Lacombe

Farm Credit Canada is investing $2 billion to advance agtech innovation in Canada’s agriculture and food industry. 

The money which will be invested by 2030 will direct more investment into innovative devices, instrumentation, research, and methodologies designed to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

Stats show Canada’s agtech sector is lagging, putting Canada at a strategic disadvantage, while Japan  and the European Union have been increasing investments in ag tech.

Alberta's latest crop report shows 90 per cent of the provincial crop is now in; that's ahead of the 5-year average of 81 per cent. 

Roy Larsen, the director of Statistics and Data Development for Agriculture and Irrigation says seeding progress in the South is at 97 per cent complete, the North West at 93 per cent, the Central region is at 89 per cent, the North East at 86  per cent, and the Peace at 84 per cent.

Crop progress shows 99 per cent of the dry peas have been planted, while oats lag behind at 74 per cent. 

Canadian Environment Week is on now until Saturday.

The annual week focuses on and celebrates the environment and Canadians' commitment to protecting it and nature.

Beginning in 1971, the House of Commons launched the event to raise awareness about environmental issues such as pollution and climate change.

The idea was to encourage Canadians to focus on preserving natural resources and protecting wildlife.

This week invites everyone to appreciate nature, raise awareness and take action to protect the planet.

Several roads in Ponoka will be temporarily closed on Thursday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to accommodate the Graduates of Ponoka Parade.

The following roads will be closed during the event:

• 55th Street (between 45th Avenue and 48th Avenue)

• 48th Avenue (between 55th Street and 50th Street)

• 50th Street (between 48th Avenue and 46th Avenue)

• 46th Avenue (between 50th Street and 54th Street)

• 54th Street (between 46th Avenue and Highway 53)

Red Deer RCMP are enforcing a traffic program monitoring motor safety throughout the city for the month of June.

The City of Red Deer’s Automated Traffic Enforcement Program includes photo laser and intersection red light cameras. These tools, along with conventional traffic enforcement and education campaigns, help make Red Deer’s roads safer.

The Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney issued the following statement on National Indigenous History Month:  

“June is National Indigenous History Month – a time to celebrate the knowledge, histories and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have called these lands home for generations."
 
“It is an important time to reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation – an active and ongoing journey that requires collective action."

The Town of Ponoka has released its 2024 Annual Report highlighting many accomplishments and milestones over the past year.  

Guided by Council’s 2023 to 2027 strategic plan, the report showcases work that has been completed in the following priority areas: investing in infrastructure and the environment, fostering a vibrant community, supporting growth and economic health and effective leadership and advocacy.  

The Sylvan Lake Municipal Library is bringing back its popular Name That Tune Fundraiser this Saturday evening — an event that promises to create some musical memories. 

Now in its second year, the fundraiser will feature team-based music trivia, along with prizes, a silent auction and a raffle. Proceeds will go toward purchasing new furniture for the library’s youth space. 

Canada's premiers are heading into to a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Saskatoon Monday armed with their wish lists for major "nation-building" projects that could buttress the economy in the face of a U.S. trade war.

Carney asked the premiers to each pass on five suggestions for national infrastructure projects, and Monday's meeting will aim to identify the ones that will make the final cut to be fast tracked using legislation Ottawa may introduce as early as this week.

Canada Post has rejected a request from the union representing about 55,000 of its workers to send their ongoing labour dispute to binding arbitration.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers made the request in a statement Saturday, saying it was inviting Canada Post to a fair, final and binding arbitration process to resolve negotiations that have dragged on for months without producing a new collective agreement.