Alberta farmer express

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NO SURPRISE — LAND IS PRICEY

IT’S LIKE NIGHT AND DAY

Experts say prices should level off, but that was the expectation last year, too » PG 3

Water use in 2015 and 2001 shows how much irrigation has changed » PG 26

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ALMA a casualty of provincial government cuts

Grain transport problems solved? Not quite

Agency has proved its worth, industry leaders say

Mandated minimums for grain movement are set to expire this summer — but Alberta crop industry leaders say they’re still needed

By ALEXIS KIENLEN AF STAFF

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he Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency is being dissolved — and its demise is being mourned by many in the industry. “We were surprised and disappointed,” said Dave Chalack, a rancher and veterinarian who is chair of ALMA’s board. “I know we had a great organization and one that has evolved in a significant and positive way over its lifetime.” This past year, the agency put about $28.5 million into more

see ALMA } page 7

A record amount of grain was moved through West Coast terminals in the last crop year, but Alberta crop commissions say the system still isn’t working properly.   PHOTO: THINKSTOCK By JENNIFER BLAIR AND ALLAN DAWSON Staff

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anada’s railways moved a record amount of grain for the 2014-15 crop year — but any improvements were mostly thanks to luck, not fixes to the system, say users. “A lot of the same issues that were evident in 2013 and 2014 are still there, but

we’ve had a good run based on excellent weather, lower volumes, and less competition for those volumes,” said Tom Steve, general manager of Alberta Wheat. “While we’re relatively pleased with the movement we’ve had over the last couple of years, we still have the same issues that existed and that could once again create problems for us if we have a large crop or adverse weather conditions.” A record 35.8 million tonnes of bulk

grain was loaded from western port terminals, says the 2014-15 annual report released in early April by Quorum Corporation, Canada’s government-appointed grain monitor. That’s up 15 per cent from 31.1 million tonnes in 2013-14 and slightly more than the previous record of 31.9 million set in 1983-84, said Quorum president Mark Hemmes.

see GRAIN TRANSPORT } page 6

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