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By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Friday February 2, 2024

Feb 2, 2024 | 2:39 PM

The flood risk has eased across B-C’s South Coast, but the recent wild temperature swings have raised concerns about the health of local bee populations.

Temperatures in Abbotsford have swung from a low of -15.4C on Jan. 12 to more than 18C earlier this week.

University of British Columbia bee researcher Alison McAfee said the extreme highs and lows are particularly dangerous to bees since so-called “false springs” could make queens emerge prematurely from hibernation.

B-C Cranberry Growers’ Association executive director Mike Wallace explained a drop in bee populations would affect the pollination of local berry crops.

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Alberta Grains has its inaugural board after the Annual General Meeting in Calgary, Alta.

Tara Sawyer, who farms near Acme, will serve as chair, while Scott Jespersen from Spruce Grove will be the first vice-chair, and Devin Hartzler, a producer from Carstairs, will become the second vice-chair.

Sawyer served as chair for Alberta Barley and Alberta Grains’ interim board of directors since the formal amalgamation of Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) in August 2023.

Newly elected directors include Dean Hubbard and David Bishop for region one, Devin Hartzler and Tara Sawyer in region two, Stewart Oke and Dick Wymenga for region three, Shawn Jacula and Brent Christensen for region 4, Scott Jespersen for region five along with Greg Sears and Tasha Alexander who will be directors for region six.

Alberta Grain’s largest investment will go towards supporting research projects that improve crop management, reduce input costs and environmental impact, and increase yield and grain quality.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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