All Resources

Economic feasibility of anaerobic digesters

Description

The typical simple payback for a biogas plant may be about seven years as long as the existing government incentive program is available and biogas energy is produced continuously without... More ≫

Description

The typical simple payback for a biogas plant may be about seven years as long as the existing government incentive program is available and biogas energy is produced continuously without interruption except for scheduled regular maintenance. Some experiences in North America show that biogas energy production is often interrupted due to unforeseen maintenance and process related issues. Even though anaerobic digestion is a century-old process, the adaptation of this process successfully on the commercial scale for producing energy is still evolving. Frequent interruptions in the process show that the technology and process related knowledge still have room to improve. Despite these drawbacks, the potential for carbon trading and increased consumer awareness regarding practicing environmentally sound and sustainable agricultural production methods will certainly add to the benefits of continuing to work with this technology.

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Economic thresholds for insects attacking oilseeds

Description

Many economic thresholds for insects attacking oilseed crops currently in use are nominal (i.e. unsupported by research). Some economic thresholds have been developed for major pests attacking... More ≫

Description

Many economic thresholds for insects attacking oilseed crops currently in use are nominal (i.e. unsupported by research). Some economic thresholds have been developed for major pests attacking crops in Western Canada. The following data have been compiled from various sources, including the guidelines published by the Western Committee on Crop Pests, and indicate the economic threshold recommendations being made.

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Economics of change for beef operations

Description

Highlights some of the key findings of an economic analysis of north and central Alberta beef operations over the past 10 years, including the durability of the industry and opportunities for... More ≫

Description

Highlights some of the key findings of an economic analysis of north and central Alberta beef operations over the past 10 years, including the durability of the industry and opportunities for profit driven change. Key drivers supporting the "economics of change" are farm-level financial strengths and potential for herd cost reductions through integrated herd and grazing systems.

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Drylot backgrounding of feeder cattle : economic & productive performance

Description

Technical bulletins research specific areas of interest to provide a better understanding of cropping issues that may affect or influence Alberta producers. They also provide Alberta producers... More ≫

Description

Technical bulletins research specific areas of interest to provide a better understanding of cropping issues that may affect or influence Alberta producers. They also provide Alberta producers with an additional tool to evaluate business performance along with production, management, and technology options.

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Final trip report : New West Partnership Ministerial Agriculture mission to Beijing and Shanghai, China; and Tokyo, Japan, dates: October 9-16, 2010

Description

The purpose of this trip was to promote the dynamic agricultural sector of the New West Partnership region, gain insights on emerging opportunities and constraints to growing trade, and to... More ≫

Description

The purpose of this trip was to promote the dynamic agricultural sector of the New West Partnership region, gain insights on emerging opportunities and constraints to growing trade, and to undertake advocacy and advance Alberta’s trade and investment interests.

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Selling local food directly to foodservice and hospitality

Description

The purpose of this fact sheet is to introduce producers to the food service industry and the needs of their buyers. It outlines the elements for creating successful business relationships.

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Selling local food directly to institutions and schools

Description

This fact sheet outlines some common challenges and provides resources to help farmers better determine their readiness to sell to schools and institutions. This market channel may be of greater... More ≫

Description

This fact sheet outlines some common challenges and provides resources to help farmers better determine their readiness to sell to schools and institutions. This market channel may be of greater interest to commodity producers than farm direct operators as profit margins are typically less than in other direct-to-consumer marketing channels.

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Farm direct marketing : know the regulations. Meat and meat products

Description

This booklet highlights sections of pertinent legislation that applies to the production, processing and sale of meat and meat products regardless of where and how they are sold. It is intended... More ≫

Description

This booklet highlights sections of pertinent legislation that applies to the production, processing and sale of meat and meat products regardless of where and how they are sold. It is intended for all those who sell food products directly to consumers at a farmers’ market, roadside stand, farm store, u-pick operation or public market, on-line or through community supported agriculture (CSA).

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Use of fertilizers, manures and pesticides for sustainable farm management

Description

Optimum crop production depends on inputs of commercial fertilizer and herbicides. Today's technology-based agricultural practices have had a huge effect on increased food production across the... More ≫

Description

Optimum crop production depends on inputs of commercial fertilizer and herbicides. Today's technology-based agricultural practices have had a huge effect on increased food production across the prairies. Generally, the economic effects of increased production have been very positive; however, the ecological effects are not always as positive.

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Agronomic management of winter pea and winter lentil in Alberta

Description

Winter pea and winter lentil can be profitable options to include in southern Alberta crop rotations. When grown in the appropriate area using the proper variety and agronomic practices, winter... More ≫

Description

Winter pea and winter lentil can be profitable options to include in southern Alberta crop rotations. When grown in the appropriate area using the proper variety and agronomic practices, winter pea and lentil can yield up to 39 per cent more than spring types, making it an agronomically and economically sound choice for growers.

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