PembinaValley

The Picture Butte Feeder Co-op (PBFC) in Alberta is fully operational again.

The Feeder Associations of Alberta note that this has been an exceptionally trying time for the PBFC's members, whose operations were put on hold through no fault of their own. 

Earlier this year, the province suspended the group's access to the Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP) following an investigation and concerns relating to financial mismanagement and regulatory issues.

Farmers have been experiencing some rain delays, but seeding is still ahead of the five-year average of 59 per cent complete.

Alberta's latest crop report shows provincially 73 per cent of the 2025 crop is now in the ground. 

The South is furthest ahead at 87 per cent seeded, followed by the Central, North West, and North East regions. The Peace Region is now at  61 per cent seeded up from 27 per cent last week.

An agricultural ecologist makes the case for building the supply managed model rather than losing it in trade talks.

A Canadian agricultural ecologist says the supply management model is one worth building on, not destroying.

Claude Caldwell, professor emeritus at Dalhousie University and a former federal researcher, said regional and rural-urban divides have developed that send mixed messages to politicians and negotiators, and he worries about upcoming trade negotiations.

Follow all our tariff coverage here

Alberta's livestock producers will benefit from increased funding for the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Services Unit. 

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson says the government is investing $9.5 million over three years, with $3.5 million being allotted each year. The funding is earmarked for the continued development of a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Calgary. 

He says the province has been supporting this project since 2020 and has been closely monitoring its impact as it continues to grow. 

Funeral For:  Cornie K. Martens 
Funeral Date: May 31, 2025 
Cornie K. Martens, 86, of Steinbach formerly of Kola, passed away Saturday, May 24th at Rest Haven Care Home. He is survived by his wife Faith, 5 sons, and their families.  
The funeral service for Cornie K. Martens will be held Saturday, May 31st at 2pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with ash interment at a later date. 
Donations may be made to One Hope Canada to support kids’ camps. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach. 

Funeral For:  Peter H. Froese 
Funeral Date: May 30, 2025 
Peter H. Froese, 78, of Steinbach passed away Thursday, May 22nd at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. He is survived by his wife Aganetha, 1 daughter, 4 sons, 1 sister, 1 brother, 7 sisters-in-law, 6 brothers-in-law, and their families.  
The funeral service for Peter H. Froese will be held Friday, 4pm at Peace River Gospel Church, 32107 McKenzie Avenue, Steinbach with burial at Mitchell Memorial Gardens.  
Viewing will be at the church prior to the service. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision for nation-building and economic growth is expected to form the main thrust of the throne speech when King Charles reads it today in the Canadian Senate.

There were no serious injuries in a two vehicle collision Monday afternoon at the corner of Highway 30 and P-R 201 just north of Altona. Pembina Valley RCMP, along with Altona Rhineland Emergency Services and EMS, were dispatched around 1:45pm.

A 64 year old male from the R.M. of Stanley has died as a result of a two vehicle collision Monday morning southwest of Osterwick.

According to RCMP, officers, Winkler Fire Department and EMS were called to the scene at the corner of Road 25 West and Road 5 North around 6:20am.

The male was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the 41-year-old Morden male driver of the second vehicle was transported to Boundary Trails Health Centre with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

Staying safe was the focus during the annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Altona on Friday.
    
About 150 grade 5 students from the area participated in the trade show style event, moving from booth to booth learning the many ways to stay safe this summer and in life. Topics ranged from drug, pet, lawn equipment and electricity safety, to name a few.