland management to achieve long-term sustainability outcomes. 
  • Remove barriers to successful stewardship for rangeland managers to support economic, social and environmental outcomes.

 

Funding for the program comes from a portion of the revenue collected from grazing disposition rental fees (grazing leases, licenses and permits). An estimated $200,000 will be available for the 2022-23 round of applications. Although individuals cannot apply for this funding, they may work with eligible applicants, which include:

  • Non-government organizations registered under the Alberta Societies Act (ASA)
  • Other non-government organizations (those that may not be registered under the ASA but are still considered not-for-profit)
  • Municipalities
  • Indigenous communities
  • Academia and educational institutions

 

Eligible projects include a broad range of topics, including rangeland restoration or reclamation, multiple use conflicts or integration, wildfire and climate related resilience or adaptation, ecological goods and services, and education or extension activities and applied research.

The website for the program hosts all information surrounding the grant program, including past approved projects and the application form: www.alberta.ca/rangeland-sustainability-program.aspx. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2022. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact the program coordinator at AEP.RSP@gov.ab.ca.

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As the floodwaters rose, this simple solution kept a B.C. farmer’s fields intact

When an unprecedented atmospheric river sent floodwaters rushing across Travis Forstbauer’s fields earlier this month, the Chilliwack, B.C., farmer was worried he’d lose the precious fertile soil his livelihood depends on. He was pleasantly surprised when the water receded to see that his land had suffered minimal damage.

Read More…. As the floodwaters rose, this simple solution kept a B.C. farmer’s fields intact

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albertaforages@gmail.com

587-678-AFIN (2346)