No Accident

Do you know the most dangerous aspect of a farm? It's not the buildings, it's not the machinery, and it's not the livestock. It is the people.

I thought I would touch on a serious subject that many farmers take for granted- farm safety. Every year, there are numerous farm related injuries and fatalities. 35% of farm-related injuries occurred in southern Alberta. These involve farm machinery, vehicles, and animals. Machinery, such as augers and post-pounders, are responsible for numerous injuries and deaths on the farm. Animals such as cattle can be very dangerous, especially bulls. Many people are injured or killed as a result of being dragged or bucked off of a horse. Careless behaviour on ATVs can also cause serious injuries. Agriculture is Alberta's most dangerous occupation, and ranks as Canada's third most dangerous.

Augers can be deadly when caution isn't used

Unfortunately, many of the people involved in these accidents are youth. The farm is one of the only work places where young kids are involved on a daily basis. Many kids don't see the danger that is involved on a farm because many only see it as their home. This is what kids grow up doing, so many see farm work as a daily part of life, and not a dangerous job. They live, work and play all in the same place.

While a good deal of these accidents happen to children, there are still many adults involved in farm-related accidents. Are they caused my careless behaviour? Or are they just honest accidents? When it comes to safety on the farm, no accidents should ever happen.

To increase awareness and show people the dangers of life on the farm, many programs have been set up. The UFA Safety Smarts program "raises individual awareness of the many potential hazards on the farm and teaches rural children safe responses to each." Speakers visit a number of schools through the year, many of which are Hutterite colony schools. Every summer, community associations and agricultural societies put on farm safety day camps. I attended a number of these camps when I was young and found them very informative and beneficial. Also, the second week of March is  Canadian Farm Safety Week. Farm safety groups are enthusiastic and dedicated to educate youth about staying safe on their home and workplace.

Accidents are always around every corner, whether it be on the tractor in the field, vaccinating calves, or taking a skating on the dug out. But using caution and knowing where the dangers are on the farm activities can keep you safe and injury-free in the long run. So remember to work and play safe.



The farm is a great place to grow up,
 as long as their are no accidents


For more information, please visit the websites below!
http://www.abfarmsafety.com/
http://www.casa-acsa.ca/english/

No Trespassing

Every morning I go out there just a walking
I see that heavy iron marking up this land
There was a time when nobody would have live here
Now them hills are all tied up in black top

Today I thought I would discuss an issue that will affect everyone in the long run- agricultural producers and city people alike. If you haven't gotten the idea from the above George Fox lyrics, the issue I am talking about is urban sprawl. Urban sprawl can simply be defined as the spread of a city and suburbs to its outskirts and onto rural land. More and more, farmers and ranchers are choosing or are pushed to sell their land to developers. There are more people in our society today, resulting in more homes being built. Of course, the planning and placement of these homes can be inefficient and can make farming and ranching difficult. More ans more politicans and voters alike, have realized that their are few if any benefits to urban sprawl. It results in inflated costs in transportation, higher-per capita use of land, water, and energy, and most importantly, the loss of agricultural land. In Alberta's cities and towns there are still people who are hesitant to build up instead of out, working land is viewed as land waiting to be developed.




Sprawl located on the outskirts of Calgary, notice the gray
haze hanging above

 Every year, more agricultural land is lost to urban sprawl. A main difficulty is that this land is worth more money when it is developed than when it is being farmed. An acre of developed land may be worth $10 000.00  per acre while that same land is worth only around $1000.00 to $2000.00  per acre in agricultural value. Farming can have its ups and downs, and when times are not great, farmers may feel inclined to sell their land to developers. It is also a fact that the typical farmer is around the age of 55. Most of the time, the operation will be passed on to the farmers' children when they come of age. However, this is not always the case, and if the children don't take on the farm, the land may be sold for development. That results in many family farms disappearing.

There is not much that the typical farmer or rancher can do to change urban sprawl except to keep their land in their hands and promote the benefits agriculture provides. There are many programs and projects that work to sustain farm land. Action for Agriculture, an group formed in the Rocky View County, works to sustain agricultural land and keep it intact. They have 6 goals:

1. Preserve working lands
2. Discourage unnecessary spending by the Rural Municipalities
3. Foster water and soil conservation and quality for all residents
4. Promote agriculture as environmentally friendly
5. Monitor residential, recreational and commercial growth so that it is compatible with agriculture
6. Educate the public on the environmental, economic, and social benefits possible from the agriculture industry 

As well as Action for Agriculture, there is the Pekisko Group, a family bound program working to sustain native prairie land in Southern Alberta. There is so much importance in native pastures, as they support bio-diversity, have incredibly stronger grasses than seeded pastures, they are better suited for our climate, and have stood the test of time.


Farmland in southern Alberta, a most important
aspect of agriculture

 The loss of farm land not only takes away the way of life for farmers, but it affects all of the world's citizens. Although Canada will be able to feed its own citizens for many years, the loss of farm land will affect the world's food economy. We recognize that people need homes, but we also need to recognize that we need our farm land for food, North American can't depend on foreign countries for a food source. It is up to us to produce our own food. It won't be easy, but in order to save our great industry, urban sprawl must be stopped!

Please visit the links below to find out what you can do to sustain our precious land

Action for Agriculture http://www.actionforagriculture.com/
The Pekisko Group http://www.pekisko.ca/
The Nature Conservancy of Canada http://www.natureconservancy.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=ncc_main

How Much is a Cow Worth?

After these last few crazy days at 4-H on Parade and my high school graduation, I have been able to get back to write you another blog post! Through this weekend, I showed female projects including a purebred heifer and a commercial cow/calf pair, and showed and sold a market steer. What was really interesting to me was the prices of the steers being sold. Through my 4-H career, the prices we 4-Her's have gotten for our steer projects have been very good. Being 4-H kids, we have always received well over market price.

First off, I will explain how market cattle are sold. They are not sold at a flat rate, but by the pound. This year, I was payed $2.00/lb, while actual market price right now is $1.03. So I got 97 cents over what the price is in the real world. I would say that is pretty good! Prices have been up and down in the past year, but one thing stays the same- 4-H kids make off like bandits!

So let's put this into perspective...

•  4-H Price- $2.00/lb for a 1212 lb. steer = $2424.00 in the bank!
• Market Price- $1.03/lb for a 1212 lb. steer = $1248.36, about $1175.64 less than what I made
• Rail Grade Price, based on carcass weight of steer (yield)- a 1212 lb. steer yeilding at 58% = 703 lbs at 1.68/lb = $1180.00

From what I can show you, selling a steer through 4-H has it's benefits. I think it may have to do with the fact that the steer buyers have the kids future in mind, and want to help them fund for it.



Me and Skoal, my last 4-H steer


Breeding cattle, however, are sold at a flat rate, depending on the agreement made between the buyer and seller. Calves, yearlings, and mature animals are often sold at different prices, as their value may differ. However, a 9 month old heifer calf could be sold at the same price as a 2 year old mature bull! Sometimes, the price of cattle can depend on whether they are sold through a public auction (with an auctioneer and a number of bidders) or through private treaty ( a private sale at the farm by the breeder and buyer alone). At a public sale, there may be numerous people bidding on the same animal, which raises the price of it. In private treaty, the buyer and seller will come to a formal agreement on a fair price.




KEW Rob Roy 196X, a yearling bull I sold a few months ago through private treaty

 Cattle prices are always chaning and so is the market for cattle. Things are not like they once were, and they will likely change in the near future as well. One thing has stayed the same- purchasing quality cattle at a fair price.

We Are Stewards

Farmers and ranchers are stewards of our land, air, water, and livestock. We contribute to the economy of Alberta and Canada- we help feed the world. We build communities, provide jobs, and build the leaders of tomorrow. Without agriculture, so much would not be possible. Take a look at the statistics below to give you an accurate report on some aspects in the agriculture industry.

•In total, Canada has 247,124 farms.
•20% of Canadians are employed in the agriculture field.
•59% (31,774) of Alberta farms have beef cattle.
•Alberta cattle and calf numbers - 5,930,000 head (39% of Canadian total)
•Alberta beef and cattle exports were valued at approximately $1.39 billion. Wheat was at $2 billion, and canola seed was at $1.33 billion.
•Alberta feeds over 2.23 million cattle each year with total annual beef production of over 809,000 tonnes
•Alberta has 21,067,486 hectares of farmland. 32% of that is natural land for pasture and 11% is tame or seeded pasture land.
•Canada’s cattle industry remains the largest single source of farm cash receipts. Cattle and calf cash receipts in 2006 totalled $6.5 billion.
•Fifty percent of Canadian pork is exported to more than 85 countries. Canada has been the world’s largest exporter of pork for the past three years.

•Top Alberta Agri-Food exports in 2009 ($ billion) live cattle-0.47, beef-0.96, wheat-2.10, canola seed-1.33, pork-0.41

Also, please view my new "Agriculture Links" page. I have given you numerous links to agricultural websites. that will give you an even broader view on agriculture's contribution.

For a quick look at the life of a farmer, watch this video!
We Love Farmers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjbQAQi8hlI

Romancing the West

It seems that everywhere, everyone wants to be a cowboy or cowgirl. People are wearing cowboy boots, belt buckles, cowboy hats, and western shirts. In their homes, paintings by Russel and Remington hang on the walls. Their stereos play Strait and Jackson. A John Wayne western in the DVD player. More and more, we are seeing urban people trying to be involved in the western and country lifestyle. In a way, I guess we can feel flattered that more people want to be like  us, but at the same time, we have to wonder, why?


My hero

 I grew up a-dreamin' of bein' a cowboy
Lovin' the cowboy ways
Pursuin' the life of my high-ridin' heroes
That burned up my childhood days

During our childhood years, everybody would dress up as a cowboy or cowgirl for fun. Whether it was the cool outfits we put one, or riding our stick horse, toy pistol in hand, we all found fun in dressing up as those western heroes. For the many kids that didn't grow up in a country background, they were exposed to western television shows, movies, and music, such as Home on the Range. I grew up watching John Wayne movies, and since the age of 8, he has been my hero. We admire cowboys because they are brave, work hard, can ride, and have morals. Often, we see them as role models.

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue
Set me free, oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and closer to you, closer to you


Isn't it every girls dream to be on the back of their cowboy's horse, riding off into the sunset? Well maybe not everyone's dream, but it was mine. There is something romanticized about having a cowboy coming home to you, after being out all day on horseback working in the dirt and heat. Old western movies have portrayed the cowboy as the "it" guy, because of his many attractive qualities, such as bravery, work ethic, nature, and the way he works a pair of Wranlers. What can I say, ladies love country boys!

Amarillo by moring, up from San Antone
Everything that I got, is just what I got on
I ain't got a dime but what I got is mine
I ain't rich but Lord I'm free
Amarillo by morning, Amarillo's where I'll be


What many people love about the western life is the sport of rodeo. Starting out as competitions between cowboys and vaqueros testing their work skills against each other now has become a popular and loved sport by people around the world. The sport still shows skills of cowboys and cowgirls in the pro events of tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, and bull riding. Not always an easy life, but one that is an adventure and full of surprise and the unknow. This life is admired by many as it is free, has values, and has a wholesome feeling.

Cowboys like us sure do have fun

Racing the wind, chasing the sun

Take the long away around back to square one

Today we're just outlaws out on the run

They'll be no regrets, no worries and such

For cowboys like us

The western life is adventurous, fun, and so far away from what most people live like today. While many people won't ever get the chance to be fully involved in a western lifestyle, there are ways to get just a taste of it. The Calgary Stampede has been held annually since 1912 in Calgary, Alberta, and is described as "the greatest outdoor show on earth!". The 10 days that the show is held features rodeo, chuckwagon races, livestock shows, concerts, agricultural activities, a midway, a western art showcase, and much more. Every year, scads of people come out to enjoy themselves in one of Calgary's oldest traditions. The show still represents the dream of founder Guy Weadick; to celebrate the romance and authentic culture of the old west.

When people can have a piece of that, it brings them closer to that mystique. Whether it be a painting, home decor, music, or a pair of boots, people everywhere want to have a piece of the old west.

http://calgarystampede.com/ The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!
http://westernshowcase.com/ Western Art at it's best, plus I am featured in it this year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMko5LelBdA My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys, Willie Nelson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hntXAO_Rq7c Cowboy Take Me Away, Dixie Chicks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KrrsLZaY9s Amarillo By Morning, George Strait
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR5LK52k8dE Cowboys Like Us, George Strait

4-H Achievement Day

Today I washed and clipped cattle, packed up my tack box, and ironed my show jeans. This is my usual preparation procedure for a cattle show, but this isn't just any other show. Tomorrow I will be showing at my very last 4-H Achievement Day. For all of you non 4-Her's out there, let me explain what Achievement Day is. It is club show in which members compete against each other's 4-H projects. The show showcases members hard work from the past 4-H year, recognizes the club leaders, and appreciates the sponsors. It works just like any other show with overall grand and reserve champion animals, as well as showmanship awards.

My 4-H club has beef, sheep, and photography projects. The beef and sheep members will show their projects and be judged, while the photography members will put their best photos on display. It has always been an exciting day for me as well as many other members. For our club, Achievement Day is the final club activity before our regional show, 4-H on Parade. I have always enjoyed showing against my fellow club members, and seeing how our projects stack up. It is a special time where members can appreciate their hard work, and enjoy the rewards received.

I have had every beef project offered in my club through out the years- market steer, yearling heifer, 2 year old cow/calf, and 3 year old cow/calf. One year, I was even able to bring a whole Breeder's Herd project to town, an accomplishment I was very proud of. Tomorrow, I will be showing a steer, heifer, and 2 year old cow/calf pair. I think that this Achievement Day will be the most special as it is going to be my last one. I look forward to tomorrow and what is yet to come in my last 4-H year!

Me and my 2 year old cow Ruby, Achievement Day 2009