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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: November 2023

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: November 2023

Agriculture Updates since October 2023

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Letter to the Senate on Bill C-234

We’re calling on the Senate to swiftly adopt Bill C-234 (An Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act) — without amendments — and give Canadian farmers and consumers the relief they urgently need. This will strengthen our national food security and especially help Canadian struggling to cope with high inflation. Read the letter.

How to put benchmarking to work on the farm

At the Cypress County Ag Connections Conference, Graeme Crosbie from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) spoke about the Global Farming Outlook. He mentioned FCCs Benchmarking tool, so we checked it out. Creating a benchmark tracks progress, creates a history, and can help you adjust practices to ensure maximum efficiency.

Benchmarking is the collection of farm data details. These details cover the entire farm and can include, for example, seed performance, planting details like depth and spacing, crop nutrient inputs, animal breed performance and irrigation details. You can find out more about benchmarking and the benchmarking calculator here: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/farm-benchmarking.html.

Find out more resources on trade and Canadian ag and food in the global marketplace: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/economics.html. 

Farm Financial Health Report

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has published a Farm Financial Health Report which provides an in-depth look at the financial health of the agriculture sector, and provides a suite of recommendations to help farmers manage rising costs of production, improve competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth. 

CFA has put forward 18 recommendations in several areas aimed at not only helping farmers manage the increasing cost of production and navigate challenging regulatory barriers, but also to help them mitigate the effects of climate change and support the next generation of farmers. Learn more and read the report

Dealing with stress? Help is available

Dry conditions, wildfires and flooding have teamed up to make 2023 a hard year for some Alberta producers. Many are facing tough decisions and that makes this difficult year even more stressful and challenging.

It’s important to realize no matter our situation, support and understanding is available. There is incredible generosity and support in the agriculture industry and rural communities. Let’s be willing to ask for help when we need it, knowing there are great people around us. Find out more and make sure you check out the resources available in these bulletins, through online resources, by contacting us to point you in the right direction or by reading the additional resources through this link.

Funding Updates 

Improving on-farm irrigation systems

With the irrigation season now complete, Alberta farmers may be looking towards improving their on-farm irrigation systems for the upcoming season.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation helps irrigation producers fund equipment upgrades through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Water Program. The program provides grants for existing irrigated agriculture operations in Alberta to increase on-farm water and energy savings. Read more.

Strengthening rural Alberta

Alberta’s government released its Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan in December 2022. To further implement this plan, Alberta’s government is investing $6 million in the new Small Community Opportunity Program, which will back Indigenous and small communities, helping rural Alberta grow its economic footprint. The Small Community Opportunity Program opened for applications on Nov. 10 and is for populations of fewer than 20,000. Albertans can learn more and apply online. Indigenous and small communities, and the non-profit organizations that support them, can apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for local, community-led projects. Learn more

Submitting a final report for On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

Have you been approved for OFCAF funding and awaiting reimbursement? Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) has developed a tutorial on how to submit your Final Report so you can be reimbursed as soon as possible. Watch the video

Strengthening Canada's canola sector

To further strengthen Canada’s canola industry, Agriculture Canada announced over $9 million to the Canola Council of Canada through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The goal of the Canola Cluster is to sustainably increase Canada’s canola productivity, help the canola sector meet rising global demands and improve Canada's global competitiveness. Read more

Ducks Unlimited partners with Farm Credit Canada's Sustainability Incentive Program

This new incentive program will complement Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) Marginal Areas Program on the Prairies. Producers who participate in the Marginal Areas Program in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are incentivized to convert unproductive cropland into a more biodiverse state by planting perennial forage. In addition to the DUC payment, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) customers who are participating in the Marginal Areas Program can now receive an incentive payment based on a percentage of their total owing with FCC capped at a maximum payment of $2,000 or $50/acre of enrolled acres. Learn more

More funding for AgKnow - Alberta Farm Mental Health Network

Farm life can be extremely demanding, with unpredictable challenges that affect the mental health and well-being of everyone in the family. The Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta is receiving $388,500 to generate awareness and expand mental health research and supports available to farmers through AgKnow. 

This funding will build on the work AgKnow is doing to raise awareness and support mental health. This includes developing, promoting and delivering:

  • More evidence-based mental health programs, tools and learning resources to help farm families and farming communities thrive.
  • Education and learning resources to help therapists, health care providers and community service organizations understand farm culture, the issues farmers face and the supports available to address mental health concerns.

Find out more about AgKnow and read the news release.

Don't forget...

Drought relief support for livestock producers now open 

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) will administer the program. Livestock producers who altered their usual grazing practices due to drought conditions for more than 21 days this season can apply for financial support to cover losses incurred to manage and maintain female breeding animals such as cattle, bison, horses, elk, sheep, goats, alpacas, yak, musk ox, deer, water buffalo and llamas. A minimum of 15 animals per type of livestock are required to qualify. Benefits will be based on a feed-need calculation for feed costs incurred from lost grazing days for eligible breeding animals on hand as of Dec. 31, 2023. Eligible producers could access up to $150 per head to help maintain the breeding herd in drought regions. The application deadline is Jan. 15, 2024 and extraordinary costs can be incurred until March 31, 2024. Learn more and apply

The Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) now open

NRED was created in 2022 to help attract job-creating investment and support economic growth and diversification across Alberta. Eligible projects can receive funding of up to $200,000 to help deliver business support, increase labour force attraction and retention, enhance tourism and build capacity for economic growth. A new intake is now open for the NRED program and applications will be accepted until December 20. Read more about this program from Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade. Program details.

Labour Resources

Agriworkplace Skills Training Program:

For Employers:

  • Wage Subsidy: Access up to $5,000 per trained worker (up to $7,500 for equity deserving groups), reducing labor costs. Our program is designed to seamlessly integrate with your farm operations.
    •    Elevated Training Methods: Master on-the-job e-learning techniques for streamlined onboarding and increased productivity. Our training is tailored to real-world scenarios, ensuring practicality and effectiveness.
    •    Standards Excellence: Gain exclusive access to CAHRC's National Occupational Standards for tailored workforce development.

For Employees:

Canada Alberta Jobs Grant: The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training program where an employer applies on behalf of their present or future employees for eligible training costs. Employers decide who gets training and what type of training may be needed for their employees. Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-job-grant   

Olds College launches new certificate program

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has launched the groundbreaking Indoor Agriculture Certificate program, the first of its kind offered in Canada. Designed to meet the surging demand for skilled professionals in the controlled environment agriculture sector, this 4-month program will equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience for a fulfilling career in controlled environment agriculture, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and high-tech farming methods. Learn more and apply

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Alberta Pulse Growers’ Regional Variety Trials (RVT) web tool

The 2023 Regional Variety Trial results are now live on the Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) website. APG has funded regional variety trials across the province for many years to ensure that growers have current yield, standability and disease resistance information relevant to their own farms. Only trials that meet industry standards for data quality are published. This web tool was designed to allow Alberta pulse producers to access the information they need when they need it. See the reports

Alberta Grains Research Priorities Update Survey 2023-24

Alberta Grains invites producers to participate in its Research Priorities Survey. This survey is a key step in developing a research strategy to guide Alberta's future wheat and barley production. Input is vital for identifying and prioritizing the most critical research needs for the grains industry. The deadline to participate is December 15. Learn more and participate in the survey

Help the beef cattle industry update benchmarks across Canada

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is asking all Canadian cow-calf producers to share insight into their on-farm management and production practices, which will help inform future beef research and extension strategies. 

The 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey is an online questionnaire set up to collect data to help understand longer-term trends in production methods and efficiencies. Collecting credible information directly from beef cattle producers helps the BCRC identify research priorities and information gaps, develop provincial benchmarks and examine changes over time that impact farms and ranches. Learn more and participate in the survey

Updated Approvals Policy for confined feeding operations

The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) has released an updated Approvals Policy for confined feeding operations in Alberta. The 2018 policy was updated to improve transparency and clarity regarding Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) requirements and their interpretation, reflect current practices and incorporate feedback that was received.

The updated Operational Policy 2016-7: Approvals incorporates:

•    input from the Policy Advisory Group representing Alberta’s 4 major livestock sectors (beef, dairy, pork, and poultry), the Intensive Livestock Working Group, municipalities and the non-government environmental sector

•    feedback from stakeholders, including AOPA permit applicants

•    feedback from NRCB approval officers

•    guidance provided in decisions by the Board of the NRCB

•    updates to reflect current practices.

The policy is available on the NRCB website. 

Moisture content for Canadian grains 

Learn more about moisture meters and why one machine may not have the same results as another, and find answers to some frequent moisture meter questions. Frequently Asked Questions

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

FCC Young Farmer Summit: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/events.html

December 13: Cool Family Solutions - Helping Families with Mental Health & Substance Related Disorders

January 11: RDAR Research Showcase

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx and upcoming events

Other Resources

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.medicinehatchamber.com/agribusiness-resources/    

If you know of someone who may be interested in the work we are doing and might be interested in investing in this work through membership, please feel free to refer them to us. You can also encourage others to subscribe to our agriculture updates through this page. We look forward to continuing our work with you and pushing for our collective priorities on your behalf.

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