Lacombe

Alberta Open Farm Days (August 16-17) is a province-wide celebration of agriculture, food, and community where participating farms and ranches open their gates to the public to help connect visitors to where their food comes from.

The Province is Canada’s biggest producer of honey, beef and processed potatoes; the second-biggest producer of wheat and canola; and a substantial exporter of oats, barley and pork.

This year's Open Farm Days event coincides with 'Local Food Week' which encourages consumers to buy local in support of producers.

Harvest time is just around the corner with some producers already started and there are many things to keep in mind before harvest to ensure your grain can be sold into any market. Before applying pesticides as a pre harvest application, always understand the label and be aware of any restrictions that may affect the marketability of your grain.

The Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Eleanor Olszewski was in Saskatchewan earlier this week for two key announcements, including $4.2 million for the province's ag sector. 

"By building on Saskatchewan’s many strengths and investing in them, we’re helping create good jobs and grow one strong Canadian economy."

This week, Alberta farmers learned more about the $5.2 million in funding planned for the province's two crop diversification centres.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson says the province's farmers directly benefit from the work being done at CDC North near Edmonton, and CDC South near Brooks.

The funding supports upgrades and replacements to greenhouses, labs, and administrative buildings at both sites, as well as research essentials such as seed, fertilizer, and pesticides.  

Alberta Beef Producers have decided to withdraw from the Canadian Cattle Association.

Board Chair Doug Roxburgh says they've been talking with the organization about their concerns for years regarding governance and fiscal transparency.

He notes over the past five years there's been some discussion going on around the move, noting the final decision came following extensive deliberation and strategic review.

The Sylvan Lake Gulls are one win away from their first-ever WCBL title after a thrilling 3-2, 11-inning victory over the Regina Red Sox in Game 1 of the championship series Thursday night at Currie Field in Regina.

Michael Quick lived up to his last name, stealing home in the top of the 11th inning to score the run and secure the win.

The Gulls now lead the best-of-three series 1-0 and can clinch the championship tonight in front of a home crowd at Gulls Field.

Ponoka residents will be able to hit the ice this weekend as public skating and shinny hockey return to the Arena Complex.

Public skating will be offered on:

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the small ice surface.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the small ice surface.

• The large ice surface will also be available, but scheduled times will vary.

Paper copies of the schedule are available at the Ponoka Arena Complex.

A Red Deer charity that provides critical help to Central Albertans says it is at risk of shutting down after provincial funding cuts.

In a social media post, the Turning Point Society said the financial strain puts clients and the community at risk, particularly with the transition occurring before winter.

Some programs will close at the beginning of November, including:

• Women’s Program: Pregnancy, parenting and case management supports for women at risk, in poverty and on the streets.

Red Deer swimmer Kingston Hitchcock made waves at the 2025 Canada Games, leaving the pool with an impressive seven medals and a wealth of memories.

Competing for Team Alberta, the 16-year-old from the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club claimed,

The search continues for a stolen horse named Hank, despite the arrest of a suspect in the case.

Rimbey RCMP say Katrina Doiron, 28, turned herself in to police on Thursday (August 14)

She was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in Rimbey court on October 1.

Police say Doiron has provided no information on Hank’s whereabouts.

The Rimbey RCMP and the RCMP Livestock Investigative Unit are asking the public for help to find Hank and return him to his rightful owner.