Lacombe

This week's crop report shows provincially 85 per cent of the crop is in the ground; that is up from last week's report of 57 per cent and ahead of the 5-year average of 69 per cent. 

Oilseed Specialist Sonia Wilson puts together the weekly crop report and says most of the spring wheat, oats, barley, as well as grain and silage corn have gone in, while progress is also being made on the other crops.

Analysts say Agriculture Canada may have to cut its ending canola stocks estimate in half in response to booming exports

It is highly unusual to see a red number in the sea of black on Agriculture Canada’s monthly Grains and Oilseeds Supply and Disposition report.

But it happened in the May report when the department penciled in minus 609,000 tonnes for its canola feed, waste and dockage (FWD) number for the current crop year.

The best defence against flea beetles in canola is a fast-growing, uniformly emerging crop with five to eight plants per square foot that quickly reaches the four-leaf stage. However, unpredictable weather often forces growers to rely on plan B: foliar sprays.

To reduce the need for multiple sprays, consider these strategies.

Spray when flea beetles are active

Wheat prices would get a boost if the country’s exports remain as low as much of the trade is beginning to forecast

A big debate is once again brewing about how much wheat the world’s leading exporter will ship out in the upcoming crop year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting Russia will produce 83 million tonnes of the crop and export 45 million tonnes.

SovEcon is forecasting 81 million tonnes of production and 39.7 million tonnes of exports.

The City of Red Deer has extended the Transit Fare Assistance Pass renewal deadline to June 30, to ensure all eligible riders have time to maintain their reduced fare transit access.

This pass provides eligible riders with a monthly transit pass for just $34, a savings of more than 50 per cent off the regular adult fare.

To date, only 34 per cent of current passholders have renewed their applications. If not renewed, more than 1,000 riders could see their access lapse and be required to pay full price starting in July.

As crops begin to emerge across the Prairies, farmers are being reminded to regularly scout their fields for insect activity. Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a field crop entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, particularly concerning grasshoppers.

Focusing on the Future is the theme for the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Annual General Meeting and Convention next month in Moose Jaw.

This year’s theme celebrates the resilience, innovation, and leadership of Saskatchewan’s livestock producers while tackling key industry challenges and opportunities.

President Jeff Yorga says after some challenging times, producers are finally seeing some optimism in the cattle industry.

An inspiring event that promotes and empowers female sport and excellence is coming to Margaret Parsons Theatre at Red Deer Polytechnic this Saturday. 

She Plays is a dynamic, community-driven roundtable event designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders through the transformative power of sport.  

A group representing Canada's doctors is challenging the constitutionality of Alberta's legislation limiting access to medical treatment for transgender youth, arguing it violates their Charter right to freedom of conscience.

The Canadian Medical Association says the court challenge is meant to protect the relationship between patients and doctors when it comes to making treatment decisions.

The legislation was part of a trio of bills Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government passed last year affecting transgender people.

Phase 2 of the Alix Lake dredging project has begun and is expected to continue through to the end of June.

The Village's goal is to remove vegetation in high-use areas such as the boat launch, beach area, and the middle of the lake to improve water depth and reduce the buildup of organic matter.

This effort aims to support the overall health of the lake.

Access to the nature trail will be limited during the project, and from the bridge to the gazebo there will be no access permitted, and barricades will be up.