A Year on the Farm

Discover what happens year-round on the farm!   

Check out a Year on the Farm to get the inside scoop on what really happens on cow/calf operations, annual crop operation and haying/silaging operations throughout the year.

Please note: Farming operations vary from farm to farm and year to year.

To comment or ask questions, contact Aimee Delaney.

Ag Why's Articles

Every month, in County News, we dive into another area of agriculture that you may have some questions around. Below are past Ag Why's articles that you may find informative. Have an idea for a future Ag Why's article? Contact our Ag Relations Specialist, Aimee Delaney.

• February 2021 - Why is Spring "Calving Season"?
• March 2021 - What keeps grain farmers so busy this time of year?
• April 2021 - Farm vehicles on the road
• May 2021 - Why don't farmers farm the whole field?
• June 2021 - Why do farmers need to spray?
• July 2021 - Harvest
• August 2021 - When can I visit a farm?
• September 2021 - What does dry weather mean for cows and crops?
• October 2021 - Harvest is wrapping up, what keeps farmers busy this time of year?
• November 2021 - Why does it smell around here?
• December 2021 - How can the cows be warm with snow on their backs?
• January 2022 - What's the difference between hay and straw?
• February 2022 - Who loves animals? Farmers do!
• March 2022 - What to do in Ag (Careers in Agriculture)
• April 2022 - Where did the rural wave go?
• May 2022 - How is spraying getting better?
• June 2022 - How to turn hay into silage

farming operations in red deer county

Red Deer County has over 1400 farms.

• About 596,438 acres, or 61% of these farms, are oilseed and grain crops.
• About 136,435 acres, or 68% of these farms, are cow/calf operations.
• Other types of livestock in Red Deer County include poultry and eggs, sheep, goats, bees, equine, bison and more! 
• Other annual crop types include hay, greenhouses, vegetables, fruits, nuts, hops and more!

rural neighbours

Red Deer County is home to many rural non-farm landowners, some of whom live very close to farming operations. Non-farm residents must be aware of the noise, odour and dust associated with normal farm practices.

Here are some tips on how you can be a good rural neighbour:

• become knowledgeable about what can be expected from normal farming practices
• get involved in the farming community
• recognize the positive contributions that agriculture makes to the rural landscape, the economy and society as a whole.

Everyone has a role to play to ensure farmers and rural residents live in harmony. All parties have to be willing to communicate with each other, and acknowledge everyone's interests.

The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) administers the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) and its regulations, including following up on complaints and compliance related issues. Contact NRCB at 1-866-383-6722

The AOPA Part 1 Nuisance Regulations are administered by the Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO); Part 1 outlines how nuisances such as odour, dust, noise and smoke resulting from agricultural activities are dealt with. Contact FAO at 310.FARM (3276).