Farming Forward 2024 Annual Report

Accelerate Weekly keeps Alberta producers informed with the latest agricultural events, industry insights, and sustainability initiatives. Stay ahead with updates on the Dugout Info Webinar Series and Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) sessions in Brazeau and Barrhead counties. Explore cutting-edge practices at the Western Canada Conference on Soil Health & Grazing, and get inspired by industry leaders like Tracey Robertson, a board director dedicated to sustainable farming.

This edition also dives into newsworthy topics, including the role of Alberta soil fungi in regenerative agriculture and the rise of automated sheep systems to improve efficiency. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to renew your 2024 membership and take part in local workshops designed to help you build a more resilient operation.

Stay informed, stay connected, and take advantage of the resources shaping the future of Alberta agriculture. Subscribe now and be part of the movement!

The newsletter by Farming Forward highlights upcoming agricultural events, including a Dugout Info Webinar Series and Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) sessions in Brazeau and Barrhead counties. It promotes the Western Canada Conference on Soil Health & Grazing and features Tracey Robertson, a board director passionate about sustainable farming. Newsworthy shares include topics on Alberta soil fungi and automated sheep systems. The newsletter also encourages 2024 membership and participation in local workshops. Let me know if you need a deeper dive into any section!

Jessica Stambulic has been the Vegetation Management Supervisor for Lac Ste Anne County since 2020, where she plays a vital role in the County’s weed management activities and supports additional programs and activities within LSAC’s Agricultural Department. Jessica’s interest in agriculture began early in her career during her time with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), where she worked as a co-op student at the Agassiz Research and Development Centre in the Minor Use Pesticide Program. She later became a research technician in AAFC's Nutrient and Soil Health Lab, where she discovered her passion for working in a field that supports agricultural producers and promotes sustainable practices.

Since started working at Lacombe Research and Development Centre, he has focused on developing agronomy practices that improve economic and environmental sustainability in both conventional and organic cropping systems. he currently has three focal research areas: 1) cropping system diversity - to improve resilience to biotic and abiotic stress in fields; 2) cropping practice diversity - to provide tools for producers whose goals are improving/maintaining yield while reducing negative impacts on the environment; 3) integrated crop management - to optimize usage of natural resources for crop production in an environmentally and economically sound manner.

David Dow grew up and currently resides on a farm his dad bought in 1974. He now farms about 450 acres, along with a cow/ calf operation with 70 head.

In 1987 David Dow started a fertilizer business and it continued for 34 years, having locations in Onoway and Mayerthorpe. They have since sold that business and they have bought Bourkes Farm Equipment (New Holland dealers).

While tending their cow/calf operation they also raised quarter horses for approximately 12 years and had a band of 35 brood mares.

David and his wife proudly have 5 grandchildren and their kids all live nearby.

What specific challenges are you currently facing on your farm that you believe research could address?

With all the information being bombarded at us, I believe research and inquiring about farming products and different approaches are a great help to producers who can get this information from Farming forward 

Industry trends and opportunities: Having Farming Forward gives producers an avenue to do research and get information that has been researched locally and is relevant to our operations.

How do you see the future of agriculture evolving? What are the key trends and opportunities?

Farming Forward should be interested in and always learn about any new trends that interest our membership. We should talk to our members weekly, get suggestions, and ask them questions about trends and new farming industry products and services. 

I grew up on a small mixed farm in the Barrhead area. From a pretty young age I was aware that being a rancher was the direction I was headed. I married my wife Sharon McEachern and together we bought my parents farm in 1982 with not a lot more than a ton of optimism. We started as a cow/calf operation, transitioned to a backgrounding lot, and eventually ended up as a finishing feed lot. We raised three children along the way Jamie, Stacey, and Travis. Jamie and Stacey, along with their husbands Randall Breitkreitz and Chris Mack, are active partners in our cattle farm operation, SW Keystone Cattle Co. Inc. Travis is an architect and works in Edmonton. We have come full circle and are currently running cows again with a big focus on genetics.

Tacey Robertson grew up on a multigenerational cow/calf operation near Gainford, AB which sparked her passion for agriculture and animals. Along with her sisters and parents, Jeff and Jenise, they raise Black and Red Angus bred to Charolais. They also grow forage and crops to provide for their livestock. Tacey is currently studying at the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus in Camrose majoring in Sustainability Studies - a combination of politics, economics, and environmental science. In addition to her studies, she works as an advisor in the university’s Career Centre. Tacey aims to apply the knowledge from her academics to agriculture and local governmental policy affecting the industry. When not in school she’s back home helping out her family with the operation, working with her horses, and managing her various chicken and garden projects. She’s proud to be a board member for Farming Forward and looks forward to being involved in upcoming initiatives.