Livestock producers encouraged to test water supply

For livestock producers having access to a good, clean water supply is key.

Water quality can affect the feed intake, the absorption of nutrients, and overall productivity of animals.

Livestock and Feed Extension specialist Alicia Sopatyk  encourages producers to get their water tested, adding one of the most common problems tends to be high sulfates.

Strathcona County RCMP looking to find suspect in hit and run involving a youth

Police are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect in a hit-and-run that took place in Sherwood Park.

On Jan. 16, a witness got a hold of police saying they had seen a youth get hit while in the crosswalk at the intersection of Broadmoor Boulevard and Strathcona Drive.

Surveillance footage caught a white 2011 to 2016 model Ford Super Duty truck hitting the person while turning south onto Broadmoor Boulevard. The driver of the Ford then left the scene.

The Bison are on the move

Lakeland College is moving its bison herd to a new location.

By the end of the month, the bison will be relocated to their new home south of Vermillion thanks to the generosity of Armin and Rita Mueller.

A historic $4 million donation from the couple was specifically identified for that purpose.

Lakeland bought the land which includes eight contiguous quarters, handling facilities, outbuildings, fencing and full services for $7,780,000.

Data is key to the future of Canadian ag

The Enterprise Machine Intelligence Learning Initiative (EMILI) and Assiniboine Community College (ACC) are working together on ag-tech innovation and education.

The two hope to increase digital skills to address labour shortages in the ag sector. 

Studies show that Canada’s ag sector could be facing a shortage of 123,000 workers by 2030.

RBC's Farmer 4.0 Report suggests that the advanced technologies 
emerging across agriculture and sub-sectors will change the skills needed in the sector over the next decade.

WGRF announces $2.7 Million in funding for new crop related research

The Western Grains Research Foundation recently committed $2.7 Million to 22 new research projects through Saskatchewan's Agriculture Development Fund.

Board Chair, Dr. Keith Degenhardt says producers remain committed to investing in agricultural research.

"Since we began this funding partnership with ADF in 2012, WGRF has invested almost $30 million dollars to more than 220 research projects that have undoubtedly improved agricultural systems, technology and agronomic practices for western Canadian farmers.”  

McCain Foods releases new Sustainability Report

The report looks at just how well McCain is responding to the challenges faced by climate change, its priority on enhancing soil health and its farming partners' transition to more regenerative practices. 

Working with its farmer partners, McCain has accelerated its regenerative agriculture ambition by providing technical assistance and financing opportunities that can help tackle the escalating impacts of climate change on yields and crop quality.

Olds College makes top ten research colleges in Canada

Research Infosource Inc. has selected Olds College of Agriculture and Technology as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, placing it in the top ten.

The continued growth of the Smart Ag Ecosystem and applied research activities on the Olds College Smart Farm launched the College into the top 10 this year. 

Associate Vice President of Applied Research, Dr. Joy Agnew says the Olds College Smart Ag Ecosystem is focused on accelerating the progress and innovation needed to grow Canada’s ag industry through applied research. 

What is a restricted dog in Fort Saskatchewan?

Dogs are fantastic. They're among the most loyal of pets you can have and are considered family to many who own one. 

But they don't always behave the best. 

Though the City of Fort Saskatchewan doesn't have any outright bans on the breed or type of dog that residents can own, they do have a set of bylaws that ensure both dogs and people in the community stay safe. 

The city's animal control bylaw has two distinct characterizations for dogs that have been deemed problematic: a nuisance dog and a restricted dog. 

Firefighters determine cause and cost of CN train fire

An update has been released on the cause of last week's train fire.

On Jan. 17, Strathcona County Firefighters responded to reports of a train fire on Range Road 215 north of Wye Road.

According to Strathcona County Emergency Services, the fire was caused by a wiring short in the dynamic braking system.

Firefighters found the blaze originating from one of the train's electrical compartments. 

The estimated damages are around $20,000.

Manning COVID review to cover off work of long-promised Alberta public health panel

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s promise to assemble a panel of medical experts to deliver ongoing advice on public health and COVID-19 will be covered off by former Reform Party Leader Preston Manning’s pandemic review, her office said Wednesday.

“The central role of the (Manning) panel will be to review legislation and recommend amendments to better enable the province to respond to future health emergencies,” Smith’s spokesman Taylor Hides said in a statement, responding to questions on when the science panel would be announced.