Cochrane

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.

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.

A fire advisory is back in effect in Rocky View County, prompting officials to suspend all burning and fireworks permits and implement a temporary ban on open burning.

The advisory means no new burning is allowed, with several exceptions including indoor household fireplaces, incinerators used on farms and acreages, burning barrels, camp stoves, barbecues using charcoal, propane or natural gas, wood pellet grills, propane or natural gas fire pits, chimeneas, and recreational campfires in approved burn pits.

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.

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.

The Cochrane community once again showed its heart on Tuesday, raising $2,313.25 at a BBQ fundraiser to help three-year-old Brielle Thomson take her first steps with the aid of robotic legs.

The event, held outside Save-On-Foods, featured a barbecue by donation, kids’ games, spin-the-wheel prizes, and treats from McKay’s Ice Cream, all aimed at supporting Brielle’s journey to mobility. The young girl lives with cerebral palsy and uses a bright pink wheelchair. A robotic walking device by Trexo Robotics could change her life, but comes with a $43,000 price tag.

🍔 National Hamburger Day in Cochrane: Lettuce Celebrate the Bun-derful! 🍔
Because nothing brings people together like beef between buns.

Ah yes, National Hamburger Day—an official excuse (as if we needed one) to stuff our faces with one of the greatest culinary inventions of all time. Here in Cochrane, we’re not just flipping burgers—we’re flipping out over them. We asked our CochraneNow Facebook fam where the best burger in town is hiding, and you delivered hotter takes than a grill on high.

Here are your top meaty picks:

Alberta Parks has extended the seasonal closure of Highway 40 South and Highwood Junction by an additional week due to heightened security measures ahead of the G7 Summit.

The gates, which typically open to motor vehicles on June 15 each year following a winter closure, will now remain shut until June 21. This extension is in place as preparations ramp up for the G7 Summit, set to take place in Kananaskis Village from June 15 to 17.